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The Butcher of Gadobhra #1
Small Town Hero: A LitRPG Adventure
An action-packed new isekai LitRPG Adventure perfect for fans of The Ten Realms, Nova Terra, and Full Murderhobo.
Conquer Dungeons. Slay Monsters. Become a Hero.
When Ozzy signs a five-year contract to work as an "NPC" Serf in Gadobhra, a new fantasy world intended to be a playground for the incredibly wealthy, he was just after a paycheck.
He's given boring choices like working as a blacksmith, barkeep, or shepherd for all those years.
...Or, He can find ways to take advantage of the System. He can break out and carve out a section of the world for himself as an adventurer. Compete to be the first to locate hidden dungeons, kill the biggest monsters, and gain renown across Gadobhra.
Yeah, that sounds like way more fun.
Don't miss the start of this isekai LitRPG adventure by Walrus King, the bestselling author of Tunnel Rat. Crammed with stats, power progression, a fully-developed cast of characters, deep worldbuilding, and a healthy blend of action and humor, it's perfect for fans of Dakota Krout, Michael Chatfield, and RinoZ.
Conquer Dungeons. Slay Monsters. Become a Hero.
When Ozzy signs a five-year contract to work as an "NPC" Serf in Gadobhra, a new fantasy world intended to be a playground for the incredibly wealthy, he was just after a paycheck.
He's given boring choices like working as a blacksmith, barkeep, or shepherd for all those years.
...Or, He can find ways to take advantage of the System. He can break out and carve out a section of the world for himself as an adventurer. Compete to be the first to locate hidden dungeons, kill the biggest monsters, and gain renown across Gadobhra.
Yeah, that sounds like way more fun.
Don't miss the start of this isekai LitRPG adventure by Walrus King, the bestselling author of Tunnel Rat. Crammed with stats, power progression, a fully-developed cast of characters, deep worldbuilding, and a healthy blend of action and humor, it's perfect for fans of Dakota Krout, Michael Chatfield, and RinoZ.
706 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 8, 2025
DNR book two promo
This book deserves five stars. The book was a good and proper length with everything I look for. Great characters and uniqueness to the plot. The author’s ability to turn mundane things like roads and cattle herds into great entertainment is quite commendable. Great job.
I’m not into full immersion VR pods and those type of worlds. Our world is digital and so I believe in ‘system’ books way more than the VR stuff. That said, the author did a good job of not focusing on it and not making it an issue and eventually the reader was fully immersed in the story.
The ending was weird and terrible. Not the issue of stopping where it did, that was fine but I’ll get to that in a bit. No the whatever it was (summary? dream? system filler? future? past?) for each character at the end before their stat reveal. What? Is it a spoiler or fake? With no explanation it was confusing and deserved a star removal but I liked the rest too much to downgrade the rating.
However let’s talk about the ending and why the next book has already been docked two stars before it even comes out. The author totally leaves the reader hanging at the end. Totally okay, I’d rather stop before it begins than in the middle. However the author stabs us all in the back with the first sentence of the second book’s description. My eyes slipped and read the first line and it totally spoils the ending of book 1. If you are going to shaft the reader like that, put the ending in book 1 and not in some blankety blank promotional! I must stop here as my blood boiling resistance isn’t that high.
This book deserves five stars. The book was a good and proper length with everything I look for. Great characters and uniqueness to the plot. The author’s ability to turn mundane things like roads and cattle herds into great entertainment is quite commendable. Great job.
I’m not into full immersion VR pods and those type of worlds. Our world is digital and so I believe in ‘system’ books way more than the VR stuff. That said, the author did a good job of not focusing on it and not making it an issue and eventually the reader was fully immersed in the story.
The ending was weird and terrible. Not the issue of stopping where it did, that was fine but I’ll get to that in a bit. No the whatever it was (summary? dream? system filler? future? past?) for each character at the end before their stat reveal. What? Is it a spoiler or fake? With no explanation it was confusing and deserved a star removal but I liked the rest too much to downgrade the rating.
However let’s talk about the ending and why the next book has already been docked two stars before it even comes out. The author totally leaves the reader hanging at the end. Totally okay, I’d rather stop before it begins than in the middle. However the author stabs us all in the back with the first sentence of the second book’s description. My eyes slipped and read the first line and it totally spoils the ending of book 1. If you are going to shaft the reader like that, put the ending in book 1 and not in some blankety blank promotional! I must stop here as my blood boiling resistance isn’t that high.
November 9, 2025
I'm not an author and have zero clue what goes into actually writing a book this is just my honest take as a reader.
Solid 4 Stars
The story felt really well thought out, which I LOVED. Walrus King clearly put effort into planning this world and how everything connects. The head-hopping between different character perspectives? Most of the time it was actually super helpful for developing all the characters who get decent screen time. It kept things interesting and gave me a fuller picture of what was happening. Overall, the story was entertaining enough to keep me hooked and turning pages
sometimes there was too much head-hopping. Like, we'd jump into the perspective of characters who honestly didn't deserve that much attention, and it slowed the whole story down. I found myself being like "okay cool, but can we get back to the main plot?"
And my BIGGEST gripe? This story feels straight-up unfinished. It builds and builds to what should be this epic climax, and then just... leaves you hanging. The entire climax is basically a cliffhanger, which felt kinda frustrating after investing all that time
I genuinely liked the story and had fun with it, but I probably won't reread it unless there's a VERY long wait between now and when the next book drops. It's a solid addition to the isekai LitRPG genre with good worldbuilding and character development, just with a few pacing quirks.
Solid 4 Stars
The story felt really well thought out, which I LOVED. Walrus King clearly put effort into planning this world and how everything connects. The head-hopping between different character perspectives? Most of the time it was actually super helpful for developing all the characters who get decent screen time. It kept things interesting and gave me a fuller picture of what was happening. Overall, the story was entertaining enough to keep me hooked and turning pages
sometimes there was too much head-hopping. Like, we'd jump into the perspective of characters who honestly didn't deserve that much attention, and it slowed the whole story down. I found myself being like "okay cool, but can we get back to the main plot?"
And my BIGGEST gripe? This story feels straight-up unfinished. It builds and builds to what should be this epic climax, and then just... leaves you hanging. The entire climax is basically a cliffhanger, which felt kinda frustrating after investing all that time
I genuinely liked the story and had fun with it, but I probably won't reread it unless there's a VERY long wait between now and when the next book drops. It's a solid addition to the isekai LitRPG genre with good worldbuilding and character development, just with a few pacing quirks.
August 3, 2025
4.5 rounded up!
I don't usually mind stat sheets, but with four characters, it got to be a bit much.
Four hard working friends find themselves out of jobs when the Virtual Reality game they work in closes down. But good news! Ozzy gets in on the ground floor of a new game, and finds work for all of them.
And so they become Contract Workers. Unfortunately, their company has rigged their contracts so they can only work, work, work. They have little chance of having fun in the game by becoming adventurers. Lucky for them, the AI in control of the game has other plans.
I grabbed this book both for the idea, and because I really like the Tunnel Rat series. This series is in the same universe, but following different people.
Ozzy, Suzzette, Rolly, and Ben make a great team, not only because of their skills, but because they're old friends who've known each other for years. They share information, and discuss their builds, and support each other. Each one has their own goals, but seek ways to make them mesh to create their team.
I enjoyed many of the events in the book, the character development, and the glimpses of what many of the other characters are up to.
I hated that it ended on a cliffhanger, but I understand why it stopped where it stopped. I'm just glad the next book is already available.
I don't usually mind stat sheets, but with four characters, it got to be a bit much.
Four hard working friends find themselves out of jobs when the Virtual Reality game they work in closes down. But good news! Ozzy gets in on the ground floor of a new game, and finds work for all of them.
And so they become Contract Workers. Unfortunately, their company has rigged their contracts so they can only work, work, work. They have little chance of having fun in the game by becoming adventurers. Lucky for them, the AI in control of the game has other plans.
I grabbed this book both for the idea, and because I really like the Tunnel Rat series. This series is in the same universe, but following different people.
Ozzy, Suzzette, Rolly, and Ben make a great team, not only because of their skills, but because they're old friends who've known each other for years. They share information, and discuss their builds, and support each other. Each one has their own goals, but seek ways to make them mesh to create their team.
