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Isekai Terry #2
Aggravating Hero Stuff
Terry needed a weapon. He got a sidekick.
After he discovers a few hundred monster soldiers camping out in easy striking distance of his house…oh, and the town…Terry realizes that the trash swords he took from dead enemies won’t cut it. Figuratively or literally. Those monsters have armor! Unfortunately, fixing that problem requires him to face the ultimate horror. Talking to people.
Yet, as soon as he gets the name of a great smith, a fresh hell descends on him. A noble girl he thought he’d left behind nominates herself as the sidekick for this venture. Unable to shake off the annoyingly persistent Kelima, Terry resigns himself to taking her along. Will this decision kick off a chain of events Terry can’t foresee? One that involves danger, monsters, tropes, and UNOBTANIUM?
Of course, it will! Hop on board for another round of adventures with the world’s grumpiest hero, Terry!
After he discovers a few hundred monster soldiers camping out in easy striking distance of his house…oh, and the town…Terry realizes that the trash swords he took from dead enemies won’t cut it. Figuratively or literally. Those monsters have armor! Unfortunately, fixing that problem requires him to face the ultimate horror. Talking to people.
Yet, as soon as he gets the name of a great smith, a fresh hell descends on him. A noble girl he thought he’d left behind nominates herself as the sidekick for this venture. Unable to shake off the annoyingly persistent Kelima, Terry resigns himself to taking her along. Will this decision kick off a chain of events Terry can’t foresee? One that involves danger, monsters, tropes, and UNOBTANIUM?
Of course, it will! Hop on board for another round of adventures with the world’s grumpiest hero, Terry!
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Eric Dontigney
30 books211 followersRaised in Western New York, Eric Dontigney has lived in New Mexico, Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. He currently resides near Dayton, OH. He is a fan of photo-realism paintings, coffee and well-made food. He has a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 27, 2026
This is just a side quest with numerous tedious parts. Just okay, no more no less.
June 7, 2026
This was a solid second entry into this series. I mentioned in my review of the last book that it took a little while to find its feet and settle into something engaging and enjoyable, but once it got there, it had the potential to be something great. This book proves that right by providing a highly enjoyable, consistently high-quality experience all the way through. It has a great premise, strong characters, good dialogue, and overall was something that keeps you smiling from beginning to end.
My only issue with this book that accounts for the lost star is that acknowledging an issue does not negate that issue if no further action is taken.
I have seen this phenomenon before, where an author acknowledges in the story that they are doing something problematic (in this case, postponing the main narrative with a side/fetch quest) but continues to do it because they feel that showing self-awareness is enough to excuse the problem. I would argue that the opposite is the case. Knowing there is a problem and doing nothing about it is far worse than not knowing there is a problem and doing something in ignorance.
This book is essentially one long side quest. It is enjoyable enough for what it is, but there's no denying the fact that it is a long meandering step in a sideways direction that does almost nothing to progress the overall momentum of the main story. We are barely a single step closer to engaging the monster army cliffhanger at the end of the last story, and that means that this book feels like filler.
To be clear, this is not me complaining about the series' concept. I love the idea of a main character who is aware of story tropes but can't avoid them in spite of that knowledge. It's a clever way to exploit what is good in those tropes while subverting them just enough to avoid the pitfalls of using such familiar story elements. The key distinction is that the protagonist's knowledge of the trope contains an element of subversion. In this case, he could have recognised the creation of a sidequest as it appeared (which he did), and he should have found a way to turn his knowledge of that trope into an advantage somehow, rather than just play it out in a normal fashion.
Overall though, it's a minor complaint. I did enjoy the story, and I am still excited to see where this series goes next. I just hope that, going forward, this series uses its interesting premise to create something new, rather than using it as an excuse to simply retread the familiar while making self-aware jokes about doing so along the way.
My only issue with this book that accounts for the lost star is that acknowledging an issue does not negate that issue if no further action is taken.
I have seen this phenomenon before, where an author acknowledges in the story that they are doing something problematic (in this case, postponing the main narrative with a side/fetch quest) but continues to do it because they feel that showing self-awareness is enough to excuse the problem. I would argue that the opposite is the case. Knowing there is a problem and doing nothing about it is far worse than not knowing there is a problem and doing something in ignorance.
