I’ve had mixed experiences with LitRPG in the past, but this one avoids some of the biggest pitfalls I’ve seen. Stat reads are long and tedious, but relatively infrequent and easy to skip through. There’s no messing around with detailed math in terms of percentage based boosts, quantified health, or anything that gets too deep into the weeds. All positive things in my opinion. In addition, the exploration of magic as a form of science with theories and experimentation is pretty fun.
I’d describe the whole story as decent. I bought the book because I enjoyed RinoZ’s other series, Chrysalis, enough to keep reading and give it 4 stars. This one doesn’t have the sense of humor that I enjoyed in Chrysalis (other reviewers mentioned liking the character of Dove, but endless jokes about balls just don’t entertain me much), but at least Phil Thron is a much better narrator.
Overall I didn’t dislike the book, but I’m not likely to go back and reread. As for getting the rest of the series, maybe if it’s on sale or if I can’t find anything else.