I enjoyed many of the events in the book, the character development, and the glimpses of what many of the other characters are up to.
I hated that it ended on a cliffhanger, but I understand why it stopped where it stopped. I'm just glad the next book is already available.
August 2, 2025
Great
From the very first page, this book pulled me into its world and refused to let go. It's a rare gem that manages to be both profoundly moving and genuinely thrilling. The author's talent for storytelling is evident throughout, crafting a narrative that feels fresh, yet timeless. This is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
What truly elevates this book are the characters. They are complex, flawed, and incredibly human, each one feeling like a real person with their own motivations and secrets. Watching them grow and change throughout the story was a powerful experience. The relationships they build, and the challenges they face, feel authentic and deeply relatable, creating an emotional investment that makes the journey all the more impactful.
The plot is masterfully constructed, with a pace that keeps you eagerly turning pages. The world-building is immersive and vivid, painting a picture so detailed you can almost feel the environment. Every twist and turn felt earned, never cheap or manipulative, leading to a conclusion that was both surprising and perfectly satisfying. This is a brilliant piece of writing that is a testament to the power of a well-told story. It's an absolute must-read.
From the very first page, this book pulled me into its world and refused to let go. It's a rare gem that manages to be both profoundly moving and genuinely thrilling. The author's talent for storytelling is evident throughout, crafting a narrative that feels fresh, yet timeless. This is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
What truly elevates this book are the characters. They are complex, flawed, and incredibly human, each one feeling like a real person with their own motivations and secrets. Watching them grow and change throughout the story was a powerful experience. The relationships they build, and the challenges they face, feel authentic and deeply relatable, creating an emotional investment that makes the journey all the more impactful.
The plot is masterfully constructed, with a pace that keeps you eagerly turning pages. The world-building is immersive and vivid, painting a picture so detailed you can almost feel the environment. Every twist and turn felt earned, never cheap or manipulative, leading to a conclusion that was both surprising and perfectly satisfying. This is a brilliant piece of writing that is a testament to the power of a well-told story. It's an absolute must-read.
August 7, 2026
Rank A-
Personal Tags: FR, LitRPG, Video Game World, Party Dynamics, Plus Catalog.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This turned out to be a really pleasant surprise for me. I’m honestly glad I gave it a chance, especially because it has two of my least favorite tags, MMORPG video game world and multiple POVs. Somehow, though, both of those worked surprisingly well here. The different POVs actually helped give the world more depth instead of feeling like unnecessary interruptions. I also liked that the game world felt like an actual place rather than just a backdrop for leveling and grinding. The small-town setting gave the story a more personal feel, and I enjoyed watching the characters slowly figure out how to navigate everything being thrown at them. The progression was fun without feeling like the only thing the book cared about. I also appreciated that the characters had their own goals and personalities rather than existing solely to support the MC. There were definitely a few slower sections, but I never felt like I was forcing myself through them. By the end, I was much more invested in the characters and the world than I expected to be. Definitely one of those books where I’m happy I ignored my usual “nope” tags and gave it a shot.
Personal Tags: FR, LitRPG, Video Game World, Party Dynamics, Plus Catalog.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This turned out to be a really pleasant surprise for me. I’m honestly glad I gave it a chance, especially because it has two of my least favorite tags, MMORPG video game world and multiple POVs. Somehow, though, both of those worked surprisingly well here. The different POVs actually helped give the world more depth instead of feeling like unnecessary interruptions. I also liked that the game world felt like an actual place rather than just a backdrop for leveling and grinding. The small-town setting gave the story a more personal feel, and I enjoyed watching the characters slowly figure out how to navigate everything being thrown at them. The progression was fun without feeling like the only thing the book cared about. I also appreciated that the characters had their own goals and personalities rather than existing solely to support the MC. There were definitely a few slower sections, but I never felt like I was forcing myself through them. By the end, I was much more invested in the characters and the world than I expected to be. Definitely one of those books where I’m happy I ignored my usual “nope” tags and gave it a shot.
June 2, 2026
A great read
Overall I enjoyed this book very much. It was nice to get another story in this world and a bit of background for the corporations and Genesis. There were fairly frequent typos & editorial mistakes, which I'm not used to with this author from Tunnel Rat series.
We get a smash group of four long time friends working odd jobs in a declining VR service industry. They get a chance for long term employment in the new VR system replacing all the old ones, which includes some tantalizing benefits they desperately need. But the corporate world is more mercurial and back stabbing than even they predicted, and they'll have to maneuver themselves into jobs they want and then fight to keep them.
All in all, an interesting book i didn't want to put down. Their manager seems to give them way more freedom than a originally implied, but they're also all old hands at working in VR games with decades of experience in various roles. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel!
Overall I enjoyed this book very much. It was nice to get another story in this world and a bit of background for the corporations and Genesis. There were fairly frequent typos & editorial mistakes, which I'm not used to with this author from Tunnel Rat series.
We get a smash group of four long time friends working odd jobs in a declining VR service industry. They get a chance for long term employment in the new VR system replacing all the old ones, which includes some tantalizing benefits they desperately need. But the corporate world is more mercurial and back stabbing than even they predicted, and they'll have to maneuver themselves into jobs they want and then fight to keep them.
All in all, an interesting book i didn't want to put down. Their manager seems to give them way more freedom than a originally implied, but they're also all old hands at working in VR games with decades of experience in various roles. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel!
August 22, 2025
The author is truly talented and I loved this book even though I ultimately didn't finish the whole series (There's a lot more on Royal Road after this book). I hesitated to read this for a long time because the story takes place in a virtual video game world. The author does a great job of making the stakes and world feel real though. I'm not a big fan of books with multiple points of view, which is another reason I hesitated. Again, the author does an amazing job with this. I do think it would have been better with less POV changes, but that's just my preference.
I ultimately stopped reading around the 400 chapter mark because the story just got too long and the POV changes really do annoy me. There's no end in sight and really no compelling long term conflict. Despite that, I recommend at least giving this one a try.
I ultimately stopped reading around the 400 chapter mark because the story just got too long and the POV changes really do annoy me. There's no end in sight and really no compelling long term conflict. Despite that, I recommend at least giving this one a try.
July 29, 2025
I liked the Tunnel Rat series, which led me to pick this up. And while it's set in the same universe, this one just felt messy. I didn't hate it - as evidenced by the three star rating. But I'm not planning to read the second book.
I think the biggest issue for me was that rather than the story flowing, it flicked between the perspectives of four main characters with additional cameos of side-characters on top of that, making the whole thing feel very piecemeal. And while I didn't mind Ben, the choppiness of the story did mean I didn't come to care for any of the characters.
Also, seeing stats and classes/abilities for four main characters (sometimes multiple times over when they gathered for a powwow and all the relevant information got repeated again) got a bit much.
I think the biggest issue for me was that rather than the story flowing, it flicked between the perspectives of four main characters with additional cameos of side-characters on top of that, making the whole thing feel very piecemeal. And while I didn't mind Ben, the choppiness of the story did mean I didn't come to care for any of the characters.
Also, seeing stats and classes/abilities for four main characters (sometimes multiple times over when they gathered for a powwow and all the relevant information got repeated again) got a bit much.
February 15, 2026
I love creative uses of abilities by competent characters and this book really delivers on that front. The limitations placed on our core group are interesting and set up lots of juicy conflicts. I like the balance of humor, action, and emotion. I am rooting for their success and am enjoying their progression.
It’s not all smooth—there are too many info dumps (I really don’t care all that much about the corporation or AI lore). There’s a lot of head hopping and it’s not always all that clear when perspective shifts are happening. There are a few awkward time shifts (inelegant fixes for the difficulties of juggling so many POVs and their plot lines).
Ultimately, I didn’t care about the clunkers. It was a fun read and I immediately jumped into the next book in the series.
It’s not all smooth—there are too many info dumps (I really don’t care all that much about the corporation or AI lore). There’s a lot of head hopping and it’s not always all that clear when perspective shifts are happening. There are a few awkward time shifts (inelegant fixes for the difficulties of juggling so many POVs and their plot lines).
