Book Series Review - CIVCEO books 2-5

Read the review of book 1 HERE

CivCEO Book 2

After devouring CivCEO book 1, I jumped straight into CivCEO 2 by Andrew Karevik, and it did not disappoint. This sequel picks up with Charles Morris, our MC, now managing a Level 3 village (amazing). The narrative maintains the 4X game vibe, focusing on economic strategies and village management, but also adds new layers with political challenges and cultural developments, something I knew would help flesh out the story and keep it interesting – (which it does).

The plot thickens as Charles faces the complexities of governance and the need to juggle multiple advisor slots, all while dealing with external threats like a warmonger and a mysterious group of thieves. The author once again does an excellent job of blending these elements with the (almost) LitRPG genre, making it feel like you’re playing a game but without the need for a controller, as any Gamelit should in my opinion. Also I loved these kind of games back in my day, so this series really takes me right back!

What stands out in this instalment, and the series in general, is the balance of story-driven content and game-like mechanics. There’s less emphasis on action (almost none in fact) and more on strategic thinking, which kept me hooked, even if I’d have denied this being a thing before starting on this CEO journey. The village of Tine continues to grow, but as it does, the problems also scale, making it a fascinating journey of growth and management.

If you’re into LitRPG and enjoy the 4X genre, this series is a must-read. It’s a binge-worthy continuation that left me eagerly awaiting more from Karevik. Whether you’re new to the series or following along, CivCEO Book 2 is a solid entry that builds well on the first book. Highly recommend!

 CivCEO book 3

Alright, here we go with CivCEO Book 3, and wow, what a ride! After a wild wager and some near-death experiences, Charles secures new land near the coast, setting the stage for more city-building adventures. The challenge? The new territory doesn’t quite hit the waterline, meaning no Seaport and a whole lot of dependence on Tine for basic resources (can you tell I’m fully invested?). But this is Charles we’re talking about isn’t it? So he’s not letting a little thing like a lack of fish stop him from turning this new village into a thriving hub.

The game (book) really amps up with the introduction of new factions and political plays. Henderson Aimes and the Silver Fools have ousted Tanders from Igithor, and now Charles needs to think strategically to bring him back. The Hall of Heroes becomes a crucial objective, requiring rare artefacts to unlock those game-changing special units (like the sports car in age of empires 3). This book keeps you on your toes, balancing between expansion and the looming threats of enemies who don’t quite understand the concept of peaceful coexistence. I’m definitely fully invested and everyone else should be too.

On a more personal note, I’ve got to say, Karevik’s ability to blend economic strategy with fantasy elements keeps me hooked. It’s like reliving those hours spent playing strategy games but with the added bonus of a compelling narrative. And let’s not forget Neil Hellegers’ narration - he brings such life to the characters that it’s hard to hit pause, as he pretty much does with everything he narrates.

Overall, CivCEO 3 ramps up the stakes and complexity, making it an unmissable instalment for fans of the series. Whether you’re into city-building games or just love a good story with a smart, calculating protagonist, this one’s got something for you. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be eagerly waiting to see how Charles navigates the ever-complicating landscape of this fantasy world.

 CivCEO 4

Alright, so it looks like I’m way too deep into the CivCEO rabbit hole to quit, with no signs of resurfacing anytime soon. With Book 4, the stakes are cranked up a notch again (how many notches are there), and Charles finds himself tangled in a mess of pirates (yay!), guild politics, and shady city management. It’s like taking the satisfaction of a 4X strategy game and blending it with the intrigue of a fantasy world — who knew city management could be this riveting? Plus pirates. Everyone loves pirates.

Thankfully (for plot armour), Charles is no stranger to tackling tough scenarios, but having his plans disrupted by a pirate ship sinking one of his trade vessels was a real twist. Just when you think you’ve got the economy under control, Karevik throws in a curveball. And speaking of curveballs, the introduction of a Spymaster is a game-changer. It’s like that moment in a game where you unlock a new ability that suddenly opens up all these new strategies. Personally, in Rome Total War this was one of my favourite strategies: send the spies in to open the gates or to assassinate the stronger leaders or generals, so it was really nice to see the mechanic in play here.

Again, what really hits me with this series was the nostalgia for those days spent micromanaging virtual empires. It’s like the book rekindles that old gamer spirit (and at 30-something years old I’m sure you know what I’m talking about). Kind of a reminder of why we loved these complex, world-building games in the first place.

The addition of new factions and the internal politics of the guilds keeps things fresh and adds layers to the story. It’s more than just building a city; it’s about navigating the delicate balance of power and making strategic alliances – even if they can be… tenuous.

This is another deep dive into strategy and diplomacy, with a fantasy twist. As always, Karevik’s storytelling keeps you hooked, and I’m already itching to see what the next book brings. If you’re a fan of the series then most likely, like me, you find yourself reliving the glory days of strategy games while diving into this narrative. Should I go buy Civ5? I’m just about hanging on at this point.

 CivCEO Book 5 by Andrew Karevik

 So here we are, knee deep into the CivCEO series, and Book 5 has definitely opened up a whole new case of cans of worms, including the epic takedown of the Tradesmen (spoiler alert), and Charles and his allies find themselves in a land rush, scrambling to claim territories left in the power vacuum. It’s like watching a chess game unfold, but with dragons and magic thrown in for good measure. Hooked yet? (Yes).

In this instalment, Charles’s big brain goes into overdrive as he tries to form a coalition reminiscent of NATO from our world (no mentioning current world politics cough cough). The stakes are high, especially with a (spoiler alert) assassin taking out a Champion right in front of Charles and making it clear he’s next. This twist had me on the edge of my seat, more so because Karevik’s knack for tension makes you wonder if this might really be the end for Charles and Tyne. It isn’t, because there are more books, I checked. But still it shows that they can get to him, and that’s a big worry.

But what really got me in this one was the unexpected shift towards military development. Yes I know that once the economics are sorted, the red flashing “you are under attack” warning starts off, but I just didn’t think Charles would be up for that. Charles, who’s always been about strategy and economic prowess, is now diving into building an army. It feels like watching a pacifist gamer suddenly switch to a war strategy, and to be fair, it’s fascinating. Also, the return to the Scale Market for dragon trading added that familiar yet fresh element that keeps the series grounded in its unique blend of economics and fantasy. And I have to say, what a great side-story the dragons are. The name thing and the scale market? Brilliant.

All in all, CivCEO book 5 – like the rest of them, is a wild ride (have I said that before?). It’s the kind of book that makes you appreciate that running a civilisation isn’t all taxes and technology trees. If you’re not caught up, now’s the time - things are heating up faster than you can say dragon eggs.