Playing for Keeps

Alpha World, Book 4

By: Daniel Schinhofen

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Alpha Company is embarking on a grand mission, crossing the Dead Lands to find and conquer Gwain’s Keep. Led by Alburet, most of the guild embarks on what could be an epic and memorable journey, as they aim at being the first Two-souled guild to capture a keep.

Besides safeguarding the members of the guild, Alburet also has to worry about the natives that are with them on their journey. Deidre Crowley, Stacia’s sister, is the one he worries about most, having sworn to see her safely across the lifeless desolation of the Dead Lands.

Having to be ultra-vigilant during the day, night brings welcome relief and relaxation to the raid.

For Alburet, Karen, and Stacia, it also brings their chance to help Fluffball come to grips with her past.

©2018 Daniel Schinhofen (P)2018 Podium Publishing

good book

doo is great I just keep getting lost when battles happen. plz keep writing though

Wow, What a Book!

I have listened to all 4 of the series so far and I have to say I think the 3rd and 4th are my favorite which is such a rare thing in series. This book had it all, Imagination, a hero, a villain, romance, strategy, combat, comradeship and Ophelia as the Future Raid Boss. I already purchased the 5th, only reason I'm not listening to it yet is this Book, Author and Narrator deserved this review.

Really good character development

Loved what I have seen so far really starts to give more meat on the characters.

Playing for Keeps

Introduction:

Greetings from the icy landscapes of HowlStrom, fellow inhabitants of the digital realm. I am Kiba Snowpaw, a Furry alpha male Ice Wolf, and I come to share with you my thoughts on "Playing for Keeps", the fourth book in the Alpha World series. The winter that grips my home world once every century gives me ample time to explore the digital dimensions, and I've been gaming for as long as I can remember. But today, I'm here as a critic, offering an in-depth analysis of an audiobook that has both intrigued and disappointed.

Basic Plot Summary:

The story revolves around Alpha Company's ambitious quest to traverse the perilous Dead Lands and conquer Gwain’s Keep. Led by Alburet, the guild embarks on this daunting journey, aiming to be the first Two-souled guild to seize a keep. The narrative not only touches upon the challenges faced during their journey but also delves deep into the psyche of the guild members, exploring their past traumas and challenges.

Analysis/Evaluation:

While the premise of the story is engaging, it seems the actual execution has left much to be desired. Many listeners have voiced concerns about the overemphasis on romance and explicit content, leaving the litRPG elements, which should be the core of the story, somewhat overshadowed.

Characters:

Alburet, the central figure, seems to have a depth that gets drowned amidst the overly romanticized narrative. Other characters like Karen, Stacia, and Fluffball also have potential, but their development appears stunted due to the excessive focus on their personal traumas and relationships.

Structure:

The story seems to be structured more as a soap opera rather than an adventure. There's a repetition of scenarios with minimal progression in the main plot. The essence of litRPG, which involves leveling up, battling foes, and exploring new terrains, feels diluted.

Impact:

The immersive world that was built in the initial books of the series seems to lose its charm in this installment. The feedback from other listeners indicates a sense of disappointment and a longing for the adventure and thrill that the series initially promised.

Hook and Thesis:

The hook, which is the grand mission of conquering a keep, is compelling. However, the progression and the narrative don't do justice to this central idea, leading to a lack of cohesion in the story.

Praise and Critique:

While Peter Berkrot's narration remains commendable, capturing the essence of each character, the content he's given doesn't shine as brightly. The first few books set a high bar, and it's disheartening to see the narrative decline in quality. The story's potential is evident, but it gets mired in unnecessary subplots and explicit content.

Comparison:

Compared to the initial books in the series, "Playing for Keeps" feels like a detour from the main path. Where the first books were packed with action, adventure, and the allure of the game, this one delves too deep into the personal lives of the characters, losing the essence of what made the series appealing.

Conclusion:

In the vast icy landscapes of HowlStrom, we value tales that transport us to other realms, tales that are both immersive and captivating. Unfortunately, "Playing for Keeps" feels like a missed opportunity. While the world-building remains commendable and the characters intriguing, the narrative needs to find its way back to its roots. As a gamer and an aficionado of litRPG, I hope the series finds its footing again in the subsequent books. For now, I leave with a heavy heart, hoping for a return to the adventure and thrill that initially drew me to Alpha World.

More Alpha C9mpany Awesome!

I get to see some things I hoped for in thos novel. Lots of awesome, action, and Alpha Company shinannogans on this book.

Wow

Higly addictive book. Strongly recommend reading the whole series. I have even spoken to this writer he is very in tune with what his fans want.

Great bookseries

You get to know the chars, good story plot both in-game and outside of the game they're playing.
The guy who's reading is superb, probably could become a great voice actor in time.
Really recommend this as it seems to be continued. Next book in only a weeks time

The memories

I had a hard time dealing with them. This book put me in a poor mood. I just wanted them to be over. I enjoyed everything but that section of the book. For anyone with a hard past I'd avoid this title.

Not for the faint of heart.

Ok, first off, this is an amazing series. The character development is deep and draws you in. I have seen some reviews talk about how messed up and damaged the main characters are, but consider the type of people who want to leave behind their real lives and exist in another life with fresh starts. Also, one of the main plot points is discovering those weaknesses and dark parts of their lives and working towards recovering from them. Yes, the series is heavy on the sexual side of their new existences. If vivid descriptions of sexual acts bothers you, this series may not be for you. But, their use is part of what makes the characters who they are and serve to bind the central characters together. That said, it would be difficult to skip these parts and still understand who they are or what drives them.
The plot itself is a straightforward RPG immersion story where the NPCs are driven by artificial intelligence so advanced that they remember every moment of long lives and generations of ancestors that have come before.
So, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

narrow-minded criticism

I agree with the negative opinion expressed by another reader, however, the story is great. Admittedly a departure from the traditional genre but still a very addictive storyline. Great character development and kept the story moving.... a little unconventional for the genre but should create interest across a broad scope of readers and appeal to those who just enjoy a good story.