2025

LitPRG

Review: Oh boy, this was too much fun. Very inventive for and fresh for an over-worked genre. I love this writer as his characters are always well made and likable/hatable. Only real detraction were the chapters with Simon..Mr. Dooright of space. Way vanilla and did not fit into the story line.

Get this, I think you will enjoy the world building as well.

I received the ARC for an honest review.

4.6/5

Wow that was exciting! I really like the mix of aliens and LitRPG! I was intrigued by the very first chapter and the rest of the book went by super fast. Really fun world building and characters!

"Level: Unknown" by David Dalglish marks the beginning of a new epic LitRPG adventure series, blending elements of fantasy with the mechanics of role-playing games. The story introduces us to Nick, a research cadet who finds himself drawn into the fantastical world of Yensere through his dreams, via an ancient alien artifact. This novel explores themes of exploration, growth, and survival within a world where statistics and levels govern the inhabitants' capabilities and perceptions.

Plot and World-Building

David Dalglish crafts Yensere with a rich tapestry of forgotten empires, mystical heroes, and monstrous creatures. The world-building in "Level: Unknown" is ambitious, drawing heavily from RPG aesthetics where characters progress through levels, gain abilities, and navigate a world that reacts to their statistical profile. The setting is intriguing, offering a mix of danger and wonder, though some have noted that the integration of RPG mechanics could feel overly game-like at times, potentially disrupting narrative flow for readers not accustomed to or fans of the LitRPG genre.


The plot follows Nick's journey from a reluctant dreamer to a figure of importance within Yensere. However, the pacing can be somewhat uneven, with the first half focusing on establishing the rules and world, while the latter accelerates with plot twists and character development. This structure might challenge readers looking for a more balanced progression but rewards those who invest in the world-building.

Character Development

Nick's character arc from a cadet with mundane concerns to someone confronting existential threats is compelling. His growth is tied intricately to the mechanics of Yensere, which provides a unique take on character development where personal growth and statistical advancement are intertwined. However, secondary characters, while interesting in concept, sometimes lack the depth to fully engage readers, often falling into archetypal roles without much deviation.

Writing Style and Tone

Dalglish's writing is straightforward and accessible, suitable for the genre's conventions. His background in fantasy writing shines through with vivid action sequences and imaginative concepts. The tone oscillates between light-hearted exploration of RPG elements and darker themes of survival and betrayal, which might occasionally jar due to the tonal shifts between the game mechanics and the more serious undertones of the narrative.

Themes and Message

The book delves into themes of identity, power, and the nature of reality. It questions what makes us human through Nick's interactions with Yensere's inhabitants, who perceive him as a demon due to his 'unknown' level status. This setup provides a lens to examine prejudice, fear of the unknown, and the quest for understanding across cultural or species lines.

Critiques

Pacing: The narrative sometimes struggles with pacing, especially in the buildup phases before significant revelations or battles.
Character Depth: While the main character evolves, supporting characters could benefit from more nuanced development.
Genre Conventions: The heavy reliance on RPG mechanics might not appeal to all, potentially feeling too formulaic or predictable for some readers outside the LitRPG fandom.

Conclusion

"Level: Unknown" sets up an intriguing universe with potential for exploration and growth, both for its characters and its readers. David Dalglish successfully blends traditional fantasy with LitRPG elements, creating a fresh narrative space. However, the book's reliance on game mechanics and some character development issues might limit its appeal to a broader audience beyond LitRPG enthusiasts.

Rating Breakdown:

Story: 3.5/5 - Engaging premise with a unique twist on the LitRPG genre, though pacing and plot structure could use refinement.
Character Development: 3/5 - Nick's journey is well-executed, but many secondary characters remain one-dimensional.
World-Building: 4/5 - A vivid, expansive world with detailed RPG mechanics that, while immersive for fans, might feel alienating to others.
Writing Style: 3.5/5 - Clear and engaging, but the integration of gameplay elements occasionally disrupts the storytelling flow.
Overall Enjoyment: 3.5/5 - Enjoyable for those who appreciate the LitRPG format, less so for those who do not.

Total Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

"Level: Unknown" is a commendable addition to the LitRPG genre, offering a blend of adventure and introspection wrapped in a statistical fantasy setting, best suited for readers who enjoy game-like narratives or are open to exploring them.

4 ⭐️

This was my first foray into the LitRPG genre and it was a lot of fun. Dalglish does an excellent job of capturing the fun of a Souls Like world (mixed with other video game elements you’ll recognize as a gamer) while managing to maintain stakes and intrigue. If you like the blending of a sci fi mystery in the form of a mysterious artifact that transports our protagonist into a fantasy video-game like simulation, with fun banter and video game tropes…this is the book for you. I am so curious to see where everything is going…what is the artifact? Why is the artifact? Who is the artifact? Only reading on will tell…. This story is perfect for people who love video games and want something similar in book form but with some fun twists.

I will say though if you are new to the LitRPG genre like I am sometimes the actual leveling up with stats going up distracted me, but by the end I found it just another fun element to the story.

Thank you to the author for providing me a copy to review. I will definitely continue dabbling in the LitRPG genre this was so much fun.

Level: Unknown by David Dalglish is a hysterical, emotionally-charged sci-fi/LitRPG mashup that is part nostalgic RPG meets
Edward Ashton's Mickey7 and Danny Boyle’s Sunshine; a perfect entry point for any reader looking to try out GameLit and one that will satiate veterans of the genre.