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He Who Fights with Monsters #10
He Who Fights with Monsters 10: A LitRPG Adventure
A subterranean power creates strange bedfellows for Jason and his friends in the epic next installment of He Who Fights with Monsters.
Following the devastating attack on Yaresh, its people are left to pick up the pieces. The city lies in ruins, but its decimated defenders have more to deal with than just reconstruction. Jason's actions during the battle have brought unwelcome attention from allies and enemies alike. While the adventurers question his loyalty, the messengers question his very nature. Both have designs on Jason that he intends to thwart, but a danger comes to light that shifts everyone's agenda.
Deep underground, a hidden civilization has survived by tapping into a long-buried power. That power's growing instability has become both a threat and an opportunity to the warring surface factions. Neither side can stop or claim the power alone, leading to an uneasy alliance with a reluctant Jason at the center. The adventurers, messengers, and Jason himself all have intentions for the power but little idea what awaits them below ground. There are more players involved than any of them realize, and soon, they will have greater problems than each other.
About the series: Experience an isekai culture clash as a laid-back Australian finds himself in a very serious world. See him gain suspiciously evil powers through a unique progression system combining cultivation and traditional LitRPG elements. Enjoy a weak-to-strong story with a main character who earns his power without overshadowing everyone around him, with plenty of loot, adventurers, gods and magic. Rich characters and world-building offer humor, political intrigue and slice-of-life elements alongside lots of monster fighting and adventure.
Following the devastating attack on Yaresh, its people are left to pick up the pieces. The city lies in ruins, but its decimated defenders have more to deal with than just reconstruction. Jason's actions during the battle have brought unwelcome attention from allies and enemies alike. While the adventurers question his loyalty, the messengers question his very nature. Both have designs on Jason that he intends to thwart, but a danger comes to light that shifts everyone's agenda.
Deep underground, a hidden civilization has survived by tapping into a long-buried power. That power's growing instability has become both a threat and an opportunity to the warring surface factions. Neither side can stop or claim the power alone, leading to an uneasy alliance with a reluctant Jason at the center. The adventurers, messengers, and Jason himself all have intentions for the power but little idea what awaits them below ground. There are more players involved than any of them realize, and soon, they will have greater problems than each other.
About the series: Experience an isekai culture clash as a laid-back Australian finds himself in a very serious world. See him gain suspiciously evil powers through a unique progression system combining cultivation and traditional LitRPG elements. Enjoy a weak-to-strong story with a main character who earns his power without overshadowing everyone around him, with plenty of loot, adventurers, gods and magic. Rich characters and world-building offer humor, political intrigue and slice-of-life elements alongside lots of monster fighting and adventure.
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First published November 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
December 1, 2023
Another volume in the 4-5 books of Emo Jason. Let's recap the books as they are basically the same with some different window dressing.
Big power or Org tries to control Jason, Jason gets mad, oh no, I shouldn't get mad, you won't like me when I'm mad.
Friends enter the room.
Jason, you are a bigger man, no get mad again, remember how bad you feel when mad and do bad.
I know, Jason pulls on black hood and his voice goes quiet. "I can't afford to be mad. "
Big Organisation send another person to control Jason.
Jason "Stop trying to control me"
Baddies: "Gods say you're important, we listen and won't control."
Jason: "I tried to trust you again but you backstabbed me again. I'm done. "
Bad guys: "You have to save these puppies, so I've put these puppies above a fire. "
"You did that because you knew I would save them. I can't trust you anymore!"
The charm is wearing off.
Jason needs to grow up and rank up or bugger off.
EDIT: Bumped it to 2 stars because the book ends in a cliffhanger, there are no resolutions in this book, just a big dump of very slow build-up without any payoff.
Big power or Org tries to control Jason, Jason gets mad, oh no, I shouldn't get mad, you won't like me when I'm mad.
Friends enter the room.
Jason, you are a bigger man, no get mad again, remember how bad you feel when mad and do bad.
I know, Jason pulls on black hood and his voice goes quiet. "I can't afford to be mad. "
Big Organisation send another person to control Jason.
Jason "Stop trying to control me"
Baddies: "Gods say you're important, we listen and won't control."
