In Harmon Cooper's Possible Demonic Possession: A LitRPG Adventure (Reborn Assassin), the life of Alistair Blackstar, a mage at a magical academy, takes a deadly turn. An assassin, Ghost, is reborn into his body, bringing a sinister agenda and throwing Alistair's already challenging academic and social life into chaos. As war threatens and a conspiracy unfolds, Alistair must battle mercenaries, navigate treacherous dungeons, and confront a terrifying truth. This LitRPG adventure, the second in the series, blends the fast-paced action of My Hero Academia with the strategic intensity of Breaking Bad. Alistair's unique card-based magic system, featuring summons, wand spells, and abilities, is his only hope against a necrotic invasion, but only if he and Ghost can cooperate. Prepare for a thrilling ride through a world on the brink of destruction.
Review Possible Demonic Possession
Possible Demonic Possession: A LitRPG Adventure (Reborn Assassin) completely blew me away! As a huge fan of deck-building LitRPGs, I was already hooked from the premise, but Harmon Cooper exceeded all my expectations. This sequel picks up right where the first book left off, throwing Alistair and the mischievous, yet undeniably helpful, Ghost into a whirlwind of increasingly dangerous situations. The academy setting, while familiar in the LitRPG genre, feels fresh and vibrant thanks to the unique blend of Eastern-inspired monsters and magic, and the ever-escalating stakes keep you breathlessly turning the pages.
What truly shines here is the character development. Alistair’s internal struggle to maintain control while sharing his body with a sarcastic, revenge-driven assassin is both hilarious and deeply compelling. The constant banter between them is easily the highlight, offering witty commentary and genuine emotional depth. I found myself constantly chuckling at their exchanges, even as the plot thickened around them. Cooper masterfully portrays their evolving relationship, showcasing not just their clashes but also the surprising moments of cooperation and burgeoning respect.
Beyond the central duo, the supporting cast is equally well-developed. I adored seeing the progression of Alistair's friendships, how his eccentricities are handled by those around him, and the way those relationships evolve as the narrative progresses. The comradery he develops with his summoned beasts is particularly touching; the author clearly pours a great deal of love into creating these creatures, each with distinct personalities that you quickly grow fond of. The fact that they, like the other characters, have depth and agency beyond simple “monster” roles made the world even richer and more believable.
The LitRPG elements are flawlessly integrated into the story, never feeling clunky or distracting. The card-based system is both intricate and easy to understand, allowing for innovative and exciting combat sequences that felt imaginative rather than repetitive. The sheer amount of detail put into the magic system, the summoning process, and the various skills and abilities, is truly impressive. It's a testament to Cooper's skill that a complex system feels so organic within the fast-paced, action-packed narrative.
And let's not forget Ziggy, the adorable slime! (Squish! Squish!) The slime's expressiveness adds a charming touch of lightheartedness to the darker undertones of the plot, creating a fantastic balance.
The pacing is phenomenal. The story moves at a breakneck speed, constantly introducing new challenges and twists that kept me guessing until the very end. Cooper has a real knack for crafting suspenseful moments and surprising reveals that left me wanting more. The plot's complexity, weaving together a personal quest for revenge, the looming threat of war, and a sinister conspiracy, is both intricate and satisfyingly resolved. The ending, although clearly setting up future installments, leaves a feeling of accomplishment and leaves you craving the next chapter. Frankly, I need it yesterday! Harmon Cooper, please tell me Book 3 is on its way!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 1.41 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 564
- Publication date: 2024
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