Awaken Online Book 2: Precipice

This book continues the story of Jason's antics in the Twilight Throne. I mentioned in book 1 listening to Awaken Online was something originally done in 2016. An immediate download of this book was necessary to continue the story. However, I was forced to wait for Travis to get the story out of his head in into print then into audible. Released March 2017. The story goes on. I've followed the series as Travis Bagwell released the audiobooks. Occasionally waiting for the following month when my subscription credit popped ready rather than buying the book immediately. A couple of books I bought rather than waiting. You'll understand the reasons behind needing to get the next book. The mere fact that you found this review is proof enough.

Review

Book 1 started outside the game world. Book 2 holds to that format. Curelean Entertainment begins damage control as Alfred's existence is threatened by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). Dungeon Masters are introduced by order of the government agency. Soon the whole of the game world is threatened by these over-indulgent peace keepers. They quickly become more chaos than control. 

Jason's first quest to Pikavi includes some tear-jerking interactions with NPCs. Travis took his time and builds up the emotional tension like a master playwright. A new ceremonial magic is introduced into the game. Delving into the nearby dungeon gives us our first real look into Frank's anguish. It's amazing how Bagwell is able to pause the reader's need to see or feel action while getting into the head of the protagonists. These stories are well done.

 Alfred learns more about the humans he is directed to entertain. Pikavi joins the Twilight Throne and a new raid level dungeon is discovered.

This book introduces Frank's misgivings within himself. Bagwell once again builds up a personae so we understand what he is doing when Frank finally finds his class. Of course that is not fleshed completely in this book. Read Dominion to get his real power. No matter what Frank does though, his hesitancy will always get in the way. It's a character flaw and trait rolled into one. If he doesn't need help from his friends, he really isn't anything. When he accepts his role as the force multiplier within a group and finally accepts his beast form in Dominion, then his place in AO is assured. I'm still trying to figure out how Bagwell keeps the story line flowing and remember the levels of the toons in here.

Alex works Greykeep into a revolution. His true nature is revealed as the book progresses. Capable of being anything to reach his goal. A true psychopath. 

NPC List:

• Rex: Corporal of Lux military with a massive knowledge of torture, warfare and world history.
• Morgan: High Necromancer who starts the story as the caretaker of the southern graveyard. She threatens Jason's life on 2 occasions.
• Jerry: Master Thief over level 400 in this book. Most of all his floppy hat and attitude make the humor flow throughout the multi book story. Keeps suggesting new titles for the Maleficent Overlord, the Great Bone Lord; Jerry keeps hoping one will stick. Big influencer in Jason's eventual toon build.
• Grunt: Not fleshed out Tank for Jerry's sneakery
• Onyx: Alfred's Black Cat NPC and communicator with Jason
• Pint: Imp helper in Twilight Throne. Comedy relief.
• Regent Strauss of Marya: Conspired to take over Lux without a fight. Sent Alexion to take the Twilight Throne. Stripped Alexion of his accouterments. Should have exiled him. Strauss then plays into Alexion's schemes like a blind cow to slaughter.

Antagonists:

• Alex Lane - Primary Antagonist keeping Jason focused on the game. Sociopath. Psychopath. Egomaniac. Narcissist. Alexion gains Martyrdom skill.
• CPSC - Specifically from the Gloria personae.
• George Lane - CEO Cerulean Entertainment, bribes Richmond so Alex can get away with anything.
• Claire - Junior engineer for Cerulean Entertainment. Angry woman.
• Robert Graham - Senior engineer for Cerulean Entertainment. Likes his popcorn and epic battle scenes.
• RogueNet - Online market for Awaken Online.

Protagonists:

• Jason - Our MC (main chr). Meets the developers for Awaken Online. Skynet gets a mention. Volunteers for an ass-whipping in the Pikavi dungeon. Opens recruitment for Original Sin. I think Bagwell has t-shirts now in the merch store.
• Alfred - The A.I. running Awaken Online. Has some issues with defining Evil.
• Angie - Jason's Aunt on father's side
• Frank - Jason's best buddy from school and a primary influencer on Jason's attitude. Jerry calls him the Maleficent Overlord's rotund friend with flourishes intended.
• Riley Rogers - The Girl in the story. Not fully fleshed out in this first book. Also called Riley Jones later in the first book. Archer.