I think this book absolutely has an audience, however it just wasn't for me. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it or felt it wasn't good. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought it would, partially because of some of the content which is very much just a personal feeling. I also feel like the way the book started wasn't my favorite but that's more to do with the main character and his actions / mindset. Overall, the writing was good, the sense of adventure was strong. I know some will enjoy this book. As I said, it just wasn't for me.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

I have to say this is a two star for me but if you are new to the genre or appreciate the humor it’s a three.

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. You could say I’m currently suffering from an addiction to LitRPG. I’ve feed this addiction at all costs. I have no friends, relationships or physical affection to look forward to. Maybe not to that extent but I have a problem. I’m familiar with all the troupes and systems. This book doesn’t stand out in any way. The book tries to inject some humor yet I found it too sophomoric. Which lead to more eye rolls instead of laughs. I was well aware of the breast size of each female character and the size of the MC’s penis. Also the use of stealthy pumas was irritating for all those aware of a puma check because it didn’t seem like a homage more like a cheap rip off.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook!

I thought this one was just okay. A little too much bawdy humor, but I guess I should have guessed that going in.

Nexus Guardian was not for me. The story follows loser, Todd, on his journey through a video game-like reality that couldn't have been less appealing to me. My first issue with this book started on page 1 with a fun little misogynistic interaction between Todd and the angel who greets him in purgatory after his untimely death. Both the protagonist and the narration were gross in the way the "woman" was described, and it left me wanting to DNF already in chapter one. From there, Todd is reincarnated to the video game world, and he starts his journey of exploration and self-discovery. Now maybe all this would be fascinating for a video game lover, but I find it hard to imagine anyone enjoying the endless listing of each game menu. I'm talking never-ending lists of how many points he needs to up his "strength" as well as constant drawn-out internal debates of where Todd should spend his points. Todd is also given a fairy guide in his reincarnated life who he repeatedly refers to as 'fatty.' ew.
I am deciding to DNF at 16.5% because I can’t force myself through something so crude yet so boring any longer. The pacing was slow. The world-building was overdone, yet still lacked grounding. And I feel confident that this story will be putting me in a reading slump. I’m sure I am not the intended audience for this type of book (they're probably looking to target young boys who still have regular wet dreams featuring anime and their 5th grade science teacher), but frankly I don't think that's a good enough excuse for the crudeness - don't young boys deserve good books too?
I received this audiobook as an ARC. Thank you to the publisher.

I really wish we could have half stars because truly this is a 3.5. I enjoy this concept of “world-dropping” into a new life and situation, add magic and the feel of a game and it is perfection. Sadly, this one fell short. Here’s why.
What worked for me: The quality of words and world itself are solid along the slow build of the character’s abilities. Learning and making it through tasks bridges the believability. There’s also an added level of humor and perspective that is entertaining.

What didn’t work for me: The male adventure character Istod is a dirty distasteful man. He has moments of likability and then kills all progress with his horny 13-year-old mind. Add the constant swearing and the crass fat fairy-man and it feels messy. Just not for me.

The narrator was fabulous and brought the words to life by altering the style, pace, and sound of his voice in an entertaining way. He added to the dynamic and improved the story (5/5 for the Narrator)
3.5/5 for the book.