Ultimately, I didn’t care about the clunkers. It was a fun read and I immediately jumped into the next book in the series.
August 13, 2026
3 1/2 stars rounded up, a fun series with good vibes. Extra points for the vibes, since there are quite a few moments in this book that would come across dark if you just wrote down what happened, but instead only come across as building tension. The author creates a main character who is a butcher, but sets his characters in a VR world. Blood and guts aren't a thing to be politely ignored, or a moral issue, they're a resource. Which may go rogue if you don't find a way to use them.
King deliberately steers to comedy rather than tragedy at all times. He also creates some wonderfully unexpected characters, shout-out to the Shepherd particularly.
The first three books are on kindle unlimited, the rest of the story currently free and ongoing on Royal Road.
King deliberately steers to comedy rather than tragedy at all times. He also creates some wonderfully unexpected characters, shout-out to the Shepherd particularly.
The first three books are on kindle unlimited, the rest of the story currently free and ongoing on Royal Road.
July 22, 2025
Amazing book by a great author
I first read Tunnel Rat on KU and love it so much I bought the book to support the author. I have bought and read all three books in that series. I then went to Royal Road where the story started to read more because I couldn’t wait for more books. There I found this book by the same author and in the same story universe. I have read everything on RR in this story but as soon as the book released I grabbed it and read it again. Can’t wait for more books in this series and highly recommend to anyone else.
I first read Tunnel Rat on KU and love it so much I bought the book to support the author. I have bought and read all three books in that series. I then went to Royal Road where the story started to read more because I couldn’t wait for more books. There I found this book by the same author and in the same story universe. I have read everything on RR in this story but as soon as the book released I grabbed it and read it again. Can’t wait for more books in this series and highly recommend to anyone else.
July 27, 2025
Great Read
I loved the characters and the action. The situation influenced by the way that they leveled up was something totally new which I loved as well. The plot with all the twists, quest, and corporate drama totally kept me reading, but I wasn't too invested with Ozzy and Suzette's situationship. For me, I would've liked it if they just remained friends and kept the all the other leveling action questing going. I just skipped over those parts and kept on reading.
I loved the characters and the action. The situation influenced by the way that they leveled up was something totally new which I loved as well. The plot with all the twists, quest, and corporate drama totally kept me reading, but I wasn't too invested with Ozzy and Suzette's situationship. For me, I would've liked it if they just remained friends and kept the all the other leveling action questing going. I just skipped over those parts and kept on reading.
August 4, 2025
Really good book
This is one of those books that I want to just keep going…and then it ended. Luckily there is book two coming hopefully soon. Loved the characters, lots of action, fun, and adventure too. I am surprised more of the characters do not notice the blight is bad, but maybe that will come up more in the next book. This was very fun and I definitely enjoyed it and recommend this book.
This is one of those books that I want to just keep going…and then it ended. Luckily there is book two coming hopefully soon. Loved the characters, lots of action, fun, and adventure too. I am surprised more of the characters do not notice the blight is bad, but maybe that will come up more in the next book. This was very fun and I definitely enjoyed it and recommend this book.
August 6, 2025
Something went wrong at the end of the book and I was not able to do my review from kindle unlimited. So I came directly here to give you the review.
I've been reading and enjoying this story ever since it first came out on Royalroad.
I'm not the biggest fan of stuck in the game type stories, but this is one I really enjoy. I think the characters are what make the story. It's totally worth the read.
9/10
I've been reading and enjoying this story ever since it first came out on Royalroad.
I'm not the biggest fan of stuck in the game type stories, but this is one I really enjoy. I think the characters are what make the story. It's totally worth the read.
9/10
August 16, 2025
It’s a good book. The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars are the typos in the book and the story being a little too broad for my taste. It makes a beautiful and fun world but does sometimes detract from who the characters are and what they are doing. I like Walrus King books and he has always been nice to me on online forums so I will always recommend this and tunnel rat, they are fun and pretty easy to read.
July 22, 2025
Pitastic fun
A fun take on the litrpg fivr genre. Compelling characters, with consistent character growth and complexity that keeps you engaged with their stories, serve as the central pillars of the adventure. With this series and tunnel rat the overall world gains both actions happening on the small scale and large with each series taking each role at times.
A fun take on the litrpg fivr genre. Compelling characters, with consistent character growth and complexity that keeps you engaged with their stories, serve as the central pillars of the adventure. With this series and tunnel rat the overall world gains both actions happening on the small scale and large with each series taking each role at times.
July 22, 2025
deeply enjoyable. I enjoy both the game narrative and the "real world" insights that make the main party a joy to follow. Clever writing and, as a serial blue-box-skipper, the game elements meld very well with the narrative.
July 26, 2025
Claims to be an Isekai in the way that SAO is an Isekai. This and SAO are not.
Too many different points of view constantly and it was hard to keep track of the characters for the first 20% of the book.
Unsure how likely I'll pick up the next book.
Too many different points of view constantly and it was hard to keep track of the characters for the first 20% of the book.
Unsure how likely I'll pick up the next book.
July 27, 2025
Hot Diggity Dog! What a book!
This book blends future dystopian world and a VR fantasy world in a very believable fashion. The blend of evil uncaring corporations being out witted by both the last remaining AI and plucky VR labourers is extraordinarily entertaining!
This book blends future dystopian world and a VR fantasy world in a very believable fashion. The blend of evil uncaring corporations being out witted by both the last remaining AI and plucky VR labourers is extraordinarily entertaining!
July 28, 2025
Fantastic as always
This is one of my favorite series. I wish the book didn't end on a cliff hanger though. There's a better stopping point when the war arc finishes.
But anyway, thank you for the book and chapters as always!
This is one of my favorite series. I wish the book didn't end on a cliff hanger though. There's a better stopping point when the war arc finishes.
But anyway, thank you for the book and chapters as always!
July 31, 2025
Tunnel rat was amazing until it wasn't he joined a team and stopped and adventuring solo and got caught up in politics booo... this is about a guy who gets paid in game to play a npc and do boring tasks it jumps around and i just couldn't get invested it was boring
August 22, 2025
The first gamelit litrpg that I was able to be invested in. By using corporations the stakes weren’t just being killed only to respawn, it was a game of life or death to be able to afford another day.
September 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this
Finished it in two days. Definitely a fun and interesting take on the VR genre. The mcs are great and make you care about them. Only slight negative is the editing got a bit rough at around the 50% mark but nothing book breaking. Highly recommended.
Finished it in two days. Definitely a fun and interesting take on the VR genre. The mcs are great and make you care about them. Only slight negative is the editing got a bit rough at around the 50% mark but nothing book breaking. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2025
Excellent
Really original take on litRPG , the four MCs are all likeable and quite prepared to work to improve stats and work around their contracts , the fact that they have a lot more experience and guile than the ACME corporation helps
Really original take on litRPG , the four MCs are all likeable and quite prepared to work to improve stats and work around their contracts , the fact that they have a lot more experience and guile than the ACME corporation helps
June 29, 2026
Tons of characters talking about this and that. I care about none of it. The author hasn't given me a reason to care about it.
Hate the writing style. Very descriptive. Not much focus on the MC.
I don't understand all the good ratings.
I don't want to read more.
DNF 5%
Hate the writing style. Very descriptive. Not much focus on the MC.
I don't understand all the good ratings.
I don't want to read more.
DNF 5%
July 22, 2025
excellent
Could not put this story down. Awesome to read you want to know what this merry band is up to and can’t wait to read more of their adventures. Time for th butcher
Could not put this story down. Awesome to read you want to know what this merry band is up to and can’t wait to read more of their adventures. Time for th butcher
July 23, 2025
Love this series so much! Very binge-able.
July 25, 2025
awesome time reading
Great story here! Been following since the beginning on Royal Road. I still tune in every time a chapter is posted. So excited it made it to kindle!
Great story here! Been following since the beginning on Royal Road. I still tune in every time a chapter is posted. So excited it made it to kindle!
didn-t-like-it
July 30, 2025Note to self: nope.
July 31, 2025
Great series! Enjoyable world building. Entertaining characters with character progression/ building. Huge world with a lot of story to tell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews