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I Ran Away to Evil #3
I Ran Away to Evil 3: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com: I Ran Away to Evil, Book 3
A mysterious soothsayer and a reluctant royal fend off spies, assassins, and unexpected attraction in the action-packed third book of this romantasy series.
Gerda Jones is no average bridge troll. Sure, she can create riddles like the best of them, but she has skills up her sleeve that no one would expect . . . and a backstory that no one would believe. She uses her fortune-telling talents to change the fate of everyone around her, but avoids getting too close to anyone herself. All of that changes when Gerda catches the eye of Duke Julian von Slyke at his sister's wedding. The tall, dark, and handsome half-elf is making her let down her guard—and inviting a royal heap of trouble into her life.
Julian would do anything to escape courtly intrigue and endless parties, but he can't miss his own sister's nuptials. Good thing, too, because from day one of the celebration he's called on to help deal with everything from poisoned arrows and amphibian curses, to a missing bride. And at the center of every mishap there's an infuriatingly beguiling troll . . .
As Gerda's hidden identity begins to unravel, her attraction to Duke Julian continues to grow. Together, saving Valaria seems easy . . . but after it's all done, will the unlikely pair be able to leave behind their pasts and find a future together?
A whimsical and twisty take on isekai, romance, and LitRPG, I Ran Away to Evil 3 is the charming conclusion of the series that asks, "What if Bridgerton was filled with magical creatures?" and "Who is the elusive Madame Potts?"
The third volume of the hit LitRPG romantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
Gerda Jones is no average bridge troll. Sure, she can create riddles like the best of them, but she has skills up her sleeve that no one would expect . . . and a backstory that no one would believe. She uses her fortune-telling talents to change the fate of everyone around her, but avoids getting too close to anyone herself. All of that changes when Gerda catches the eye of Duke Julian von Slyke at his sister's wedding. The tall, dark, and handsome half-elf is making her let down her guard—and inviting a royal heap of trouble into her life.
Julian would do anything to escape courtly intrigue and endless parties, but he can't miss his own sister's nuptials. Good thing, too, because from day one of the celebration he's called on to help deal with everything from poisoned arrows and amphibian curses, to a missing bride. And at the center of every mishap there's an infuriatingly beguiling troll . . .
As Gerda's hidden identity begins to unravel, her attraction to Duke Julian continues to grow. Together, saving Valaria seems easy . . . but after it's all done, will the unlikely pair be able to leave behind their pasts and find a future together?
A whimsical and twisty take on isekai, romance, and LitRPG, I Ran Away to Evil 3 is the charming conclusion of the series that asks, "What if Bridgerton was filled with magical creatures?" and "Who is the elusive Madame Potts?"
The third volume of the hit LitRPG romantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
Audible Audio
First published August 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 23, 2025
What a satisfying conclusion to this wonderfully cozy romantasy series!
I absolutely loved Gerda in the previous books, so I was unbelievably hyped when I learned that this final installment would focus on her. Gerda's story just added so much dimension to this already rich world and I absolutely loved how Mystic Neptune cheekily acknowledged and used common Isekai tropes.
I really loved the journey this series took me on and will definitely read more from this author in the future!
I absolutely loved Gerda in the previous books, so I was unbelievably hyped when I learned that this final installment would focus on her. Gerda's story just added so much dimension to this already rich world and I absolutely loved how Mystic Neptune cheekily acknowledged and used common Isekai tropes.
I really loved the journey this series took me on and will definitely read more from this author in the future!
September 20, 2025
I tried to like this book, I really did. I enjoyed the first two so much, but this one was very different. It leans much more heavily on game mechanics and less on general fantasy. It felt less cozy and more…logistical. We spend waaay more time with the system interface in this installment. I really didn’t care about the overarching plot at all, and it was oddly paced and disjointed. Gerda’s powers allow her to jump from location to location in such a way that any journeying is confusing and/or not interesting. Gerda is also so overpowered that the plot felt like it had no stakes since she always knew just what to do or had the right rare item. It makes sense within the story why she has these powers and has amassed so much wealth, but it doesn’t make for a very interesting story.
Without giving spoilers, there was a huge reveal way too early that I think we could have been told as readers, but that the rest of the characters should not have found out until much later to create more tension in the story before it was revealed. At the beginning we got to spend some time with the old crew - the first two couples from the first books - but then as the story progressed to the final quest there were a lot of new side characters (Julian’s crew) and a lot of quick info dumping about their backstories but no moments with them where we actually take the time to get to know and love them. Lots of telling and not showing going on in this book.
The romance was blah - the MCs didn’t have much interaction until 2/3 through and it didn’t really feel like they had any chemistry other than just finding each other attractive. Once they do get together we don’t spend much time with them in moments of their relationship - it’s very much fast-forwarded and focused on the quest, which would be fine if the plot had been interesting, but it wasn’t.
A note about the audiobook, which is how I read - I love Laura Horowitz but she is using her most aloof/jaded voice to do Gerda which contributes to her feeling too sure of herself & takes away any tension or concern/sympathy we might have for the character. I also forgot how much I hate the voice Jonathan McClain does for these books - he reads with such an odd, slow, goofy cadence and gives side characters unnecessarily nasally and whiny voices. I had to put all of his chapters on 1.2x speed. In the last couple of hours I put the whole book on 2x speed which I have NEVER done before, but I just wanted it to be over and to stop hearing about attributes and skills and find out how the romantic plot wrapped up.
Without giving spoilers, there was a huge reveal way too early that I think we could have been told as readers, but that the rest of the characters should not have found out until much later to create more tension in the story before it was revealed. At the beginning we got to spend some time with the old crew - the first two couples from the first books - but then as the story progressed to the final quest there were a lot of new side characters (Julian’s crew) and a lot of quick info dumping about their backstories but no moments with them where we actually take the time to get to know and love them. Lots of telling and not showing going on in this book.
The romance was blah - the MCs didn’t have much interaction until 2/3 through and it didn’t really feel like they had any chemistry other than just finding each other attractive. Once they do get together we don’t spend much time with them in moments of their relationship - it’s very much fast-forwarded and focused on the quest, which would be fine if the plot had been interesting, but it wasn’t.
A note about the audiobook, which is how I read - I love Laura Horowitz but she is using her most aloof/jaded voice to do Gerda which contributes to her feeling too sure of herself & takes away any tension or concern/sympathy we might have for the character. I also forgot how much I hate the voice Jonathan McClain does for these books - he reads with such an odd, slow, goofy cadence and gives side characters unnecessarily nasally and whiny voices. I had to put all of his chapters on 1.2x speed. In the last couple of hours I put the whole book on 2x speed which I have NEVER done before, but I just wanted it to be over and to stop hearing about attributes and skills and find out how the romantic plot wrapped up.
December 14, 2025
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Well, I Ran Away to Evil has reached the final level, the end of its journey and it’s been a great game.
Here all is revealed, there’s boss battles, deaths and revivals, ultimate victory and HEA’s.
Now it’s Gerda Jones, fabulous bridge troll who’s got a ton of secrets, that will be the character to bring the series to a conclusion. Along with Duke Julian von Slyke, who’s recently retuned for the wedding of his sister to the necromancer of the Dark Lord.
At over 400 pages, author Neptune has a lot of storytelling to do. And there’s more of the GameRPG elements here than in the previous books.
I’ll be honest in saying that some of these got distracting when what I wanted to concentrate on was the main plot points and storylines. Having involved boxes of character traits and levels occasionally is great. But towards the end, I feel that it took over the narrative.
What makes this is the character development, especially Gerda’s story. The slow reveal of her story is impactful as well as her relationships she has made with the other characters around her. They feel believable and credible in this setting.
This has been the first series I have read by this author but won’t be the last. Highly entertaining and engaging.
A definite winner.
Love the covers.
Cover design by MsArtsy and Jenny Zemanek
Interior illustrations by Arturo Gómez Martínez and Leah Zink
I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com, books 1-3
Each with a different main couple and storyline that fits within the series arc
Well, I Ran Away to Evil has reached the final level, the end of its journey and it’s been a great game.
Here all is revealed, there’s boss battles, deaths and revivals, ultimate victory and HEA’s.
Now it’s Gerda Jones, fabulous bridge troll who’s got a ton of secrets, that will be the character to bring the series to a conclusion. Along with Duke Julian von Slyke, who’s recently retuned for the wedding of his sister to the necromancer of the Dark Lord.
At over 400 pages, author Neptune has a lot of storytelling to do. And there’s more of the GameRPG elements here than in the previous books.
I’ll be honest in saying that some of these got distracting when what I wanted to concentrate on was the main plot points and storylines. Having involved boxes of character traits and levels occasionally is great. But towards the end, I feel that it took over the narrative.
What makes this is the character development, especially Gerda’s story. The slow reveal of her story is impactful as well as her relationships she has made with the other characters around her. They feel believable and credible in this setting.
This has been the first series I have read by this author but won’t be the last. Highly entertaining and engaging.
A definite winner.
Love the covers.
Cover design by MsArtsy and Jenny Zemanek
Interior illustrations by Arturo Gómez Martínez and Leah Zink
I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com, books 1-3
Each with a different main couple and storyline that fits within the series arc
June 5, 2026
The Coziest of LitRPGs 💕
I cannot believe how much I loved the wrap up to this adorable LitRPG romcom trilogy. I went into this series not really knowing what to expect and was met with a cast of characters and a world that I will miss dearly now that it’s over.
I loved that in book 3 we were exposed to so much more of the game mechanics and backstory of what the game actually is. In the previous two books I loved the way that game play felt natural for the characters but I was missing the element of “why are we here”. This one ties everything up so so nicely in giving us the framework of what the RPG really is and how things work on a logistical level. To me that really helped round out the series in a super satisfying way.
Gerda and Julian were EVERYTHING. TBH I didn’t think I could love anyone more than Keith but “fan service” Julian is top tier book boyfriend material. The way this man ✨yearns✨ is impeccable. I loved how their relationship developed over the course of the story, and seeing their HEA settled something in me that I didn’t know needed to be settled.
I am so happy I took the chance on this cozy little series 💕 Exactly the type of book I needed right now!
I cannot believe how much I loved the wrap up to this adorable LitRPG romcom trilogy. I went into this series not really knowing what to expect and was met with a cast of characters and a world that I will miss dearly now that it’s over.
I loved that in book 3 we were exposed to so much more of the game mechanics and backstory of what the game actually is. In the previous two books I loved the way that game play felt natural for the characters but I was missing the element of “why are we here”. This one ties everything up so so nicely in giving us the framework of what the RPG really is and how things work on a logistical level. To me that really helped round out the series in a super satisfying way.
Gerda and Julian were EVERYTHING. TBH I didn’t think I could love anyone more than Keith but “fan service” Julian is top tier book boyfriend material. The way this man ✨yearns✨ is impeccable. I loved how their relationship developed over the course of the story, and seeing their HEA settled something in me that I didn’t know needed to be settled.
I am so happy I took the chance on this cozy little series 💕 Exactly the type of book I needed right now!
August 29, 2025
Wonderful that we finally find out who Madam Potts is and her motiviatons. The Madam Potts part is said in the first few chapters so no spoilers there. The book continues it's fun and sometimes ridiculous atmosphere while progressing a very well done love story. This book specifically focuses on Gerda the bridge troll as the cover shows and does end the story completely.
I am always happy when a series wraps up especially when it is done well because there are so many series that spit out infinite books to keep it going.
There were definitely some slow parts for me, about 50-60% through, but other than that the book was well done and fast paced. You won't really be sitting there saying get on with it for the entire book. The romance is the same formula as the last two but obviously the plot is very different. I very much enjoyed this series and look forward to other books by the author.
I am always happy when a series wraps up especially when it is done well because there are so many series that spit out infinite books to keep it going.
There were definitely some slow parts for me, about 50-60% through, but other than that the book was well done and fast paced. You won't really be sitting there saying get on with it for the entire book. The romance is the same formula as the last two but obviously the plot is very different. I very much enjoyed this series and look forward to other books by the author.
February 2, 2026
4.5 Stars Rounded up to 5
I loved this book and re-read the series with the audiobooks for the first time in anticipation. This one wasn't my favorite as I think it was a bit less cohesive feeling than the previous two, but it did a wonderful job of revealing all and tying up loose ends.
Part of me can't believe that we'll have reached the end of this wonderful series and I do wish we got a bit of a longer epilogue to have helped out with that feeling.
I have some mixed feelings because there was just so much going on in this book that the general stress level was a bit higher and it didn't feel like we got as much time to just enjoy the characters as usual, which is especially bittersweet when you know the story is coming to an end. Still though I loved this book and would reccomend the series as a whole to everyone.
