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Merchant Crab #1
Merchant Crab: A LitRPG Adventure
An unlikely protagonist leads this hilarious new LitRPG, perfect for fans of Heretical Fishing, Chrysalis, and Lunadea!
One Adventurer's junk is another Crab's treasure.
Balthazar was just a random giant crab enjoying his life in a fantasy world full of bothersome human adventurers, but then he had to go and accidentally discover the secret of attributes and levels. And also pie.
With baked goods and coin as his new life goals, he turns to the competitive business of trading the random junk adventurer's loot every day.
Follow Balthazar as he does everything to find a baker... except leave his pond, because exploring the dangerous world out there is for suckers. Witness how adventurers just can't seem to stop dying around his home. And cheer for a crab who makes great new friends by simply buying them.
One Adventurer's junk is another Crab's treasure.
Balthazar was just a random giant crab enjoying his life in a fantasy world full of bothersome human adventurers, but then he had to go and accidentally discover the secret of attributes and levels. And also pie.
With baked goods and coin as his new life goals, he turns to the competitive business of trading the random junk adventurer's loot every day.
Follow Balthazar as he does everything to find a baker... except leave his pond, because exploring the dangerous world out there is for suckers. Witness how adventurers just can't seem to stop dying around his home. And cheer for a crab who makes great new friends by simply buying them.
698 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 1, 2026
This is a weird LitRPG featuring a crab who gains a system interface and decides to be a merchant. And it delivers that I will admit. But also a bunch of contrivance and people doing things for no reason at all. Like, a couple obviously evil types drop by and not only deal fairly with the merchant crab but outright generously. As opposed to, you know, killing the crab and taking what they wanted. And the baker who comes all the way out of the city to give the crab free pie? That makes no kind of sense.
So what I'm saying is that this is a lighthearted story with some odd conceits and a dash of quirks that if it connects will probably be charming, endearing, and possibly funny. It missed with me, I'm afraid.
If you want a bit of whacky good-natured fun, give this a shot. But it didn't engage me. I'm going to give it a second star because it is creative and there's some fun bits that I think will do well with the right audience. So it doesn't get in its own way, is what I'm saying. For me, though, I'll be moving on.
So what I'm saying is that this is a lighthearted story with some odd conceits and a dash of quirks that if it connects will probably be charming, endearing, and possibly funny. It missed with me, I'm afraid.
If you want a bit of whacky good-natured fun, give this a shot. But it didn't engage me. I'm going to give it a second star because it is creative and there's some fun bits that I think will do well with the right audience. So it doesn't get in its own way, is what I'm saying. For me, though, I'll be moving on.
January 9, 2026
A curmudgeon crab gains sentience. Becomes a merchant to the multitude of adventurers in the area. Befriends a baker, develops a love for sweets. Yeah, ok, that's unique and has my interest.
But, dang, did this need to be just under 700pgs? Not at all. This needed to be 450pgs tops. It just dragged a few times.
Great side characters. Fun plot points (and some that should have been cut). There's a whole under-arcing story that amps up a lot at the end and is seeming to be a focal point of book 2.
Did this do enough for me to read book 2? I just don't know.
But, dang, did this need to be just under 700pgs? Not at all. This needed to be 450pgs tops. It just dragged a few times.
Great side characters. Fun plot points (and some that should have been cut). There's a whole under-arcing story that amps up a lot at the end and is seeming to be a focal point of book 2.
Did this do enough for me to read book 2? I just don't know.
November 22, 2025
The power of Pie
There are very few books that I have laugh at then this one. The crab reminded me of the stereotype of an old grumpy man wanting kids to stay off his land. I loved that even though he was annoyed at first when adventurers came along, but eventually he got used to them. I loved his friendship with the baker, and his rivalry with the bully of a merchant. I am excited to see where the story goes from here.
There are very few books that I have laugh at then this one. The crab reminded me of the stereotype of an old grumpy man wanting kids to stay off his land. I loved that even though he was annoyed at first when adventurers came along, but eventually he got used to them. I loved his friendship with the baker, and his rivalry with the bully of a merchant. I am excited to see where the story goes from here.
April 13, 2026
My second foray into the LitRPG's! I stumbled upon this title during an Audible sale and thought it sounded fun: A crab gains the ability to "level up" like the adventurers around him and decides to become a merchant, selling the junk they leave by his pond for more valuable things...like pie! The bit of narration in the preview also sounded good, and with a food-related r/Fanatsy prompt for 2026's bingo, it felt like the perfect time to pick this up!
