In Sean Loomer's Frenemies: A LitRPG Adventure (Tower of Jack), Jack Atlas finds himself in a precarious situation. Trapped within the deadly Tower, a dungeon designed for maximum mayhem, Jack and his friend Hannah must navigate monstrous creatures and treacherous alliances. Instead of fighting conventionally, Jack employs his charm to turn enemies into unlikely allies, creating further complications in an already chaotic scenario. Meanwhile, a world-ending civil war rages outside, pitting Jack's ex-mentor, the morally bankrupt Rodeo, against his ex-girlfriend Sarah, a saintly leader with dragon-like power. Jack's goal? Escape the Tower, survive betrayal, decipher Sarah's intentions, and maybe, just maybe, punch Rodeo before happy hour. This LitRPG adventure blends humor, thrilling combat, and complex relationships in a high-stakes battle for survival.
Review Frenemies
Okay, so I just finished "Frenemies," the second book in Sean Loomer's Tower of Jack series, and wow, what a ride! It picks up right where the first book left off, and honestly, I barely had time to catch my breath. The author really nailed the continuation; it felt seamless, like slipping back into a comfortable, yet exciting, pair of shoes. I loved seeing Jack Atlas in this new, even more chaotic setting. He’s still his gloriously cocky, insufferable self, but we get to see new layers to him this time around. The sheer volume of trouble he manages to stumble into, and somehow navigate with a mix of cunning and sheer luck, is just phenomenal. He's definitely not your typical overpowered protagonist; he’s flawed, impulsive, and often makes questionable decisions (which, let’s be honest, are half the fun).
The dungeon itself is a character in the story. It's a brilliantly conceived death trap, full of clever monsters and morally ambiguous situations that kept me guessing. The way Jack interacts with these creatures, turning enemies into (reluctant) allies, is ingenious and frequently hilarious. The whole charm-your-way-out-of-trouble approach is delightfully refreshing; it's a clever subversion of the typical LitRPG power-fantasy grind. And the supporting cast? Absolutely fantastic. Hannah remains a steadfast friend, providing a much-needed grounding force amidst all the craziness, while the whole Sarah/Rodeo situation? Don't even get me started. That complicated relationship adds another layer of intrigue and tension, keeping you constantly wondering what will happen next. The "will they/won't they" aspect mixed with the high stakes of a world-on-fire-level conflict is seriously compelling.
The action sequences are well-written and exciting, keeping the pace brisk and preventing any moments of boredom. Loomer masterfully balances the action with humorous dialogue and genuinely engaging character interactions. The overall tone is lighthearted, even amidst the dire circumstances, which makes the book incredibly easy to read and listen to. It’s the kind of book you can easily lose yourself in for hours, completely forgetting about the real world.
My only complaints? Well, the obvious one: I’m already desperate for the next book! The cliffhanger was expertly crafted, leaving me with a burning desire to see what happens next. And, like some other readers, I felt the sting of a particular character's death. It felt… impactful, to say the least. But that’s the thing about great stories; they make you feel things. Overall, "Frenemies" is a fantastic addition to the Tower of Jack series. It's witty, action-packed, and features a protagonist you'll love to hate (or maybe hate to love… it’s complicated). If you’re a fan of LitRPG, or just looking for a fun, engaging story with a healthy dose of humor, you absolutely need to read this. Highly, highly recommended.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.8 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 718
- Publication date: 2024
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