Jason: "I tried to trust you again but you backstabbed me again. I'm done. "
Bad guys: "You have to save these puppies, so I've put these puppies above a fire. "
"You did that because you knew I would save them. I can't trust you anymore!"
The charm is wearing off.
Jason needs to grow up and rank up or bugger off.
EDIT: Bumped it to 2 stars because the book ends in a cliffhanger, there are no resolutions in this book, just a big dump of very slow build-up without any payoff.
December 2, 2023
I've mentioned before how obsessed the author has become with the main character. It is now at the point where we need something like the Bechdel test. But rather than testing for female marginalization, it tests for non-protagonist marginalization...
"Did any characters have a conversation about anything, other than the protagonist, when the protagonist wasn't also present?" In this book, except for one short exchange when Gary was getting the Hero treatment, the answer is no. Everything else either involves Jason directly or shows people talking about Jason.
I like Jason. He's a great character. But the story feels, more and more, in service to him. It's like he's the center of this universe and everyone secretly knows it. But I'm in too deep. Unless things get dramatically worse, I need to see this to the end.
"Did any characters have a conversation about anything, other than the protagonist, when the protagonist wasn't also present?" In this book, except for one short exchange when Gary was getting the Hero treatment, the answer is no. Everything else either involves Jason directly or shows people talking about Jason.
I like Jason. He's a great character. But the story feels, more and more, in service to him. It's like he's the center of this universe and everyone secretly knows it. But I'm in too deep. Unless things get dramatically worse, I need to see this to the end.
June 28, 2024
Be wary of the cliff hanger, omg he's evil
December 1, 2023
Holy crap, havent finished yet but am literally using this book series for nap time.
Do you like books with no story progression and random features? Tired of litRPG where the main characters get stronger and overcome known obstacles? Then this book is for you! Then to spice things up we will make sure the author has zero foreshadowing because heaven help us if he is held accountable. When you can just crank out random chapters with no direction.
Seriously there was even a scene between a god and main character that was completely meta where the author acknowledges that Jason has absolutely no progression. Then to keep us all on the edge of our seats we are reminded that it will be years before the next rankup and a God will have to step in to give him a free upgrade or we will have to suffer through (checks notes) 5 more books of random upgrades with zero foreshadowing, even then he wont be any more powerful than an city administrator…wow that is fun to look forward to.
Please author, read up on the use of foreshadowing so we can see where this is going and follow through. Right now it looks like you are writing a handful of chapters at a time with no outline and are just impressed you got this far.
Do you like books with no story progression and random features? Tired of litRPG where the main characters get stronger and overcome known obstacles? Then this book is for you! Then to spice things up we will make sure the author has zero foreshadowing because heaven help us if he is held accountable. When you can just crank out random chapters with no direction.
Seriously there was even a scene between a god and main character that was completely meta where the author acknowledges that Jason has absolutely no progression. Then to keep us all on the edge of our seats we are reminded that it will be years before the next rankup and a God will have to step in to give him a free upgrade or we will have to suffer through (checks notes) 5 more books of random upgrades with zero foreshadowing, even then he wont be any more powerful than an city administrator…wow that is fun to look forward to.
Please author, read up on the use of foreshadowing so we can see where this is going and follow through. Right now it looks like you are writing a handful of chapters at a time with no outline and are just impressed you got this far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2023
What's the strongest aspect of this series? The banter between characters.
What's the weakest aspect of this series? The banter between characters.
This being book 10, I think we all have a fair idea what we're getting into. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the broad strokes of the story. The author tends to use dialogue as a magical hammer and sees every aspect of storytelling in the shape of a nail. So sometimes the banter is fun. Other times it's loosely disguised infodumping, which I felt was often the case for the first 80% of the book.
This seems like the first half of a single story arc, the important events of which only begin about 80% in. The rest is pretty much scene after scene of people talking. Jason talking about himself. People talking about Jason. Psychological self-flagellation. Clive's mom. Rinse repeat. I skimmed the parts I knew weren't that important and didn't find too interesting and focused on the parts I liked. In the end, it was an overall enjoyable experience and I'm curious to see where things go.
