Level: Unknown

Dalglish (the Vagrant Gods trilogy) makes his first foray into the litRPG genre with this skillful blend of science fiction and fantasy. The plot incorporates mechanisms found in role-playing games—including leveling up, health points, magical objects, and character classifications—into the worldbuilding. After Nick Wright activates an alien Artifact found on a ruined planet, he’s transported into a fantasy world that mirrors the planet’s deserted landscape, albeit now full of life. Questing through the simulated world of Yensere, he learns its history and is drawn into the growing rebellion against its omnipotent Godking, Vaan. But every time he dies in the simulation, he reawakens in his bed. When more of Yensere is suddenly replicated back in Nick’s reality, he further devotes himself to cracking the world’s riddles, even as the strain of repeatedly dying takes its toll on him. Dalglish embeds naive gamer Nick in a simulation that’s out to destroy him while still making the gameplay feel believably fun for Nick and his fellow players. Dedicated RPG fans will be tickled, but even readers without a gaming background will find plenty to enjoy. Agent: Michael Carr, Veritas Literary. (Jan.)