Tag: author Mystic Neptune

Review:   I Ran Away to Evil 3: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Well,   I Ran Away to Evil has reached the final level, the end of its journey and it’s been a great game.

Here all is revealed, there’s boss battles, deaths and revivals, ultimate victory and HEA’s. 

Now it’s Gerda Jones, fabulous bridge troll who’s got a ton of secrets, that will be the character to bring the series to a conclusion. Along with Duke Julian von Slyke, who’s recently retuned for the wedding of his sister to the necromancer of the Dark Lord. 

At over 400 pages, author Neptune has a lot of storytelling to do. And there’s more of the GameRPG elements here than in the previous books. 

I’ll be honest in saying that some of these got distracting when what I wanted to concentrate on was the main plot points and storylines. Having involved boxes of character traits and levels occasionally is great. But towards the end, I feel that it took over the narrative. 

What makes this is the character development, especially Gerda’s story. The slow reveal of her story is impactful as well as her relationships she has made with the other characters around her. They feel believable and credible in this setting. 

This has been the first series I have read by this author but won’t be the last. Highly entertaining and engaging. 

A definite winner. 

Love the covers. 

Cover design by MsArtsy and Jenny Zemanek 

Interior illustrations by Arturo Gómez Martínez and Leah Zink

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com, books 1-3

Each with a different main couple and storyline that fits within the series arc

Buy Link:

        I Ran Away to Evil 3: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com

    

Blurb 

A mysterious soothsayer and a reluctant royal fend off spies, assassins, and unexpected attraction in the action-packed third book of this romantasy series.

Gerda Jones is no average bridge troll. Sure, she can create riddles like the best of them, but she has skills up her sleeve that no one would expect . . . and a backstory that no one would believe. She uses her fortune-telling talents to change the fate of everyone around her, but avoids getting too close the anyone herself. All of that changes when Gerda catches the eye of Duke Julian von Slyke at his sister’s wedding. The tall, dark, and handsome half-elf is making her let down her guard—and inviting a royal heap of trouble into her life.

Julian would do anything to escape courtly intrigue and endless parties, but he can’t miss his own sister’s nuptials. Good thing, too, because from day one of the celebration he’s called on to help deal with everything from poisoned arrows and amphibian curses, to a missing bride. And at the center of every mishap there’s an infuriatingly beguiling troll . . .

As Gerda’s hidden identity begins to unravel, her attraction to Duke Julian continues to grow. Together, saving Valaria seems easy . . . but after it’s all done, will the unlikely pair be able to leave behind their pasts and find a future together?

A whimsical and twisty take on isekai, romance, and LitRPG, I Ran Away to Evil 3 is the charming conclusion of the series that asks, “What if Bridgerton was filled with magical creatures?” and “Who is the elusive Madame Potts?”

The third volume of the hit LitRPG romantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

August 19, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

409 pages

Book 3 of 3

I Ran Away to Evil

Review:   I Ran Away to Evil 2 (I Ran Away to Evil #2) by Mystic Neptune

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Cmdr. Gen. Rufus Triever, best friend of the Dark King Keith is enamored with renowned bard Bronwynn Lyriel, and has been from the moment he heard her singing in a tavern a year ago. Bard Bronwynn is the childhood best friend of Henrietta Doryn,the newly wedded Dark Lady of Nilheim.

However the events surrounding the kidnapping of Hetty and the subsequent assassination attempts are still having ramifications for their kingdom and this couple’s many other friends. Including Bronwynn. Who’s suspected of being a spy!

It’s up to Rufus to prove Bronwynn’s innocence, while traveling with her to her shows, a journey of unraveling their mutual secrets. A trip that becomes a slow burn romance, as well as one of investigative fantasy adventure. 

We meet so many wonderful characters that are beautifully crafted, each so vividly described and rendered by colorful details that they feel so real. From a highly opinionated, emotionally challenging horse to families who have a surprising diversity and depth of character and diversity.  There’s characters who are struggling with past trauma and those who finally realize their potential and need for a new stage in life. 

  I Ran Away to Evil might be a challenge for those readers who aren’t gamers or familiar with the genre of LitRPG Rom-Com trope. 

The LitRPG Rom-Com trope which, if you’re not a gamer, means that the story and or series has a LitRPG, or Literary Role-Playing Game incorporated into its format. Its characters can go on quests, check their stats (which these do often) as far as their various levels and abilities anywhere during the narrative.

It can work well, as it does here. Although I’ve found it can also be a bit more challenging in some other novels. Really depends on the author and reader tastes. 

For another fun element, there’s a “Bridgeton” type announcement that’s anonymously written that makes several serious and not so serious statements about ongoing events. 

Who is writing this is a mystery to be solved in the final book! The guessing flies hard here. 

I love it when I’m reading and the characters and story continues to evolve and surprise me. Happily. 

I look forward to reading the next book in this series. 

Wonderful story! 

Cover design by MsArtsy and Jenny Zemanek 

Interior illustrations by Arturo Gómez Martínez and Leah Zink

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com, books 1-3

Each with a different main couple and storyline that fits within the series arc

Buy Link:

        I Ran Away to Evil 2: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com

    

Blurb 

The Dark Lord’s royal guard and the continent’s most famous bard face assassins—and an unexpected attraction—in the second book of this romantasy series.

Cmdr. Gen. Rufus Triever is known throughout Valaria for his dogged bravery and unwavering loyalty to his master, Dark Lord Keith Monfort. What the golden retriever shapeshifter is less known for is his love of music, particularly that of renowned bard Bronwynn Lyriel. And when he’s tasked with shadowing her to discover whether or not she’s secretly an international spy and murderer, his interest goes beyond professional intrigue.

Being best friends with Henrietta Doryn—the new Dark Lady of Nilheim—has its perks, not the least of which is the boost it’s given Bronwynn’s career. Her summer schedule is now full of performances for royals from far and wide. But her newfound spotlight has also threatened to reveal things Brownie would rather keep hidden . . . secrets that could land her in a whole heap of trouble, especially with her tenacious part-canine companion.

As Brownie and Rufus journey through the Dark Enchanted Forest, they can’t ignore the forces drawing them ever closer to each other. But with deadly assassination attempts around every corner and a slew of unfortunate circumstances connecting Brownie to the crimes, their budding relationship might be cut short before they get a chance to truly test their ability to duet.

Blending heart-pounding action with swoon-worthy romance—and perfect for fans of the Legends & Lattes series—I Ran Away to Evil 2 is the continuation of a brilliant romantasy series filled with dungeons, dragons, and debutantes.

The second volume of the hit LitRPG romantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

Publisher

Podium Publishing

Publication date

November 12, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

449 pages

Book 2 of 3

I Ran Away to Evil

Review: I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune

Rating: 4.25⭐️

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune, which was an absolute delight to read, is among a small handful of books and series where the heroine decides to either be the villain or Big Bad herself or go over to the villain’s side of the story. 

It usually happens early on and because being a hero isn’t particularly a “good” or has been a happy experience for her. In some cases, it’s been enormously traumatic and damaging. 

As is the case with Henrietta Doryn, Warrior Princess, who, just before her 18 birthday, is told by her ruling parents she must go off to the Dark Enchanted Forest and infiltrate the castle and kill the Dark Lord.  Or die trying preferably. 

Of course, the Dark Lord isn’t all that evil. He runs a very excellent kingdom, would rather be tinkering in his workshop and avoiding any kind of paperwork. He’s a great multi dimensional character who continues to grow as the story progresses.

This is a story written in the LitRPG Rom-Com trope which, if you’re not a gamer, means that the story and or series has a LitRPG, or Literary Role-Playing Game incorporated into its format. It’s characters can go on quests, check their stats as far as their various levels and abilities anywhere during the narrative.

So certain expected fantasy elements are meshed together with LitRPG aspects of the story to create a different experience for the reader. 

It can work well, as it does here. Although I’ve found it can also be a bit more challenging in some other novels. Really depends on the author and reader tastes. 

For another fun element, there’s a “Bridgeton” type announcement that’s anonymously written that makes several serious and not so serious statements about ongoing events. 

Who is writing this is a mystery to be solved in the final book!

But first it’s the romance of the Dark Lord who isn’t really and the Warrior Princess who would rather be baking than battling (although she’s rather amazing at it). 

There’s some dark aspects that allow for each character to have a different and surprising depth to them and their journey to HEA. 

I love it when I’m reading and the characters and story continues to evolve and surprise me. Happily. 

I look forward to reading the next book in this series. 

Wonderful story! 

Cover design by MsArtsy and Jenny Zemanek 

Interior illustrations by Arturo Gómez Martínez and Leah Zink

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com, books 1-3

Each with a different main couple and storyline that fits within the series arc

Buy Link:

 Book 1 of 3: I Ran Away to Evil 

Blurb 

A reluctant heroine finds unexpected love when she’s sent to assassinate a lonely dark lord in the first book of this cozy romantasy series.

Henrietta Doryn has never enjoyed fighting. She’d rather be in the kitchen baking cookies. But it’s her duty as Warrior Princess to face off against the forces of evil. As such, she’s unceremoniously shooed from her kingdom to go eliminate the all-powerful Dark Lord next door. 

Keith Monfort has never enjoyed ruling with an iron fist. He’d prefer to be in his workroom tinkering with practical magic. But it’s his duty to lead the Dark Enchanted Forest and the forces of evil. So when Henrietta shows up at his door, he’s only too happy to invite her in for tea to talk it out instead.

Can this unlikely pair prevent war between their two kingdoms? Where do their true loyalties lie? And when will they finally confess their growing feelings for each other?

Blending the best of love stories, fairy tales, and whimsy—with just a dash of mystery provided by the soothsaying Madame Potts’s enigmatic announcements—I Ran Away to Evil is a deliciously delightful start to a charming romantic-comedy LitRPG series.

The first volume of the hit LitRPG romantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

  • Publisher: Podium Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: April 23, 2024
  • Language: English
  • File size: 8.0 MB
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 435 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1039454248
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3: I Ran Away to Evil