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Battle World #1
Battle Hauler: Book 1
My name is Garren Holt, and I used to be a long-haul trucker with a taste for trashy audiobooks—the kind you're embarrassed to be caught listening to. Now, I'm a Battle Hauler in a world where monsters are real, people have weird powers, and my new rig is a talking donkey with a pink mohawk and an ego the size of a Peterbilt. Oh, and instead of a truck sporting 600HP, I got stuck with a four-wheeled wooden cart.
I woke up on the side of the road getting my insides rearranged by several pairs of boots belonging to what passed for high-way robbers. From there, everything turned even darker when I could hear my new donkey partner speak into my mind, I was given a mission to retrieve some stolen goods from a bandit camp, and was expected to haul them to a town nearby. At least I ended up with a deathly-beautiful assassin in my passenger seat. What was I supposed to do? Let her walk back to town by herself?
Next thing I knew, we were neck-deep in Flarma, a boomtown run by a corrupt Adventurer's Guild and an even worse nobility. My new situation made every dispatch office I ever dealt with look like a daycare when 'keep the red-head alive and take her home' turned to 'kill the guild-sanctioned assassins first and try to stay alive long enough to figure out what end of a monster to punch'.
I woke up on the side of the road getting my insides rearranged by several pairs of boots belonging to what passed for high-way robbers. From there, everything turned even darker when I could hear my new donkey partner speak into my mind, I was given a mission to retrieve some stolen goods from a bandit camp, and was expected to haul them to a town nearby. At least I ended up with a deathly-beautiful assassin in my passenger seat. What was I supposed to do? Let her walk back to town by herself?
Next thing I knew, we were neck-deep in Flarma, a boomtown run by a corrupt Adventurer's Guild and an even worse nobility. My new situation made every dispatch office I ever dealt with look like a daycare when 'keep the red-head alive and take her home' turned to 'kill the guild-sanctioned assassins first and try to stay alive long enough to figure out what end of a monster to punch'.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2022
182 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 6, 2022
Starts Out Well But Stumbles Badly Later On
This is my first book by the author. It captured my attention after I read the sample, so I picked up the full book.
The book starts out well. This is the usual arena deathmatch portal fantasy novel after a semi apocalypse story, after Earth is inducted into the rest of the continuum. Which is a decent way to get into one of the problems. In general, things are just too complicated for what the book is trying to do.
Clint (the MC) has a fairly insane father. Frank, and the other two females on the squad have their own pasts. Which is fine, but the backgrounds, especially Clint's, sometimes threaten to overwhelm the story until things get back on track.
I'll also mention that there is a forced jokiness to the story, and it all happens with the overlay of life and death battles. Because that's what's happening here, whether the team is out on Hadran trying to get stronger or if they're battling other aliens.
As the MC, Clint is okay. He’s not what I would call a strong leader, but he and the team get the job done. The alien sponsoring them puts them in a PVP event and Clint keeps them together during a difficult fight. The training montages on the planet were the most enjoyable aspect for me.
Now let’s talk about Frank, a minor ex military character who likes to wink at young women and doesn’t listen to anyone for advice. While the PVP event is going on, he’s sending out teams of low rank humans to clear zones on Hadran, except they run into a problem. Instead of scouting out and investigating the problem, he sends more people into trouble.
I really had a problem with the book when no one calls his leadership into question as they should. Instead Clint and his team are sent to clean the mess up. Maybe it's because I read my fair share of military sci-fi, but for a leader who is trying to turn their place in the games around, he sits in the local bar sending human team after human team until he realizes there is a problem.
For me, that was it. I scanned the rest of the book but didn’t read it, and I doubt I’ll read book two. As good as it was at the beginning, I couldn’t overlook that.
3.45/5*
This is my first book by the author. It captured my attention after I read the sample, so I picked up the full book.
