Jump to ratings and reviews

He Who Fights with Monsters #13

He Who Fights with Monsters 13

The last time Jason Asano returned to Earth, it didn't go great.

Isolated from his friends and forced to work with people who had betrayed him time and again, he had come perilously close to becoming worse than the monsters he fought. This time, no power on the Earth can stop him. Bursting with cosmic power and with friends and allies at his back, the only thing stopping him from conquering the world is the fact that he doesn't want to, but that may well change.

The Earth has problems, from fracturing magical factions to the aftermath of a monster cataclysm to a vampire war on the verge of resuming. If the Earth doesn't get its house in order, Jason might just have to take it over and do it for them.

Jason needs to deal with a world that variously fears, venerates and, worst of all, worships him. He needs to navigate politics, danger and some deeply confronting fanfic about himself, Humphrey and Clive. He has a son who feels neglected, a family still hurting from old rifts and a clan who see him as a near-mythical being. He's not a god, how many times does he have to say it...

While dealing with everything else, Jason must prepare for greater threats, looming on the horizon. There's a vampire queen who got the better of him in the past, and bizarre experiments that are getting loose and killing people. The vampires are ramping up for a final battle, and a hidden threat is determined to prove that Jason is not as invincible as he seems.

And if that wasn't bad enough, a threat that has been waiting for Jason longer than he realises will finally be revealed, presenting him with a conflict that is impossible to win. It's time to find out if the impossible really is kind of his thi

797 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Shirtaloon

21 books3,636 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
400 (66%)
4 stars
147 (24%)
3 stars
44 (7%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for MG.
1,219 reviews19 followers
October 8, 2026
If you have read my reviews, you might have figured out that I can grow frustrated with long-running series. Either the magic system grows too complicated so that much time is spent merely explaining it, or the action merely repeats (good guy fights bad guys, who grow more powerful in each book). As you can see from my five stars, that is not the case with volume 13 of HE WHO FIGHTS WITH MONSTERS. While the magic system has indeed grown complicated and the main character, Jason, has indeed acquired godlike powers, there is still enough of the original narrative questions and issues that remain compelling and interesting. Will increased powers make him an a**hole or allow him to maintain intimate relationships with his family, friends, and lover (especially since he has come close to breaking those bonds in the past)? What are his ultimate goals and how will he save earth and still be free to enjoy the community he has created? Watching him work out these questions is very interesting and entertaining. Someone in the book argues that either you are fascinated by Jason or can't stand him. I think the same can be said of readers of these books. I obviously side with the "fan" group. One of the strategies the author uses to keep things interesting is to regularly switch settings. The series begins when Jason is mysteriously teleported to a parallel earth-like world Pallimustus; then he gets stuck in a separate bubble reality; then he makes his way back to earth; then back to Pallimustus; and this time he is back on earth and reunited with his family, only in this iteration he has brought his close friends from Pallimustus. But for whatever reason, I am still hooked. I read this long book very quickly and was thoroughly captivated. Which leads me to a surprising conclusion: I can't wait until volume 14 comes out.
5 reviews
October 9, 2026
Holy sh*t...

The book over all is very well written and flows very well. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I will admit, at multiple points when a character's name was said, I replied with "Who is that?" That has more to do with the long running nature of the series and the recent gap in releases.

Besides that, holy moly. Our good author has set up the next stage of conflict so well and built up to it so much that I am very much looking forward to reading it. I hope, desperately, that it comes out in less than however long it took this one to come out. I really am looking forward to Jason kicking the teeth out of a certain party. Won't say who because spoilers, but, if writing and narrative quality stand, it will be very good.
Profile Image for Bradley.
Author 9 books5,035 followers
October 9, 2026
Well worth the wait. I absolutely adore a good consolidation, personal healing, get your shit together book between massive conflicts. I especially love a book of conflict that pits your sense of rightness against the full ongoing idiocy of a whole planet. You know, Earth. And just because Jason is not a god, but kinda has those qualities, it doesn't mean there's no drama. And I cherish every single happy moment... because the stakes are STILL as high as they've ever been.

The gods are coming. Earth is not prepared. Cannot, frankly, be prepared, and Jason has been set up. Set up hard.

The end of this book gave me massive shivers. So yeah, it's a great book. I can't wait for the next.
2 reviews
October 7, 2026
Another brilliant piece to the puzzle that is the story of Jason Asano. As we near the end of his journey, things finally seem to be coming to an end. I am so sad for the end of this story, but Shirt keeps us in suspense with every decision he makes for our favorite GAB. It feels like Shirtaloon included a lot of loose ends being tied up, and answers to questions we've been asking since the beginning. No more Sad Sack Jason (don't get me wrong, I love every Jason), and some of the most burning questions are finally answered. I loved every page, like I have every other book in this series. Would recommend for some of the best character development and world building I've ever read. Though I look forward to book fourteen, not a single part of me is embracing the end. Insert something about Clive's wife here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Keli'ikoa Peters.
38 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2026
finally. as much complaining as i've done in previous reviews, the journey was still fun. the writing leaves more than something to be desired, and the last fifth of the book was literally just a recount and then the mc riding himself (still insufferable and subject to non-stop pity parties). thank GOD i can stop
Profile Image for William Howe.
1,918 reviews99 followers
October 8, 2026
oh yeah, that’s the good stuff

There’s a lot of meandering a navel gazing, but that just fills out a story where a guy with vast cosmic power threatens beings with style.
Profile Image for AMPedItUp.
21 reviews
October 9, 2026
Three days. That’s all it took me to finish Book 13, and considering its length, I’m genuinely surprised by how quickly I made my way through it. I was completely absorbed from beginning to end, and now I’m left with an ending I never saw coming and absolutely no idea when I’ll get to find out what happens next.

What struck me most about this installment was the sheer magnitude of Jason’s power. We’ve watched him accomplish some extraordinary things throughout this series, but what he’s demonstrating now is on an entirely different level. There were moments when I couldn’t help but smile at just how formidable he’s become. Jason Asano has reached a point where underestimating him isn’t just foolish; it’s potentially catastrophic. And I thoroughly enjoyed watching him remind people of that.

Yet, there’s a fascinating contradiction at the heart of this book. Jason has never been more powerful, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s any less vulnerable to the machinations of those around him. For someone who has fought so fiercely for his independence, watching his options gradually narrow is incredibly frustrating. He can wield extraordinary power, challenge beings who once seemed untouchable, and accomplish things that should be impossible. But none of that guarantees he gets to make his own choices.

And that, more than anything, is what makes this installment so compelling.

Of course, my feelings toward Knowledge have been well established for quite some time, and this book did absolutely nothing to improve them. Quite the opposite, actually. Every time I think I’ve reached the limit of my frustration with her, she somehow finds a way to exceed it. And as for certain diamond-rankers? Fuck diamond-rankers. That’s all I’m going to say about that.

I had been following the story with what I thought was a reasonable understanding of where things were heading. I had my theories, my expectations, and a few possibilities in mind. Somehow, Shirtaloon managed to avoid every single one of them. I wasn’t simply surprised. I was completely blindsided, and suddenly, certain decisions and relationships carried a weight I hadn’t fully anticipated. The implications for Jason are enough to make me want to scream.

There is something particularly maddening about watching a character become almost unimaginably powerful while realizing that the greatest threats to his future might not be things he can simply overpower.

Which brings me to my biggest complaint: Book 13 was released on October 6. It’s now October 9, I’ve already finished it, and we have absolutely no idea when Book 14 will be completed or released. I can’t even console myself with a countdown. I’m just supposed to sit here with that ending for an indefinite amount of time.

Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

The displays of power were spectacular, the tension was relentless, and the final chapters managed to turn my excitement into genuine outrage.

Shirtaloon, you’ve written one hell of a book. But after that ending, I have only one question: What the actual fuck am I supposed to do until Book 14?
Profile Image for Gareth Otton.
Author 5 books138 followers
October 9, 2026
It's been a while since I've reviewed a book in this series so highly. Taking the series as a whole, this is one of my all-time favourites. But taken individually, especially the later books, they have struggled to maintain a high standard. But here we are, truly back on form, as this series fully embraces the potential it's carried for so long.

That said, the book still has issues, the first being how rushed the story feels at times. The story covers what I think is about a 10-year span, leading into the climactic events of the series. While it does a great job of setting up that battle and getting the reader excited for what is to come, I don't think it did quite as good a job of taking the time to enjoy the journey along the way.

Jason's return to Earth has been one of the things the story has been teasing for a while, and one I've personally been excited to see for a long time. My favourite arc of the series was his first stint on Earth, and I was beyond interested to see how Earth had changed in Jason's absence, and what it would mean now that he comes back. I was hoping for plenty of the character moments that make this series shine so brightly when it is on form, and while this book does deliver the odd crumb here and there, we never get the full sandwich. Jason's relationships with his family in particular feel criminally underserved in this department.

In short, I miss the good old days of this series, when it took the time to enjoy the journey rather than just marching toward the destination.

However, I'll stop there before it sounds like I'm complaining too much, because what we get instead of those character moments is a hell of a lot of build-up to what feels like a truly epic climax. As Jason has continued to grow in power to truly preposterous (but awesome) levels, and considering all the battles he's overcome to get here, it was hard to imagine how this series could raise the stakes any further and still deliver his biggest challenge yet. But it has done so nicely, setting the stage for something truly epic to come, and I can't wait to see how it plays out.

On top of that, Jason is finally settling into his role as a truly overpowered main character, and the story gives him plenty of moments to shine, reminding me all over again just how much I love stories like this. It's been a long time since I was this excited to see how a story ends. I genuinely can't imagine how the author will wrap up all the story threads in just one more novel, but I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
64 reviews
October 9, 2026
I thought for a while at the end of this book why was i not rating it higher, I enjoyed reading it and thought it was an ok addition to the series. While it was leading a bit more towards a filler/ transitional story getting us from the last major plot points to the next it didn’t drag or feel overly repetitive even when it was.

I think the main issue is both the lack of release from tension and the unaccountability of a cruel universe.

While Jason is back on earth there is no revenge no righting of past wrongs no body even apologizing or making amends for past behavior. He gets angry and mad at those that wrong him in past books but all that leads to is people hiding those that bring up those old wounds.

The instances where he still interacts with more powerful beings and institutions it is always them telling him how they are part of screwing him over and it is up to him to fix it and pick up the pieces.

In earlier instances of the series the monsters Jason fought were mindless and destructive, but everyone thought it was a fight worth having and he was supported in his endeavors. Fighting these monsters is nice escapism to read about.

Now it feels like the monsters are targeted and knowing. Causing active harm and just not caring about the fallout that they are causing. This just isn’t as fun to read about and while shirt is a great author I don’t walk away feeling better having read this book.
177 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2026
Absolutely riveting

This book is so good. The plot takes center stage for once and it's amazing. The setup displays exactly how far our characters have come and creates and reminds us of a ton of interesting threads. The political section is nuanced and challenging without ignoring the incredible power of the characters. And the ending is amazing. The foreshadowing and the more overt hints are perfectly executed and the reveal is amazing. The plot of the next book will be amazing too.

At the same time, characters remain a strong suit. A lot of characters are put in new situations that give us another perspective on them.

The world building is hard to talk about without spoilers, but it's also very good.

I know the author is having health issues and the next book will take a while. All I can say is that it take as long as it takes. Whenever the next book comes out, I will be waiting and ready to read it.
3 reviews
October 10, 2026
A wonderful return of an equally wonderful series. Lots of authors have trouble with escalation that feels appropriate, and with the power level that Jason has reached I wouldn't have been surprised to feel some disbelief at the enemy progression. After all, when the next big bad always has to be scarier, how you top the astral beings that govern the rules of the universe?

The slow build to the true threat and subtle hints along the way also worked really well in tandem with Jason and Co solving the Vampire war and preparing the Earth for what's to come. Nothing felt irrelevant, and as always, every quip and joke landed perfectly.

Good job, Shirtaloon, glad to have you back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
33 reviews
October 9, 2026
There were a lot of spinning plates

Okay, so Jason obviously needs to save his birth world, and things happen. Then there is the big secret that is touched on through avatars, cosmic beings and such. There are some very satisfying moments of vengeance, but I did wish there would be more dialogue with anybody and everybody (Nik... Cough). The book is excellent, and I doubt you'll be disappointed - but don't hope for in-depth romance or friendship tropes. But the power of friendship is kind of Shirt's thing, so who knows? I am looking forward to the last book.
Profile Image for slugbiscuit.
551 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2026
Despite his feeble protestations that he is not a god, Jason is really only LARPing as a mortal adventurer at this point. His rants about gods are just self-loathing after joining the club. Anyway, this book covered a lot, mostly the Vampire War, but also what comes after. I had mixed feelings about the choice of the final boss as I didn't see it going that way, but it is interesting. Author had to drop a ton of exposition to make it all fit together though. I assume the 14th book will be the last, so looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out.
2 reviews
October 9, 2026
Finally this book was released, can't wait for the next one already
I really liked this book, it felt well written and there wasn't much dragging of time.
However, it was a bit disappointing that there wasn't much action in the book and mostly just talking and planning, after waiting for so long I expected for a bit more. Nevertheless I understand the importance of it to set the action for the next books, just wish it wouldn't take so long for them to be released.
64 reviews
October 10, 2026
I’m 40 percent in and I feel so bored.

What is this?

We’re back to the same shitty thing that happened during the Earth Arc but now his friends are with him ( although they barely make an appearance), and most of the time you read about earth powers discussing how Jason can’t be as strong as he claims to be because well is not possible and Jason trying to act all dominant while wanting to play it cool so that people like him.

I’ll continue to read to finish the book but meh
Profile Image for Dannan Tavona.
1,160 reviews15 followers
October 10, 2026
OP adventures

Alternate universe, magic, leveling, save the world

Jason faces two huge challenges, with the first leading to the second. Absorbing, and a few times erratic, like when introducing Michael, the confusingly mentioning Mills, and it wasn't until nine pages later that we learn they are the same person. Nine pages! Excellent editing. Anyway, interesting cliffhanger. I hope book 14 will come out soon.
Profile Image for Tart.
205 reviews
October 8, 2026
Look here...I knew this whole god thing was gonna blow up in a ton of people's faces but JOD DAMNIT KNOWLEDGE!!! what a cunt, and I guess the it is what she would be at her root...what with knowledge being power and absolute knowledge being absolutel power and then absolute power corrupting absoluetly...BUT SERIOUSLY THE WAIT TILL BOOK 14 IS GONNA CAUSE ME AN ULCER!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
90 reviews
October 9, 2026
I liked Clive's old wife better.

Omg this one went crazy then just kept getting better. Was Jason super edgy in a bad way? Yea sometimes but that's Jason for you. Was Colin a good boy? Well yea Obv. This was captivating for a fan of the series. Whole book in 1 day. I don't do that super often but I did for this one.
53 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2026
holy cow this kicks it up a notch

I’ve enjoyed this series for 13 books so far and I can safely say that I REALLY want to know what happens next. As the book begins it seems like a fairly normal “next things that are supposed to happen, happen” kind of story and then you realize how much more book is left to go. Then it turns up the volume to 11. Bravo sir.
Profile Image for Digital_Reader.
34 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
September 11, 2026
Reread & caught up on Patreon. This series is comfort food now, and every bite tastes better than the last. The writing keeps improving, which sounds obvious but isn't a given. Thank you, Shirtaloon, for making these last few weeks fly by while I got lost in the crumbs of Team Biscuit's escapades.
50 reviews
October 7, 2026
Masterful Storytelling

The setup for this book and the next was damn near immaculate. So many previously hanging threads have been woven into a beautiful tapestry. All the way from the first trilogy till now. Can't wait for the next. Chekhov's gun definitely getting fired.
Profile Image for Jay B.
172 reviews
October 8, 2026
Feels like this book could have been done in half the words it used.

Just feels like the story has been floundering for a while to me. It just kind of meanders. Like a long running tv series that should have been ended seasons ago.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
74 reviews
October 9, 2026
Another good book, and wishing the author well!

Another good installment in a good series.
The author’s health caused him a long delay and I’m sorry he had to go through that!
Looking forward to the next book! :)
Profile Image for Anthony Peters.
123 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2026
Honestly, this has one of the best endings and it's one of the biggest cliff hangers in litrpg history. I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment of this book even though the next book can't be finished and released fast enough.
175 reviews
October 9, 2026
So Gooooood

It’s heartbreaking that we have to wait for the next book. Loved every minute and well worth the wait. I can honestly say that this is one of my favourite series, ever.

Looking forward to the next one
Profile Image for Kakaochen.
14 reviews
Review of advance copy
September 8, 2026
Read from Patreon.

I'm still addicted. I never want it to end.
Profile Image for Nathan.
2,291 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 29, 2026
Can't wait to see how it wraps up in the last book.
199 reviews
October 6, 2026
Dang it

Write faster. In all honesty I won't remember this series in a week. I just hope the next book catches my eye.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews