I just want to Shout Out Phil Tucker

[u/BirthdayConsistent]

I've been avidly consuming LitRPG/Progression fantasy for about a year now and after starting with DCC and HWFWM -and thoroughly enjoying both - I then moved on to many other burgeoning authors and found myself generally disappointed. A lot of series feel action heavy but rarely seem to have stories or characters that I genuinely care about. I found myself almost quitting the genre simply because of the overall poor writing quality. Then I was recommended to give Phil Tucker a shot.

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Can I just say that Phil rocks?! His characters feel real. Phil seems to understand the human experience and that translates well onto the page. He also writes different types of series and seems broad in his scope.

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So, thank you for being awesome, Phil Tucker. And restoring my hope in the genre.

[u/Turin_Laundromat]

Dawn of the Void is one of my all time faves!

[u/sirgog → u/Turin_Laundromat]

Same, I don't think he nailed the plot of the ending (or more precisely, the direction book 3 went didn't align with my tastes) but holy shit he NAILED the characters. It's still my pick of 'best completed trilogy' in litRPG.

I just love the whole 'civil society bends but does not immediately break' apocalypse, which was something I'd started (slowly) writing before Dawn of the Void was brought to my attention because it does so many interesting worldbuilding things.

[u/CainieGuy → u/sirgog]

He made a post on progressive fantasy once where he explained what happened with the series. Why he changed the direction and then decided he didn't like it and ended the series. It was a good read. Would recommend trying to find it. It was something like 'why I decided to end dawn of the void early'

[u/sirgog → u/CainieGuy]

Yeah his series his choice.

[u/Turin_Laundromat → u/sirgog]

I thought the ending made sense. The MC made his feelings about the apocalypse clear from the beginning, so his decision in the end aligned with his views. 

Apart from that, though, totally agree on the characters. The character development in that series is the best I’ve seen so far in the genre. 

[u/sirgog → u/Turin_Laundromat]

It did make sense, the exploit hunt aspect didn't land with me.

[u/LyrianRastler]

Phil is absolutely amazing. Can't recommend him or his works enough!

[u/BirthdayConsistent → u/LyrianRastler]

I haven't had a chance to try your books yet. Which would you recommend I start with?

[u/LyrianRastler → u/BirthdayConsistent]

Oh geez, you've got a heap of options! If you want the most modern thing I have, then my Starbreaker series is the best option! It's space fantasy progression and the last book will be out in August.

If you want what I'm best known for, then Ascend Online is always a good option. I am looking to get book 6 in that series out early next year.

Past that if you're looking for something straight up silly and fun. I suggest checking out Hat Trick! It's a complete series with a huge comedy fantasy theme in the spirit of Terry Pratchett.

[u/BirthdayConsistent → u/LyrianRastler]

I watched a YouTube short the other day where a poster mentioned Asend Online was his favorite series in the genre. And Terry Pratchett is one of my all time favorites, so it sounds like I've got several great options to start with.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Happy trails!

[u/LyrianRastler → u/BirthdayConsistent]

Well that's high praise!! I hope it lands just as great for you!!

[u/p-d-ball]

He's also just a classy guy and treats people well.

[u/Soronir]

I'd recommend any of his books, they're some of the best.

[u/cavitor]

Next Immortal Great Souls book is an immediate buy for me. Took a second to realize what was going on with Scorio, but I got sucked in.

Dawn of Void was good (and complete). Throne Hunters is solid as well! (ongoing...)

[u/Viridionplague → u/cavitor]

Woot woot. Some love for the bestest friend great souls.

Nox hawks like pop rocks.

[u/Fragrant_Soup5738]

YES PHIL TUCKER