The book starts out well. This is the usual arena deathmatch portal fantasy novel after a semi apocalypse story, after Earth is inducted into the rest of the continuum. Which is a decent way to get into one of the problems. In general, things are just too complicated for what the book is trying to do.
Clint (the MC) has a fairly insane father. Frank, and the other two females on the squad have their own pasts. Which is fine, but the backgrounds, especially Clint's, sometimes threaten to overwhelm the story until things get back on track.
I'll also mention that there is a forced jokiness to the story, and it all happens with the overlay of life and death battles. Because that's what's happening here, whether the team is out on Hadran trying to get stronger or if they're battling other aliens.
As the MC, Clint is okay. He’s not what I would call a strong leader, but he and the team get the job done. The alien sponsoring them puts them in a PVP event and Clint keeps them together during a difficult fight. The training montages on the planet were the most enjoyable aspect for me.
Now let’s talk about Frank, a minor ex military character who likes to wink at young women and doesn’t listen to anyone for advice. While the PVP event is going on, he’s sending out teams of low rank humans to clear zones on Hadran, except they run into a problem. Instead of scouting out and investigating the problem, he sends more people into trouble.
I really had a problem with the book when no one calls his leadership into question as they should. Instead Clint and his team are sent to clean the mess up. Maybe it's because I read my fair share of military sci-fi, but for a leader who is trying to turn their place in the games around, he sits in the local bar sending human team after human team until he realizes there is a problem.
For me, that was it. I scanned the rest of the book but didn’t read it, and I doubt I’ll read book two. As good as it was at the beginning, I couldn’t overlook that.
3.45/5*
February 19, 2022
Its a book
There isn't anything new or really good here. The writing is amateurish but promising, and the editing is pretty bad. The stat bumps are meaningless. Its really 2 1\2 stars if I am being honest. Something Amazon should probably fix.
There isn't anything new or really good here. The writing is amateurish but promising, and the editing is pretty bad. The stat bumps are meaningless. Its really 2 1\2 stars if I am being honest. Something Amazon should probably fix.
September 13, 2022
A lot going on in this series, author needs to tighten it up a little bit.
I have some questions concerning this book, first of all if humans die doing the gladiatorial games why are the humans with overpowered symbionts still alive? Second question how does Natalie not go through her proficiency test which she skipped? Three why does the author write in third person and then switch to first person. I’ve heard of getting over adversity but having an alien robot dislike the team it is responsible for that’s just a little too much. my second gripe with this book is that Natalie is definitely under powered, I’ve read other books that have healers Who have obtained additional classes and can hold their own in a fight.Yes it’s good for her to have all the knowledge but she’s so annoying. third gripe is Clint not very likable, needs to grow in his personality quite a bit. Yes I understand he’s fighting against his Symbian but you might route for him if he had a nicer personality. And what’s with the teenage angst he’s showing he’s 32 years old for goodness sake do or do not there is no try with this girl that he’s attracted to. Maybe his character will be flushed out better in the second book.
I have some questions concerning this book, first of all if humans die doing the gladiatorial games why are the humans with overpowered symbionts still alive? Second question how does Natalie not go through her proficiency test which she skipped? Three why does the author write in third person and then switch to first person. I’ve heard of getting over adversity but having an alien robot dislike the team it is responsible for that’s just a little too much. my second gripe with this book is that Natalie is definitely under powered, I’ve read other books that have healers Who have obtained additional classes and can hold their own in a fight.Yes it’s good for her to have all the knowledge but she’s so annoying. third gripe is Clint not very likable, needs to grow in his personality quite a bit. Yes I understand he’s fighting against his Symbian but you might route for him if he had a nicer personality. And what’s with the teenage angst he’s showing he’s 32 years old for goodness sake do or do not there is no try with this girl that he’s attracted to. Maybe his character will be flushed out better in the second book.
January 14, 2025
Space and Venom
Right off the bat we are thrown into a post apocalypse dystopian world. The idea of the aliens being treated as gods are neat. Then we get into VENOM… like literally. But guess more metal, and with RPG system. How? 🤷♂️ Anyway, though I wasn’t into the farming aspect (I know it’s what RPGs do but I don’t play RPG games.) But I found the characters at least entertaining. The battles were epic and brutal. Though I thought the book was gong to be a battle royal but I’m honestly happy it’s not because that means there is more character growth. So I can confidently say, I enjoyed this LitRPG.
Right off the bat we are thrown into a post apocalypse dystopian world. The idea of the aliens being treated as gods are neat. Then we get into VENOM… like literally. But guess more metal, and with RPG system. How? 🤷♂️ Anyway, though I wasn’t into the farming aspect (I know it’s what RPGs do but I don’t play RPG games.) But I found the characters at least entertaining. The battles were epic and brutal. Though I thought the book was gong to be a battle royal but I’m honestly happy it’s not because that means there is more character growth. So I can confidently say, I enjoyed this LitRPG.
January 28, 2022
Talk about tearing it up!
I’ve been wanting a book like this for a long time, and it was really nice to find it! The symbiote/human interaction was fun, differentiated from the source material enough that it didn’t feel like a blatant rip off. The action was good, and I enjoyed the mechanics side as well! Definitely a book I can recommend for anyone needing their Venom fix. Can’t wait for book 2, cause I’ve got a lot of questions I need answered! Haha!
I’ve been wanting a book like this for a long time, and it was really nice to find it! The symbiote/human interaction was fun, differentiated from the source material enough that it didn’t feel like a blatant rip off. The action was good, and I enjoyed the mechanics side as well! Definitely a book I can recommend for anyone needing their Venom fix. Can’t wait for book 2, cause I’ve got a lot of questions I need answered! Haha!
March 8, 2022
Interesting book
This book has so much potential. The characters can be brought to life and matured into strong characters. Currently the lead character is very immature and underdeveloped. It was a struggle to get through some parts and hard to put down other's. I am looking forward to seeing what the author does in the future.
This book has so much potential. The characters can be brought to life and matured into strong characters. Currently the lead character is very immature and underdeveloped. It was a struggle to get through some parts and hard to put down other's. I am looking forward to seeing what the author does in the future.
October 12, 2022
hmmmm strange one
I am conflicted about this book, I found at times I couldn’t put it down and others
Times I couldn’t wait to finish it. Over all I will be reading the next book in the series and I would recommend it
I am conflicted about this book, I found at times I couldn’t put it down and others
Times I couldn’t wait to finish it. Over all I will be reading the next book in the series and I would recommend it
March 4, 2023
Hard to read
Not a terrible story in here, somewhere, it’s just very hard to get to. Doesn’t quite do anything well, and some of the odd phrases and grammar choices seem to be the result of a bad translation or a chat bot.
Not a terrible story in here, somewhere, it’s just very hard to get to. Doesn’t quite do anything well, and some of the odd phrases and grammar choices seem to be the result of a bad translation or a chat bot.
November 1, 2023
Not as good as his other books
The first of his I read was Mimic and me. It was a lot more fun I'd give it a 5. This was ok but I just couldn't identify with the main characters motivations. I'd explain but that could definitely be spoiler material.
The first of his I read was Mimic and me. It was a lot more fun I'd give it a 5. This was ok but I just couldn't identify with the main characters motivations. I'd explain but that could definitely be spoiler material.
November 24, 2023
While 'Battle World' held great potential, I felt the author fell short of fully realizing it, leaving several plot holes. A thorough edit from the beginning could have elevated the story. Despite these shortcomings, I found it to be an enjoyable read, and I appreciate the overall narrative.
April 24, 2022
Pleasantly surprised
I picked it up looking for something new and was intrigued by the carnage vibes coming from the symbiote. Can't wait for book 2.
Venom meets gladiatorial arena
I picked it up looking for something new and was intrigued by the carnage vibes coming from the symbiote. Can't wait for book 2.
Venom meets gladiatorial arena
June 15, 2022
A great read
Story was well thought out. A few translations were wrong, but that didn't stop me reading this book eagerly. Cannot wait for the next in the series.
Story was well thought out. A few translations were wrong, but that didn't stop me reading this book eagerly. Cannot wait for the next in the series.
August 3, 2023
Pretty great first book
It was pretty cool, had some great fights, nice introduction to Battle World. Main characters were pretty cool, nice pace to the story.
It was pretty cool, had some great fights, nice introduction to Battle World. Main characters were pretty cool, nice pace to the story.
September 15, 2025
started strong, but then just kept failing. Jokes dont land, no upside and allot of weird side stories going on.
January 8, 2024
Book one
I know that I have read this before, I just don't know when or where.
I'm not really interested in trying to re-read this or figure out why I know I've read this before.
I'm thinking this is probably a reprinted book.
5/10 I don't normally re-read books. If I do it's a great book, this one isn't more than okay.
I know that I have read this before, I just don't know when or where.
I'm not really interested in trying to re-read this or figure out why I know I've read this before.
I'm thinking this is probably a reprinted book.
5/10 I don't normally re-read books. If I do it's a great book, this one isn't more than okay.
December 30, 2023
I really liked this book
This felt very venom au i indulged myself with a binge read of this book and I can’t wait to read the sequel. Very grim dark with out the sa that colours that genre the mc is likeable enough and the side characters are also the world building is a mashup of a bunch of genres that actually in this story work amazing together and it’s intriguing in the best way. Can I just say I really enjoy the character Rama and of course samair the bad guys are just more fun.
This felt very venom au i indulged myself with a binge read of this book and I can’t wait to read the sequel. Very grim dark with out the sa that colours that genre the mc is likeable enough and the side characters are also the world building is a mashup of a bunch of genres that actually in this story work amazing together and it’s intriguing in the best way. Can I just say I really enjoy the character Rama and of course samair the bad guys are just more fun.
September 19, 2025
A Good, if messy, start
The story idea is original compared to many books in the genre being put out. It’s engaging, the characters are dynamic, and the over arching plot makes me excited for book two.
Unfortunately, this is another example of a book desperately needing an editor. Sentences are often missing words. Scenes pick up in the middle and caused me to reread the previous few pages to make sure I didn’t miss anything. In once case the mc responds to a question, but the question was never actually asked.
I am looking forward to book two. And hoping they did a better job editing and catching these kind of issues.
The story idea is original compared to many books in the genre being put out. It’s engaging, the characters are dynamic, and the over arching plot makes me excited for book two.
Unfortunately, this is another example of a book desperately needing an editor. Sentences are often missing words. Scenes pick up in the middle and caused me to reread the previous few pages to make sure I didn’t miss anything. In once case the mc responds to a question, but the question was never actually asked.
I am looking forward to book two. And hoping they did a better job editing and catching these kind of issues.
August 28, 2025
What a roller-coaster
Just a fantastic book from start to finish, our MC and FMC work so well together, and their relationship is fantastic. The litRPG elements have cool twists and grear humor. All in all, it's a fantastic new series.
Just a fantastic book from start to finish, our MC and FMC work so well together, and their relationship is fantastic. The litRPG elements have cool twists and grear humor. All in all, it's a fantastic new series.
September 14, 2025
Enjoyable
I really loved the one woman aspect of this book. Up until the last page I was thinking that one girl a book would be added. The epilogue was good as well. Just those last couple of pages that tanked the book
I really loved the one woman aspect of this book. Up until the last page I was thinking that one girl a book would be added. The epilogue was good as well. Just those last couple of pages that tanked the book
August 25, 2025
Great story. really enjoyed how thestory rolled out, really engaging and keeps you reading.
September 17, 2025
DNF @ Chapter 3. Did not find the donkey to be funny and the "banter" between the donkey & MC was cringy at best.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews