/lit/ - Literature

I'm going to make these shorter since I've hit my goal...

>The Iron Prince by Bryce O'Connor and Luke Chmilenko

One of the few rare wards of the state in a near eutopian future, Reidon 'Ward' pushes himself into intense combat and training in spite of a rare genetic disorder called 'fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva' in which his skeletal tissue is progressively replaced with bone. Now 18, he pushes himself in training so that he can enlist in the Inter-System Collective Military and receive his very own Combat Assistant Device. Since a child he has dreamed of participating in the Inter-Systems Simulated Combat Tournaments. This also presents a potential quality of life improvement, as CADs have been known to assist with healing and potential genetic disorders. Participating in the Enlistment tests with his best friend Vivian, both of their training and studying bear fruit.

A Combat Assistance Device appear as a pair of cuffs on the user's wrists. When 'Called' they manifest as a specific weapon depending on that user's Type. These are Sabers, Lancers, Brawlers, etc. Over time these CADs will evolve and change into more complete suits of armor that cover the user's entire body. The weapons will also develop from basic blades and axes into chainswords and the like. CAD users can also develop Abilities that enhance their weapons, such as 'Overclock' which enhances strength.

Passing the knowledge section in the 99th Percentile, Rei goes on to the Physical Examination only to fail... until he sees his 'FAIL' edited on the digital pad the physician is carrying. He passes to the final test under a technicality and meets the super AI that manages this collective eutopia, the Massive Intellect Networked Database or MIND. Seeing how Rei struggles in the face of adversity, the MIND has decided to use him like a guinea pig. Rei is assigned a low-rank CAD with a never-before-seen growth potential: S. Now accepted as a CAD user in the ISCM, he applies to one of the most prestigious military institutes in his system, Galens.

Its there that he forges friendships with others that have struggled and overcome such as the strongest first year, Aria Laurent or my personal favorite character, Layton 'Catcher' Catchwick.

[Final Thoughts]

Started off strong but the writers make some choices during the academy portion that I found questionable. It plays out a lot like a shonen anime friend group but to the story's detriment. They off-screen quite a few noteworthy fights in the interest of long-term tension but I don't think the pay-offs are there. Especially not in this book's conclusion. I would be willing to read the next book though, which is more than I can say about most.

6.5/10. S'alright.

Noticed someone was looking for me in a past thread to review their series on Royal Road so I'm giving that a whirl.

>Currently Reading: The Elevation Chronicles by Captain Caps-Lock
>Currently Listening: Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe

>>21444269
forgot my gay attention-grabbing image
more like GAY prince amirite

I know at least one person here has read this. So how is it. It has a shitload of reviews on amazon

what is this book and why/how does it have 5 stars on amazon with 4500 reviews and should I read it

reading this kino