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Chrysalis #4
Between a Rock and a Carapace
It’s time to descend.
With Garralosh defeated and the Colony secured, Anthony has triumphed over the wave. What now for our antrepid adventurer? In the Dungeon, there’s only one place to down.
Join Anthony as he ventures into the second stratum, the Shadow Sea, and finds far more than he bargained for. Bizarre monsters abound, frightening poisons and civilisations that have fought and lived in the depths for thousands of years.
For the Colony!
Book 4 of the hit monster-evolution LitRPG series with nearly 30 Million views on Royal Road. Grab your copy today!
About this Jump into a rebirth story that mixes LitRPG and GameLit Elements with Monster evolution. Levels, Stats, Skills, Magic, Power Progresion, Kingdom Building, Party Building, Army Building, evolution, a monster MC, gigantic enemies (compared to Ant at least), and plenty of humor fitting such an ludicrous premise.
With Garralosh defeated and the Colony secured, Anthony has triumphed over the wave. What now for our antrepid adventurer? In the Dungeon, there’s only one place to down.
Join Anthony as he ventures into the second stratum, the Shadow Sea, and finds far more than he bargained for. Bizarre monsters abound, frightening poisons and civilisations that have fought and lived in the depths for thousands of years.
For the Colony!
Book 4 of the hit monster-evolution LitRPG series with nearly 30 Million views on Royal Road. Grab your copy today!
About this Jump into a rebirth story that mixes LitRPG and GameLit Elements with Monster evolution. Levels, Stats, Skills, Magic, Power Progresion, Kingdom Building, Party Building, Army Building, evolution, a monster MC, gigantic enemies (compared to Ant at least), and plenty of humor fitting such an ludicrous premise.
684 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2023
269 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 20, 2023
Great book. I loved the main character and the world building.
March 20, 2025
Between a Rock and a Carapace is likely the weakest book in the Chrysalis series so far; Books 5 and 6 are both marked improvements (or more like a return to form). Ultimately, it feels a bit like a filler arc - MC runs off to another part of the dungeon, learns about another culture, and spends most of his time trapped in... a tournament arc? I don't know how Chrysalis found time for a tournament arc into its narrative. I get that tournaments are staples of (or tropes in) Cultivation/ LitRPG, but this was probably not the right space for that kind of storytelling; it didn't work for me.
Beyond the feeling of this novel being mostly a sidequest, I think the main reason it didn't work for me is that the strength of the series (its humour, its characters, its narrative drive) increasingly comes from its large cast of characters. Without the colony, we're sort of just back inside Anthony's head most of the time (like Book 1), which, while fun, just isn't as good as everyone together.
Still I started the audiobooks with this novel, and Jeff Hays & Annie Ellicott absolutely ROCK. I'm sure they're great in all of the books in this series, and it definitely enhanced my enjoyment.
Beyond the feeling of this novel being mostly a sidequest, I think the main reason it didn't work for me is that the strength of the series (its humour, its characters, its narrative drive) increasingly comes from its large cast of characters. Without the colony, we're sort of just back inside Anthony's head most of the time (like Book 1), which, while fun, just isn't as good as everyone together.
Still I started the audiobooks with this novel, and Jeff Hays & Annie Ellicott absolutely ROCK. I'm sure they're great in all of the books in this series, and it definitely enhanced my enjoyment.
May 4, 2024
The protagonist is annoying and cannot be empathised with. The protagonist detracts from the story while the colony building adds to greatly to the plot. I wish the book focused more on the side characters like the main 20 Ants and how they grow the colony.
The only reason I keep reading the series is because of the colony building.
The only reason I keep reading the series is because of the colony building.
April 26, 2025
did I say how good the audiobook is cuz it's great
January 9, 2024
I am devouring this at light speed
October 27, 2023
Chrysalis: 4
After the thrilling ending in the last book, this one is still packed with interesting world-building, fighting, and theory-crafting, but it doesn't match the intensity of the previous book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it . The author comes up with a slightly different direction, and Anthony finds himself a reluctant participant in a gladiator-style death match. It turns out to be a good opportunity for him to level up his skills and find out more of how this world works. He even gets to meet two other monsters like him, who found themselves reborn. [James aka Jimmy the giant earthworm, and Sarah the bear.] Like the previous books, there are chapters from various human POVs scattered about, which adds a bit of richness to the story. They are tantalizing glimpses of recurring characters who have their own concerns and struggles. Anthony is dead set on succeeding as an ant, however, and has no interest in getting too cozy with the humans, no matter how open minded they might be, as they've proven to be as selfish and treacherous as in his previous life. Am really enjoying this series. Hope the next book comes out soon.
After the thrilling ending in the last book, this one is still packed with interesting world-building, fighting, and theory-crafting, but it doesn't match the intensity of the previous book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it . The author comes up with a slightly different direction, and Anthony finds himself a reluctant participant in a gladiator-style death match. It turns out to be a good opportunity for him to level up his skills and find out more of how this world works. He even gets to meet two other monsters like him, who found themselves reborn. [James aka Jimmy the giant earthworm, and Sarah the bear.] Like the previous books, there are chapters from various human POVs scattered about, which adds a bit of richness to the story. They are tantalizing glimpses of recurring characters who have their own concerns and struggles. Anthony is dead set on succeeding as an ant, however, and has no interest in getting too cozy with the humans, no matter how open minded they might be, as they've proven to be as selfish and treacherous as in his previous life. Am really enjoying this series. Hope the next book comes out soon.
September 25, 2024
Worst of the series so far with the MC plotline bringing the overall story low.
The MC seems to be standing still or even regressing mentally instead of progressing. With this being a progression type fantasy story this is a Bad Thing in my opinion.
The fact that it is obviously contrived plot progression by the author, wherein he has the main character either by activity or inactivity go about most things in a questionable to idiotic manner, just torpedoes what is supposed to be the main part of the story. Specifically in how unbelievable it comes across.
The MC seems to be standing still or even regressing mentally instead of progressing. With this being a progression type fantasy story this is a Bad Thing in my opinion.
The fact that it is obviously contrived plot progression by the author, wherein he has the main character either by activity or inactivity go about most things in a questionable to idiotic manner, just torpedoes what is supposed to be the main part of the story. Specifically in how unbelievable it comes across.
July 17, 2024
I thought I was hitting fatigue with this series but I was wrong. RinoZ always finds ways of adding new wrinkles to each book. This one had Antony not only descending to a new stratum of the dungeon due to his growth needing denser mana, but had a tournament arc as he fought for his life. Allowed for more rapid skills development, and him adding another pet (a demon to add support to his party). Same humor and action as previous books.
January 13, 2025
4.3/5. A bit slow set up but got good mid way. Starting a very nice metaphor for how society could work in a better. Think about the group as well as self. Don't kill people. Don't escalate bad situations (be the adult). Work hard. Find your passion. Don't be race blind. Don't have slaves. Don't be greedy; trade for benefit, not greed. Think about others. Judge based on actions.
The characters are hella funny. I grin while listening on a walk.
The characters are hella funny. I grin while listening on a walk.
July 14, 2025
Maybe the best book in the series yet. RinoZ is improving in every way as the series goes on. Very hard to put this one down. Picked the next up immediately.
The world building continues on the 2nd stratum of the Dungeon.
The world building continues on the 2nd stratum of the Dungeon.
April 4, 2024
3rd pet time!
This was an interesting story line. Liked all the characters and the cult was intriguing. Loved how the colony came and supported each other and grew. I have a feeling what will happen next but we will see. Definitely been enjoying all these characters and pets. Action is good too!
This was an interesting story line. Liked all the characters and the cult was intriguing. Loved how the colony came and supported each other and grew. I have a feeling what will happen next but we will see. Definitely been enjoying all these characters and pets. Action is good too!