I loved this book and re-read the series with the audiobooks for the first time in anticipation. This one wasn't my favorite as I think it was a bit less cohesive feeling than the previous two, but it did a wonderful job of revealing all and tying up loose ends.
Part of me can't believe that we'll have reached the end of this wonderful series and I do wish we got a bit of a longer epilogue to have helped out with that feeling.
I have some mixed feelings because there was just so much going on in this book that the general stress level was a bit higher and it didn't feel like we got as much time to just enjoy the characters as usual, which is especially bittersweet when you know the story is coming to an end. Still though I loved this book and would reccomend the series as a whole to everyone.
Did Not Finish
May 25, 2026DNF 10%. I ADORED the first book of this series. It was one of the cutest things I have ever read. I liked the second book in the series but nowhere near as much as the first book. I read a few chapters of this one got bored put it down for like 3 weeks and now I am dropping it after picking it back up.
Unfortunately what I was most excited about in the second book is the downfall of this one. I don't like that Gerda is Madam Potts. I don't like that it was revealed so quickly. I don't like that Gerda is actually a gamer who is now living in a game that she played repeatedly as a person and I don't like that she is this all knowing all powerful character basically choosing exactly what happens.
I might give this one another shot sometime but for now I am putting it down.
Unfortunately what I was most excited about in the second book is the downfall of this one. I don't like that Gerda is Madam Potts. I don't like that it was revealed so quickly. I don't like that Gerda is actually a gamer who is now living in a game that she played repeatedly as a person and I don't like that she is this all knowing all powerful character basically choosing exactly what happens.
I might give this one another shot sometime but for now I am putting it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2026
Fairly smart, for how damn cute it is.
This one seems to be the last book of a great series. FYI I've gone back and restarted book 1 if that tells you more than this review, in an "actions speak louder than words" kinda way.
While I confess to skipping book 2 (the audio book had folk singing) I liked book 1 and the premise of book 2 enough to want to keep going. ...and I was not disappointed.
Of all the low stakes, comfy fantasy / romance I've sampled this one is the most fun, funny, relaxing.
I recommend the whole series for being perfect blend of destressify and entertainment while being about as cute as you can without crossing the line.
This one seems to be the last book of a great series. FYI I've gone back and restarted book 1 if that tells you more than this review, in an "actions speak louder than words" kinda way.
While I confess to skipping book 2 (the audio book had folk singing) I liked book 1 and the premise of book 2 enough to want to keep going. ...and I was not disappointed.
Of all the low stakes, comfy fantasy / romance I've sampled this one is the most fun, funny, relaxing.
I recommend the whole series for being perfect blend of destressify and entertainment while being about as cute as you can without crossing the line.
August 24, 2025
So good!!!!
I had been waiting for this to be released and it was so worth the wait! I loved getting to know Greda in this book outside of the brief glimpses of the previous books. You could really tell the author had planned out this storyline so well as the plot flowed seamlessly between the three books/three seasons. I also loved Greda and Julian as a couple, though this seemed more plot and action focused than previous books. Anyways - super awesome work! Definitely go read this series if you haven’t yet!!
I had been waiting for this to be released and it was so worth the wait! I loved getting to know Greda in this book outside of the brief glimpses of the previous books. You could really tell the author had planned out this storyline so well as the plot flowed seamlessly between the three books/three seasons. I also loved Greda and Julian as a couple, though this seemed more plot and action focused than previous books. Anyways - super awesome work! Definitely go read this series if you haven’t yet!!
September 5, 2025
Solid close to the Lit-RPG trilogy … left me with all sorts of feelings regarding character outcomes, decisions, and pretty much everything. But of course those were about my feelings and not judging the author - in fact me having those feelings goes back to how well the author did making me love and care about all of these characters.
One specific thing - this is a Lit-RPG so you expect the mechanics to be on full display, but for some reason I found this book to be more heavy handed than others in the series. Could be wrong, just a feeling. Didn’t stop me from enjoying them at all.
One specific thing - this is a Lit-RPG so you expect the mechanics to be on full display, but for some reason I found this book to be more heavy handed than others in the series. Could be wrong, just a feeling. Didn’t stop me from enjoying them at all.