This book is essentially one long side quest. It is enjoyable enough for what it is, but there's no denying the fact that it is a long meandering step in a sideways direction that does almost nothing to progress the overall momentum of the main story. We are barely a single step closer to engaging the monster army cliffhanger at the end of the last story, and that means that this book feels like filler.
To be clear, this is not me complaining about the series' concept. I love the idea of a main character who is aware of story tropes but can't avoid them in spite of that knowledge. It's a clever way to exploit what is good in those tropes while subverting them just enough to avoid the pitfalls of using such familiar story elements. The key distinction is that the protagonist's knowledge of the trope contains an element of subversion. In this case, he could have recognised the creation of a sidequest as it appeared (which he did), and he should have found a way to turn his knowledge of that trope into an advantage somehow, rather than just play it out in a normal fashion.
Overall though, it's a minor complaint. I did enjoy the story, and I am still excited to see where this series goes next. I just hope that, going forward, this series uses its interesting premise to create something new, rather than using it as an excuse to simply retread the familiar while making self-aware jokes about doing so along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Terry is an introvert who hates talking to people, needs to battle enemies and needs good weapons to do so, however he ends up with Kelima, a noble girl whose persistence wears him down, so he capitulates and takes her along on his quest in search of orichalcum. His new house in Miner's Mark is about to be attacked by a monster army, so he leaves his friends behind, and goes in search of the ore the blacksmith Nari ordered, in order to create his swords. He had ended up in what he calls Chinese Period Drama Hell after being killed by truck-kun whilst out tracking back on earth, and this is were his life changed drastically. He had been isekaid and was a cultivator of sorts, who had another terry talking to him in his head. On his search for the ore up in the mountain, he and Kelima and Dusk , his kitten, they end up monster killing, defeating a dungeon, meeting up with a pair of demons and sort of adopting them, meeting up with Eliza, another human, and ending up with Nori making her own proposal as a solution to the amount of orichalcum Terry and Kelima had brought back with them. This is a hilarious adventure story, I love the banter and sarcastic humour between Terry and the other Terry, and between Terry and Kelima who still would not stop talking. Dusk is adorable too and I look forward to see where the story is going with all of Terry's new additions to his growing 'family'.
July 11, 2026
descent
1 star removed for out if context and out of character religious cursing by MC. It was not in keeping with the characters Normal speech patterns of behavior, nor in keeping with general story or plot.
Author also occasionally gets lost in their own wordiness, and I finally need to skip 3 to 5 pages just to find the next part of the story where things get back to moving the plot along.
That said the author does have a finally tuned sense of sarcasm, absurdity, and chaotic humor.
To say there is “witty banter” is an overused phrase. But I can’t find a better one. The back-and-forth between in the dialogue between the character’s, is frequently delicious pointed and funny. It’s at its best when it catches you off guard for why its funny.
Overall, if the author will stop dropping JC swearing into the book unnecessarily, I’ll probably keep reading them. And removing that problem would make this a four star book.
1 star removed for out if context and out of character religious cursing by MC. It was not in keeping with the characters Normal speech patterns of behavior, nor in keeping with general story or plot.
Author also occasionally gets lost in their own wordiness, and I finally need to skip 3 to 5 pages just to find the next part of the story where things get back to moving the plot along.
That said the author does have a finally tuned sense of sarcasm, absurdity, and chaotic humor.
To say there is “witty banter” is an overused phrase. But I can’t find a better one. The back-and-forth between in the dialogue between the character’s, is frequently delicious pointed and funny. It’s at its best when it catches you off guard for why its funny.
Overall, if the author will stop dropping JC swearing into the book unnecessarily, I’ll probably keep reading them. And removing that problem would make this a four star book.
June 19, 2026
Simple and easy to read. Terry learns to be a little less of an ass but the easygoing nature of the book masks any annoyance you would get from Terry.
I'm assuming this series at some point will become a harem. This book explicitly mentions that possibility and since it is somewhat of a trope it makes sense.
I do wish the book was longer as it is a fun and easy read. You won't laugh out loud but some of the lines will make you chuckle. There is enough seriousness that all the jokes don't make you bored with the book. The plot and the fights are actually good but most fights do wrap up very quickly.
I'm assuming this series at some point will become a harem. This book explicitly mentions that possibility and since it is somewhat of a trope it makes sense.
I do wish the book was longer as it is a fun and easy read. You won't laugh out loud but some of the lines will make you chuckle. There is enough seriousness that all the jokes don't make you bored with the book. The plot and the fights are actually good but most fights do wrap up very quickly.
June 26, 2026
Useless noble women causes constant issues and constantly gets herself into trouble. The MC is a doormat for her and lets her win all arguments. Every single bad thing that happened was 100% on her but she constantly screamed at the MC. MC is constantly correct but is never trusted by the useless women. Even the voice in his head is on her side. It's so annoying. She constantly askes questions and NEVER trusts his answer. She needs to be killed as a new "trope". He can't say anything without the "WHY!!!!?!?!?!?!?!", Even if they are 1 second from certain death.
The entire book so far is just a single fetch quest.
The entire book so far is just a single fetch quest.
May 27, 2026
Title: A fun follow up
Content Ratings: Language – R; Violence – PG13; Other – R
Terry (the character and the series) continues to follow in his lane, which is decidedly different than Sen and the Unintended Cultivator series. If you like cynicism, sarcasm, and LitRPG, which I assume you do, or you'd be reading the book 1 reviews and not the book 2 reviews, then you're in the right place. It's a fun read with plenty of laughs and adventure with clear promise of more to come in book 3 (and likely beyond).
Content Ratings: Language – R; Violence – PG13; Other – R
Terry (the character and the series) continues to follow in his lane, which is decidedly different than Sen and the Unintended Cultivator series. If you like cynicism, sarcasm, and LitRPG, which I assume you do, or you'd be reading the book 1 reviews and not the book 2 reviews, then you're in the right place. It's a fun read with plenty of laughs and adventure with clear promise of more to come in book 3 (and likely beyond).
June 17, 2026
I'm really mixed on this one. It's a fun and very clever story but it has its drawbacks. For one, the relentless misanthropy of the MC gets really old. Also, the weaponization of tropes is a double edged sword. It works but also breaks your suspension of disbelief constantly. I will probably continue this series.
May 28, 2026
There were a few sections where Terry was talking to his alter-ego for a looong time that I had to skim but the rest was fun, light, and entertaining. The whole "trope" thing is falling into place for me, so all is good. I'm waiting for more.
May 30, 2026
Super Awesome
This story of a socially awkward IT guy getting izek to another reality was absolutely fantastic. Can’t believe I have to wait a whole year for the next book. But, I guess I’m more excited for Judgement dude.
This story of a socially awkward IT guy getting izek to another reality was absolutely fantastic. Can’t believe I have to wait a whole year for the next book. But, I guess I’m more excited for Judgement dude.
June 1, 2026
even better than the first one
I loved the first book and this one is even better. The tropes keep troping and Terry keeps getting into ridiculous situations. Plus, a cute, definitely a cat, cat.
I loved the first book and this one is even better. The tropes keep troping and Terry keeps getting into ridiculous situations. Plus, a cute, definitely a cat, cat.
June 17, 2026
Excellently groan worthy adventure
This is even better than book1. As the saying goes, with great power comes greater avoidance methods. Tropes gone wild. Steak! Read the book to understand.
This is even better than book1. As the saying goes, with great power comes greater avoidance methods. Tropes gone wild. Steak! Read the book to understand.
July 31, 2026
This book tries so hard to be cute and funny, but it fails miserably. Bad is the best way to describe the terrible campy humor, the awful whinging MC who protests everything. DNF at 15%. Quit the 3rd grade humor and go back to writing for adults.
May 27, 2026
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
May 30, 2026
Great stuff!
Terry's story continues immediately from book 1. Complete with an unwanted sidekick, that he never needed or wants. Lots of fun and laughter in this book.
Terry's story continues immediately from book 1. Complete with an unwanted sidekick, that he never needed or wants. Lots of fun and laughter in this book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews