In Allan Greenwood's Fate Points: Book 1: Fields of Wasps, humanity's survival rests on the shoulders of Tom, one of millions chosen for a universe-spanning competition orchestrated by powerful gods. After forty years mastering Existentia's intricate system, his hard-earned abilities are reset, forcing him to begin anew. The stakes are impossibly high: failure will devastate his loved ones. Tom, propelled to the top million participants by his sacrifices, now devises a risky plan to save humanity. This isn't a simple battle; Existentia is a vast, magical world teeming with empires, secrets, and deadly trials. Seven dominant species clash, each with unique advantages, in a brutal contest for survival. Fate Points is a gripping litRPG, told from Tom's perspective, featuring a unique system, complex characters, and high-stakes action.
Review Fate Points
As a seasoned LitRPG reader – I devour 300-400 books a year, folks! – I’ve become discerning. Finding a truly fresh series that ticks all the boxes is a rare treat, and let me tell you, Fate Points: Book 1: Fields of Wasps is one of those rare gems. I craved compelling world-building, nuanced character development, a unique skill and system dynamic, high stakes, and thrilling combat that didn't bog down the narrative; and Greenwood delivers. He even surpasses my expectations.
The premise alone hooked me: humanity, objectively weak, is thrust into a universe-spanning competition orchestrated by capricious gods. Tom, our protagonist, isn't your typical overpowered hero. He's relatable, burdened with the fate of humanity resting – heavily – on his shoulders. He made sacrifices, endured a grueling forty-year trial, and now faces the consequences of his choices with a risky, meticulously planned strategy. This isn't some easy win; Tom's plan is audacious, built on a potentially flawed premise – the idea that "fate" can be manipulated through preparation and strategic thinking. The tension is palpable, and you're left constantly wondering if his gamble will pay off.
What truly sets this book apart is the depth. The system isn't just a list of numbers; it's cleverly designed, intricate, and constantly surprising. The world of Existentia, though initially introduced through a high-pressure, wasp-infested plains setting, promises a rich tapestry of magic, empires, dungeons, and secrets. Greenwood skillfully balances adrenaline-pumping action sequences with moments of introspection, showcasing Tom's struggles with the psychological toll of his ordeal and the weight of his responsibility. The supporting characters are far from one-dimensional; they're complex individuals, each with their own motivations and approaches, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.
The morally gray choices Tom faces, the imperfect options he's constantly weighing, make the story profoundly engaging. It never feels predictable. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of human drama, strategic planning, and unpredictable events, all within the fascinating framework of the competition and Existentia's unique rules. And the "fate" mechanic? It's a brilliant addition to the LitRPG formula, blurring the line between luck and calculated risk-taking.
Some readers might initially find the beginning slightly repetitive, focusing on the harsh initial environment. However, I found this perfectly sets the stage for the characters' desperation and resilience. It's a necessary crucible to forge their relationships and strategies. The pacing picks up considerably later, delivering a thrilling climax.
In short, Fate Points offers a complete package: imaginative world-building, a compelling protagonist, well-developed supporting characters, smart and unique system mechanics, and pulse-pounding action. This isn't just a LitRPG; it's a gripping story that explores themes of sacrifice, survival, and the very nature of fate. For those who, like me, crave a LitRPG that goes beyond the formulaic, this is a must-read. The series' transition from Royal Road to Amazon is a testament to its quality, and I eagerly await the next installment. Five stars, no question.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.48 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 655
- Publication date: 2024
Book table of contents
- Arrival
- Initialisation
- Oracle Insight
- Assigned Teams
- Shaping the Future
- Embarrassed
- Value of Skills
- Release from the Dome
- Existentia
- Preparing for a Storm
- Surviving the Wasps
- Ability Summary
- Group Consequences
- Upgrading
- Natural Growth
Preview Book
