For first time readers of the author's work, I would rate this a solid 4/5 stars It is one of the better written novels on this platform, and if you like the mana/dimensional apocalypse genre, with systems, loot, etc. you'll probably like this. However, anyone with any familiarity with the author will quickly realize that GA has nothing fresh to offer them. The bones of this story read like a remix of Dimensional Descent. We are once again placed in future Earth, under threat by transcendent forces which seek to transform it in disastrous ways. Again, the people of earth are given a way out through newly awakened powers. Both Sylas and Leonel have mysterious, noble backgrounds connecting them to the incoming mana/dimensional apocalypse. In both stories, all the factions (including government) aware of the peril Earth is in do nothing to prepare the ignorant masses for it. Both protagonists are described as underachieving geniuses, leading lives they find unfulfilling in one way or another, until they get shaken out of their malaise by the apocalypse. From the childhood sweetheart, to the romantically challenged protagonist, I can't help but be shocked on how similar the setups are in GA and DD. The best way to put it is that the sprinkles are different, but the cake is the same. Ultimately, if I had to predict this, against all odds, with the deck repeatedly stacked against him, surrounded by powerful factions that either want him dead or under their thumb, Sylas/Leonel will solo the universe with the help of their childhood sweetheart. If you want to explore the new mystery boxes and power sets the author came up with be my guest. But imho, 280+ ch deep, I'm dropping it. I don't need to wait till chap 4000.
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LIKEthis is kinda of my problem with this one as well. Sylas feels too much like Leonel and I don't understand why. Sylas goes above and beyond for his "childhood sweetheart" when they barely have any history together. Sylas wants a City Stele of his own but after "conveniently" meeting the love interest that goes out the window he's more content with helping her going as far as to recruit people for her. I got to around chapter 200 and had to put it down. probably should have made my own review.. somewhere along the way, it went from agreeing with you to ranting about what I don't like.