The Frontier

Written by Alexey Osadchuk

Narrated by Ryan Burke

No one knows for certain what caused the Shadow to come into existence. Clerics say it was the gods laying a curse upon this world. Philosophers maintain that the Shadow of Strix is nothing short of a blessing and new milestone in human progress. But both sides agree that the Shadow will eventually swallow up this world and change it beyond recognition.

However, there are also the mages, and they think the whole debate is just so much hot air. They accept the Shadow as is with all its horrors and wonders. Furthermore, for the last several centuries, mages have risked their lives attempting to harness the Shadow's Power for themselves.

Unsurprisingly, only a select few have access to knowledge about the Shadow's magic. Max Renard understands that, so he chooses a different and more hazardous path. He decides to head for the frontier himself to experience the Shadow's Power firsthand.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Translator: Andrew Douglas Schmitt
• Release date: Jul 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350807929

Reviews for The Frontier

[Madhav Deshpande · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Frontier (Last Life #2) - An Ambitious Sequel with a Few Missed Opportunities

The Frontier, the second installment in the Last Life series by Alexey Osadchuk, picks up where its predecessor left off, delving deeper into the virtual world of Barliona and the adventures of its protagonist, Max. While The Frontier continues to showcase the unique and expansive gaming universe introduced in the first book, it also suffers from certain shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

One of the strengths of The Frontier lies in the author's ability to craft a vast and immersive virtual reality setting. Barliona remains a fascinating and intricate world, filled with endless possibilities and various game mechanics. Osadchuk's attention to detail and world-building create an environment that captures the essence of an expansive MMORPG, allowing readers to become fully engrossed in Max's journey.

The book continues to explore Max's character development, presenting him with new challenges and growth opportunities. As he navigates through the game's increasingly complex quests and encounters formidable foes, readers witness his evolution from a novice player to a more seasoned and resourceful gamer. Max's determination and wit make him a relatable and engaging protagonist, drawing readers into his personal journey.

However, The Frontier also suffers from a lack of significant plot advancement. While the world-building and character development remain compelling, the story's overarching narrative seems to plateau, resulting in a somewhat stagnant plot. Readers may find themselves wanting more substantial plot progression and a greater sense of direction to maintain their investment in the story.

Additionally, the book occasionally falls into predictable tropes and clichés, leading to a feeling of formulaic storytelling. Certain plot developments and character interactions may seem overly familiar to fans of the litRPG genre, reducing the overall impact of the novel's potential surprises.

In comparing The Frontier with its contemporaries, it competes favorably in terms of its expansive gaming world and the development of the protagonist. However, some other litRPG novels manage to strike a better balance between world-building and plot progression, resulting in a more engaging and dynamic reading experience. The book falls short when compared to certain peers that have managed to push the boundaries of the genre and deliver more captivating and innovative narratives.

In conclusion, The Frontier continues the journey of Max in the enthralling virtual world of Barliona, showcasing Alexey Osadchuk's skill in crafting an immersive gaming experience. While the character development and world-building are commendable, the book's lack of significant plot advancement and reliance on predictable storytelling hinder its overall impact. Fans of the Last Life series will appreciate the continuation of Max's adventures, but those seeking a more dynamic and original litRPG experience may find The Frontier to be lacking in comparison to some of its contemporaries.

[Harry Parshall · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Light reading isekai. No suprises with gary stu protagonist. Ending is setup for third book. Without some novelty a third book may become tedious.