Tipping the Scales [An Anti-Hero Isekai LitRPG]

Information

Status

Hiatus

Year

2023

Author

Balerik

• 4. The Well of Sins
  Mar 15, 2023
• 3. The Thief's Handbook
  Mar 15, 2023
• 2. Dryads and Deadbeats
  Mar 14, 2023
• 1. Safe Word
  Mar 14, 2023

Reviews

Community Reviews(10)

• A V DalcourtRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This is a heavily character driven story, with very little attention given to the world, and that’s just fine. It’s also not 100% in the same vein as the average LitRPG here on RR. It’s much slower, skill gain and stat gain is much, much, slower, but calls back to everything RPG in a familiar way.
  The author does a great job creating vivid and memorable characters, so much so that when a certain character reappears, I sighed… oh great, that guy. Not because I didn’t like said guy, but rather I could anticipate the headaches that said guy was likely going to present. Though the way the event rolled out didn’t go as I expected, I was nonetheless delighted by the way the author turned the tables on the scenario.
  The thing I like the most is the villain in denial, the thief who fails to see how his actions had caused harm to others. It’s very human and very much a reflection of ourselves and everyday society, where we’re so self-focused on our goals, ambitions, and general day-to-day life, we fail to see how we hurt the people around us. If brought to light, would we care? Or would be shrug it off much like this thief?
  It’s very rare that I piece of fiction makes me think about my own life and actions.
  Thank you.
• CapaluchuRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Tipping the Scales flips the hero's tale on his head by getting us to root for the author’s unlikably-likable scoundrel MC.  Daltham is conceited, selfish, and has a razor’s temper yet he easily carries us through a very well-thought-out story of the dark-half’s afterlife.
  STYLE: The story’s humor jumps out of every chapter making this just fun to read.  It does not rest on just snappy lines; the level of detail is great as well.  There are so many nods to 3.5 D&D that those of us who love that edition are perpetually amused.
  STORY:  The world is shaping out quickly.  I can see that the story is going to keep ramping up beyond where I have reached. We are introduced to an entire system of the afterlife without ever getting bogged down in info-dumps.
  CHARACTER:  Here is where the author really shines.  In quick witty strokes, he brings each character to life.  Granted all of these folks are degenerates and many of them are verbal eye-candy.  Still, even the characters oozing sex are not off-puttingly raunchy, they are given the same light-hearted coating as the rest of the motley crew.
  GRAMMAR:  I have to admit this one I was turning pages for what comes next more than I was looking for errors.  The fact I didn't see any tells me if I missed any, they were few and far between.
  OVERALL: I am not a fan of dark villain stories so to find a light villain story is a real treat.  Hats off to you, Balerik.  This one I’m keeping on my reading list.
• Denwa MacskaRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  What happens when the protagonist isn't content with his classification and has to get used to a system that could hardly be more alien? That's just a small part of the questions that are raised here and that put this story in an absolutely original light.
  Story: After four chapters, nothing more can be said than that the protagonist doesn't approve of his allocation and would like to file an appeal with the boss. However, getting to the boss is anything but easy, since dying and getting a foothold after that in a completely new town is a challenge the protagonist needs to master first. Somehow, at least.
  It's certainly not an idea that hasn't been seen in similar conceptions on Royal Road, but it's executed in a way that makes it well-polished and actually interesting. You aren't overwhelmed with statistics, but slowly integrated into a system and that makes the story a lot more exciting and - you can hardly believe it - not one bit slower. The pacing is very good and the ideas in relation to classics like the Tooth Fairy and Father Christmas are brilliant.
  Characters: Dalthon is the hero of this story, even if he isn't very heroic. If you had to compare him to someone, he could pass for the grandiose failed brother Flynn Riders from Tangled. He's fun to follow, and his attempts to figure out what it's all about while simply refusing to acknowledge that he's been classified as "neutral evil" are events you enjoy observing. The author has worked hard to make him as human as possible while giving him a rowdy character that swings somewhere between "I'll get this", "I've lost my way", and "Huh?". You get the feeling it can't get boring at Dalthon's side, and that's something that's far too rare to find.
  Style: The style used by the author here is suitable for a story like this and shines not only by giving the character a little more life but also by putting the circumstances and interactions in a humorous and simultaneously visual light. Although there are a little m
• J NelkinsRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  The story follows the adventures of a rogue named Dalthan Sol'Magor who finds himself in a strange and surreal environment after apparently dying. He meets a wizard named Zaplixel who tries to help him adjust to this new world, but Dalthan remains suspicious of him. Along the way, he encounters various creatures and characters, including a beautiful nymph named Sylvia, and he tries to navigate this unfamiliar world while coming to terms with his own morality. The story is engaging, with vivid descriptions and intriguing characters, and leaves the reader with a desire to learn more about the world and the characters.
