OVERENCUMBERED
By J. Flint Wilder
The burdens we choose to carry define who we become.
About the Book
In a world where a mysterious "System" arrived generations ago, magical energies are made visible through blue notification windows, quantified attributes, and skills.
Follow Garrett's journey in this unique LitRPG novel where the weight mechanics system allows characters to physically carry burdens that represent deeper metaphors for responsibility, moral compromise, sacrifice, and love.
OVERENCUMBERED explores what happens when the weights we bear become too much—or when we find the strength to carry what matters most.
First Edition, First Printing: June 2025
"The legendary Magnus Thornwood, the King's Burden Bearer, can carry over half a ton without strain using special skills like 'Perfect Weight Distribution.'"
Features
LitRPG Genre
A perfect blend of literary fiction and RPG game mechanics.
Unique System
Experience the innovative weight mechanics that govern this world.
Rich World
Immerse yourself in a detailed world with deep lore and history.
Character Depth
Connect with complex characters facing meaningful choices.
The World of OVERENCUMBERED
Explore the fascinating setting where the System's blue notification windows and weight mechanics have transformed society, creating new classes, professions, and challenges.
The Kingdom of Alderhold
Home to the prestigious Burden Bearer Guild and the towering Golden Scale, where heroes test their strength.
The Weighted Wilds
Dangerous forests where gravity itself is unpredictable, and monsters carry enchanted stones that grant special abilities.
The System
The mysterious force that arrived generations ago, quantifying attributes and granting abilities through blue notification windows.
Meet the Characters
Garrett
A young man discovering his unique ability to shoulder burdens others cannot bear.
Magnus Thornwood
Legendary bearer who can carry over half a ton without strain.
Lena Rowe
A skilled tracker who can identify what others carry by the impressions they leave behind.
What Readers Are Saying
Sample Chapter
Prologue: The King's Burden Bearer
Magnus Thornwood felt the familiar blue window appear before him as he approached the castle gates.
[Weight Detected: 320 pounds]
[Current Burden: 0/1100 pounds]
[Skill Available: Perfect Weight Distribution]
He dismissed the notification with a practiced thought and nodded to the royal guards. They stepped aside with deep bows, their eyes filled with the same reverence he'd grown accustomed to over the years. Being the King's Burden Bearer meant respect, but it also meant responsibility.
"Master Thornwood," the captain greeted. "His Majesty awaits in the throne room. The delegation from the Eastern Provinces has arrived."
Magnus nodded. "Political tensions again?"
"Heavy ones, sir," the guard replied with knowing emphasis.
That was his cue. The King would need him to bear the weight of the negotiations—quite literally...
Chapter 1: The Burden Test
Garrett stared at the small blue window hovering before his eyes. Only he could see it—his own personal interface with what people called "the System." The glowing text displayed his most basic statistics:
[Name: Garrett Thorne]
[Level: 1]
[Strength: 12]
[Endurance: 14]
[Agility: 11]
[Intelligence: 16]
[Current Burden: 42/180 pounds]
He dismissed the window with a thought and adjusted the pack on his shoulders. Today was the annual Burden Test in the village of Millbrook, and at seventeen, this was his first year of eligibility. Every able-bodied person would demonstrate their carrying capacity, and those with promising results would be considered for apprenticeships with the Burden Bearers Guild.
His father's voice echoed in his memory: "Remember, son, it's not just about how much you can carry—it's about choosing which burdens are worth bearing."
Chapter 2: Unexpected Weight
"Add another stone," Garrett said, his voice steady despite the strain in his shoulders.
Master Orlen, the test administrator, raised an eyebrow. "You're already at 165 pounds, boy. That's impressive for your age and build, but there's no shame in knowing your limits."
"Please," Garrett insisted. "One more."
The crowd had grown around the testing platform. It wasn't every day that someone from Millbrook showed exceptional capacity. The Guild representatives watched with increasing interest as Master Orlen placed another twenty-pound stone into Garrett's pack.
[Warning: Approaching Maximum Burden]
The notification flashed red in Garrett's vision, but he stood firm. Something strange was happening—he could feel the weight, certainly, but it didn't feel... impossible. It was as though the burden was being distributed throughout his body in ways he couldn't explain.
Suddenly, a new notification appeared:
[Skill Unlocked: Weight Shift (Passive)]
[Description: Allows redistribution of carried weight throughout the body, increasing effective carrying capacity by 15%]
Garrett's eyes widened. A skill? At his age? And during the test?
Frequently Asked Questions
OVERENCUMBERED is scheduled for release in June 2025. Pre-orders will receive their copies on the release date.
Yes, OVERENCUMBERED is appropriate for readers 14 and up. While it deals with complex themes, the content is suitable for young adult readers who enjoy fantasy and LitRPG genres.
Yes! OVERENCUMBERED is planned as the first book in a trilogy. The second book is currently in development with an expected release in 2026.
Not at all. While OVERENCUMBERED draws inspiration from RPG mechanics, the book thoroughly explains all concepts within the story. No prior gaming knowledge is required to enjoy the narrative.
Yes, an audiobook version is planned for release simultaneously with the print and e-book versions in June 2025. Pre-orders for the audiobook will be available closer to the release date.
Pre-order Now
First Edition releasing June 2025