Viridian Gate Online: Vindication: The Alchemic Weaponeer, Book 1

Another origin story for another character from the main series. This time it is Vlad, the Russian weapons engineer.There's a bit of touching backstory at the beginning, which kinda has a huge flaw, but serves as a way to create emotional motivation for the main character (MC). The use of this hook is done well and the first 15% of the story, though super light on RPG stuff is probably my favorite part of the story since it’s the most original.However, past that point things just aren’t surprising because they involve the main plot of the VGO series and if you’ve read that, then what happens in this story won’t really be a surprise. Questions like: Will Ina survive this fight? When will Vlad meet Grim Jack? Will Vlad fix the cannons in time? Or will the good guys win a fight? All those things are supposed to be places of tension, but they’re not. Because if you’ve read the main VGO series, you already have the answers to all the big plot questions. There is new material that tells you about the MCs class, how he uses his abilities and real world knowledge to craft, and some small adventures. But it wasn’t enough to push the story into good for me. It’s not bad by any means, it just didn’t hit good for me either because there weren’t any real surprises in the story.Score: 6 out of 10

Vindication follows Vlad’s story, the Alchemist we were introduced in the second book of the Viridian Gate Online series, Crimson Alliance.Vlad is a very likable character, and the way he is handled in this book is great. We get to see him lose everything to become one of the more interesting characters to come out of this world.You would be missing out on not picking up this book. It's a great addition, and its a super fun read!

This book was far more then I expected and in a very good way! The author does an amazing job writing characters in a realistic way and writing out the story in a away that help pull you in to the story.The MC is brought into the setting through a series of tragic events that the author is able to make you feel for the character. Sadness, loss and frustration are well written at times and help build on a strong character growth in the first book. There are moments that make me question what is really going on in the book, eluding to great mystery and adventure.I highly recommend this for fans of VGO or litrpg. I will also be looking forward to more from this author in the future.

This is like reading the first draft of a book. Choppy, not fleshed out, it has potential but maybe in 2 or 3 more drafts.I slogged through it but it just got worse with the main character getting crazy fantastic abilities and gear. Won't be reading any more from this author for a while maybe in about 10 books he will take the time to really write a book.

Wow, this book has it all!Gritty underdog? Check!Russian mobsters? Check!Crazy inventive crafting? CHECK!This book was a nonstop thrill ride, and the buildup of this kind of character is a new and welcomed treat! VGO feels more real and immersive with each book coming out in the EU. Now if we could just get Elon Musk to start work on the tech... :)NH Paxton killed it with this book!Vlad has made one hell of a debut, and I cannot wait to continue his story!

I have been a fan of the original Viridian Gate Online series. So, when Shadow Alley Press announced the expanded VGO Realm, I was excited to hear that Vlad was going to get his own story Arc. N.H. Paxton did a wonderful job telling Vlad's backstory and he took a refreshing point of view change on the main line story from Vlad's perspective. I am very excited to see where this story arc goes and am looking forward to seeing what Vlad cooks up in book two.

The side adventures in this series are excellent. Vlad is just awsome. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next. Plus, he is a real person, not a hero, just someone forced into being one; whether he wants to or not.

I was a bit sceptical about an different author writing for the VGO series...I'm a huge fan of the series and James Hunter...but N. H. Paxton did a great job.Vlad plans some key roles in the main series, but this book really brings him to life and fills in his history and reasoning. I'm looking forward to learning more about Vlad in the next book!

This was a good read. It tells the story of Vlad the weaponeer from the main sequence novels. The first half of the novel introduces him, gives us his motivations and tells the story of his first couple of days in the game. The downside of this entry was the second half, it looks at the first conquest by the Crimson Alliance. A story which was told in the main sequence novels. This is what cost the novel a star for me. A character appears several times to Vlad, someone from Nomad Soul I believe although I can't be certain. If so these 2 series will play off one another in interesting ways in future novels. I'll be along for the ride.

Great story!