June 14, 2026
I enjoyed the final book of the series. There were some parts that dragged on, but not for too long. Towards the end, there is a paragraph that repeats almost word for word the one before it.
Biggest "complaint" overall (this is completely nit picking), would be that the books had the same title.
I'm happy I ended up reading the series and will definitely read again in the future and would be willing to try other books by the author
Biggest "complaint" overall (this is completely nit picking), would be that the books had the same title.
I'm happy I ended up reading the series and will definitely read again in the future and would be willing to try other books by the author
August 29, 2025
Good wrap-up for the series.
I enjoyed Gerda and Julian’s story. I liked how everything wrapped up well, but I LOVE that we might get a continuation or spin off based on the epilogue! Can’t wait!
As always, Laura and Johnathan did a wonderful job with their audiobook performances!
I enjoyed Gerda and Julian’s story. I liked how everything wrapped up well, but I LOVE that we might get a continuation or spin off based on the epilogue! Can’t wait!
As always, Laura and Johnathan did a wonderful job with their audiobook performances!
June 14, 2026
An excellent cozy romp of a series
This series is a fun, cozy romp.
No spice to speak of, very PG - in fact I'm reading it to my 11 year old. The romance itself is generally very straightforward, but the adventure and intrigue keep you turning pages to the end.
And this particular book involves feeding a dragon a bucket of cherries jubilee, so...
IYKYK ;)
This series is a fun, cozy romp.
No spice to speak of, very PG - in fact I'm reading it to my 11 year old. The romance itself is generally very straightforward, but the adventure and intrigue keep you turning pages to the end.
And this particular book involves feeding a dragon a bucket of cherries jubilee, so...
IYKYK ;)
September 24, 2025
AWWWW I want MORE I loved this story. The audio narrators are great and really bring the story to life. I liked being able to learn more about the other characters and the fact that not everything came easily to them
June 12, 2026
CW: domestic violence
I Ran Away to Evil is the perfect and unqiue combination of cozy fantasy, Lit RPG, and romance. This was an excellent wrap-up for the series, and I can't wait to see what Mystic Neptune has coming next!
I Ran Away to Evil is the perfect and unqiue combination of cozy fantasy, Lit RPG, and romance. This was an excellent wrap-up for the series, and I can't wait to see what Mystic Neptune has coming next!
August 31, 2025
another wonderful adventure
Another wonderful adventure with an even better ending. Hope there will be more! In the meantime these are on my reread list!
Another wonderful adventure with an even better ending. Hope there will be more! In the meantime these are on my reread list!
September 1, 2025
I think I enjoyed this book the most in the series
September 10, 2025
Enjoyable
I knew she had to be Madame Potts. But I loved how it all worked out. I wouldn't mind a book 4, but if we don't get one at least this one wrapped things up nicely.
I knew she had to be Madame Potts. But I loved how it all worked out. I wouldn't mind a book 4, but if we don't get one at least this one wrapped things up nicely.
September 15, 2025
Cozy Wrapup
Enjoyed every bit of this story. Made me all nice and warm and fuzzy inside. Looking forward to the next series this author will whip in the near future.
Enjoyed every bit of this story. Made me all nice and warm and fuzzy inside. Looking forward to the next series this author will whip in the near future.
September 22, 2025
Rating: Really Liked It
Spice: Closed Door
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Spice: Closed Door
Would I read more by this author? Yes
October 1, 2025
It all came together and I could see there was a reason for the rpg aspect. Very enjoyable cozy reads.
February 10, 2026
Warm and cozy
I loved this entire series and ended up binging each of the books as I had time. Absolutely worth the read.
I loved this entire series and ended up binging each of the books as I had time. Absolutely worth the read.
May 6, 2026
Love it!!!
Love the 3 books they took me right out of my reading slump i couldnt put them down! The story, the characters the reveal!!! Love it 100% recomend
Love the 3 books they took me right out of my reading slump i couldnt put them down! The story, the characters the reveal!!! Love it 100% recomend
May 23, 2026
Definitely will be on my re-read list!
October 1, 2025
I keep thinking I couldn't possibly like the new love interests more than the previous book / the plot, and I keep being proved wrong! And I'm totally OK with this! Gerda and Julian are probably my fav couple to date and I love, love, LOVED the plot and supporting characters. I'm really hoping this is not the end of the series but I can see how it might be. :( But fingers crossed!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews