Ryan "Quicksave" Romano, armed with time-looping powers, attempts to prevent New Rome's destruction by exploring both heroism and villainy, infiltrating rival factions, and uncovering corporate secrets, all while grappling with the emotional toll of resetting relationships and facing adversaries who may remember previous loops. The story blends dark humor, inventive superpowers, and philosophical questions about free will and identity, delivering unpredictable twists and deepening both world-building and character development.

Reader Review Summary

Set in an alternate Earth where superpowers are common, the story follows Ryan "Quicksave" Romano as he navigates a new time loop with the goal of preventing New Rome's destruction by the Meta-Gang. The narrative structure revolves around Ryan's ability to reset time, allowing him to explore different paths as both a superhero and a supervillain, often switching allegiances and strategies in each loop. The book delves into the complexities of the power system, the moral and emotional consequences of repeated resets, and the secrets held by the Dynamis corporation. Key plot points include Ryan's infiltration of various factions, his attempts to unite or defeat them, and the emergence of characters who retain memories across loops, all while maintaining a tone that blends action, humor, and philosophical reflection. The story features a diverse cast, including side characters like Panda, Wardrobe, and Felix, and incorporates elements such as sentient toasters, killer bunny plushies, and references to pop culture and science.

Readers praised the book for its character development, especially the expansion of minor characters into significant roles and the depth given to side characters like Panda and Wardrobe. The humor, often described as over-the-top and filled with running gags, was frequently highlighted as a major strength, with many citing laugh-out-loud moments and clever dialogue. The world-building and the way each time loop reveals new facets of the story were also commended, as was the handling of the power system and the emotional toll of time resets on Ryan. Several reviews noted the book's ability to maintain tension and surprise, with unexpected plot twists, detailed action sequences, and philosophical discussions about free will and consequence. The audiobook narration by Eric Michael Summerer received positive feedback, and the pacing, especially in the second act, was described as engaging and hard to put down.

Some readers expressed confusion at the beginning of the book, finding the initial setup or the transition between loops difficult to follow. There were criticisms regarding the prose, with a few noting that it sometimes felt off or awkward. The romance subplot, particularly the harem-like dynamics and certain character interactions, was described as odd or uncomfortable by some reviewers. A few readers felt that the story occasionally rehashed previous content or that the focus on a single main conflict for an extended period could be repetitive. Additionally, the blending of genres and the presence of multiple languages in reviews suggest that not all readers found the tone or narrative style to their taste.

The book is the second in a trilogy and was published in 2021, with an average reader rating of 4.56 out of 5 from 2,700 ratings and 103 full reviews. It is available in audiobook format and is categorized under fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, time travel, and urban fantasy. The narrative includes references to other works in the genre, such as 'Mother of Learning' and 'Vainqueur the Dragon,' and features a mix of action, comedy, and speculative fiction elements. The story explores the implications of memory, identity, and morality in a world where time can be reset, and it sets up further developments for the concluding volume of the series.