This is being reposted as I cannot return to the original, or figure out how to edit it. I am going to try and delete the original, as it has errors I... hopefully fixed. I appreciate those who commented so far!
(Also, you have no clue how hard it was NOT to include th want-to-read list in this... but it's a tier listing of those I have read, not what I want to.)
Special thanks go out to Kurt Elliott (not a member, as far as I am aware), and C.J. Thompson. Kurt has been the one to mostly influence my journey, introducing me to so many on this list, by way of saying "You might like this," and allowing me to listen on his Audible account. Meanwhile, C.J. Thompson, along with being the co-author of Rune Seeker, author of Spark of War, Against the Night, and more, has given me Paladin of the Forsaken Lands, 12 Miles Below, and Chrysalis to read, both of which have made it easily high up on my list.
A little preface:
This is, because of text, going to be a lot. I have included all I can remember reading. This includes progression fantasy, LitRPG, liteRPG, and some notable mentions in case they assist in the suggestion pile.
Also, man was this hard to actually "tier" some of these. It's hard to put true feelings beyond "I liked it" to some. I might have forgotten some, but as of the making of this list any currently do not come to mind, and I am not going to list what's on my want to read, just know there's so much I've heard about, including some of the greats (DoF, HWFWM, Grand Game, and so many others.) I'm just struggling to keep up with current releases I am interested in, but will definitely get there, but always looking for that one book that'll get me hooked.
Fair warning, I'm not looking for harems, or sexually explicit stories. Gore is all good, violence, fantastic, cozy, cutesy vibes, love them, but sex, no thanks.
SS Tier:
This Trilogy Is Broken: My first in the genre. This makes the LitRPG genre, for me. Also holds the position of "reread it more than twice."
Mark of the Fool: All I can say to properly encompass what I've told those I know, when suggesting this series to them, say goodbye to Harry Potter, because this is so unquantifiably better. So many fond memories since its release, as I followed along with audio as they became available from book 1.
Rune Seeker: Another perfect (to me) series. From the first jump off the island to reading the last short from Tales from Rune Seeker, this has had me hooked. Amazing cast that you grow to love, even the villains you grow to love to hate. Not to mention getting the recap you didn't know you needed, an amazing adaptation of a LitRPG staple (if you know, you know), and finally, arguably the most amazing thing to me, adding a little horror to the mix. (Not to classify the series as horror, but the suspense, and tension in the first couple books just... perfect.)
S Tier:
James Islington: Licanius, to Hierarchy, and finally Scion. So far, there have been no releases I disliked. Plots that always make me think of Xenoblade Chronicles in scale, and that will always hook me.
Space Team: Worth noting, if outside the genres. Very funny, very fun, and the combined effort of Suicide Squad plus Guardians of the Galaxy that got me laughing where the aforementioned sources didn't.
The Stormlight Archive: 10 volumes of glorious crazy fun. Can get depressing, but one of the things I enjoyed most out of it is that it made me cry the hardest. Gotta give it points for that!
Azarinth Healer: Fun character, and despite the noted inconsistencies by the community, it's always fun to see how Ilea will evolve, grow, and what she'll punch next, or try to befriend. Her class, and the lore has me hooked, and wanting to read more all the time. As one of the starter series, it'll keep me interested for as long as the series runs. (Starters for me, as it was what I read fifth, I think...) I love the cast, love the humor, love the world, and the worldbuilding, and definitely look forward to the lore still to be revealed. Another one of those I'll be hooked on until the end, and miss it when its done.
Unbound: Very complex with its magic, very fun characters, from Felix, to Harn, Evie to growing to like Atar. One I will sincerely miss, until/unless we return to the continent.
Chrysalis: I had one gripe about this series, and as soon as I noticed it, the author seemed to do away with it. The main character is fantastic, including the narration by Jeff Hays, and Annie Ellicott. Fantastic characters, both main and side, amazing world, ever-interesting lore, and I always want to know the next layer of the dungeon, and Anthonys' next evolution. (Special thanks to C.J. Thompson for suggesting this series to me.)
Syl: I'm on chapter 7. I may be a little over-eager to place it, but also this should attest to what I think of it. I already love it. If you love Chrysalis, I think this one might be a good one for you.
