Death has Gone Rogue by Rachel Aaron and Travis Bach:

5 stars

It’s only a few days into his Mana Runner career, and Tavin has already survived things most copper runners never face. But now, the Endless Dungeon has his number, and they’re kicking things up a notch. The monsters are bigger; the dungeons are deeper; and Tavin’s suspicion that, even without Zavrak, he might still register as a monster seems increasingly justified.

This was clever; I’m not sure everyone will feel the same delight that I did over a few subtle twists and naming conventions, but this was so satisfying. Tavin reminds me a lot of Julius from the Hearstrikers series—the likeable underdog who defies the odds—but Mana Runners gets my inner nerd. I play a tiefling bard; need I say more?

This world continues to be engaging. I still want to be Mim when I grow up; there’s something freeing about being able to eat positively anything and flinging one’s tongue like a lasso. There was, or it felt like there was, a little more Jacaroux in this one, and I liked seeing how he ticks. Ryker was, perhaps, too good at being a self-centered creep; that ranger drives me up the wall. I want to shake him.

While reading, I developed two theories—only one of which I was right about, which is just perfect. I have the smugness of guessing correctly and the engagement that comes with the unknown unfolding in each word.

Gamers, fantasy adventure enthusiasts, and readers looking for something with some dark humor will enjoy this series. It’s imaginative, fast-paced, action-packed, and will leave you breathless. As more and more problems piled up, I wanted to step into the story and help Tavin. I scared my cat, screeching advice. This is not the book to read for a quiet escape; this world takes you hostage, puts some dubious magic in your hands, and tests your concentration skills while flinging insults at your head. En garde!