I wish the author did a bit more to set certain things up - it felt like a few things should have been mentioned in previous books if they were part of the lore. There were plenty of organic opportunities to do so. And I'm not a big fan of Deus Ex Machina maneuvers, but they feel a bit more like they belong here since there are characters that are actual gods. It shows that in these stories it isn't just what you know but who you know, especially if some of them are divine.
It is kind of hard to feel too invested in certain scenes since the author has a habit of undermining a serious scene with an odd bit of figurative language. Pretty sure he compared something to a firehose enema at one point during what was supposed to be a serious moment, or at least not a comedic one. Or when someone is fighting and throws a hammer "as straight as a well-hung shelf."
It is what it is. On to book 11 when it comes out.
What's the weakest aspect of this series? The banter between characters.
This being book 10, I think we all have a fair idea what we're getting into. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the broad strokes of the story. The author tends to use dialogue as a magical hammer and sees every aspect of storytelling in the shape of a nail. So sometimes the banter is fun. Other times it's loosely disguised infodumping, which I felt was often the case for the first 80% of the book.
This seems like the first half of a single story arc, the important events of which only begin about 80% in. The rest is pretty much scene after scene of people talking. Jason talking about himself. People talking about Jason. Psychological self-flagellation. Clive's mom. Rinse repeat. I skimmed the parts I knew weren't that important and didn't find too interesting and focused on the parts I liked. In the end, it was an overall enjoyable experience and I'm curious to see where things go.
I wish the author did a bit more to set certain things up - it felt like a few things should have been mentioned in previous books if they were part of the lore. There were plenty of organic opportunities to do so. And I'm not a big fan of Deus Ex Machina maneuvers, but they feel a bit more like they belong here since there are characters that are actual gods. It shows that in these stories it isn't just what you know but who you know, especially if some of them are divine.
It is kind of hard to feel too invested in certain scenes since the author has a habit of undermining a serious scene with an odd bit of figurative language. Pretty sure he compared something to a firehose enema at one point during what was supposed to be a serious moment, or at least not a comedic one. Or when someone is fighting and throws a hammer "as straight as a well-hung shelf."
It is what it is. On to book 11 when it comes out.
December 18, 2023
*** Before I begin: Anyone who says this book ends on a cliff hanger is nuts... its not a cliff hanger, we all know what happens...***
Where Aleron Kong took us into a cave and we never made it out because it sucked... and we stopped reading... Shirtaloon took us down and is holding us hostage for book 11 while we patiently await our lord and savior Shirtaloon to bless us with another outrageously hilarious character like we get introduced to half way through the book. What a game changer
It didn't dawn on me that we are on book 10 until... well, I realized we are at a double digit number of books for a series that builds on itself.
I love the books don't get me wrong but... this is so long... 10 books... and we still aren't even CLOSE TO THE END?!
I'm mostly upset the book series will continue for most likely another 3 or 4 looks.... because I feel like there is so much to wrap up, I don't think we are going to do that in book 11...
Good book, good growth, and interesting character interactions. The start was slow with mostly politics and talking but, thats kind of Shirtaloons thing... mixing politics and action with character grown.
5/5 on a typical HWFWM book from this series....
And now we wait for book 11.
Where Aleron Kong took us into a cave and we never made it out because it sucked... and we stopped reading... Shirtaloon took us down and is holding us hostage for book 11 while we patiently await our lord and savior Shirtaloon to bless us with another outrageously hilarious character like we get introduced to half way through the book. What a game changer
It didn't dawn on me that we are on book 10 until... well, I realized we are at a double digit number of books for a series that builds on itself.
I love the books don't get me wrong but... this is so long... 10 books... and we still aren't even CLOSE TO THE END?!
I'm mostly upset the book series will continue for most likely another 3 or 4 looks.... because I feel like there is so much to wrap up, I don't think we are going to do that in book 11...
Good book, good growth, and interesting character interactions. The start was slow with mostly politics and talking but, thats kind of Shirtaloons thing... mixing politics and action with character grown.
5/5 on a typical HWFWM book from this series....
And now we wait for book 11.
December 5, 2023
An unfortunate bumb in an otherwise excellent series.
The book follows most the normal routine for the series only the first 80% of the book is just a broken record. Repeating the same thing to different people over and over and over again. To the point that it gets really preachie and annoying. You could skip the first 75% of the book and not have missed anything important, because nothing happens. Read the end and then wait for the next book. Hopefully it'll be better!!
The book follows most the normal routine for the series only the first 80% of the book is just a broken record. Repeating the same thing to different people over and over and over again. To the point that it gets really preachie and annoying. You could skip the first 75% of the book and not have missed anything important, because nothing happens. Read the end and then wait for the next book. Hopefully it'll be better!!
December 6, 2023
I think this is the best book in the series so far. Jason, for maybe the first time, actually shows some positive character growth. The team is bickering and bantering with each other, and it is awesome. There are good fights, high stakes, and plenty of action.
What holds this back from a full 5 stars is the slow pace at the start. It is held up by the banter, but is still utterly slow. Lots of politics, lots of talking, but little action for a lot of the start of this book. There is also a lot of repeated information, with recaps of events that just happened coming up over and over. Seriously, readers do not need a recap of the last chapter. If we do, we can reread that chapter.
What holds this back from a full 5 stars is the slow pace at the start. It is held up by the banter, but is still utterly slow. Lots of politics, lots of talking, but little action for a lot of the start of this book. There is also a lot of repeated information, with recaps of events that just happened coming up over and over. Seriously, readers do not need a recap of the last chapter. If we do, we can reread that chapter.
December 18, 2023
Nothing happens... This book has a few banger scenes. I loved the build up to the gold guy going into the portal. I liked Ally's convincing herself to enter the portal. I loved Hump's little monologue about trust and how ridiculously campy it was. That's about it. Everything else is either a rehash of things that happened elsewhere in the story, completely unhinged (what was up with that lion guy burning the silver ranker's face off?), or completely boring.
Why did we need ANOTHER messenger character to focus on? Why did we need so many scenes of Jason pontificating about mercy? Why did Ally become a weak schoolgirl in response to a child's sense of morality? How did Jason just agree to work with the builder cultists without a word? Why are we spending so much time on Yaresh politics that has literally nothing to do with the main cast. At least have Neil be from here or know people here or something to tie us to the action. Jason's one night stand does not count as an anchor to the stakes.
So many things don't make sense or were lazily introduced or were beaten to death in ways that couldn't possibly be interesting. The author has done the series a disservice by embroiling his self insert protagonist in events he's way underleveled for. All of the fun interesting characters we have grown to love in the beginning of the series are completely sidelined with nothing to do while Jason floats around on his aura.
I keep reading because the banter is the best in the biz (in small doses I've come to found out), but everything else is really losing me. You can't have a plot progression in a book like this, it's almost all you got. This whole underground expedition thing needed to be a single book and we need a hefty time skip to get the characters to peak silver. The pacing as is has killed me.
Why did we need ANOTHER messenger character to focus on? Why did we need so many scenes of Jason pontificating about mercy? Why did Ally become a weak schoolgirl in response to a child's sense of morality? How did Jason just agree to work with the builder cultists without a word? Why are we spending so much time on Yaresh politics that has literally nothing to do with the main cast. At least have Neil be from here or know people here or something to tie us to the action. Jason's one night stand does not count as an anchor to the stakes.
So many things don't make sense or were lazily introduced or were beaten to death in ways that couldn't possibly be interesting. The author has done the series a disservice by embroiling his self insert protagonist in events he's way underleveled for. All of the fun interesting characters we have grown to love in the beginning of the series are completely sidelined with nothing to do while Jason floats around on his aura.
I keep reading because the banter is the best in the biz (in small doses I've come to found out), but everything else is really losing me. You can't have a plot progression in a book like this, it's almost all you got. This whole underground expedition thing needed to be a single book and we need a hefty time skip to get the characters to peak silver. The pacing as is has killed me.
January 25, 2024
4.5
Everything top-notch. The humor was on point, along with the power dynamics. There is a lot of world building in the books as well. I loved the occasional mini side stories that eventually tie into the main one. I'm curious to see where the next book leads to ~ until then I'll be reading other stuff then!
Everything top-notch. The humor was on point, along with the power dynamics. There is a lot of world building in the books as well. I loved the occasional mini side stories that eventually tie into the main one. I'm curious to see where the next book leads to ~ until then I'll be reading other stuff then!
December 10, 2023
Best yet!
Best book in series yet. Everything keeps getting better from book to book; the storytelling, the complexity, the world building. Can't wait for next installment.
Best book in series yet. Everything keeps getting better from book to book; the storytelling, the complexity, the world building. Can't wait for next installment.
May 8, 2024
Parecía que había bajado un poco el nivel de acción en algunas partes del centro del libro pero noooo, menudo final! Final cortado a cuchillo que te deja en un punto álgido que por suerte continuará el mes que viene cuando salga el 11.
Y este tío no tarda 10 años en sacar el siguiente como "otros" (a ver si aprende el gordo cabrón). No me sorprendería que el 12 saliera incluso en este 2024.
Muy grata lectura, entretenidísima como pocas, y más teniendo en cuenta la extensión que tienen estos libros.
Y este tío no tarda 10 años en sacar el siguiente como "otros" (a ver si aprende el gordo cabrón). No me sorprendería que el 12 saliera incluso en este 2024.
Muy grata lectura, entretenidísima como pocas, y más teniendo en cuenta la extensión que tienen estos libros.
December 19, 2023
Just…yes
I will say this: I’ve been a lover of fantasy fiction for almost a half century. I have gotten involved in some of the most amazing adventure stories only to have the author, slow down, stop completely for an extended period time, or pass away before they finished.
I don’t know what the future holds for Shirtaloon, but I’m fairly certain he has at least two rebirths stored away in his soul-vault somewhere. The fact that he’s coming out with a steady flow of books to keep this phenomenal multi dimensional story flowing forward, brings tears of joy.
Thank you, Travis. I can’t tell you how much joy your series brings to me.
Well, I could, but it would be way too embarrassing and flowery and who has time for all that?
I will say this: I’ve been a lover of fantasy fiction for almost a half century. I have gotten involved in some of the most amazing adventure stories only to have the author, slow down, stop completely for an extended period time, or pass away before they finished.
I don’t know what the future holds for Shirtaloon, but I’m fairly certain he has at least two rebirths stored away in his soul-vault somewhere. The fact that he’s coming out with a steady flow of books to keep this phenomenal multi dimensional story flowing forward, brings tears of joy.
Thank you, Travis. I can’t tell you how much joy your series brings to me.
Well, I could, but it would be way too embarrassing and flowery and who has time for all that?
December 19, 2023
10 books in and as fantastic as ever
This is my favorite series, I have been hooked since book one. The journey is a wild rollercoaster ride. Jason is up to par figuring undead, monsters, undead monsters and his own.
If you haven’t read the series, stop and pick up book one right now.
If you love the series you likely have read this book already and if you don’t like the series, book ten will not change your mind.
Now what to read next until book 11 comes out…. Thank you Travis.
This is my favorite series, I have been hooked since book one. The journey is a wild rollercoaster ride. Jason is up to par figuring undead, monsters, undead monsters and his own.
If you haven’t read the series, stop and pick up book one right now.
If you love the series you likely have read this book already and if you don’t like the series, book ten will not change your mind.
Now what to read next until book 11 comes out…. Thank you Travis.
December 12, 2023
Much slower and self aggrandizing than normal. The slow would be fine but there has been no character progression in the last couple books and it feels like there's nothing pushing the characters forward. Also nearly every interaction between characters was them trying to one up each other in philosophical and self important statements. Like every conversation was a soap box or flirtation with unfathomably powerful beings. And then typical Jason constantly doing his self pity of his importance but not wanting it etc but notched up past the max.
November 30, 2023
takes a while
To really get going. Because it is first released as a serial, there’s a lot of repetition. It also has to properly set the stage for the ending.
And what an ending. Two books in a row where the climactic battle is amazing. And again he made me feel the feels.
Somehow, I will resist the urge to read ahead. But I’m not sure how.
To really get going. Because it is first released as a serial, there’s a lot of repetition. It also has to properly set the stage for the ending.
And what an ending. Two books in a row where the climactic battle is amazing. And again he made me feel the feels.
Somehow, I will resist the urge to read ahead. But I’m not sure how.
December 1, 2023
I knew the authors were atheists but...
it's the crutch of the book. the authors constantly complain and seethe about religion and it's the cornerstone of every single plotline this book has to offer. they make zero effort to counter Jason's singular opinion about it. contradictory to Jason being in a world full of gods. It's very weird and forceful, skip out on this one, it's not worth your time.
it's the crutch of the book. the authors constantly complain and seethe about religion and it's the cornerstone of every single plotline this book has to offer. they make zero effort to counter Jason's singular opinion about it. contradictory to Jason being in a world full of gods. It's very weird and forceful, skip out on this one, it's not worth your time.
December 3, 2023
Horrible ending but otherwise good
I absolutely hate books that end like this. It just tops mid story. It otherwise ruins a good book. Do yourself a favor and wait until the next one comes out to read this one. That way you won’t have to deal with the lazy ending.
I absolutely hate books that end like this. It just tops mid story. It otherwise ruins a good book. Do yourself a favor and wait until the next one comes out to read this one. That way you won’t have to deal with the lazy ending.
Currently reading
July 20, 2023read this one on RoyalRoad (ch.699-) // 3 chapters a week keeps me interested...probably more so than reading the whole book at once (similar to Supreme Magus ig)
December 17, 2023
Wow … what a blast!
Shirtaloon has shown us his creativity through the first 9 books but in book 10 he shows us how completely he has established himself as an author. His growth as a writer rivals that of our hero, Jason, and is just as pleasurable to observe. This entire series is just the top echelon of the LitRPG realm. The plot thickens while not over expanding too wildly for Shrtaloon to control. Jason seems to have regained some of his old verve and the humor throughout this novel is well placed and the dialogue as freakishly canned as it seems sometime when the words come out of Jason’s mouth cannot help but make you laugh, over and over again. For that alone, I owe this writer many many hours of gratitude and thanks. I really cannot wait for Book 11 because … well, you know Jason. While temporarily allied with his most hated enemies, who will most definitely stab him in the back as soon as possible, while his team is horrendously outnumbered, trapped leagues and leagues underground in a dead and dying civilization, and about to morph into an alternate reality, Jason will somehow save the day all while telling his team stories about Clive’s mom… I wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season and a Merry Merry Christmas. “He Who Fights … 10” is the absolute greatest present I could given myself so thank you whole heartedly Mr. Deverel (now stop reading your numerous accolades and get thyself back to the writing!*!)
Shirtaloon has shown us his creativity through the first 9 books but in book 10 he shows us how completely he has established himself as an author. His growth as a writer rivals that of our hero, Jason, and is just as pleasurable to observe. This entire series is just the top echelon of the LitRPG realm. The plot thickens while not over expanding too wildly for Shrtaloon to control. Jason seems to have regained some of his old verve and the humor throughout this novel is well placed and the dialogue as freakishly canned as it seems sometime when the words come out of Jason’s mouth cannot help but make you laugh, over and over again. For that alone, I owe this writer many many hours of gratitude and thanks. I really cannot wait for Book 11 because … well, you know Jason. While temporarily allied with his most hated enemies, who will most definitely stab him in the back as soon as possible, while his team is horrendously outnumbered, trapped leagues and leagues underground in a dead and dying civilization, and about to morph into an alternate reality, Jason will somehow save the day all while telling his team stories about Clive’s mom… I wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season and a Merry Merry Christmas. “He Who Fights … 10” is the absolute greatest present I could given myself so thank you whole heartedly Mr. Deverel (now stop reading your numerous accolades and get thyself back to the writing!*!)
April 4, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️ I love this series and was excited for this book to come out. I enjoyed book 10 but not as much as the rest of the series. I find Jason to be a great character. I would love to be friends with him. He has also grown as a character over the course of the books, especially the last few.
Not a lot of action takes place in the first half of the book. However, we get to see how Jason is coping with his cosmic powers and his balancing of his mental state. The book does a good job showing how difficult mental health treatment really is. It's not like physical injuries that can be quickly healed, but a process that has many steps and takes time. At times, he does better, but then something happens and he regresses. This happens in real life as well. However, he's getting better at recognizing situations that lead him to regress and taking steps to get out of them or using coping mechanisms to get through them without breaking. It gives Jason a depth that many Litrpg MCs lack.
I think the most frustrating thing about the book is that the whole underground expedition wasn't wrapped up, so now I have to wait until the next book comes out to see if Jason comes out on top and with a soul forge. Also I would like to see a bit more progression in his essence abilities, he's been at silver for so long already. I understand it takes a while to progress through silver but I want to see him taking significant steps to level up, instead of crawling.
Not a lot of action takes place in the first half of the book. However, we get to see how Jason is coping with his cosmic powers and his balancing of his mental state. The book does a good job showing how difficult mental health treatment really is. It's not like physical injuries that can be quickly healed, but a process that has many steps and takes time. At times, he does better, but then something happens and he regresses. This happens in real life as well. However, he's getting better at recognizing situations that lead him to regress and taking steps to get out of them or using coping mechanisms to get through them without breaking. It gives Jason a depth that many Litrpg MCs lack.
I think the most frustrating thing about the book is that the whole underground expedition wasn't wrapped up, so now I have to wait until the next book comes out to see if Jason comes out on top and with a soul forge. Also I would like to see a bit more progression in his essence abilities, he's been at silver for so long already. I understand it takes a while to progress through silver but I want to see him taking significant steps to level up, instead of crawling.
January 16, 2024
In He Who Fights with Monsters 10, Jason Asano's character has become increasingly exasperating. His actions and dialogue, once a cornerstone of the story's charm, now seem to detract from the overall narrative. His behaviour feels unnecessarily flippant, and his role as the protagonist is more forced than natural, making it harder to empathize with or root for him. This shift in his character arc significantly impacts the book's enjoyment and leads to the feeling that any other character might have offered a more satisfying focus for the story.
This instalment, in my view, marks a decline in the series, moving away from the captivating elements that initially drew me in. The book seems to have strayed from its original charm, leaving a sense of disappointment and the impression that the series might have passed its peak.
P.S. On a lighter note, Jeff from the Undeath faction was probably my favourite character. Amidst the turmoil of Jason's increasingly tiresome antics, Jeff's presence was like a breath of fresh, albeit slightly necrotic, air. His unique blend of undead humour and comic relief provided a much-needed respite from the main storyline, reminding me that there's still some life (or should I say un-life?) in this series. Jeff, you undeath rogue, you managed to steal the show—and probably a few life essences along the way!
This instalment, in my view, marks a decline in the series, moving away from the captivating elements that initially drew me in. The book seems to have strayed from its original charm, leaving a sense of disappointment and the impression that the series might have passed its peak.
P.S. On a lighter note, Jeff from the Undeath faction was probably my favourite character. Amidst the turmoil of Jason's increasingly tiresome antics, Jeff's presence was like a breath of fresh, albeit slightly necrotic, air. His unique blend of undead humour and comic relief provided a much-needed respite from the main storyline, reminding me that there's still some life (or should I say un-life?) in this series. Jeff, you undeath rogue, you managed to steal the show—and probably a few life essences along the way!
August 26, 2025
Repetition is the theme here, narratively speaking. Every. Single. Time. The author was able to remind you of Jason's psyche; he did XD
I'm petty af, so I don't mind Jason's petty-streak, but I can imagine it being taxing to many.
The repetition helps to refresh my memory on past events (remember when BigBad pushed Jason and got him mad and then Jason did the impossible). We're reminded of ALL of his past great deeds, ALL the ways he has grown or regressed and ALL the circumstances that led to this. I appreciated the reminder but what if I had read the books back to back?
Also, rude af to tell me 'imma kill this character' over and over then dangle the possibility of survival and then end the book with said character surviving a major battle and walking into a pocket dimension. Like bruh. Kill him or don't. Don't dangle this madness in my face 😤
I'm petty af, so I don't mind Jason's petty-streak, but I can imagine it being taxing to many.
The repetition helps to refresh my memory on past events (remember when BigBad pushed Jason and got him mad and then Jason did the impossible). We're reminded of ALL of his past great deeds, ALL the ways he has grown or regressed and ALL the circumstances that led to this. I appreciated the reminder but what if I had read the books back to back?
Also, rude af to tell me 'imma kill this character' over and over then dangle the possibility of survival and then end the book with said character surviving a major battle and walking into a pocket dimension. Like bruh. Kill him or don't. Don't dangle this madness in my face 😤
March 19, 2025
Why is this one rated so low among the series?