I didn't realize this until I started but...this book is REALLY long; At almost 700 pages and 25+ hours, this deceivingly charming book is the same length as other high fantasy books I've read. Luckily, I enjoyed my time and it didn't bother me, but if you don't vibe with the book it's safe to say you should just DNF to save your time. Merchant Crab felt like a combination of LitRPG and cozy/slice of life; There's very little on action-side, and we instead see our cantankerous crab slowly learn about the world beyond his pond, building up his connections, his store, facing rivals and making friends.
Johnathan McClain's narration gives so much entertainment and energy to this book! His voice for Balthazar the crab reminded me of Zeke from Bob's Burgers, fully of crabbiness but with a good heart under his shell. He gives different voices to all the different characters throughout, and I was amazed at how good and distinct they all were! The only voice I had issues with was Madeline's sometimes (sorry!). I think he easily made this book so much fun for me, elevating this to a 4⭐ experience from a 3⭐book.
The story itself is pretty simple and slow, which isn't a bad thing per say; It feels like one of those online books where the author posts a new chapter every week and it slowly builds into a giant tale. We do get glimpses into a greater narrative about the world, and by the end we have a fantastic and exciting setup for book two! I wasn't sure if this would be something I'd want to continue, but I'm excited for what comes next!
I didn't realize this until I started but...this book is REALLY long; At almost 700 pages and 25+ hours, this deceivingly charming book is the same length as other high fantasy books I've read. Luckily, I enjoyed my time and it didn't bother me, but if you don't vibe with the book it's safe to say you should just DNF to save your time. Merchant Crab felt like a combination of LitRPG and cozy/slice of life; There's very little on action-side, and we instead see our cantankerous crab slowly learn about the world beyond his pond, building up his connections, his store, facing rivals and making friends.
Johnathan McClain's narration gives so much entertainment and energy to this book! His voice for Balthazar the crab reminded me of Zeke from Bob's Burgers, fully of crabbiness but with a good heart under his shell. He gives different voices to all the different characters throughout, and I was amazed at how good and distinct they all were! The only voice I had issues with was Madeline's sometimes (sorry!). I think he easily made this book so much fun for me, elevating this to a 4⭐ experience from a 3⭐book.
The story itself is pretty simple and slow, which isn't a bad thing per say; It feels like one of those online books where the author posts a new chapter every week and it slowly builds into a giant tale. We do get glimpses into a greater narrative about the world, and by the end we have a fantastic and exciting setup for book two! I wasn't sure if this would be something I'd want to continue, but I'm excited for what comes next!
November 23, 2025
This is a laid back LitRPG with hilarious characters that centers on a cantankerous crab that gains access to the system and decides to start trading for access to delicious pastries. I absolutely loved the world building in this. Balthazar's entire life revolves around this tiny pond but so much happens as people bring in fresh items and information. As his skills evolve so do his problems.
February 15, 2026
I really like this one. the concept is novel and the writing pulls you in. however I'm not sure if it was my mood surrounding reading it, or if I just wasn't vibing with it. I like the book but that's it, I had trouble getting through it to the bitter end.
February 16, 2026
Great! but not without it's issues
LitRPG / Nonhuman MC / NPC to hero / light comedy (Great Audiobook)
This book is H-U-G-E!!! 698 pages, 25 hours on audio
For a lot of this book there seems to be NO progress, and the one main joke wears thin. The author HOst is from RoyalRoad and was working out how to write as they went along. They did an Amazing Job! but it's inconsistent, and there are some mistakes along the way. The biggest problem is that the author skirts the line of humorously grumpy MC and sometimes the crab is just an A-hole.
This can be hard to take when it feels like things are dragging along and not getting anywhere.
-It gets better
By the end it's pretty damn good. I immediately went for book two only to learn it's due to be released in 2 days. (what a coincidence on the timing)
So yeah I think it's worth it. If you like the book right away, stick with it through the rough parts. If book two sucks I'll come back here and change this.
LitRPG / Nonhuman MC / NPC to hero / light comedy (Great Audiobook)
This book is H-U-G-E!!! 698 pages, 25 hours on audio
For a lot of this book there seems to be NO progress, and the one main joke wears thin. The author HOst is from RoyalRoad and was working out how to write as they went along. They did an Amazing Job! but it's inconsistent, and there are some mistakes along the way. The biggest problem is that the author skirts the line of humorously grumpy MC and sometimes the crab is just an A-hole.
This can be hard to take when it feels like things are dragging along and not getting anywhere.
-It gets better
By the end it's pretty damn good. I immediately went for book two only to learn it's due to be released in 2 days. (what a coincidence on the timing)
So yeah I think it's worth it. If you like the book right away, stick with it through the rough parts. If book two sucks I'll come back here and change this.
September 7, 2025
The is a review of the Royal Road edition, which may have been edited before being released on Kindle.
This is a fun, and very light, progression litRPG fantasy, with strong cozy fantasy vibes. It could fairly easily be edited up to a three-star rating, and even at two stars, it's a light enough read that it may be worth reading, if you want fun and fast. It is somewhat repetitive, silly, and the character development is intentionally rather heavy handed. The world is a parody fantasy setting, with the world building built entirely on DND vibes. I enjoyed large parts of it, but also skimmed over fair chunks, as the content of paragraphs and even long passages was sometimes so predictable that it simply wasn't necessary to read them in detail.
Minor spoilers: the overall arc is very much a set-up for the next book, with success slowly building to a peak only to end in a series of epic disasters that will surely be solved in the next book... which is fine, I guess, but again, rather heavy-handed.
This is a fun, and very light, progression litRPG fantasy, with strong cozy fantasy vibes. It could fairly easily be edited up to a three-star rating, and even at two stars, it's a light enough read that it may be worth reading, if you want fun and fast. It is somewhat repetitive, silly, and the character development is intentionally rather heavy handed. The world is a parody fantasy setting, with the world building built entirely on DND vibes. I enjoyed large parts of it, but also skimmed over fair chunks, as the content of paragraphs and even long passages was sometimes so predictable that it simply wasn't necessary to read them in detail.
Minor spoilers: the overall arc is very much a set-up for the next book, with success slowly building to a peak only to end in a series of epic disasters that will surely be solved in the next book... which is fine, I guess, but again, rather heavy-handed.
December 23, 2025
fun
Balthazar just wanted a quiet life in his pond. Then an adventurer stepped on him and things happened. He retrieved a scroll from the adventurer that made him an Adventurer. Still all he wanted was to sun himself on his pond, that is until an adventurer traded him pie for a sword. This a love of sweets and the drive for more was born. He starts finagling deals and becomes a merchant trading left and right all for shiny coins and sweet treats. He takes on the local merchants guild, the tax man, and misunderstandings to reap a profit. He learns that family and friends mean a lot to him. Eventually his status as an adventurer is taken away and so is a friend. So he plans to leave his pond and go get his friend back!
A funny and lighthearted story. The grumpy character learns that he was always a softy. The narrator is wonderful. The pacing is steady and the world is fascinating. Please enjoy
Balthazar just wanted a quiet life in his pond. Then an adventurer stepped on him and things happened. He retrieved a scroll from the adventurer that made him an Adventurer. Still all he wanted was to sun himself on his pond, that is until an adventurer traded him pie for a sword. This a love of sweets and the drive for more was born. He starts finagling deals and becomes a merchant trading left and right all for shiny coins and sweet treats. He takes on the local merchants guild, the tax man, and misunderstandings to reap a profit. He learns that family and friends mean a lot to him. Eventually his status as an adventurer is taken away and so is a friend. So he plans to leave his pond and go get his friend back!
A funny and lighthearted story. The grumpy character learns that he was always a softy. The narrator is wonderful. The pacing is steady and the world is fascinating. Please enjoy
December 6, 2025
This was fun at first, I liked the main character,, but about 1/2 way through it began to wear out its welcome becasue the crab kept "learning" the same lesson every couple chapters. Crab would do something that was too crabby, there is a single consequence, he'd realize he has to value other people, and everything would reset. The ending chapters were a slog to get through, as were the six different pieces of the epilogue.
March 22, 2026
A 25hr audio book. Im giving 6 of 10. There was no main story until halfway (No spoilers). Next, the MC himself is not only crabby but through the whole story keeps repeating the same I hate ppl/ I like ppl attitude, last issue why was this so long? 25hrs / 30 min mini adventures is just 50 short stories, I kept feeling like I got nowhere relevant after 2hrs of listening. Overall, I did enjoy this book but not that much.
April 6, 2026
The narration took me a bit to get used to but once I did it was really enjoyable.
It had me laughing out loud which always a big win in my books.
It was different enough to other litRPG books to keep it fresh and exciting.
I loved the characters and I’m really excited to see what happens in the next one. I’d love more of Tweedle because he’s so erratic and weird.
Highly recommend listening on audible
It had me laughing out loud which always a big win in my books.
It was different enough to other litRPG books to keep it fresh and exciting.
I loved the characters and I’m really excited to see what happens in the next one. I’d love more of Tweedle because he’s so erratic and weird.
Highly recommend listening on audible
April 6, 2026
A fun story about a crab that discovers a scroll which connects him to the "system" which allows him to gain levels, increase his stats, and gain skills. A normal pond crab ends up becoming a merchant and making friends along the way.
There are sections where this has a nice, low-stress slice of life vibe, and others with some lite action. Overall I think I enjoyed this book but it feels about 40% too long.
There are sections where this has a nice, low-stress slice of life vibe, and others with some lite action. Overall I think I enjoyed this book but it feels about 40% too long.
November 24, 2025
Unusually Comfortable
How could you pass up a book called Merchant crab？I enjoyed the fresh concept. it was a well written book and the characters were interesting. This is another great addition to the lit RPG genre. a lot of the plot points were telegraphed and that's okay. I look forward to the next installment.
How could you pass up a book called Merchant crab？I enjoyed the fresh concept. it was a well written book and the characters were interesting. This is another great addition to the lit RPG genre. a lot of the plot points were telegraphed and that's okay. I look forward to the next installment.
March 28, 2026
A crusty crustaceans with a salty attatude
A awakened crab 🦀 finds himself taken by the alure of gold coins i mean who doesn't
A nice slice of life from the point of veiw of
A crusty crustaceans with a salty attatude
I listened on audible aswell the voices of the characters was very fun
A awakened crab 🦀 finds himself taken by the alure of gold coins i mean who doesn't
A nice slice of life from the point of veiw of
A crusty crustaceans with a salty attatude
I listened on audible aswell the voices of the characters was very fun
November 27, 2025
Surprisingly good. Comedic LitRPGs can be hot or miss for me but this was a hit. The cast of oddball characters were really fun and entertaining. There was an overriding plot which propels the story into the next book. I’ll definitely continue.
December 1, 2025
I had high hopes for this one but it was just ok. A little slow for my liking maybe just setting things up for book 2.. I might read the next book but its probably not one I will be jumping on as soon as it comes out.
December 18, 2025
A great story.
I really loved reading this book. It was funny and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really loved reading this book. It was funny and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
December 29, 2025
I read this 1 well it was being posted on royal road. So needless to say I read it quite a while ago. Good story rather light hearted The crab's personality is well except from a crab.
This is a pretty light-hearted read. I do remember there is some violence but not a much.
7/10
This is a pretty light-hearted read. I do remember there is some violence but not a much.
7/10
January 18, 2026
It meandered too much for me to really love it. It tries a little too hard a little too often to truly win me over. At the same time, I like how it committed to its whimsical premise, and was enough good fun that I bumped my rating up a star from an “okay” 2 to a “good” 3.
February 9, 2026
Semi-cozy litRPG that uses the non-standard merchant crab protagonist to point out a lot of litRPG tropes that don't make a lot of sense. However my gut feeling is that it said what it wanted to say and should have ended with this volume.
February 21, 2026
I listened to the audio book.
The narrator is excellent, his voices are hilarious.
The book itself is overly long, but enjoyable comfort reading.
The crabby crab and its companions are funny.
Were it not for the good narration, this would've been a DNF.
The narrator is excellent, his voices are hilarious.
The book itself is overly long, but enjoyable comfort reading.
The crabby crab and its companions are funny.
Were it not for the good narration, this would've been a DNF.
March 10, 2026
Awesome book, interesting concepts. characters are a bit ridiculous and not much progression. The ending was so boring I accidentally forgot to finish it till I started book 2 and noticed I still had 40 mins left. Listened at 1.75x speed .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2026
I picked this book up on a whim... it's fantastic. I had more snort-laugh moments on this book than I have in a while. If you ever wanted a book where the grumpy animal companion is the main character and doesn't bother picking a companion... this is the book for you.
December 10, 2025
The writing is poor, the lessons are ham-handed, but the idea is novel and I'm still going to read the next book in the series.
December 15, 2025
BEST BOOK EVER!!!
Read
January 5, 2026DNF
January 9, 2026
Hmm, I feel like this could have been something. But I found myself just turn off.
February 10, 2026
Good story, but the writing is a bit lacking.
February 23, 2026
Meh. I don't get the appeal of the whole crab thing.
DNF 15%
DNF 15%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews