Shaper of Metal — Post Apoc LitRPG
by RainHarlow
- Graphic Violence
- Profanity
- Sensitive Content
Given the chance to unlock System powers a decade after being dismissed as an ordinary human being, how could Jack refuse?
But nothing comes without a price, and as Jack is about to discover, miracles are sky-high.
A former military pilot, Jack Laker has faced the horrifying monsters that took over most of planet Earth. Against all odds, he survived one of their endless raids into humanity's territory and even saved a life or two in the chaos. When he acquires metal manipulation abilities, though, all the power to meet the bastards tit for tat is suddenly within reach.
He just had to build and [level] it up, bit by bit, from scratch.
Meta pitch:
Intimate, slow-burn evolution of an average Joe into a badass, in a world where monsters plaguing the Earth need to die. Put on the jacket and get to work for humanity, son — we're behind schedule.
Expect:
— Powers choices/tinkering/training, step by step
— Slice
of life, deep characterization
— Unique setting of a
surviving, functional, Post-Apoc civilization
—
System as an enhancer++ to reality, not a replacement, not
omnipotent
Inspired by such works as Super Supportive, Worm, Industrial Strength Magic, and old Marvel Comics such as The Uncanny X-Men (favorite: Magneto). Not campy or forcing in tropes. You don't need to know any of these to enjoy it. Focused on progression and powerhouse team-fighting in the long term. Won't ignore living life and getting to know people. No smut or 'harem' stylings, but attractive people exist and sexuality isn't neutered.
The first four chapters are oversized 5k+ on average, and beyond this, they'll be 3k+, aiming for 3200 - 3500 with some exceptions. Posting every other day at least through May. Bonus chapters upon attaining main Rising Stars any rank, rank 20+, rank 7+, and rank 1. I'll eventually set at least one Follower goal for another. May set more.
If this really blows up, I'll maintain the core pace. The community decides for me if I can zero in on this, essentially.
- Overall Score
- Style Score
- Story Score
- Grammar Score
- Character Score
- Total Views :
- 32,672
- Average Views :
- 2,042
- Followers :
- 1,300
- Favorites :
- 188
- Ratings :
- 83
- Pages :
- 229
Leave a review
Breakfast!
Reviewed at: Chapter 11: The Agent Was Tall, Actually
I'm normally leery of any LitRPG stories, Super Supportive being one exception. This is the other one! World building is hinted at and foreshadowed very well, the characters are a ton of fun, and while it's early in the plot, what has unfolded leaves me excited to see where the story goes!
Really good start, let's see how it unfolds
Reviewed at: Chapter 6: Surgery of Transcendent Things
Damn good start of a story. The setting is original and coherent, the characters memorables, the plot interesting. As of chapter 6, it looks really promising!
The world separated into multiple zones and species ? Civilizations ? Open up a lot of hooks for later parts, and makes the setting feels alive and credible.
A very good start
Reviewed at: Chapter 1: The Suspicious Client
The very first paragraph got a laugh out of me.
The world building is done with a combination of descriptions, character thoughts, and the interactions between characters which is a vast improvement over the wall of descriptive text paragraphs long that some author’s use. Small anecdotes and passing thoughts build out the main characters background seamlessly without bogging down the story, or even immediate notice if you’re not paying attention. It’s top notch so far in my book.
Many stories lose me at the first paragraph, or sometimes even the first sentence. This story in no way suffers from that problem and I'm looking forward to more.
Finally, a written world with life
Reviewed at: Chapter 14: Pick One of Three Jacks
I'm hooked, that's for sure.
The world feels
alive. That's my greatest praise for the
novel, at least so far before the progression progresses (as
it is wont to do).
Our dear protagonist is as much of a
breathing part of the story as the people he meets-- nobody
feels like a placeholder, and the dialogue is so endearingly
real. It gives a good impression of the culture of New
Babylon.
Jack doesn't feel dumb, and neither do the
people he meets. He's gripping the reigns of the plot as
best he can, rather than it feeling like the other way
around (as is commonly the case in these kinds of
novels).
Overall, this is one of the nicest
post apocalypses I've ever seen! The horrible circumstances
that resulted in this situation can almost be forgiven! All
hail petrol fume mother goddess, amen.
Wickedly welldone!
Reviewed at: Chapter 9: Step in Line, Citizen
Style: It draws you in the first few sentences, describing a rather intriguing but frighteningly devasted world...
Story: In world where being a 'citizen' can truly make you blind. Jack knows from personal experience not is all that it seems. Blindingly believing everything your told, can leave one dead. Secrets are like slow ticking timebombs... its only a matter of time till, the world you where made to think was normal is shattered by a single and simple encounter. In Jack's case, a valiant rescue, his destiny taking a rather sudden turn from being a glorified taxi pilot to a representative of a foreign Archon - the equivalent of a species god!
Grammer: I have seen no spelling mistakes and if there are any its fixed quickly.
Character: Gotta hand it too, the characters are ones I have gotten fond of quickly! Emotions and interactions are very well done, and I was not expecting one of the minor characters of such an action in chapter 8! Jack is a guy I can easily relate too, he's been bent and beaten by the world, but not broken. A rough around the edges kind of guy, whose heart is the right place. Neex is a garl who is brave as hell! Facing one thing after another, all for the sake of her species, Archon and the remaining humainty as whole!
Polished, and detailed.
Reviewed at: Chapter 5: As a Human Being
I thoroughly enjoyed the first few chapters. First of all, this feels like a world. A lot of detail went into the culture of this book, and the characters feel like people. I also love when a book takes time to introduce its characters and setting before the inciting incident, which sadly doesn't happen too often on those site. It kinda feels like reading early Brandon Sanderson, with all the unique swears and highly detailed world building.
Man i got hooked.
Reviewed at: Chapter 13: Are You Gonna Sign or Not?
This is such a good novel. Smooth to read, easily makes me feel like im inside the world watching things happen.
Characters are top notch and interesting and the post apocalyptic/futuristic world has a lot of potential so far. MC is a smart dude, former military pilot in the wrong place at the right time.
Anyway, all i can say is give it a try right now.