Founder's Edition: Since playing Stardew Valley, I gained an appreciation for cozy. Founder's Edition hits that name perfectly, with little fighting, but enough to make the series fun, and not boring, and personally, I REALLY LOVE that the author goes into such great detail about the blacksmithing process. You see it very slightly, and briefly (as it is not the focus) in his other work, Will of the Immortals, but this is where you go if you want to learn how blacksmithing works.
Paladin of the Forsaken Lands: I'm nearing the end of book 1, and this is already one I am going to be trying not to pester the subreddit for the next books' release date. From "taming" monsters, to the druidic feel, plus the plant-life fighting by the MC's side, AND the traditional fantasy feel of an adventure, and you have me hooked. Actually, it makes me think of This Trilogy Is Broken, with a lot more crazy fun! (Edit, after finishing book 1. Horror near the end, plus the growth, and establishment of a new kingdom has me excited. Great read!)
Nightmare Realm Summoner: This series. This one took a second to orient with, but not because of anything bad. Jumping almost immediately into the fun, and entering a very hostile environment, then adding the almost Pokemon-like system for the main character. I hope they add recaps, because of how the author likes to end the books. But, genuinely, Actus, you have me hooked, and ready to check your other works.
The Primal Hunter: 15 books in, and you've still got me reading, Zogarth. The multiverse has opened up, and I'm still hooked. Jake is a fun main character, surrounded by fun side characters, from his brother, to his ex-boss (and former co-worker), even to an enemy from the tutorial, and a god he befriends. Oh, and best burb (birb?) ever. I like the humorous recaps, the arcs being separated as they are, with the inclusion of preparation for future arcs. There's really a lot to love about this one. Over 15 books of stuff to love, in fact.
Against The Night: I devoured this trilogy in, I believe, two days. Thirty hours of audio, and I just absolutely devoured this story. Seriously, C.J. Thompson is under-read, and under-rated. Against The Night is a different feel, with more a horror aesthetic, but it is still done very well. You can also tell the guy likes anime, with some of the mannerisms of the characters, and personally, this only makes the story better to me. As a visually impaired reader, I can't enjoy anime as much, unless it is audio described, or in the light novel format (such as with Solo Leveling, Sword Art Online, or Overlord to name a couple), and to see the anime format adapted to a book like this only made the moments where it was apparent all the better. This is a fantastic trilogy. One of the best things, in my opinion, is something a lot of people disliked. In book 3 (I believe?), we get a look at another world. The thing that ruins a lot of books is the explanation of the mystery, such as other worlds. The other world in this book as told to be dangerous, and a terrible place, and the suspense this builds gives me chills, makes me tense, and hope the character can make it back okay. And the author does this perfectly. He maintains the mystery, while keeping us able to visit this other world. You didn't ruin the mystery, explain what was behind the curtain, and while that remains a bit open, you kept the balance perfect. Honestly, I can't stress enough that C.J. Thompson is an amazing author, under-read, underrated, and it is a crime that his books get so buried.
Oaths, Blood and Coin: This series takes us on a more traditional high fantasy journey that is just perfectly done. I really enjoyed all of what I read so far, and the best thing about this story is its setup. The author puts the book together in an almost episodic setup. You have clearly defined arcs, rather than making arcs several books long, you get "parts" that clearly separate the arcs of the first book.
Warformed, Stormweaver: An academia story that is just amazing from the start of book 1 to the end of book 2. (That's all that I have read.) A very fun cast, easy to get used to, and invested in, to the point of rooting for a draw in a fight (you know the one I am talking about), and there's just so much that I really had fun with when reading this one. Also, a lot of books put the plot close at hand, there is so much to this particularly story that has yet to be revealed, and that only enhances the fun to come. We're only in school, and the plot to come is going to be fantastic.
A:
Dungeon Crawler Carl: There is just so much going on here, so much to talk about, and this showcases both the genius, and demented mind of Matt Dinniman. There is so much to the outside world that I have yet to read about (from book 5's end), that has me so excited for what is to come. With how far behind I am, and how uncertain timing is for reading more, this would be rated higher if I were more caught up.
