The Artificer: A LitRPG Adventure

The Imperial Initiative, Book 1

By: S. R. Witt, James Hunter

Narrated by: Matthew Broadhead

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

A tech genius. A corrupt politician. The world hangs in the balance.

October, 2042: In two weeks, the world will die, murdered by a nine-mile-wide, extinction-level asteroid.

And Robert Osmark - billionaire and savvy tech genius - couldn't be readier for the fiery apocalypse.

Unlike the shortsighted masses, he’s been diligently preparing for this day from the moment the asteroid first appeared. Through his relentless efforts, digital salvation now awaits anyone bold enough to take the leap and permanently transition into the brand-new, ultra-immersive, fantasy-based VRMMORPG, Viridian Gate Online. And Robert Osmark will lead this new world he has created.

But even with every advantage skewed in his favor, Osmark faces powerful opposition. A rogue faction of global elites led by US Senator Sizemore isn’t content to merely survive the apocalypse. They have their sights set much higher, and are recruiting dangerous allies, undercutting Robert's efforts at every turn, and hiring VGO’s most deadly assassins to get what they want.

To win, Osmark will need to viciously crush all opposition before his plans turn to ash.

©2017 James A. Hunter and Shadow Alley Press Inc. (P)2018 James A. Hunter and Shadow Alley Press Inc.

I hate giving 4 stars!

A bigger fan of VGO you will not find! which is probably why I couldn't get on board with his interpretation of Robert Osmark. Armen Taylor set the tone and Mr. Broadhead went a different direction. Ended up reading most of it on Kindle. Still a great book, and good performance! Just for me it's like changing actors on a show... took me out of it a bit.

Good story - poor narrator

I've listened to most of the other books in the series, so I was disappointed with the narration of this one. The rhythm and inflection are awkward, and a few words are consistently mispronounced, such as "across" and "stamina." I would have returned the book except that I didn't use a credit to buy it. I enjoyed the actual story, but it was a genuine chore to get through the book.

Great story, very mediocre/strange narrator

The narrator was tolerable, but I'm confused why he's even in the business. He mispronounced so many common words like stamina, proficiency, and on and on. He often swapped the vowels E and ih like in Still and Steel. Like, fine if English isn't your first language or something, or you're dyslexic, but at least the editors should catch the errors?

Story was a great continuation.

great beginning to a great beginning

this book is another view from the same series. I loved the other books, and this book brings and "enemy" into the heroes light. definatly read this book. cant wait for book 2

LOVE THIS BOOK.

great way to get a better understanding of the imperials and the Empire. if you enjoy The Viridian Gate series then this book is a must. the narrator mispronounced quite a few words, the main being Stamina, he says s
tanima about 50 times.

Fantastic Book!!!!

Can’t wait for the next one! One of my new favorite LitRPG! Main character is a true star

I think this is my favorite book in the series.

It ties everything together. Connecting or revealing all the loose threads that the main series doesn't show you.
I hope they write more in this sub-series at least as good as this one.

STAMINA

Stamina NOT Stanima. Holy moly.
There are also a few issues with the MCs writing. If you made a real full dive vr would the first time you logged in be the time that is the only time you can? Meaning, would you not TEST it? really? It's a good story. I like VGO. I do. just wish someone would tell Hunter that his little metaphors and similes are ok in SMALL doses. not EVERY 2 or 3 minutes. Seriously. "this thing is so blah blah, it's like a mountain of monkeys on a hill of hornets on a shelf of shrimp."
That isn't a quote. It's just me being snarky. He does it in the main series constantly. I think he thinks it's cute or something. Shrug. Idk. I guess I thought Ozmark was supposed to be a nerd. a software guy. He just doesn't have that personality. He's like a mob boss.

Story was good Reader not so good

Timeline wise, listen to this NO EARLIER than book 4 of the main Viridian Gate Online series. Can be before or after the first 2 Firebrand books.

Story filled in a lot.

Narrator: Awesome voice, but ZERO Story Telling abilities. NO Inflections in the right places. Just sounds like an AM Radio anchorman reading the news on and on... Sorry Matthew, but ya might stick with Biographies or something that doesn't require a STORY TELLER's narration skills.

Best Book in the Series / Universe

Grim Jack's adventure in the main series was rather fun. I also listened to the 3 Firebrand books that are Abbie's POV.... her character while had some redeeming aspects was rather annoying. In the VGO universe Osmark is by far the most interesting character and I absolutely loved this book. I wish they'd write another.... I couldn't throw my money at it fast enough.