  Story: 5 - The story is well-written and engaging, with vivid descriptions, interesting characters, and intriguing plots. For example, when Dalthan wakes up in The Hub of Evil, the story is intriguing and keeps the reader engaged. The author uses unique settings and characters to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. And also introduce new concepts, such as the character sheet and alignment, which add depth to the story and help to move it forward. The plot is well-constructed and has a clear direction, which keeps the reader invested in the outcome.
  Grammar: 5 - The grammar is impeccable, with no errors or awkward phrasing. There are only a few minor errors that do not detract from the reading experience. For example, in the text about Dalthan recalling a childhood memory of a hurricane, the grammar is flawless. The author uses a mix of simple and complex sentences to create variety in the text, which adds to its readability.
  Character: 5 - The characters are well-developed and distinct, with their own personalities and motivations. Dalthan is an interesting protagonist, with a troubled past and a rebellious streak. Lady Belial is also a compelling character, with a commanding presence and a mysterious backstory. However, some characters, such as Zaplixel, are more one-dimensional and serve more as plot devices than fully-fledged characters. Dalthan i
• K.A.ORoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Overall this is a fantastic read. Balerik has shown that they are capable of weaving an intricate tale of hellish whimsy and wonder. In just the 10 chapters available now, it has become one of my favorite reads on RR.
  Style: Balerik's writing style shows they have the talent and skill to create a top-notch novel. The execution of punchlines is impressive, without being overtly in your face about it. Your use of descriptive language from the scenes around Dalthan to the characters themselves is immaculate. The words flow nicely from chapter to chapter and do an incredible job of luring the reader in and keeping them there for the story.
  Story: Balerik has woven an intricate tale of Evildoers going to The Hub, for evildoers. It's a tale of an evil man that doesn't think he is evil. His crimes were barely crimes at all. The story is really well done and is definitely a pageturner. The only downside is that there are only 10 chapters currently. A little bit more worldbuilding would be nice in my opinion, but you do have a wonderful tale despite my desire for more of it.
  Grammar: The grammar appeared to be flawless to me. I found no errors that broke immersion. If they are there they are minor things that I didn't notice while I read through it.
  Character: This, in my opinion, is where Balerik really shines. Your character Dalthan is an interesting, well-thought-out, distinct individual, who has great motivations. Dalthan is a Neutral Evil Rogue who wants to be a good guy. Who runs into trouble right out of the gate. Zaplixel is a rotten scoundrel of a swindler. Lady Belial is a sultry temptress with her own goals. All in all, you have made quite an interesting cadre of characters. While some of them do seem like they need a little more fleshing out, they are still great characters that add to the story in interesting ways.
  In closing, I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a fun tale of a city full of scoundrels and ne'er-do-wells going through their day-to-d
• LockRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  I will try posting this again. Things seem to disappear on this site lately.
  This story is a hell of a lot of fun. The story is unique and has a lot of neat hidden easter eggs imbedded in the storyline, which I love.
  The author writes very concisely and presents his story with a pace that it is easy to follow. He writes the story "to" his audience and invites them to be part of the adventure, without trying to over explain or assume that the readers know something they don't. As we have moved through the initial chapters each new character introduced brings a bit more fun to the situation.
  Our main character, Dalthan, tries to live up to his persona of being the baddest dude around but I have to say he is very likable. How he gets to this point in his death is slowly revealed and makes the story that much more enjoyable. Dalthan’s perception of what he knows versus what is in fact happening to him should make for quite an epic journey moving forward.
  I highly recommend this. I know we are only a few chapters in but it is an obvious winner.
  The wit and humour is... well damn this is a funny story. I love it.
• LunaSeaRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  [Review updated at Chapter 9]
  I'm a sucker for afterlife stories, especially those involving journeys to hell. But the author's made this even more fun than I'd expected.
  From the get-go, the very first sentence (heck, the very first word) of the story had me snickering. It just becomes a riot from there, with well-placed references, and hilarious dialogue and descriptions that catch you when you least expect.
  Style:
  Love it. No tedious exposition, and it's well-paced and entertaining. The descriptions are charming and immersive, while character dialogue makes you feel like a fly on the wall. I especially thoroughly enjoyed the direction the story went from Chapter 2 onwards - I hadn't been expecting it, but when it happened it was perfect and I can't imagine the story unfolding any other way.
  Where the story truly shines for me is the author's wit, honestly. I even laugh when I see chapter titles now, knowing the author's penchant for dark humor.
  This story is perfect for when you're in the doldrums and need a laugh, because the author's humor is impeccable.
  [Chapter 9 update] Character sheet added to chapters 2 & 5, table is well formatted and detailed.
  Story:
  I'm so excited for future chapters because the premise is fun and fascinating. Loving the setting! It makes for an interesting premise when the MC gets sent to a world for 'bad people' and then has to survive in said world among the varying degrees of 'bad people'.
  The twists and the shenanigans are incredible, all of them served up with a hefty does of humor.
  Grammar:
  Couldn't spot any issues.
  Character:
  First off, the MC is hilarious as well as someone who's probably earned his reputation in his own world. It's loads of fun watching him adjust to this new reality, and his innate characteristics and habits make for engaging interactions with others across the spectrum.
  As for the other characters introduced: none of them feels like a flat, two dimensional scribble. Just by reading their descriptions and dia
• PeterRobertsRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  The set up of this character in this setting is the gift that keeps on giving.
  You spend your whole life reveling in being a lawless rogue. A dashing and anti-establishment outlaw, living outside the lines of civil society. Then you are sent to a place where everyone else is a bigger bastard than you.
  MC has a huge chip on his shoulder and is unlikely to find anyone around who might sympathize because he is in hell and everyone there is a bigger an asshole than him. None of his quips land, because the other people are assholes. None of his threats scare anyone, because they are all assholes.
  It’s enough to drive a man to want to be good.
  The other characters don’t disappoint, zaplixel is really well described and a nice take on the old wizard trope. I think their banter on the way into this novel gave a hint of the wonderfully unique set of characters to come. Minor characters (the tailor) are given their moment in the sun (or shade I guess?) without being over described, and others (the ogre) are treated with the same deft touch, just enough to outline them without over doing it.
  I would add that it is the writer's responsibility, nay the writer's duty to provide RR with a forum post listing all of his colorful similes and metaphors.
• Rookie12Royal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This review is based on the seven chapters that were available at the time.
  In this setting, people go to different afterlives after they die. And the MC of this story ended up going to what looked like a hell for people who committed evil sins. However, for him, this is an opportunity! An opportunity to prove that he is not... evil?
  The story is hilarious. We have the MC, who has clearly committed evil acts but truly believes that he can change for the better... Only his view of good is skewed, but by the grace of the archdevil who rules this dimension, he'll try out of sheer spite to become the first good person in this hub of evil! Will he succeed? Who knows, but it'll be hilarious to read about!
  Style. Really good. It has a mix of genuine fun and seriousness.
  Worldbuilding and story. Both are very good. There is no one here who is not looking out for their own interests. 'Got mine, screw you!' rule stands supreme here. There are laws, of course, but if you are rich enough, the laws can be bypassed, this is the afterlife for evil in the end. The archdemon who rules this place comes across as an interesting person, the system of LITrpg makes sense in how it works right now since its original "draft" accidentally caused a local apocalypse.
  Grammar. I am not a native English speaker, but I have found zero mistakes.
  Characters. Awesome! The MC never acts lost, he is quick-witted, a womanizer, and always looks for a way to get ahead in life. But the funniest moments come when he clearly ends up way above his head and feels confused about what is good or not. Still, he has a clear goal and advances toward it. The support cast feels alive, each have their own personal ambitions, and they will stop at nothing to get what they want... As long as their hides are safe.
  This looks like a promising wild ride, filled with dark humor, interesting characters, a good take on the LITRPG genre, and solid action. I read the story in one sitting and am willing to give it five stars.
• jjhuttoRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  TL;DR - Vary Gud riting.
  Honestly, this is worth repeating...  This story is probably more well-written than almost anything on your follow list.
  Let's be honest, LitRPG is not where anyone goes for beautiful turns of phrase, or evocative and engaging prose.  That's just not the kind of thing you normally find on this site. We all show up here for "numbers getting bigger"  and "young masters" getting put in their place.
  Well if ever your heart found itself longing for simple and beautiful prose set around all of our favorite tropes then this is the story for you.
  Don't believe me?
  Go to any chapter and read the comments.  We are all blown away by the clever metaphors and hilarious wording this guy is cooking up.  As I write this he has <25 followers and all of us are cracking up in the comments.
  Do yourself a favor and follow this bad boy, it's beautifully written, funny, and a delight to experience.
  Style - 10/5 because duh. It's my favorite thing about the writing in this one.
  Grammar - impeccable.
  Story - Hilarious and original.
  Characters - 4.5 just because I'm not really an anti-hero kind of guy.  Mostly just my own preference.
  Plus you guys don't believe all 5-star reviews anyway.
  Cheers.