The Dark Continent

Underdog, Book 3

By: Alexey Osadchuk, Andrew Douglas Schmitt - translator

Narrated by: Derek Shoales

Eric Bergman used to be treated like an outcast, cripple, and freak. Some pitied him, others squirmed in his presence, while others still mocked him to his face. He himself even thought he was born cursed by the gods. But bit by bit, all that changed. That which was once considered a flaw or defect transformed into an advantage. And Eric slowly learned to use it to his benefit.

Eric and his friends escape Master Chi's Hive and journey over the orcish steppe and through the Stone Forest, which tempers them and makes them a lot stronger.

During his travels, Eric discovers that his elder brother never went to the Wastes and that his parents were lied to about what happened to him. Eric promises himself to uncover the truth about his long-lost brother.

Beyond that, the more he encounters the grim heritage of the Order of Monster Hunters, the more he realizes just how perilous a game the foxman has drawn him into.

Moving through the borderlands toward his home city no more than a few days ahead of the orcish horde, Eric still has yet to guess that his adventure is just getting started.

©2020 Alexey Osadchuk; English translation copyright 2020 by Andrew Schmitt (P)2020 Tantor

Addictive series

Not religious fiction but it seems the series "gods" love this "zero" underdog orphan boy. "Yet as I read the birth stories about Jesus I cannot help but conclude that though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog."
Philip Yancey

Moves the story along well

Alexey Osadchuk continues to move the story forward in unpredictable ways and while the beginning seemed as though it was going to churn predictably, it soon began to explore other areas and introduce other interesting characters. Some of these characters formed an alliance that proved mutually helpful but, alas, some betrayals and twists would once again twist Eric's naive and trusting attitude. Even though it seemed like his main quest of freeing himself of his bondage was foremost in his mind, his primary goal of finding what had become of his brother also finds a way of surfacing in unexpected fashions.

Derek Shoales' narration was very good but his gremlin Mee voice was difficult to understand; although, one is able to determine it mostly through context of the following conversation.

Fine

I find it annoying that he keeps being captured, kidnapped, or imprisoned. Otherwise, I found this series to be entertaining enough. I won't waste a credit continuing this series, but if it ever is offered free with membership, I'll continue.

I'm tired of the main character falling for the same types of traps. Rescuing strangers, trusting strangers, and being detained. I wish he'd learned his mistakes. He tries to pull a tough guy act and refuse to help people but always does so anyway. After all that he has been through, he should have lost his naivete. I know he is young. However, after his experiences, he should know better and have plans to avoid being taken advantage of. Also, being stolen from, being separated from friends, and being trapped somewhere without mana gives me the feeling of claustrophobi.

cliffhanger at the end!

Just as I started disliking the main character, it got interesting again and left a cliffhanger at the end!

Dark but great

This series just keeps getting better and better cannot wait for the next book. I’m going to buy and download it today

great voice acting and great book.

It is living up to it name and I highly recommend it. He always overcomes situations that anyone else would die from.

Good book

He got a little dark at the end of this one….kinda disturbing but still a great read

great

books just get better and better! I highly suggest you give this series a go if you love litrpgs.

More

I want more waited so long for this book can’t wait for the next one I hope it comes soon

fun take on a zero to hero.

my only dislike. I get the MC has been shunned his whole life, and is constantly encountering the worst of luck. but there is a repetitive, not my fight, not my problem. I can empathize, but there are times where that mindset built so much momentum I almost walked away.