June 23, 2023
Griiiinding
So my issue with this is we had the big battle at the end of the last book and then.... It was straight back to grinding. It got better but it was a bit of a let down to start off.
So my issue with this is we had the big battle at the end of the last book and then.... It was straight back to grinding. It got better but it was a bit of a let down to start off.
June 24, 2023
Absolutely Fantastic
This story of a young man who has been reborn as a dungeon monster ant is awesome. He totally embraces the ant life and figures a way to make his colony sapient. The series should be renamed the Dungeon Ant so it’s easier to recommend on facebook.
This story of a young man who has been reborn as a dungeon monster ant is awesome. He totally embraces the ant life and figures a way to make his colony sapient. The series should be renamed the Dungeon Ant so it’s easier to recommend on facebook.
August 16, 2023
It just gets better.
The series is getting better, bigger, and more ants.
I love how everything is happening and how Anthony's adventures are going on.
Jim was a funny little dude and I liked how the Ant Colony is developing
The series is getting better, bigger, and more ants.
I love how everything is happening and how Anthony's adventures are going on.
Jim was a funny little dude and I liked how the Ant Colony is developing
May 30, 2024
Best one yet
I read this series when it was still on (I think it was Webnovel) I never finished it but now I’m here and boy I have to say those last chapters gave me chills. Not in a bad way but it was so interesting to see it from another pov for a little bit.
I read this series when it was still on (I think it was Webnovel) I never finished it but now I’m here and boy I have to say those last chapters gave me chills. Not in a bad way but it was so interesting to see it from another pov for a little bit.
July 14, 2024
Another good entry and it is nice to finally progress the world. The pacing of the series is starting to feel a bit slow as the main character’s leveling is starting to be constrained by setting, which could be frustrating. I do like the growing cast.
August 27, 2025
fun
Okay, I binge listened to books 2-5 so the edges blurred together for me. Anthony expanded his nest gained power, defeated bad guys, evolved, got kidnapped, grew some more and is generally a powerhouse.
Very funny and enjoyable. Great pace. Excellent narrator. Please enjoy
Okay, I binge listened to books 2-5 so the edges blurred together for me. Anthony expanded his nest gained power, defeated bad guys, evolved, got kidnapped, grew some more and is generally a powerhouse.
Very funny and enjoyable. Great pace. Excellent narrator. Please enjoy
June 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this series
June 23, 2023
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the pets. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the pets. I anxiously await the sequel.
June 30, 2023
Good Story, dislike the ending
Another banger of an ant story. Story begins what feels like a new arc for our protagonist and the colony.
Another banger of an ant story. Story begins what feels like a new arc for our protagonist and the colony.
Read
July 2, 2023Bravo!
Another excellent addition to this series. More fuel for the colony! All hail Anthony! Its very difficult to wait for the next evolution, and yet we must!
Another excellent addition to this series. More fuel for the colony! All hail Anthony! Its very difficult to wait for the next evolution, and yet we must!
July 22, 2023
More of the same, but it keeps getting better.
Big fan of the series. Love the different characters and the story in general. Can't wait for more! Ants rule!
Big fan of the series. Love the different characters and the story in general. Can't wait for more! Ants rule!
October 23, 2023
Banger if u like Ants
November 14, 2023
I really wanted more story about the colony itself and to develop those characters more.
Overall still as good as the rest of the books but felt like more of a filler book.
Overall still as good as the rest of the books but felt like more of a filler book.
January 17, 2024
Anthony always the best :D
March 8, 2024
Another banger by RinoZ! 👍🏽👍🏽
July 24, 2024
Another fun entry, with an ominous ending
August 24, 2024
What entertainment and humor! The leveling and character growth is great! I love the world development in and out of the dungeon. This story is progressing nicely!
November 11, 2024
Finished this a few months back. I think this is where I get off the bus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews