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The Good Guys #4
Four: The Loot
Montana Coggeshall, duke of Coggeshall, defeater of dungeons, he of far fewer intelligence points than is probably recommended, is finally ready to start building his dukedom. He just needs one more thing before he can leave Osterstadt: a few hardworking friends to join him on this adventure.
Well, and some lumber. And nails and whatnot. And enough food to get through the winter. And probably some more gold.
All Montana needs before he can leave Osterstadt are some friends, some building materials, food, and money.
But he did promise to retrieve some magic texts from a cemetery for Emmeline. And he really should try to help the lost little boy who keeps following him around. And all the undead in that basement crypt aren’t going to re-kill themselves.
Maybe Montana’s taken on a few too many side quests.
Well, and some lumber. And nails and whatnot. And enough food to get through the winter. And probably some more gold.
All Montana needs before he can leave Osterstadt are some friends, some building materials, food, and money.
But he did promise to retrieve some magic texts from a cemetery for Emmeline. And he really should try to help the lost little boy who keeps following him around. And all the undead in that basement crypt aren’t going to re-kill themselves.
Maybe Montana’s taken on a few too many side quests.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2019
1027 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
February 14, 2020
4 stars
I love Montana he is such a great main character. He doesn’t always think things through and sometimes makes dumb mistakes but his overall desire to change is former real life behavior for the good makes him endearing.
He’s like Ted “Theodore” Logan if Ted was a total badass and knew how to fight.
I love Montana he is such a great main character. He doesn’t always think things through and sometimes makes dumb mistakes but his overall desire to change is former real life behavior for the good makes him endearing.
He’s like Ted “Theodore” Logan if Ted was a total badass and knew how to fight.
February 14, 2019
Best in the series... So far
I truly love this series. The author is irreverent with the genre's norms and doesn't really take the story too seriously, so you end up with a really fun, really engaging and really entertaining story.
The MC is superbly written as a "normal guy". He forgets things, he gets sidetracked, he is complex and sometimes he's just flying by the seat of his pants but he's trying to do his best by his people and it leads to some pretty funny escapades.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this series and be glad that if this is the first you are hearing about it, you have 4 wonderful books to catch up on.
I truly love this series. The author is irreverent with the genre's norms and doesn't really take the story too seriously, so you end up with a really fun, really engaging and really entertaining story.
The MC is superbly written as a "normal guy". He forgets things, he gets sidetracked, he is complex and sometimes he's just flying by the seat of his pants but he's trying to do his best by his people and it leads to some pretty funny escapades.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this series and be glad that if this is the first you are hearing about it, you have 4 wonderful books to catch up on.
September 19, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
I have been trying. I have been trying real hard to give Montana the benefit of the doubt. He isn't the smartest person, and he does make a lot of mistakes but for the last 3 books I have defending him because the people around him give him absolutely no help or education. I couldn't use that excuse in the first half of this book since Montana was by himself for the most part. I can't defend him anymore. He is a complete moron. I was getting really annoyed in the first half of the book. Montana does better when he is in motion, when he is working. In the second half of the book, he and his group travel to his new land and start trying to build a place. This part was much better. His advisors actually help him a little more and despite having to make some decision, he really just puts his head down and works (his strongest attribute in my opinion). The second half saved this book for me. I probably would have continued the series either way, but I would have taken a break at least. At least now I am somewhat mollified and will be moving on to the next book.
I have been trying. I have been trying real hard to give Montana the benefit of the doubt. He isn't the smartest person, and he does make a lot of mistakes but for the last 3 books I have defending him because the people around him give him absolutely no help or education. I couldn't use that excuse in the first half of this book since Montana was by himself for the most part. I can't defend him anymore. He is a complete moron. I was getting really annoyed in the first half of the book. Montana does better when he is in motion, when he is working. In the second half of the book, he and his group travel to his new land and start trying to build a place. This part was much better. His advisors actually help him a little more and despite having to make some decision, he really just puts his head down and works (his strongest attribute in my opinion). The second half saved this book for me. I probably would have continued the series either way, but I would have taken a break at least. At least now I am somewhat mollified and will be moving on to the next book.
February 14, 2019
Good characters, but starting to get a little stale
The Good:
Montana, the protagonist, is funny and relatable. The action scenes, of which there are plenty, are well written and interesting. The side characters are good and the banter and shenanigans they have with Montana are some of the best parts of the story. I've been reading since book 1 and I'm still interested to see where it goes.
The Meh:
There are a lot of characters, honestly far too many to keep track of. After the third time the story introduced a new group of followers for Montana I started wondering what happened to his original companions, and realised they hadn't been mentioned since book 2. In short they seem interchangeable/disposable.
The GameLit aspects of the story definitely took a back seat in this book. Apart from a few quest notifications and an item description our two there's almost none. Almost all of the story read like something out of a traditional fantasy story. NotHercules goes somewhere, kills some monsters, helps some people, rinse and repeat.
The Bad:
We've almost no idea what the protagonist is capable of because we've no clear idea of his levelling, or the game system he finds himself in. At the end if the last book he had 56 stat points to distribute. No mention is made of them in this one. People call him an idiot despite his mental attribute scores approaching wizard build levels. At one point he swats an arrow out of the air. How can be do that? Who knows.
The book assumes you've read the previous one, to the extent that it seems like one book split in two. A scene near the end relies on the protagonist using an ability that's only fully explained in book 3. Not great.
Overall:
Great characters, but I hope the follow ups clarify the Gamelit aspects a little. Worth reading if you like the genre.
The Good:
Montana, the protagonist, is funny and relatable. The action scenes, of which there are plenty, are well written and interesting. The side characters are good and the banter and shenanigans they have with Montana are some of the best parts of the story. I've been reading since book 1 and I'm still interested to see where it goes.
The Meh:
There are a lot of characters, honestly far too many to keep track of. After the third time the story introduced a new group of followers for Montana I started wondering what happened to his original companions, and realised they hadn't been mentioned since book 2. In short they seem interchangeable/disposable.
The GameLit aspects of the story definitely took a back seat in this book. Apart from a few quest notifications and an item description our two there's almost none. Almost all of the story read like something out of a traditional fantasy story. NotHercules goes somewhere, kills some monsters, helps some people, rinse and repeat.
The Bad:
We've almost no idea what the protagonist is capable of because we've no clear idea of his levelling, or the game system he finds himself in. At the end if the last book he had 56 stat points to distribute. No mention is made of them in this one. People call him an idiot despite his mental attribute scores approaching wizard build levels. At one point he swats an arrow out of the air. How can be do that? Who knows.
The book assumes you've read the previous one, to the extent that it seems like one book split in two. A scene near the end relies on the protagonist using an ability that's only fully explained in book 3. Not great.
Overall:
Great characters, but I hope the follow ups clarify the Gamelit aspects a little. Worth reading if you like the genre.
February 9, 2021
Awesome. The series and story is progressing well. I quite enjoy how the MC has evolved to learn how to play nice with others and yet take the hard decisions that a leader must. The progression and cultivation elements are pleasing too. Books 1-3 would get ratings of 3-4 from me, but this one is definitely a cut above the rest. Thank you Eric for sharing your story.
February 14, 2019
What happened to the stats?
Rollicking adventure as always, but the unused stats from the last book seem to have been forgotten and what happened to a character stats or summary at the end? :(
Rollicking adventure as always, but the unused stats from the last book seem to have been forgotten and what happened to a character stats or summary at the end? :(
February 15, 2019
Absolutely engaging storytelling. I enjoy these quick, fun reads very much. Thank you to the author, and I daresay your writing is getting even better as the series go on!! Best in the series yet.
July 17, 2019
Just a fun book series. This one was really kind of two parts, the first was Montana's spiraling attempts to finish his, 'get the books' quest. The second being his adventures in the wilderness. Again, this book is really carried by it's characters. Aside from Montana, who reminds me a lot of Brock Samson in Rage mode from the Venture Brothers sometimes, his whole growing Herth is a lot of fun to follow.
Ugland does over do it at one part with the 'racism is bad' preaching that just had me rolling my eyes. Unfortunate as he does a pretty good job at it most of the time. Luckily it doesn't last long.
Ugland does over do it at one part with the 'racism is bad' preaching that just had me rolling my eyes. Unfortunate as he does a pretty good job at it most of the time. Luckily it doesn't last long.
July 1, 2019
Right now, it's starting to feel very much like The Land by Aleron Kong...except not quite as good and with a main character who is more of a blunt instrument. Not a bad reading, but I'm kind of disliking the fact that the MC is disregarding magic and intelligence. There are a few things that I dislike about the series, but it's minor issues and on the whole, it's actually enjoyable.
February 16, 2019
Book four
Mistakes: I didn't find any.
Plot: these books are really short, so there isn't really that much I can say that I feel wouldn't ruin the story for those yet to read it.
Characters: I like the MC. I like the way he thinks.
8/10 Wish they were longer.
Mistakes: I didn't find any.
Plot: these books are really short, so there isn't really that much I can say that I feel wouldn't ruin the story for those yet to read it.
Characters: I like the MC. I like the way he thinks.
8/10 Wish they were longer.
February 25, 2019
Really good series
April 29, 2019
Wow
Cant get enough of this. Why are there not 10 or 20 more of this series just hanging out. Somehow the quality went UP with each sequel. This is awesome!
Cant get enough of this. Why are there not 10 or 20 more of this series just hanging out. Somehow the quality went UP with each sequel. This is awesome!
July 2, 2019
In novel 5 will people stop constantly referring to the hero as stupid? Stay tuned.
It's like a record that gets played too often, keeping this book from another star...
It's like a record that gets played too often, keeping this book from another star...
October 21, 2024
I like the story
May 16, 2022
We're finally out of the dungeon, and now we move on from RPG's to RTS and our lovable idiot MC is forced to tackle city planning. hint: It doesn't go so well...
With a bunch of new followers our MC and his herd is finally on their way to start his Dukedom. He's a little bit excited, but this excitement gets squashed early on by the fact that all his followers are scared of him. And well, the constant negative feedback from his "adviser". ( kinda starting to believe this Nicolai is a bad guy or something cuz he useless and mean. )
It does not help with inspiring trust in his citizens that he's running around with a literal manticore...
in loving memory of Frtiz
All in all this was the weakest instalment in this series so far. Nothing really happened, we really didn't get to know the new characters, and we didn't see much development from our MC. I'm hoping this book was just a build-up for the next one.
How i'm picturing Ragnar and Skjalg;
With a bunch of new followers our MC and his herd is finally on their way to start his Dukedom. He's a little bit excited, but this excitement gets squashed early on by the fact that all his followers are scared of him. And well, the constant negative feedback from his "adviser". ( kinda starting to believe this Nicolai is a bad guy or something cuz he useless and mean. )
It does not help with inspiring trust in his citizens that he's running around with a literal manticore...
in loving memory of Frtiz
All in all this was the weakest instalment in this series so far. Nothing really happened, we really didn't get to know the new characters, and we didn't see much development from our MC. I'm hoping this book was just a build-up for the next one.
How i'm picturing Ragnar and Skjalg;
July 16, 2019
Like the story.
I'm getting completely involved in this campaign. The characters get brutalized, mutilated or killed in manners that are only found in dungeon crawls. It's pretty engrossing and not just for the mayhem. The Main Character makes stupid decisions (in character), changes his perspectives only after facing the consequences of his actions to others (in character), doesn't often reflect on ramifications of his actions and ignored most advice (in character). Despite that he learns slowly to think first, bash second. He's learning that success one day in one mode doesn't translate into success everyday in that same mode. It's very cool.
I'm getting completely involved in this campaign. The characters get brutalized, mutilated or killed in manners that are only found in dungeon crawls. It's pretty engrossing and not just for the mayhem. The Main Character makes stupid decisions (in character), changes his perspectives only after facing the consequences of his actions to others (in character), doesn't often reflect on ramifications of his actions and ignored most advice (in character). Despite that he learns slowly to think first, bash second. He's learning that success one day in one mode doesn't translate into success everyday in that same mode. It's very cool.
November 21, 2021
Good book
Well written story and characters . I am really glad to have found and the twelve parts of this great storyline. I am looking forward to reading the future books as well.
Well written story and characters . I am really glad to have found and the twelve parts of this great storyline. I am looking forward to reading the future books as well.
dnf
March 18, 2024It was a nice change at first to have a MC who wasn't always the smartest person in the room, but Montana's absolute stupidity has become too much for me. DNF @70%
December 25, 2024
Shockingly entertaining for a book that is essentially "man does chores he put off".
February 5, 2025
4.5 stars. My only real complaint for this series is that the books are perhaps too short, and I am constantly needing to buy the next book.
October 30, 2019
This author, once again fails to tell a story with any kind of resolution. As a result I found myself summarizing what happens in the book, largely so I will never be tempted to waste time on it again in the future. If such a recitation does not appeal to you I suggest you just skip the rest of this review, particularly since I don’t believe this book can be spoiled and so I don’t call out potential spoilers.
It should also be noted that I create a list of people and places while listening to this audiobook which appears at the end of this review. As a result I felt free to reference people and places in this review without describing them.
So the story of this book has a lot to do with the city of Osterstadt. Osterstadt is adjacent to the “Emerald Sea”, a forest of giant trees. Essentially Osterstadt’s sole reason for existing is to harvest trees that magically grow back overnight. To do this a small group of corrupt people monopolize pretty much everything in Osterstadt. This allows them to charge workers more than they earn creating “debt slaves” since the Empire bans actual slavery.
After escaping Osterstadt prison via the Dungeon of the Ancients Montana & co. leave Osterstadt only for Montana to return the next day to get the workers he needs for building his new town. Fain Botz arranges for Montana to purchase debt slaves but before the purchase is completed Osterstadt is attacked. Montana successfully aids in the defense of the city and Mouse shows up to harvest items of value from the monsters. This causes Montana to detour to discover Mouse’s mom sick and living in squalor. Montana heals mom, Zoe. Since Zoe is also a blacksmith Montana also offers here a job since Zoe is being victimized by local thugs.
Montana next returns to complete his purchase of debt slaves, frees them and invites them to come with him to build a new town. Since they would just end up as pseudo slaves if they stay in Osterstadt many of the workers leave with Montana. Magic users are a little different since they are more able to buy themselves out of debt slavery but Montana still ends up with 3 wizards (which for some dumb reason the author insists on renaming “mancers”).
Upon returning to his camp outside of Osterstadt Montana is reminded that he was supposed to retrieve Emeline’s pilfered magic books so he immediately returns to Osterstadt. Stopping at a bar to ask directions Montana is roped into a quest to stop an evil rich woman from sacrificing children. Montana magically views the woman in question and sees a child sacrificed so he immediately sends for the Viceroy, Leon so Leon can see for himself. Montana doesn’t wait and charges across town breaks down the rich person’s gates, pummels her guards, destroys her zombies, knocks out her black magic user and hauls her, the black mage and a zombie out to the street where city guards and legionnaires await. Along the way the woman claims to be the lover of “The Master” and that Montana will pay for his insolence. On the street, the bad lady has been bribing the Osterstadt city guards so they attack Montana but Leon is with the legionnaires and they arrest the woman and escort Montana out of Osterstadt.
Returning yet again to camp without the books this time Montana waits until night and has Fritz fly over the city and drop him in. The tomb where the magic books are hidden is in a temple to the goddess of children so that goddess blesses Montana and he retrieves the book and heads back to his camp. In the morning the group finally sets off for the mountains. Along the way Count Northwoods meets the caravan and requests a sit-down with Montana. The Count, while weaseling about somethings, doesn’t come off as all bad and Montana agrees to take the Count’s daughter along so she may learn from him about setting up a holding.
They group gets to the mountains and camp. The valley picked for the holding is on the other side of about a mile of granite so the geomancer marks the desired opening and the Fritz ferries everyone into the valley. On the first day a long house is built so everyone has a place to sleep and in the morning Montana uses his strength to cut down a five mile string of trees before making a start on the tunnel. Four days later “dark goblins” grab a child (Lily) in the night and Montana tracks them and kills them.
Upon returning to camp Montana and Nikolai discuss what needs to be done to better insure the safety of their group. This runs up against their lack of funds so Montana flies off with Fritz to where he knows a treasure is from an earlier book. When he gets there it turns out a “greater wyrm” (so dragon) has taken over the space and Montana must “absorb” Fritz to defeat it. This kills Fritz which is why Fritz is later reincarnated as a “land shark”.
Upon his return Montana is greeted by Eliza Northwoods who walks him through claiming his holding. When done Eliza says “did you claim your holding?” to which Montana replies “no I claimed the dukedom.” Eliza says “Oh, that was unwise” AND THE BOOK ENDS. THIS WRITER HAS NO UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO WRITE OR WHAT RESOLUTION EVEN IS.
Montana: MC, from Earth, transported to a new world he becomes Duke of Coggshall and has over the top strength, hitting 100 in strength at the start of book 3.
Cleeve: Was a legionnaire and guard for the Emperor who had his life magically tied to the Emperor’s to keep the Emperor alive after an assassination attempt. Cleeve met Montana while traveling to establish his dukedom and adopted him. Cleeve is killed at the end of book 2 to complete the assassination of the Emperor.
Nikolai: Mentor, was an imperial “Thingman”. Somehow had his levels were stolen from him in Osterstadt prison.
Philomon: Osterstadt crime lord, father of Emeline.
Emeline: Thief rescued from Osterstadt prison and taken out of town as a part of the price for Philomon’s aid in getting Montana’s gear to him in prison. Emeline ended up in Osterstadt prison after she stole and stashed a bunch of magic books.
Fritz: Montana’s companion beast. Originally a manticore then reincarnated as a “land shark”
Ragnar & Skeld: Half otters, half humans who are sworn to Montana as members of his “herd”.
Lèon <> Glaton: Imperial Viceroy for Osterstadt.
Nathalie Glaton: Sister to Layton and a level 14 knight when she is introduced to the story. Nathalie’s sole combat experience initially comes from tournaments with strict rules where death is unlikely. Layton sent Natalie to guard Montana but also may be hoping for a marriage.
Fain Botz: Wealthy Osterstadt merchant and member of the Explorers Club. Provides Montana with workers for building his new town but for a price. Fain is pretty clearly a bad guy being little more than a slaver.
Mouse: Real name Nolan. Montana meets him after killing monsters on the Osterstadt wall. Mouse is a kid who cleans the kills for Montana in return for a share of the harvest. Mouse, his sister and mother end up joining Montana in leaving Osterstadt after Montana heals the mother and protects her from some lowlife thugs.
Zoe (sp?): Mouse’s mom and a blacksmith.
Lily (sp?): Mouse’s little sister.
Dungeon of the Ancients: The dungeon hidden beneath Osterstadt prison.
Eliza (sp?) Northwoods: The Count’s daughter.
Count Northwoods: Adjoining landowner who wishes Montana ill but pretends otherwise. Later Montana rescues the Count from captivity but they do not become friends since the Baron is supporting one of the imperial claimants, Balomir.
Balomir (sp?): Seeking to become emperor and likely responsible for the death of the prior emperor and Cleeve.
Lee (sp?): Lee is from earth. I believe he was working as a caravan guard for Cleeve when Montana met him. Regardless he joins up with Montana and helps lay out the new town.
Mercy (sp?): Female “Hydromancer”.
Esse (sp?): Female “Geomancer” who wears very little clothing.
Taren (sp?) Flynn (sp?): “Warmancer”
Magic Circle: The Osterstadt magic guild.
It should also be noted that I create a list of people and places while listening to this audiobook which appears at the end of this review. As a result I felt free to reference people and places in this review without describing them.
So the story of this book has a lot to do with the city of Osterstadt. Osterstadt is adjacent to the “Emerald Sea”, a forest of giant trees. Essentially Osterstadt’s sole reason for existing is to harvest trees that magically grow back overnight. To do this a small group of corrupt people monopolize pretty much everything in Osterstadt. This allows them to charge workers more than they earn creating “debt slaves” since the Empire bans actual slavery.
After escaping Osterstadt prison via the Dungeon of the Ancients Montana & co. leave Osterstadt only for Montana to return the next day to get the workers he needs for building his new town. Fain Botz arranges for Montana to purchase debt slaves but before the purchase is completed Osterstadt is attacked. Montana successfully aids in the defense of the city and Mouse shows up to harvest items of value from the monsters. This causes Montana to detour to discover Mouse’s mom sick and living in squalor. Montana heals mom, Zoe. Since Zoe is also a blacksmith Montana also offers here a job since Zoe is being victimized by local thugs.
Montana next returns to complete his purchase of debt slaves, frees them and invites them to come with him to build a new town. Since they would just end up as pseudo slaves if they stay in Osterstadt many of the workers leave with Montana. Magic users are a little different since they are more able to buy themselves out of debt slavery but Montana still ends up with 3 wizards (which for some dumb reason the author insists on renaming “mancers”).
Upon returning to his camp outside of Osterstadt Montana is reminded that he was supposed to retrieve Emeline’s pilfered magic books so he immediately returns to Osterstadt. Stopping at a bar to ask directions Montana is roped into a quest to stop an evil rich woman from sacrificing children. Montana magically views the woman in question and sees a child sacrificed so he immediately sends for the Viceroy, Leon so Leon can see for himself. Montana doesn’t wait and charges across town breaks down the rich person’s gates, pummels her guards, destroys her zombies, knocks out her black magic user and hauls her, the black mage and a zombie out to the street where city guards and legionnaires await. Along the way the woman claims to be the lover of “The Master” and that Montana will pay for his insolence. On the street, the bad lady has been bribing the Osterstadt city guards so they attack Montana but Leon is with the legionnaires and they arrest the woman and escort Montana out of Osterstadt.
Returning yet again to camp without the books this time Montana waits until night and has Fritz fly over the city and drop him in. The tomb where the magic books are hidden is in a temple to the goddess of children so that goddess blesses Montana and he retrieves the book and heads back to his camp. In the morning the group finally sets off for the mountains. Along the way Count Northwoods meets the caravan and requests a sit-down with Montana. The Count, while weaseling about somethings, doesn’t come off as all bad and Montana agrees to take the Count’s daughter along so she may learn from him about setting up a holding.
They group gets to the mountains and camp. The valley picked for the holding is on the other side of about a mile of granite so the geomancer marks the desired opening and the Fritz ferries everyone into the valley. On the first day a long house is built so everyone has a place to sleep and in the morning Montana uses his strength to cut down a five mile string of trees before making a start on the tunnel. Four days later “dark goblins” grab a child (Lily) in the night and Montana tracks them and kills them.
Upon returning to camp Montana and Nikolai discuss what needs to be done to better insure the safety of their group. This runs up against their lack of funds so Montana flies off with Fritz to where he knows a treasure is from an earlier book. When he gets there it turns out a “greater wyrm” (so dragon) has taken over the space and Montana must “absorb” Fritz to defeat it. This kills Fritz which is why Fritz is later reincarnated as a “land shark”.
Upon his return Montana is greeted by Eliza Northwoods who walks him through claiming his holding. When done Eliza says “did you claim your holding?” to which Montana replies “no I claimed the dukedom.” Eliza says “Oh, that was unwise” AND THE BOOK ENDS. THIS WRITER HAS NO UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO WRITE OR WHAT RESOLUTION EVEN IS.
Montana: MC, from Earth, transported to a new world he becomes Duke of Coggshall and has over the top strength, hitting 100 in strength at the start of book 3.
Cleeve: Was a legionnaire and guard for the Emperor who had his life magically tied to the Emperor’s to keep the Emperor alive after an assassination attempt. Cleeve met Montana while traveling to establish his dukedom and adopted him. Cleeve is killed at the end of book 2 to complete the assassination of the Emperor.
Nikolai: Mentor, was an imperial “Thingman”. Somehow had his levels were stolen from him in Osterstadt prison.
Philomon: Osterstadt crime lord, father of Emeline.
Emeline: Thief rescued from Osterstadt prison and taken out of town as a part of the price for Philomon’s aid in getting Montana’s gear to him in prison. Emeline ended up in Osterstadt prison after she stole and stashed a bunch of magic books.
Fritz: Montana’s companion beast. Originally a manticore then reincarnated as a “land shark”
Ragnar & Skeld: Half otters, half humans who are sworn to Montana as members of his “herd”.
Lèon <> Glaton: Imperial Viceroy for Osterstadt.
Nathalie Glaton: Sister to Layton and a level 14 knight when she is introduced to the story. Nathalie’s sole combat experience initially comes from tournaments with strict rules where death is unlikely. Layton sent Natalie to guard Montana but also may be hoping for a marriage.
Fain Botz: Wealthy Osterstadt merchant and member of the Explorers Club. Provides Montana with workers for building his new town but for a price. Fain is pretty clearly a bad guy being little more than a slaver.
Mouse: Real name Nolan. Montana meets him after killing monsters on the Osterstadt wall. Mouse is a kid who cleans the kills for Montana in return for a share of the harvest. Mouse, his sister and mother end up joining Montana in leaving Osterstadt after Montana heals the mother and protects her from some lowlife thugs.
Zoe (sp?): Mouse’s mom and a blacksmith.
Lily (sp?): Mouse’s little sister.
Dungeon of the Ancients: The dungeon hidden beneath Osterstadt prison.
Eliza (sp?) Northwoods: The Count’s daughter.
Count Northwoods: Adjoining landowner who wishes Montana ill but pretends otherwise. Later Montana rescues the Count from captivity but they do not become friends since the Baron is supporting one of the imperial claimants, Balomir.
Balomir (sp?): Seeking to become emperor and likely responsible for the death of the prior emperor and Cleeve.
Lee (sp?): Lee is from earth. I believe he was working as a caravan guard for Cleeve when Montana met him. Regardless he joins up with Montana and helps lay out the new town.
Mercy (sp?): Female “Hydromancer”.
Esse (sp?): Female “Geomancer” who wears very little clothing.
Taren (sp?) Flynn (sp?): “Warmancer”
Magic Circle: The Osterstadt magic guild.
February 9, 2020
Good fun, but short and the least litRPG so far
Gobbled it all up in basically one sitting like a bag of BBQ chips. Great braincandy same fun as the earlier books in the series but...
It felt like there were some gaps in continuity from the last book - unallocated skills and stats for example and, what I really missed was do character sheet dumps and very little LitRPG features compared to the earlier books. I really appreciate how fast the books are coming out, but this one could maybe use a slight revision to bring it more in line with the quality and character of the earlier books in the series... It felt a bit rushed, but that's the nice thing about ebooks right? You can revise without reprinting.
Anyway eagerly awaiting the next one, but hoping it will be more like the first 3 even if I wait longer for it to be fully baked.
Gobbled it all up in basically one sitting like a bag of BBQ chips. Great braincandy same fun as the earlier books in the series but...
It felt like there were some gaps in continuity from the last book - unallocated skills and stats for example and, what I really missed was do character sheet dumps and very little LitRPG features compared to the earlier books. I really appreciate how fast the books are coming out, but this one could maybe use a slight revision to bring it more in line with the quality and character of the earlier books in the series... It felt a bit rushed, but that's the nice thing about ebooks right? You can revise without reprinting.
Anyway eagerly awaiting the next one, but hoping it will be more like the first 3 even if I wait longer for it to be fully baked.
February 17, 2019
Great book.
No real complaints from me. It is doing well and following the awesomeness of the other books. I did notice that there is a minor issue with the level of the MC being stated as 23 and then he levels up and hits 23 and 24. Not sure if this was a simple miscalculation since something somewhat important seems to sometimes happen at 5th level increments too... And if I remember correctly, this happened in a previous volume as well. But it's really minor and doesn't affect the quality of the series nor the current book. Great job. Just wish it were longer or that the next book released sooner.
No real complaints from me. It is doing well and following the awesomeness of the other books. I did notice that there is a minor issue with the level of the MC being stated as 23 and then he levels up and hits 23 and 24. Not sure if this was a simple miscalculation since something somewhat important seems to sometimes happen at 5th level increments too... And if I remember correctly, this happened in a previous volume as well. But it's really minor and doesn't affect the quality of the series nor the current book. Great job. Just wish it were longer or that the next book released sooner.
February 15, 2019
This series has grown on me
It's gotten better, with every installment, still some things that irk me, the mc is pretty idiotic, which usually drives me crazy, but this is well done in a self deprecating and humorous way, the main side characters all add to the story injecting wisdom humor and showing different aspects of the mc just when things seem about to go off the rails. Didn't like the first book all that much, it was decent, but glad I decided to continue the series, and hoping to read the next one in the not too distant future.
It's gotten better, with every installment, still some things that irk me, the mc is pretty idiotic, which usually drives me crazy, but this is well done in a self deprecating and humorous way, the main side characters all add to the story injecting wisdom humor and showing different aspects of the mc just when things seem about to go off the rails. Didn't like the first book all that much, it was decent, but glad I decided to continue the series, and hoping to read the next one in the not too distant future.
February 22, 2019
More good guy goodness
LITRPG is a new genrre, and is very much about wish-fulfillment in a more direct way than most fantasy. What distinguishes this is the moral and personal growth the MR goes through. He really does want to be a good guy but in this harsh new world he often lacks the experience to do so. He persevered though. I do wish there had been more loot description since we have waited books to see what's in the bag. Maybe we will in the future. An awesome read.
LITRPG is a new genrre, and is very much about wish-fulfillment in a more direct way than most fantasy. What distinguishes this is the moral and personal growth the MR goes through. He really does want to be a good guy but in this harsh new world he often lacks the experience to do so. He persevered though. I do wish there had been more loot description since we have waited books to see what's in the bag. Maybe we will in the future. An awesome read.
February 15, 2019
Really enjoyed this book it seemed a bit longer than the first few which is nice. It however was missing some of the things I felt were present in the first few books, there was much less combat, stats didn't really seem to be included as much, there wasn't nearly as much humor in the book either. However it advanced the story nicely and I look forward to what happens next.
February 19, 2019
Absolutely loving this series. Despite the main protagonist in the story being a bit dull in the intelligence department he always seems to come through each situation presented to him with his own style and flair and you just can't help but respect his drive and motivation to succeed. I am very much looking forward to reading more and see how everything develops in next books.
March 2, 2019
Fun and violence with a side of humour
Well this one ended up to be quite a few town adventures getting ready to establish his dukedom. Fun easy reading. Totally OP MC that fumbles from one quest to the next. Amazing what an unlimited bag of holding can carry. Great series. I do feel a little lost in this one as I've forgotten where he got the power from.
Well this one ended up to be quite a few town adventures getting ready to establish his dukedom. Fun easy reading. Totally OP MC that fumbles from one quest to the next. Amazing what an unlimited bag of holding can carry. Great series. I do feel a little lost in this one as I've forgotten where he got the power from.
March 9, 2019
The series has leveled up
Fun, consistent within it's own world, and likeable characters. While Montana is still OP, he makes choices that fit within his psych. His creative problem solving helps drive the action.
And this book in the series is the best yet. I'm really looking forward to expanding the scope of his adventures in the next.
Fun, consistent within it's own world, and likeable characters. While Montana is still OP, he makes choices that fit within his psych. His creative problem solving helps drive the action.
And this book in the series is the best yet. I'm really looking forward to expanding the scope of his adventures in the next.
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