"Dawn of the Density God" by ToraAKR, narrated by J. S. Arquin, is a quirky and unique take on the progression novel genre. Jiran, an 8-year-old with memories of a past life, finds himself on an unexpected path to immense power. While his adult-like decision-making might raise some eyebrows, it's part of the charm that keeps you guessing about what he'll do next.

Arquin's narration adds a lively touch to the story, making the world of Coating and Forcing come alive. Despite some confusing elements and a few gaps in worldbuilding, the book is an enjoyable ride for fans of magical progression stories. If you’re looking for an unconventional hero and a fresh twist on the genre, give this audiobook a listen!

Thank you Netgalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review

2

I am familiar with progression novels where the protagonist is a weaker denizen and through some magical accident, comes through an immense source of power and is on the road to improve, The audiobook is enjoyable, it reflects the book's setting and the narrator is audibly interested in this novel as well. For context, I simultaneously followed the book so I was able to notice the images provided by the author to enhance the reading experience.

Dawn of the Density God is definitely a typical progression novel, with a lot of confusing elements. I understand that Jiran has some knowledge due to shattered memories of a past life, however, for an 8 year old, he is NOT well-fleshed out because he feels like a much older character than an 8 year old. His decision making skills are more akin to an older teenager, and I think it's more appropriate to give him an older age. Jiran's thoughts and references are more his past life than his actual self so it feels like it's more the self insert data analyst Brandon. The magic itself was interesting, but unless Jiran has a true studied grasp of what molecular science is, I don't believe an 8 year old can break it down in order to immediately progress to control of the power.
The author has a good grasp of his own magic system of Coating and Forcing, so that was great.

Some worldbuilding elements have not been clarified, so you're left asking for some aspects, "what is going on??". I also wish that Jiran had true conflicts and challenges, rather than just overly focusing on "I want to gain levels". ToraAKR attempted to flesh out his character but with the constant monologues and lack of true growth, Jiran turns into a shallow self-insert (for the reader). What kind of kid or even person (let's be honest nobody says that) references their uncle as a BAMF? Progression novels are supposed to have GROWTH and hardships before they reach the overpowered stage. But you know what? Overpowered 8 year old has amazing battle tactics and powers.

This is my first encounter with LitRPG, and unfortunately it did not convince me to keeping exploring the genre.
I will only be rating my experience with the audio book.
Jiran starts of as a young protagonist eager to finally get to level one, but when he achieves it everything seems to go south for him, and he suddenly is flooded with strange memories he cannot explain in the slightest.
But exactly those memories seem to be the key to save the everyone.
I sadly did not like the narrator at all. Everytime he reads dialoge his voice sound pressed and just fake, I certainly did not enjoy having to listen him overact his performance the entire time.
The story itself used to be a free online fictional story that was now available on kindle unlimited and as an audiobook, tho the audiobook is really unnecessary. The use of ai generated art for the cover of the book and the ai generated art throughout the eBook version is not something I like to support with money.

Firstly, LitRPG is not my genre.

I was drawn in by the title and description. I was not converted, unfortunately. I found the MC's internal monolog un-endearing. His great obstacle was his mother's absolute loathing and his lack of popularity. I found these outside influences not very compelling.
I did recommend this book to my sister, who enjoys kids' fiction and teaches grade two, so it wasn't an absolute miss.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgallery for the audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review