Easily one of the better HeWho novels (second to 4 for me) ; great development, interesting new plotline, incredible battle scenes and set pieces... Idk nobody gets this far in a series without drinking the Kool-Aid, I'm already on board.
I enjoyed the pacing, character dynamics, ethical conundrums and I disliked the same stuff that I disliked in previous novels:
- Jason being the focal point of discussion in every conversation whether he is present or not.
- A lot of people are just stupid or incompetent for plot reasons.
There's also literal Deus Ex Machina introduced, but I'm willing to let it slide because it had been teased in advance and Gods are part of this world.
Easily one of the better HeWho novels (second to 4 for me) ; great development, interesting new plotline, incredible battle scenes and set pieces... Idk nobody gets this far in a series without drinking the Kool-Aid, I'm already on board.
I enjoyed the pacing, character dynamics, ethical conundrums and I disliked the same stuff that I disliked in previous novels:
- Jason being the focal point of discussion in every conversation whether he is present or not.
- A lot of people are just stupid or incompetent for plot reasons.
There's also literal Deus Ex Machina introduced, but I'm willing to let it slide because it had been teased in advance and Gods are part of this world.
February 28, 2024
The only reason this book took me so long cause i was switching between audio book and physical book on a 10 day vacation. I like that Jason’s villain side is coming out. I don’t like how the whole first 3/4 of the book was build up to them going in the cave. I feel as if it didn’t progress as well as the other books. Now that I’m caught up on the release of the books I’m sad cause i started these books as a diversion from waiting from my other multi book universe and now I’m here waiting on another. Regardless good book.
December 14, 2023
Another awesome arc in Jason’s story is only half done
I love this world, the characters and especially the interplay and chaos that Jason brings to situations. Great job on the storyline growth as he is still dragged into the middle of things above his power level but this time we get a deeper look at why he does what he does and what some of the gods think of him. But as the situation grows dire, it’s one of his friends who takes the crazy power jump at the cost of his life to save the mission and everyone around him. Many adventurers never meet the underlying conditions to become a hero of the moment, sadly Jason and one of his friends have met it and it will cost one of them their lives to gain the needed strength. Gods blessings are often double sided as power has to cost something.
I love this world, the characters and especially the interplay and chaos that Jason brings to situations. Great job on the storyline growth as he is still dragged into the middle of things above his power level but this time we get a deeper look at why he does what he does and what some of the gods think of him. But as the situation grows dire, it’s one of his friends who takes the crazy power jump at the cost of his life to save the mission and everyone around him. Many adventurers never meet the underlying conditions to become a hero of the moment, sadly Jason and one of his friends have met it and it will cost one of them their lives to gain the needed strength. Gods blessings are often double sided as power has to cost something.
April 18, 2024
Always a blast
10 books, and Jason not only kicks more ass, but feels like he's really maturing as a person. Though I'm sure he'd hate to hear that. It's getting to the point where everything has such a heavy impact, it's hard to be light hearted about anything, but this book still captures both spirits quite well.
10 books, and Jason not only kicks more ass, but feels like he's really maturing as a person. Though I'm sure he'd hate to hear that. It's getting to the point where everything has such a heavy impact, it's hard to be light hearted about anything, but this book still captures both spirits quite well.
August 14, 2024
I have a great deal of fondness for the HE WHO FIGHTS WITH MONSTERS series. It's not always great but it's always entertaining and that has it's own appeal in books that forget that books should, above all else (in most genres), be fun. Jason is now fighting against hordes of messengers and trying to see if he can rise above his Silver Rank to get some damned respect. Honestly, I think it's well past time he got Gold rank. Still, a fun installment.
March 13, 2024
The story has kinda slowed down a bit and I worry it will falter. However the ending twist was a welcomed surprise. It added more depth to the story as well as increasing the questions that i want answered. I'm sad I had to wait for the sequals though T.T I really need to stop reading incomplete stories.
May 3, 2025
WoW in this one the tempo is not mess up. A lot of Deux ex machina but It's justificated 'cause Lore about gods. This arc about messengers are going to a good conclusion and is very neat all the context about gods and cosmic forces. I can say that is one of my favourites.
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