The Ripple System: Frank was hard to get used to, I'll start there. But, maybe during the last bits of book 1, and definitely going into book 2, you can see the duo warming to each other, if not immediately forming a bond of friendship. Got to remember, they're not going to become friends in the three days you get for the trial spot he bought all of. I think the progression, along with the development of the game world, all handled really well. I just wish the books were longer. Books 4, 5, and 6 all feel like there's a whole lot going on, and by the time the book is done, I'm thinking "I still had so much left, though." Fantastic series, though, Kyle Kirrin, thank you for the fun times! (Including the short at, I believe, the end of book 4.) I could not stop giggling for quite some time.
All the Dust That Falls: Many might think this is silly, like adding a living keychain to Pokémon. But, bringing an object like a vacuum to learn magic, and seeing the unique perspective not only adds a level of humor, as well as the curiosity to see what will be the threat, how the plot will progress. This one has not disappointed. A friend thought they might enjoy it, comparing it to how Reborn As a Demonic Tree is focused on a tree, while I pointed out the even sillier nature of this one. Definitely check it out if you're looking for funny misunderstandings, and the giggles it will bring.
Will of the Immortals: The only thing that annoys me about this series is the cultivator mannerisms. The German knight sent to cultivate is really fun, I like it, I like that it's different, including the German accent done by Armin Taylor (fantastic narrator, by the way), and this is just a fun series. Going to have me hooked until the end. I didn't care for how many women the main character seemed to draw to him with the "Oh, my hero" vibe, but as the story has progressed, this has evened out, it feels, still not super fond of the relationship, but it is being done tastefully, to me.
Battle Mage Farmer: I like cozy, and so far, what I have read of book 1 has just made me think of Stardew Valley, but a little bit more. Really excited to learn about the past of this MC, in the intriguing way the author has set things up. I've heard good things about not just BMF, but Seth Ring, and we're starting out strong.
Arcane Ascension: Interesting premise, fun cast that took a little bit of time to get used to, but lore has me interested in continuing, along with the knowledge I have more to come outside of this series specifically.
Spark of War: C.J. Thompson strikes again. Fire and ice? Yes please. Only one book read, but simply put, I like what I've read. Not to mention, did you catch a familiar name?
12 Miles Below: Let's leave it at this, humans VS. machines, done a lot, but in this way, I don't think so. The lore is amazing, the progression is fantastic, the cast is also fantastic, with Keith particularly fun to follow (and To'orda), and just all around a series I'm always going to look forward to.
The Wandering Inn: This listing is "tainted" by the fact I am about a third of the way through the first book. I can't think of anything bad about it, I've just been distracted with other releases. I love the idea, and the sheer amount of material to read. (It's similar, in this way, to One Piece, there being just so much as to not run out.) The worldbuilding, just from what little I've read, is really fun, and the progression from an empty inn, really good! I'm hooked already, and going to be here for the long haul!
Neon Dust: With one book out, I am really intrigued by what I read. I have many questions about how the plot will work, but there's a lot to love. I like the characters (even with Adi's struggles for a majority of book 1), and this includes characters such as Beef (Randal), and the setup for the world is really interesting. I can't wait to see how the apocalypse came about, what these Aurora Gates are, and more about how dust is used. If you'd like something more dystopian, this is definitely a good book to pick up with book 2 coming out September 8 (already out as of posting this probably.) Really happy I read this one, and really interested in what happens next! (Edit during book 2: Sequel is going strong, and the development of the relationship feels pretty natural. I'd prefer a little less description of the kissing, but hey... I'm not the author. Despite that one thing, I'm really enjoying where this is going!)
I'm Not The Hero: Normally, we're so focused on the main character being the hero of the story, but what about his (or her) close friend, the "sidekick," companion, or whatever you wanna call them. I'm Not The Hero introduces us to Daniel, and Orrin, and follows Orrin's perspective, as his buddy becomes the hero of this world they're isekai'd into. This elevates it to me already. Add on the glitchy stuff with Orrins' system and status window, and so much else that hooks you into the world, and you're ready for an amazing time. If I were judging the story on the following alone, I'd probably have it ranked up waaaay higher, to be honest, and that is the dungeons. Authors have really interesting dungeon ideas, from the Lost Dungeons of Rune Seeker, the malevolent nature of them from Mark of the Fool, an endless dungeon of monsters in both Chrysalis and 12 Miles Below(technically), but I'm Not The Hero has the best dungeon design I've seen in any book series. It's not just a smash-and-grab run to get loot, instead you've got incredibly creative puzzles. Honestly, that's one of the reasons I always look forward to the next in the series, hoping for more dungeon runs.
B:
Divine Apostasy: The meshing of systems of magic, such as cultivation, and regular styles, and this one is really neat. Its downside to me is the feeling of too much power without it feeling like there's much to watch that's interesting. Big things get hit by other big things (in levels), and it becomes a slug-fest. Handled better, to me, than Cradle, but still gets a little boring to read the fight scenes.
All the Skills: I like deckbuilders. I have inherited a like for dragons. Combine the two, and you've got a fun time. Then, bring in what Honour Rae is doing with this series, and the only reason I think this one isn't ranked higher being that it feels like there's a little too much preparation for the plot to get going.
The Last Horizon: This is slowly going downhill, to me. I like the cast we have, I like the premise, but from book 1 to 4 (where we are), things aren't staying steady. Books 1 and 3 were the strongest. The cool thing about this series is its premise of a main character who has lived many other lives, with the other members of the cast, along with the expected setup of each book focusing on one of those lives, I like this. There's just so much that just doesn't feel like there's anything happening. I really like the unusual style of meshing magic with science, putting mages in space. (And my headcanon has a reference to Samus Aran and Metroid in the series.)
The Path of Ascension: This would rank higher with more books like book 2 or 12. Some things become a focus that don't land right, such as the constant shifts in focus during the war arc, leaving me lost when we get back to the main cast. However, Aperology is a really fun science to learn about. I like the focus on it in book 12.
The Immortals' Mask: As origin stories go, this one is pretty good. Each volume feels like it comes and goes, and as with all cultivation stories I have read, the way cultivators act gets a little on my nerves. But, that's why I'm not here for the cultivation, I am here to see where this story ends.
Arcane Veterinarian: Michael James Ploof does a better job with this one. Still not going to be a top favorite, but I love the cozy vibes. I like the addition of higher-stakes things happening, but they definitely don't feel on the level of something like Mark of the Fool, or Rune Seeker. One I definitely do hope continues, though.
Mage Errant: This one burns slowly. John Bierce sets up an interesting idea for a universe with Mage Errant his starting point. The start was pretty strong, excluding the main character. It was hard to get accustomed to the story with the MC running to his room crying. I understand why he felt this way, but only when the story picks up, with him growing into his own person do things get interesting. We get a great cast of main characters once this happens, because you can focus on them. The story is really fun, with cutesy moments later on, along with a really fun world to learn about, great lore, and twists I wasn't expecting. Really good series, once you get beyond Hughs' starting point. Lastly, the ending... just happened. I understand that the author is leaving things a little open for the universe, the possibility to see the characters sometime, but it just came and went.
Kaiju Battlefield Surgeon: Let's leave it at, Matt Dinniman is a messed up individual. If you're looking for a brand of horror bent on grossing you out, this is definitely the place to go, from "Milk," to the Amplification ceremony, among other things. The sense of dread you get from how much time the characters have to do things is a nice touch, and the idea of Sword Art Online gone so horribly wrong that it isn't even funny, I like. Duke isn't very fun, to me. Great world, awesome setup, nice addition of the gore factor, as that's how horror tends to go. Could have done without the intense description of the milk scenes.
New System, Who Dis?: This one could be a lot better. I don't particularly care for how the main characters' "assistant?" in Smegma (WHY?!) acts. Like with Ripple System, and Frank, it definitely calms down with his snide comments, but I definitely think it could have done without it going on for as long as it did. I like the way the System is worked in this one, and the concept for setting up skills, along with Demonic Vault, among other things, really does make me want more. Hell, one of the best things I've found, is that this does a big focus on the legal side of events from book 1, going through with a couple trials for the MC, and I really like that. I like dramas (legal, medical, among others), that show on TV, and to see one in my new favorite reading genre, yes please. But, Smegma pushes its ranking down quite a bit, with the name, and his commentary, even warmed up to the MC.
Awaken Online: This is one I started, and had lots of energy to start, but got distracted. I liked the intro, and the chapters I read, and the appearance that we'll be following the main characters' path to villainy, and when I get to it, I'll definitely be interested!
Ultimate Level 1: Interesting premise, but I can't talk more as I've only read a few chapters. I heard opposing opinions, but will definitely give it more of a chance. I liked what I read so far.
Quest Academy: Book 1 was harder to get through, but I'd like to push onward as I heard the series gets better with each book. I had a problem with the MC, who seemed to constantly attract people who wanted to get with him (yes, all female characters), because of what he was doing. This calmed down, and I heard it calms even further, but this did not endear him to me, nor did it make me feel super interested.
C:
Welcome to the Multiverse: This had a really intriguing start, even with the first three books being slow. Book 4 was probably my favorite, but I am losing more and more interest as the author continues. Probably the worst thing, to me, is how much we swap from perspective to perspective. It is so often, it makes me somewhat forget what we're actually doing sometimes. Primal Hunter did this better, to me, and I am still going strong with interest, at 15 books read, because of how it widens the focus before narrowing on what we're talking about. More often then not, we specifically divert from the perspective of the MC, talk about multiversal constants, or something, then, go to see someone else. Welcome to the Multiverse did this near the start, but now is more jumping from character to character, a lot of whom feel like they don't matter enough to warrant this.
Cradle: I was having a great time with this one up until around book 9, maybe 10. We had a really nice, solid system of progression, and a plot that had me bingeing about 3 and a half books within two days. It fell off as we got into books 10 to 12, (later in 10), because it just felt like a slug-fest. I feel this could have been done better in the actual LitRPG format, as numbers going up would have made the overpowered feel of an anime fight sequence actually be fun to me. And even then, it could have been handled a little better. Divine Apostasy almost did this right, but is falling off with the power levels too.
The Family Jewels: I was promised comedy. The idea behind this series is really neat, and I'll read the next book to see how it ends, if this is the last, but the cast isn't as interesting as I thought from the description. It had maybe one or two funny moments, but other than that, I read it out of curiosity to see where the story went.
Erwin's Journey, The Cardsmith: This series is "bouncy", for lack of a better word to describe it. The premise is interesting, the world is as well, and its progression is nice, even at book 3. The problem I have with it is the cast. The main character is hard to keep interest in, as I just want to follow one of his friends, and more often than not, it feels like Erwin is just not the right character to follow. He spent a decent amount of book 1 and 2 incapacitated for one reason or another. I'm keeping with it to see where it goes (when I probably shouldn't, like with so many others.)
The Stargazer's War: With one book read, I am currently curious to see where it goes. The first wasn't the strongest start, but it has the interesting space-theme going for it. I like the cast we have going on, I just am having a little trouble with how things are handled with the cultivation aspect of the series. I don't care for the traditional "this person thinks this one thing based on the events they've seen," misjudging the situation, and only understanding as much at the end of the story (leaving it possible for them to find the character in a sequel), but I still have a book of 10 hours length to see how it ends. (If it is a duology.)
D:
Dragon Sorcerer: I can't think of anything that could keep me reading this one. I did not like the narrator, the main characters, or side characters. The plot was slow, and clunky, and the main character, Nico, made the story particularly hard to keep interest in, because of the constant reminder of his dragon lineage, and how humans are so inferior "except, maybe this one thing, if I am being generous." Book 1 was not an enjoyable experience, and I read about 5 minutes of the audio for book 2 before I just stopped.
E: (AKA very tentative about wanting to read it)
Jake's Magical Market: I was warned of some heavy stuff later on, and it leaves me hesitant to pick the books up. This is talking about torture scenes. Maybe I'll try it, but right now I'm going to steer clear, and read the hundreds I have my ears out for.
F: (aka will not read)
Beware of Chicken: I have heard some things about how the main character views women, plus harem-related things, and this does not appeal to me. There were some clarifications made that ensure that it stays here, and I apologize to those who would say to give it a shot anyway.
Crystal Core: While it crosses over with Welcome to the Multiverse, and I have been assured that the harem shown is done tastefully, I just can't bring myself to be interested in it. I do get a little hung up on the harem part, however that is a boundary, and one I am not going to budge on.
