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The World of Critical Role: The History Behind the Epic Fantasy Kindle Edition

by Liz Marsham (Author), Cast of Critical Role (Author), Critical Role (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 2,919 ratings
See all formats and editions
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Dive deep into the history of the world’s most popular fantasy RPG livestream with the cast of Critical Role in this definitive guide featuring never-before-seen illustrations and photos.

From its unassuming beginnings as a casual home game between friends to the role-playing phenomenon it is today, Critical Role has become the stuff of legend. These pages chronicle how a circle of friends who all happen to be talented voice actors built the most-watched tabletop role-playing livestream of all time.

Discover dazzling new illustrations and richly written insights into the locations, characters, and adventures featured in the hundreds of episodes across Critical Role’s two campaigns, Vox Machina and the Mighty Nein. Go behind the scenes with archival photos and exclusive interviews with Dungeon Master Matt Mercer and the entire Critical Role cast as they explore their characters’ most triumphant moments and darkest hours. And celebrate the massive community of Critters who support and expand the show’s world through a highlighted tour of the crafts, cosplay, and art they create every day.
 
Featuring a foreword from Felicia Day, lush illustrations, and the inside story you won’t find anywhere else, this book is your indispensable guide to Critical Role. The adventure begins!
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  1. Part of series
    Critical Role
  2. Print length
    292 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Random House Worlds
  6. Publication date
    October 20, 2020
  7. File size
    277340 KB
  8. Page Flip
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  9. Word Wise
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  10. Enhanced typesetting
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From the Publisher

Critical Role, Critical Role book, book on Critical Role, Matt Mercer, dnd, dnd books, ttrpg books

Critical Role, Critical Role book, book on Critical Role, Matt Mercer, dnd, dnd books, ttrpg books

Critical Role, Critical Role book, book on Critical Role, Matt Mercer, dnd, dnd books, ttrpg books

Critical Role, Critical Role book, book on Critical Role, Matt Mercer, dnd, dnd books, ttrpg books

Original, never-before-seen illustrations

Cast interviews and behind-the-scenes photos

Insights into the locations, characters, and adventures featured across Critical Role

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Liz Marsham writes books of all types for readers of all ages. She began her storytelling career as an editor at DC Comics and Disney Publishing. As a D&D character, she would most likely be a warlock: She can do a couple of cool things in a row, but then she needs a nap. She runs a tiny fiefdom in Southern California with her husband, son, two cats, and what she insists is a “perfectly reasonable” number of dice.

Founded by veteran voice actors Matthew Mercer, Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel, Laura Bailey, and Liam O’Brien, Critical Role has grown from a weekly improv storytelling campaign set in an ever-evolving world to a media company centered on connecting with communities in new and meaningful ways, including fiction (Critical Role: Vox Machina—Kith & Kin) and nonfiction (The World of Critical Role) books on the New York Times bestseller list, comic books (Vox Machina Origins, Tales of Exandria), graphic novels (The Mighty Nein Origins series), collectibles, tabletop and role playing games, podcasts, live events, and a critically acclaimed animated series, The Legend of Vox Machina.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Foreword


There is a bit of magic in our world sometimes. Not spell magic, although that would be amazing—and sign me up for some fire-based powers, please—but chemistry between people. The kind that is effortless and enrapturing, and that you can’t stop watching. This is what Critical Role embodies for so many people. Including me.

My own discovery of the group was like most people’s: Through word of mouth. At a party in 2014, my friend Ashley Johnson mentioned that she played D&D with other voiceover actors. Not only did I fall more in love with her after hearing that (she is so very lovable so that wasn’t very hard) but I was hooked on the idea of watching her and her friends play. I never got that chance due to my “all work, no fun” nature at the time, but a year later, when I decided to start a Twitch channel with my former company Geek & Sundry, the first item I put on the brainstorm board was “D&D Live.” The first note I put under THAT was “Email Ashley Johnson.”

I still didn’t get the chance to watch the group before they started playing on the channel. But hearing how entertaining they were from my employees who went to scout them convinced me they were perfect. I felt the work of kismet happening, and I knew in my gut that they would be the exact match needed for my grassroots style. Sight unseen. (Yes, I am a “program first, ask questions later” kind of gal.) The very first time I actually watched them perform was with thousands of other people when they premiered on the channel. As soon as I saw them on screen, having the best time together, I was dazzled and obsessed and knew in my heart they were going to change the world of role-playing. And boy, have they.

Many may wonder what makes Critical Role stand out from all the other role-playing groups in the world. Aside from the movie-star chemistry between seven genuine friends who can do ALL the voices, it has to be the charisma and creativity of RPG genius Matt Mercer. The work of a DM is endless and complex and can seem completely overwhelming, but with Matt’s deep geek knowledge, incredible abilities as a voice performer, and waving-wheat hair that a ‘70s model would envy, he is a “total package.” A unique unicorn. Who, I know personally, has a caring heart and authentic passion for the geek space. Most importantly, he’s a leader who has set the tone for a fan family to flourish. And has helped gift the proud title of “Critter” to millions of people around the globe.

Critical Role’s complete journey is held between the covers of this book, and it truly is a joy to read. Anything you’d ever want to know about the group is right here. You won’t be able to help but fall in love with the rags-to-riches story of a group of friends achieving colossal success through doing what they love. And you won’t be able to help but laugh at some of the crazy anecdotes inside, especially Scanlan’s. (The craziest of which you will have to watch online, they couldn’t be put in print. To be clear, it’s because they are so damned dirty.) Hopefully, you will be inspired by the group’s enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication to each other. They are truly genuine, lovely people. By the end of reading these pages, anyone will be proud to call themselves a Critter. I know that I am.

oxox,

Felicia Day

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B082S2LPST
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House Worlds (October 20, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 20, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 277340 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 292 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0593157435
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 2,919 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Liz Marsham

    Liz Marsham

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    Liz Marsham began her storytelling career as an editor for DC Comics and Disney Publishing. She loves fantasy, sci-fi, knitting, games (video, tabletop, and otherwise), weird stories about true things, and people working to make the world better. Also tea. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, her son, a cat who thinks she is a princess, and a cat who thinks he is a dog. Visit her at lizmarsham.com.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Critical Role

    Critical Role

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    What started in 2012 as a roleplaying game between friends has evolved into a multiplatform entertainment phenomenon with a variety of shows, including the flagship show Critical Role, comic books, graphic novels, animation, live performances, podcasts, and more. Our community tunes in each week to watch their favorite storytellers take on new adventures led by veteran voice actor Matthew Mercer and composed of other well-known voice actors Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel, Laura Bailey and Liam O'Brien. For more information on Critical Role go to critrole.com.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
2,919 global ratings
Great Gift!!!
5 Stars
Great Gift!!!
Bought as a gift for my girlfriend and she absolutely loved it!!! Awesome fun info about the critical roll family and behind the scenes.
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Top reviews from the United States

Patrick Starrett
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Gift!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
Bought as a gift for my girlfriend and she absolutely loved it!!! Awesome fun info about the critical roll family and behind the scenes.
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Patrick Starrett
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Gift!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
Bought as a gift for my girlfriend and she absolutely loved it!!! Awesome fun info about the critical roll family and behind the scenes.
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Mark Owens
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic look at the history and personalities behind Critical Role
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2020
Verified Purchase
I loved Mary Elizibeth McGlynn's narration. She loves CR and is good friends with the cast and her love of the material shows through. The book is a fantastic overview and it also provides a pretty solid intro to what Dungeons and Dragons is and what it can be for anyone who doesn't know already or who only knows the nonsense that floated around in the 80s about it. As a long-time player and DM myself I found a lot of useful and instructive perspectives about the game itself, through the lens of Critical Role. It's an encomium, not an expose, which is why it's so long. The cast is such an amazing group of people and it shows in everything they do.
10 people found this helpful
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Grieger
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read for fans new and old
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
I'll add a disclaimer that I'm completely biased as I am a Critter and just love this group of nerds.

That said, I just loved this book. If you've watched every episode, watched all the interviews you could find (thanks Brian) and all that, there might not be a lot of new bits of info to glean. Even so, though, as someone who isn't obsessed but has seen all the episodes and has seen a lot of the interviews and after-shows where they discuss their characters, I feel like there's still some nice nuggets in there.

For new fans, this could be a great way to get all those really nice insights and learn more about the cast and history of the group. It's a great companion to first two seasons though bear in mind there are some spoilers in there so I'd recommend you wait until you've gone through those seasons (unless you're not bothered by spoilers).

For existing fans, dedicated or not, it's a great way to revisit the stories behind the cast and the characters. You never know, there still might be something you didn't know about.

For me, it was like revisiting a familiar place, feeling a mix of nostalgia and a visit to somewhere you've been before that made you happy. Every time I'd finish reading a section and would close the book, I couldn't help but hug it. It just felt like home.

If you consider yourself even a sliver of a Critter, you should get this book. It belongs in your library.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic coverage on Critical Role’s journey - Goth Teen DM approved!
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was a complete treasure to find - my kiddo is a DM and loves this show (and D20). It’s not just about the gameplay, but that there’s these incredibly kind and funny role models out there for teens and adults like us. (I’m no prude, but sometimes it’s nice to just have good non-drama people in the arsenal, ya know?)

Kiddo and I are also HUGE “making of” buffs when it comes to film/television/streaming - and this book nailed it. I even got long hugs from my teen!!! It was totally a fantastic purchase and we love supporting a great show as well.

Added bonus: SUPER AFFORDABLE! I was expecting to pay double and hold off a few more months to get it if it was that much because, well, I’m a single parent in Seattle wage-earner...so budgets are freakin’ tight all the time.

But, it was a normal price - $26 I think after tax at the time! What?! So this along with my other two reviewed purchases nailed it for their 15th birthday. Don’t worry, he got more stuff and some sweet sweet cash...but because of luck I was able to get him things I normally struggle to afford.

Great great great book - great! It’s a lovely trip into the show and the creators and production. It really brings the culture of Critical Role home.
6 people found this helpful
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LynnH
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Intro Book for Campaigns 1 & 2
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book covered a lot of campaign 1 & 2 and highlighted the mechanics of playing D&D. I thought it was a great intro book to learn more about the crew that created Critical Role and the many characters they play.

I stream weekly episodes via Twitch/YouTube.

Is it Thursday yet?
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
I love Vox Machina. I was Introduced to Critical Role through the TV show and listening to the stream. Just a positive bunch of people.
One person found this helpful
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Lauren Gregory
5.0 out of 5 stars I would give it 6/5 stars if I could
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
This book is amazing! I could not put it down until I was done. I was a little apprehensive to buy it at first. I have been a fan of Critical Role for years and have watched almost all content related to the show and cast. I expected this to be a sort or regurgitation of the story we all know and love, "A group of nerdy ass voice actors, and how they became uber famous, professional D&D players." I was very pleasantly surprised to find this was not the case. I don't want to give any spoilers, but this book is a great and fun analysis of the characters, the players, the story, world, company, and origin story that make up the Critical Role that I have come to love.
One person found this helpful
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Shadow Wednesday
5.0 out of 5 stars "Don't forget to love each other, and is it Thursday yet?"
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a great book! As a critter, I have digested as much lore behind the show and these wonderful group of nerdy a** voice actors by myself.

However, along comes this book! And so far I find so many details I was still unaware. This is a solid book if you are already a critter! There are some interesting personal views and stories that makes you reflect on why this show can be so appealing to many!

If you are *not* a critter yet, this is still an interesting book to read about what D&D can bring to a group of friends or the community at large.
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Top reviews from other countries

Priscila AD Guerrero
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Material
Reviewed in Brazil on April 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
I love this book, its very beautiful and delighful.
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Szechuan Pete
5.0 out of 5 stars Team Marisha!
Reviewed in Canada on May 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
Marisha Ray is my hero!
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Lynn in Belfast NI
5.0 out of 5 stars Critical Role
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
I would like to Rage please.
Loved reading this book. These guys are fantastic vocal actors and have fairly much brought DnD to the fore.
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Rebecca Baum
5.0 out of 5 stars Bidet Critters
Reviewed in Germany on April 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
Got it as Ebook to read in the train etc and i read it so fast and loved it. Insights into everything happening behind the scenes, retellings of the stories and much more. Such a nice read for all critters and i love to read it again and again as i progress watching the mighty nein and then reading about these npc chars etc so i don't spoiler myself so much and i love it every time
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David O.M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, and it covers way more than I expected
Reviewed in Spain on May 22, 2022
Verified Purchase
I liked the gentle overview of Critical Role, the good, the bad, the history and where it looks like it's going. Even being an avid follower of the stream, it has taught me things I didn't know or I hadn't noticed.
I particularly like the focus on the community, the positivity and acceptance. We need more of that everywhere.
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