What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bad Guys #3
Skull and Thrones
Well, he’s the last elf standing. It’s confusing not being human anymore.
But being the only living member of the Biscuit’s Union has its benefits. No need to take on shifts baking cookies, for one. No one telling Clyde what to do. No one...
You have been offered a quest by the Biscuit’s Union:
Rebuild the Guild
Reform the guild by having at least eight (8) members in good standing by the end of one (1) week.
Reward for success: survival of the guild, unknown, XP
Penalty for failure (or refusal): the death of the guild
Yes/No
Okay then. So in order for any of the work Clyde’s put in to matter, for any of the numerous deaths he’s gone through to count, he has to keep the guild going and remain its leader. Which means he’s got a busy week ahead of him.
7 Days. 8 Guild Members. Countless Problems.
But being the only living member of the Biscuit’s Union has its benefits. No need to take on shifts baking cookies, for one. No one telling Clyde what to do. No one...
You have been offered a quest by the Biscuit’s Union:
Rebuild the Guild
Reform the guild by having at least eight (8) members in good standing by the end of one (1) week.
Reward for success: survival of the guild, unknown, XP
Penalty for failure (or refusal): the death of the guild
Yes/No
Okay then. So in order for any of the work Clyde’s put in to matter, for any of the numerous deaths he’s gone through to count, he has to keep the guild going and remain its leader. Which means he’s got a busy week ahead of him.
7 Days. 8 Guild Members. Countless Problems.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
522 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 9, 2020
It's so good, it's getting ridiculous
Consistent entertainment value. That's what best describes both series by Eric Ugland. I've always enjoyed and looked forward to the GG series and while I don't think BG has surpassed it in my "drop everything to read it list", it's getting pretty close.
The worst part of these books is the wait for the next one.
Consistent entertainment value. That's what best describes both series by Eric Ugland. I've always enjoyed and looked forward to the GG series and while I don't think BG has surpassed it in my "drop everything to read it list", it's getting pretty close.
The worst part of these books is the wait for the next one.
February 20, 2020
Expected more.
The first two books were a bit short on pages but full of story, this one seemed the reverse. It read longer but had little to say. The whole thing read like a rather involved prologue. This could have been a one hundred page booklet setting up the guild and would have been perfect, as the third in a series, it was lacking.
The first two books were a bit short on pages but full of story, this one seemed the reverse. It read longer but had little to say. The whole thing read like a rather involved prologue. This could have been a one hundred page booklet setting up the guild and would have been perfect, as the third in a series, it was lacking.
February 16, 2020
The Clyde Hatchet Guild for Adults Who Can’t Think Good and Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too
For LitRPG, this is a decent series. Also, even though the author relies way too much on slice of life storytelling, I still think he has a great writing voice. Unfortunately, I just can’t get into this series due to one major issue - Clyde, the main character. Clyde has many good qualities and an animal-like cunning for survival, but he’s also rocking about an 80 IQ. He may actually be less aware than Montana while also missing the mentorship that character received. I wanted to like this book and feel bad giving it a low score, but Clyde drags the entire story down and makes interaction with otherwise interesting characters painful.
And the author is clearly capable of writing intelligent and thoughtful characters, so it’s a shame he’s determined to portray Clyde as mentally challenged. At this point, it’s pretty clear Simple Clyde is a thief who can barely plan, has no idea how to handle his wealth, and cannot appreciate the incredible magic items at his disposal. I’m so sick of other characters having to finish his thoughts because the dunce can’t speak in complete sentences. Oh, and he agrees to impossible tasks without batting an eye and pawns priceless loot without a thought towards negotiation.
But wait, there’s more! Even though he’s wanted for the murder of a king, hunted by a gang that specializes in “player” killing, and inheritor of a guild, he still wants to find time to work as a garbage man in the Pits. And in a world chock full of magic, he reasons not to keep magic items to fight opponents because he might become dependent on them. Let that sink in. I don’t know who the target audience is for Simple Clyde but it’s not me.
Another major issue. The cliff hanger from the previous book was seriously heavy handed, but I was still game to see how it worked out. Without spoiling things too much, the way the author resolves the dilemma of respawning pretty much takes all the suspense out of the situation. Potentially having an extra life is one thing, but knowing the number is another. What the author did virtually removes death as a concern. It even undermines the suspense for other “player” characters (friend or foe) by establishing they probably have several lives. At least in Montana’s case he doesn’t want to respawn hundreds of miles away from his allies.
And real shocker, Simple Clyde is a terrible leader. I feel sorry for anyone who has to take direction from him, he’s so incompetent. More importantly, the actual “Bad Guys” are the Iron Silents who are poised to put a beat down on Simple Clyde and company. They are a bunch of extremely well established “players” like him, only smarter, more experienced, and ruthless with tons of respawns. And Simple Clyde has conveniently located all his allies in a vulnerable part of town in basic, non-secure buildings. He hasn’t even warned them of the incredibly dangerous enemies he’s made. Short of divine intervention, this should result in a bloody end for everyone. To be fair, it’s partly their fault for allowing him to be in charge.
But hey, there’s an easy fix for the story. It’s totally possible the author could give Simple Clyde a major intelligence boost via an expensive magic item, rare potion, or difficult to cast spell. I’m not asking for genius here, I would be happy with even average intelligence. And if he dies then he’ll revert back to normal again, which will create an actual incentive not to respawn. Kind of a Flowers for Algernon situation.
Either that or just have the Iron Silents kill everyone and farm Clyde until he’s perma dead. Name of his final book can be something like True Dies. They might spare the kids but I wouldn’t put money on it. Either way, it would be a nice tie in for the Good Guys series. Just have Montana find out so he can go on his own killing spree to avenge them all. Name of that book can be Silent Cries.
For LitRPG, this is a decent series. Also, even though the author relies way too much on slice of life storytelling, I still think he has a great writing voice. Unfortunately, I just can’t get into this series due to one major issue - Clyde, the main character. Clyde has many good qualities and an animal-like cunning for survival, but he’s also rocking about an 80 IQ. He may actually be less aware than Montana while also missing the mentorship that character received. I wanted to like this book and feel bad giving it a low score, but Clyde drags the entire story down and makes interaction with otherwise interesting characters painful.
And the author is clearly capable of writing intelligent and thoughtful characters, so it’s a shame he’s determined to portray Clyde as mentally challenged. At this point, it’s pretty clear Simple Clyde is a thief who can barely plan, has no idea how to handle his wealth, and cannot appreciate the incredible magic items at his disposal. I’m so sick of other characters having to finish his thoughts because the dunce can’t speak in complete sentences. Oh, and he agrees to impossible tasks without batting an eye and pawns priceless loot without a thought towards negotiation.
But wait, there’s more! Even though he’s wanted for the murder of a king, hunted by a gang that specializes in “player” killing, and inheritor of a guild, he still wants to find time to work as a garbage man in the Pits. And in a world chock full of magic, he reasons not to keep magic items to fight opponents because he might become dependent on them. Let that sink in. I don’t know who the target audience is for Simple Clyde but it’s not me.
Another major issue. The cliff hanger from the previous book was seriously heavy handed, but I was still game to see how it worked out. Without spoiling things too much, the way the author resolves the dilemma of respawning pretty much takes all the suspense out of the situation. Potentially having an extra life is one thing, but knowing the number is another. What the author did virtually removes death as a concern. It even undermines the suspense for other “player” characters (friend or foe) by establishing they probably have several lives. At least in Montana’s case he doesn’t want to respawn hundreds of miles away from his allies.
And real shocker, Simple Clyde is a terrible leader. I feel sorry for anyone who has to take direction from him, he’s so incompetent. More importantly, the actual “Bad Guys” are the Iron Silents who are poised to put a beat down on Simple Clyde and company. They are a bunch of extremely well established “players” like him, only smarter, more experienced, and ruthless with tons of respawns. And Simple Clyde has conveniently located all his allies in a vulnerable part of town in basic, non-secure buildings. He hasn’t even warned them of the incredibly dangerous enemies he’s made. Short of divine intervention, this should result in a bloody end for everyone. To be fair, it’s partly their fault for allowing him to be in charge.
But hey, there’s an easy fix for the story. It’s totally possible the author could give Simple Clyde a major intelligence boost via an expensive magic item, rare potion, or difficult to cast spell. I’m not asking for genius here, I would be happy with even average intelligence. And if he dies then he’ll revert back to normal again, which will create an actual incentive not to respawn. Kind of a Flowers for Algernon situation.
Either that or just have the Iron Silents kill everyone and farm Clyde until he’s perma dead. Name of his final book can be something like True Dies. They might spare the kids but I wouldn’t put money on it. Either way, it would be a nice tie in for the Good Guys series. Just have Montana find out so he can go on his own killing spree to avenge them all. Name of that book can be Silent Cries.
February 6, 2020
Ok but not much happened
This book seemed to suffer from too many story lines. The earlier book were more focused on the MC desires and advancement but this one seemed to touch on many different story lines where nothing overly exciting happened. Despite all the things that happened, the impact was marginal.
This book seemed to suffer from too many story lines. The earlier book were more focused on the MC desires and advancement but this one seemed to touch on many different story lines where nothing overly exciting happened. Despite all the things that happened, the impact was marginal.
December 23, 2025
Die Keksgewerkschaft ist tot, und am Ende des Buches stehen zum einen die neuen Mitglieder fest, und zum anderen der Name: die Freischaufler! Der Kaiser ist ermordet worden, und der Bruder des Kaisers scheint nicht der zu sein, der er all die Jahre vorgegeben hat zu sein. Clyde besitzt nun 3 Häuser für seine Gefolgsleute sowie eine Horde von Kobolden. Außerdem ist nicht nur die Eiserne Stille hinter ihm her, sondern auch das "Magie-Magisterium": er hat ein interessantes Gespräch mit dem Schattenminister, der ihm ein Angebot macht. Nimmt er an? Gelingt es ihm mit seinen "Schergen", die Stadt zu einem besseren Ort zu machen?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2022
3 Sure, But What A Shitshow Stars
Skull and Thrones is the third book in The Bad Guy's series by Eric Ugland.
I keep hoping that there will be some reveal, or more encompassing progression for our cast of characters or the world-building. However, it seems Ugland is going to stay the course piling on the mystery and humor. This lackadaisical mindset within our MC leads me to question his intelligence, and continuing pointlessly hoping he will eventually overcome his complete lack of knowledge with true planning.
I like that he is continuing to build up his core group of friends. But his attitude towards everyone practically walking over him, bossing him around, or tricking/manipulating him ties into my feelings of his willful ignorance. He strays further into the OP paradigm. I'm not sure I hate the circumstances, but it is becoming frustrating.
The addition of so many more kobolds, Godfrey's brother Hamilton, Snüt, Nox, Mornax, Klara, and potentially Pomberoy? Has been varying degrees of entertaining, intriguing, and outright hilarious.
I wonder how this manifestation of Valimar's true nature will influence future events...? Who will take the Throne? What flavors of war will impact the Empire? Which nobility will use the current upheaval for their own power grabs? And whether Clyde's new Tjene are in any way capable of betraying him? If the Goddess of Life can use Etta's name to find her, or if she has negative intentions in the first place? (I honestly thought she sounded like a spoilt child during their meeting.)
Skull and Thrones is the third book in The Bad Guy's series by Eric Ugland.
I keep hoping that there will be some reveal, or more encompassing progression for our cast of characters or the world-building. However, it seems Ugland is going to stay the course piling on the mystery and humor. This lackadaisical mindset within our MC leads me to question his intelligence, and continuing pointlessly hoping he will eventually overcome his complete lack of knowledge with true planning.
I like that he is continuing to build up his core group of friends. But his attitude towards everyone practically walking over him, bossing him around, or tricking/manipulating him ties into my feelings of his willful ignorance. He strays further into the OP paradigm. I'm not sure I hate the circumstances, but it is becoming frustrating.
The addition of so many more kobolds, Godfrey's brother Hamilton, Snüt, Nox, Mornax, Klara, and potentially Pomberoy? Has been varying degrees of entertaining, intriguing, and outright hilarious.
I wonder how this manifestation of Valimar's true nature will influence future events...? Who will take the Throne? What flavors of war will impact the Empire? Which nobility will use the current upheaval for their own power grabs? And whether Clyde's new Tjene are in any way capable of betraying him? If the Goddess of Life can use Etta's name to find her, or if she has negative intentions in the first place? (I honestly thought she sounded like a spoilt child during their meeting.)
November 7, 2022
Assassinations are all part of politics in every world it seems
Clyde continues to build up his strength through new spells, skills, and even indicium. However, the Iron Silents are a gang of earthers that can respawn and have someone who can change respawn points, which is really a bad combination for Clyde.
Clyde continues to delve deeper into the politics of Glaton, soon finding himself more involved than he’s ever planned or imagined.
And then the Emperor dies while he is with him in a private meeting, throwing suspicion towards Clyde as the last person, elf, to be with the Emperor.
The shit keeps hitting the fan over and over and poor Clyde cannot seem to keep clothes clean or in decent condition. Constantly ruining one pair of clothes after another because he doesn’t do laundry.
Meanwhile the city is embroiled in power plays causing internal strife between the two largest armies in the city. Oh and it looks like the Emperor’s own brother had him killed…
Clyde continues to build up his strength through new spells, skills, and even indicium. However, the Iron Silents are a gang of earthers that can respawn and have someone who can change respawn points, which is really a bad combination for Clyde.
Clyde continues to delve deeper into the politics of Glaton, soon finding himself more involved than he’s ever planned or imagined.
And then the Emperor dies while he is with him in a private meeting, throwing suspicion towards Clyde as the last person, elf, to be with the Emperor.
The shit keeps hitting the fan over and over and poor Clyde cannot seem to keep clothes clean or in decent condition. Constantly ruining one pair of clothes after another because he doesn’t do laundry.
Meanwhile the city is embroiled in power plays causing internal strife between the two largest armies in the city. Oh and it looks like the Emperor’s own brother had him killed…
July 24, 2021
I really liked this one. Very entertaining. This book focuses on the rebuilding of Clyde's guild. Lots of different storylines took place but the overarching goal of rebuilding the guild kept the book orderly. I like Clyde, and I'm very interested in continuing to read about him and his guild. My favourite thing about the whole series is the world though. That's why I'm currently considering reading The good guys series.
Even though I liked it, it still anoyys me that he's not making an attempt to learn magic properly. I'm also glad the next book will finally handle the Iron Silents cause I was starting to wonder where they'd gone. There also needs to be some kind of incentive not to die, since he has nearly nothing to lose by dying. And finnaly: "Skull and thrones" is not a good guild name, ya'll are tripping.
Even though I liked it, it still anoyys me that he's not making an attempt to learn magic properly. I'm also glad the next book will finally handle the Iron Silents cause I was starting to wonder where they'd gone. There also needs to be some kind of incentive not to die, since he has nearly nothing to lose by dying. And finnaly: "Skull and thrones" is not a good guild name, ya'll are tripping.
October 16, 2025
4.0 ⭐️. Not my favorite in the series so far but I can see how he’s building a solid foundation for the books to come. Still a good book, though, and I would recommend for a good series.
February 9, 2020
Another winning LitRPG book in a great series from am awesome world.
August 15, 2020
Another reviewer said it best. This book took way too long to accomplish anything. Everything that happens in this book could have been done in a prologue and a few chapters. Also, there was basically zero continuing character development. There are far too many characters now and they are all flat as paper.
Still enjoyed it somewhat because I enjoy the world Ugland created.
Still enjoyed it somewhat because I enjoy the world Ugland created.
March 29, 2024
Good story building, the author seems to be a veritable well of plot ideas. Looking forward to book 4.
May 23, 2022
Skull & Thrones
The Bad Guys: Book 3
By Eric Ugland
Overview:
Clyde emerges from his spawn camp and begins to rebuild the Biscuits Union guild, which he now leads since he’s the only survivor of the “Ring of Fire” that destroyed everyone else. Who will join, what will it become? Such answers are explored in Skulls & Thrones.
Roster of Characters/Prospective Guild Members:
Because otherwise it’s going to get really confusing. Also, these are phonetic spellings since I only have the audiobook. Finally, alphabetical order.
1. Clara Thirkel: one of 3 people given to Clyde as his tiene (vassals) by the Karchidonian lord high-crown prince Troels Westergard for repayment of his blood-debt to Clyde (Clyde killed an assassin who was targeting the prince during a secret meeting in book 2). Clara is described as a CrossFit instructor who might be taking steroids but no one has the balls to ask. Ejgi
2. Gottfried: brother-in-law to Matthew and ex-Thingman to the assassinated Emperor.
3. Hamilton: Gottfried’s twin brother, former Thingman, and Beastmaster.
4. Leothing: Paladin who Clyde rescued from a graveyard in book 2, who was dying at the time. They defeat all the undead together, Clyde gains many new necromancy spells in the process (via the Drain Life spell), and the Paladin swears himself to Clyde as a blood-debt upon their escape.
5. Lothar: ???
6. Matthew: Clyde’s pits employer/boss who has high-level political connections from his past.
7. Mornax the Destroyer: second of 3 to Clyde’s vassals. Mornax is a strong, looming Minotaur.
8. Nadya Glatan: princess to the royal family and favored niece of Prince Valimer (who everyone thinks killed his brother, the former emperor). (Nadya is not the princess that is in consideration for emperorship.) She began the series as a pits worker, presumably sowing her royal oats and in love with Clyde.
9. Nox Kvist: the third of Clyde’s vassals who is a robed academician with a prominent mustache.
10. Shea: girl Clyde rescued from sexual slavery in book 2. Incredibly buxom and beautiful and also has a thing for Clyde. She gets along great with the kobolds but Nadya despises her because she views her as competition to Clyde.
11. Titus and wife Penelope: they run the bar “The Heavy Purse”, which expands into the building next to it in book 3 as Clyde continues to buy surrounding buildings. Their rent is paid by offering free meals to Clyde and anyone he asks for.
The Good:
* Eric: thank you for adding more profanity back in. I missed it… or your kind of profanity anyway.
* Starting to see Clyde’s class slide from a Thief with mage support spells to a Necromancer Thief with support spells: has some really interesting possibilities. He even experiments with some of his new arsenal of necromancer spells.
* The set up for the plot of the rest of the book is explained early on in a very comical way.
* Finally we get to hear from Valimer and his take on things.
* The author’s Vuldranni world is the only LitRPG series that I’ve read where magic is treated so fearfully that it is governmentally sanctioned and any who break the laws on magic are immediately sought out and put to death. It definitely adds significance whenever Clyde uses a spell against the Empire’s wishes.
* Yay, Clyde gets a hearth too. Hoping the dynamic will be as fun as Montana’s.
* The subplot between Clyde and Nadya continues to be intriguing, effectively giving Clyde an “in” with Glatan’s royal family. His ties with the guy whose life he saved from book 2 means he has an “in” with the Karchidon royal family as well. Exciting!
* The action/violence continues to be entertaining, at least in part to Clyde’s tactical usage of his spells and enchanted weapons.
The Meh:
* Every room Clyde infiltrates always has a secret door in it like he’s the luckiest thief alive.
* Clyde continually tries to reject or minimize his benefactor’s blood debt. This is really annoying since in all other instances Clyde is always trying to get a leg up on people or situations. Take what’s owed to you, Clyde!!
* A few parts drag, but only a few.
* Like the GG series, there are a ton of people to keep track of.
The Bad:
* Much like the GG series, the BG series is not a true LitRPG, more of an afterthought to an otherwise portal fantasy type story. There are stats and skills but seldom are they leveled up (or at least mentioned to have leveled up). The characters don’t level grind either so they might gain a level or 2 by the end of the book but no promises. It’s kind of lackluster on that front.
Summary:
The story ends with a cliffhanger, per the norm, in which Clyde will have to confide even more secrets to those he considers his new family, while continuing to battle a rival gang The Iron Silence. 4.5/5 stars.
The Bad Guys: Book 3
By Eric Ugland
Overview:
Clyde emerges from his spawn camp and begins to rebuild the Biscuits Union guild, which he now leads since he’s the only survivor of the “Ring of Fire” that destroyed everyone else. Who will join, what will it become? Such answers are explored in Skulls & Thrones.
Roster of Characters/Prospective Guild Members:
Because otherwise it’s going to get really confusing. Also, these are phonetic spellings since I only have the audiobook. Finally, alphabetical order.
1. Clara Thirkel: one of 3 people given to Clyde as his tiene (vassals) by the Karchidonian lord high-crown prince Troels Westergard for repayment of his blood-debt to Clyde (Clyde killed an assassin who was targeting the prince during a secret meeting in book 2). Clara is described as a CrossFit instructor who might be taking steroids but no one has the balls to ask. Ejgi
2. Gottfried: brother-in-law to Matthew and ex-Thingman to the assassinated Emperor.
3. Hamilton: Gottfried’s twin brother, former Thingman, and Beastmaster.
4. Leothing: Paladin who Clyde rescued from a graveyard in book 2, who was dying at the time. They defeat all the undead together, Clyde gains many new necromancy spells in the process (via the Drain Life spell), and the Paladin swears himself to Clyde as a blood-debt upon their escape.
5. Lothar: ???
6. Matthew: Clyde’s pits employer/boss who has high-level political connections from his past.
7. Mornax the Destroyer: second of 3 to Clyde’s vassals. Mornax is a strong, looming Minotaur.
8. Nadya Glatan: princess to the royal family and favored niece of Prince Valimer (who everyone thinks killed his brother, the former emperor). (Nadya is not the princess that is in consideration for emperorship.) She began the series as a pits worker, presumably sowing her royal oats and in love with Clyde.
9. Nox Kvist: the third of Clyde’s vassals who is a robed academician with a prominent mustache.
10. Shea: girl Clyde rescued from sexual slavery in book 2. Incredibly buxom and beautiful and also has a thing for Clyde. She gets along great with the kobolds but Nadya despises her because she views her as competition to Clyde.
11. Titus and wife Penelope: they run the bar “The Heavy Purse”, which expands into the building next to it in book 3 as Clyde continues to buy surrounding buildings. Their rent is paid by offering free meals to Clyde and anyone he asks for.
The Good:
* Eric: thank you for adding more profanity back in. I missed it… or your kind of profanity anyway.
* Starting to see Clyde’s class slide from a Thief with mage support spells to a Necromancer Thief with support spells: has some really interesting possibilities. He even experiments with some of his new arsenal of necromancer spells.
* The set up for the plot of the rest of the book is explained early on in a very comical way.
* Finally we get to hear from Valimer and his take on things.
* The author’s Vuldranni world is the only LitRPG series that I’ve read where magic is treated so fearfully that it is governmentally sanctioned and any who break the laws on magic are immediately sought out and put to death. It definitely adds significance whenever Clyde uses a spell against the Empire’s wishes.
* Yay, Clyde gets a hearth too. Hoping the dynamic will be as fun as Montana’s.
* The subplot between Clyde and Nadya continues to be intriguing, effectively giving Clyde an “in” with Glatan’s royal family. His ties with the guy whose life he saved from book 2 means he has an “in” with the Karchidon royal family as well. Exciting!
* The action/violence continues to be entertaining, at least in part to Clyde’s tactical usage of his spells and enchanted weapons.
The Meh:
* Every room Clyde infiltrates always has a secret door in it like he’s the luckiest thief alive.
* Clyde continually tries to reject or minimize his benefactor’s blood debt. This is really annoying since in all other instances Clyde is always trying to get a leg up on people or situations. Take what’s owed to you, Clyde!!
* A few parts drag, but only a few.
* Like the GG series, there are a ton of people to keep track of.
The Bad:
* Much like the GG series, the BG series is not a true LitRPG, more of an afterthought to an otherwise portal fantasy type story. There are stats and skills but seldom are they leveled up (or at least mentioned to have leveled up). The characters don’t level grind either so they might gain a level or 2 by the end of the book but no promises. It’s kind of lackluster on that front.
Summary:
The story ends with a cliffhanger, per the norm, in which Clyde will have to confide even more secrets to those he considers his new family, while continuing to battle a rival gang The Iron Silence. 4.5/5 stars.
February 9, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on Kindle Unlimited, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 50 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure on Amazon. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on Kindle Unlimited, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 50 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure on Amazon. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
August 21, 2024
In the previous book, all of the other members of Clive's Thieves' Guild were murdered. (They were actually all retired members.) In this book, Clive tries to save the guild by recruiting enough new members to permit it to continue qualifying as a guild under the weird gamelike rules of the world he is in. Naturally, he turns to his friends to help them—and because this world functions like a game—they all agree if he completes a quest for them. So, this is a book filled with very quirky missions while Clive still tries to find time to find evidence regarding who murdered the emperor.
This is where it really gets interesting. If you read Ugland's Good Guys series, you know that the emperor's brother murdered him. (After all, everybody thinks the emperor's brother killed him.) But as the book progresses, you will come to doubt that he is really the villain. And the information that throws things into doubt is discovered in a way that only Clive could.
This is a great novel. Clive picked up a huge number of scary necromantic spells in the previous book and this time he has to start using them. He gets in battles with wizards, and with soldiers, and there's always a monster or two, and let's not forget the guys who actually murdered all those retired thieves in Clive's guild. The storyline seriously progresses and will have you chomping at the bit for the next book.
This is where it really gets interesting. If you read Ugland's Good Guys series, you know that the emperor's brother murdered him. (After all, everybody thinks the emperor's brother killed him.) But as the book progresses, you will come to doubt that he is really the villain. And the information that throws things into doubt is discovered in a way that only Clive could.
This is a great novel. Clive picked up a huge number of scary necromantic spells in the previous book and this time he has to start using them. He gets in battles with wizards, and with soldiers, and there's always a monster or two, and let's not forget the guys who actually murdered all those retired thieves in Clive's guild. The storyline seriously progresses and will have you chomping at the bit for the next book.
October 6, 2020
Book 3 and ooh.. don't you love it when a plan comes together.
The third book in the series starts with torture , rescuing and giving home to kobolds. dabs a bit in murder and framing while delving in legal understanding . Then a bit of romance and saving a killer in distress while doing all standard sneaking and thieving around.
It is so much fun. Though you get a sense of the protagonist becoming a bit OP.
You get to know a lot more of the world and forces that are in play. I can connect the timeline to the events that take place in the Good Guys series. So we are going to have the story flow move towards the evil gods and champions kinda track. Apart from the super funny system messages it doesn't feel as much as a litRPG novel. Good job author.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and one can only wonder how the Skull and Thrones is going to take over the world.
Good Book. Read it.
The third book in the series starts with torture , rescuing and giving home to kobolds. dabs a bit in murder and framing while delving in legal understanding . Then a bit of romance and saving a killer in distress while doing all standard sneaking and thieving around.
It is so much fun. Though you get a sense of the protagonist becoming a bit OP.
You get to know a lot more of the world and forces that are in play. I can connect the timeline to the events that take place in the Good Guys series. So we are going to have the story flow move towards the evil gods and champions kinda track. Apart from the super funny system messages it doesn't feel as much as a litRPG novel. Good job author.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and one can only wonder how the Skull and Thrones is going to take over the world.
Good Book. Read it.
January 23, 2024
Dumb MC + plot armor + no real story = dumpster fire IMO
I felt bad about this review afterwards but still feel it is valid. The MC does nothing to get smarter, nothing to get stronger, nothing to prevent being attacked in the same way or same place as before, ignores advice on how to stay safe or get stronger. If it is smart he not only doesn’t do it, but does the opposite.
The plot armor on him is ridiculous. People say all the time in the story “you’re only level 9! How are you still alive?”. The answer is plot armor. He is a bumbling dufus who himself admits he doesn’t have a clue how to fight, use magic, or really do anything, but somehow he defeats people 20 or 30 levels higher than him with skills 20 or 30 levels higher and have trained in battle or magic for years!?! In some books the MC at least has something OP that explains this, but nothing in this book.
Started out funny, but got annoying real fast.
I felt bad about this review afterwards but still feel it is valid. The MC does nothing to get smarter, nothing to get stronger, nothing to prevent being attacked in the same way or same place as before, ignores advice on how to stay safe or get stronger. If it is smart he not only doesn’t do it, but does the opposite.
The plot armor on him is ridiculous. People say all the time in the story “you’re only level 9! How are you still alive?”. The answer is plot armor. He is a bumbling dufus who himself admits he doesn’t have a clue how to fight, use magic, or really do anything, but somehow he defeats people 20 or 30 levels higher than him with skills 20 or 30 levels higher and have trained in battle or magic for years!?! In some books the MC at least has something OP that explains this, but nothing in this book.
Started out funny, but got annoying real fast.
February 9, 2020
I'm going to review this as i read.
At 1% - what an absolute tool. I'm seriously tempted to stop reading right here. I didn't like where the last book ended and I'm not enjoying where this one starts. He's supposed to be clever and witty, not brain dead.
At 4% - ok I'm somewhat happier, he seems to have regained some sense.
At 30% - I'm glad i kept reading, it's constant action and always something happening.
At 33% - I'm always a little bit frustrated by how he does buisness, whether buying or selling. I suppose he's staying true to character as he's always been like thay so can't really complain.
At 100% - Ok read it in a day, it's good.
My only real issue is what I've said before, this would make more sense as a straight up fantasy than a litrpg as the gaming side of things seems incredibly half baked.
At 1% - what an absolute tool. I'm seriously tempted to stop reading right here. I didn't like where the last book ended and I'm not enjoying where this one starts. He's supposed to be clever and witty, not brain dead.
At 4% - ok I'm somewhat happier, he seems to have regained some sense.
At 30% - I'm glad i kept reading, it's constant action and always something happening.
At 33% - I'm always a little bit frustrated by how he does buisness, whether buying or selling. I suppose he's staying true to character as he's always been like thay so can't really complain.
At 100% - Ok read it in a day, it's good.
My only real issue is what I've said before, this would make more sense as a straight up fantasy than a litrpg as the gaming side of things seems incredibly half baked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2020
Fun, but frustrating read
Overall i enjoy the book as a litrpg. Fun character development and enjoyable progression. I only doc it a star for some poor editing elements. In terms of story i have a few grumbles. One, there is just so many loose ends always going, some stem from book 1 and it is getting old now. Open the basement door... Two, the MC always trying to get a word in edgewise is getting a bit grating, with that, it is book 4 going on 5. At what point will he develop a bit more street smarts, because he just keep walking into trouble without care or precaution. Sure, it makes the story have exciting elements and developments, but it is also just frustratingly hard to swallow.
Overall i enjoy the book as a litrpg. Fun character development and enjoyable progression. I only doc it a star for some poor editing elements. In terms of story i have a few grumbles. One, there is just so many loose ends always going, some stem from book 1 and it is getting old now. Open the basement door... Two, the MC always trying to get a word in edgewise is getting a bit grating, with that, it is book 4 going on 5. At what point will he develop a bit more street smarts, because he just keep walking into trouble without care or precaution. Sure, it makes the story have exciting elements and developments, but it is also just frustratingly hard to swallow.
February 7, 2020
I really wanted to give this a 5, but I can't quite. The reason is that while I loved 3/4 of the book, there was some stuff in the beginning that dragged on far too long for its significance to the plot. That section made me think of Peter Jackson's butchering of The Hobbit, the part where they're racing through Goblin Town for half an hour or so.
That may seem like a small thing, but when you make me want to skip ahead you've failed (to me at least) in pacing, and that's a thing that'll cost you a star in my reviews. This will not, however, keep me from reading more of the author's work, and I certainly recommend this if you're following the iNcarn8 stories.
That may seem like a small thing, but when you make me want to skip ahead you've failed (to me at least) in pacing, and that's a thing that'll cost you a star in my reviews. This will not, however, keep me from reading more of the author's work, and I certainly recommend this if you're following the iNcarn8 stories.
February 19, 2020
Another fun ride!
Ugland delivers fun story as always. Hopefully we start to get a bit more overall plot arc movement soon but overall very enjoyable. Whole heartedly recommend if you enjoyed the others and if you haven't do yourself a favor and get them.
SPOILER:
Glad to see our main character finally addressing magic and having a way to move forward! Hope to see that taken advantage of soon. Oh and am i the only person who sees how many people he kills but doesn't drain (glaring plot hole). For someone with questionable morals from our time you'd think he would be out there draining away the opposition even with consequences.
Ugland delivers fun story as always. Hopefully we start to get a bit more overall plot arc movement soon but overall very enjoyable. Whole heartedly recommend if you enjoyed the others and if you haven't do yourself a favor and get them.
SPOILER:
Glad to see our main character finally addressing magic and having a way to move forward! Hope to see that taken advantage of soon. Oh and am i the only person who sees how many people he kills but doesn't drain (glaring plot hole). For someone with questionable morals from our time you'd think he would be out there draining away the opposition even with consequences.
March 29, 2021
Another super solid no doubt about it 5 star offering. This series continues to be a page burning delight. The main character AVOIDS the trap of being OP and making mistakes and learning from them. Great action, meaningful story that has some weight to it. I had not trouble jumping right into the next one in the series without even considering any thought of taking a break. Now with the bar set so high I have to start preparing myself for the let down that may come in the series. Or do I. Will Mr. Ugland actually pull off a perfect score for the whole series. Time will tell and just might know the answer to that question sooner rather than later.
July 8, 2024
Everyone from the Biscuit's Union is dead, except for Clyde and his most pressing quest is rebuilding the guild. He needs 8 members to join but every one of them want Clyde to do something for them first.
I really enjoyed this installment of the series because of all the quests Clyde had to do in order to get the guild reestablished.
The bits of romance were just perfect and not annoying (romance in LitRPG is usual not something I particularly like).
There's even more banter and action in this book then in the previous ones and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the newly introduced characters in the next books.
I really enjoyed this installment of the series because of all the quests Clyde had to do in order to get the guild reestablished.
The bits of romance were just perfect and not annoying (romance in LitRPG is usual not something I particularly like).
There's even more banter and action in this book then in the previous ones and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the newly introduced characters in the next books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2020
Book three
Mistakes: I found two, ever when it should have been every and another word that ended in t that messed up the sentence.
Also the list of chapters is at the end of the book four some reason.
Plot: We get a little information about what is going on political wise. This can change how you view the series The Good Guys if you also read that one.
Mostly we are doing bit quest in order to get new members in order to rebuild the guild.
Characters: An interesting bunch. The Mc continues to hold my interest as we learn more about what motivates him.
8/10
Mistakes: I found two, ever when it should have been every and another word that ended in t that messed up the sentence.
Also the list of chapters is at the end of the book four some reason.
Plot: We get a little information about what is going on political wise. This can change how you view the series The Good Guys if you also read that one.
Mostly we are doing bit quest in order to get new members in order to rebuild the guild.
Characters: An interesting bunch. The Mc continues to hold my interest as we learn more about what motivates him.
8/10
February 14, 2020
I really like this author and his books
Another solid book that i read way to fast. Eric does a great job having something be witty anf sarcastic but not biting. He is a joy to read, he has interesting ways that weapons and skills become used and lots of loot but nothing really overpowered in any strict sense. Often thwre are realistic balances.
I enjoy the fact that both of these series work off of each other and the stories mesh in interesting ways. Im curious to see where they continue to overlap. Keep up the good work my man.
Another solid book that i read way to fast. Eric does a great job having something be witty anf sarcastic but not biting. He is a joy to read, he has interesting ways that weapons and skills become used and lots of loot but nothing really overpowered in any strict sense. Often thwre are realistic balances.
I enjoy the fact that both of these series work off of each other and the stories mesh in interesting ways. Im curious to see where they continue to overlap. Keep up the good work my man.
February 18, 2025
I think I'm done with this series for the moment. Clyde's interactions with his "friends" and potential guildmates are increasingly annoying as they give unreasonable and outlandish tasks for him to complete in order to join. Does no one remember how they're literally living and eating for free thanks to Clyde? Is he ever going to see a return on any of his investments? Could he just stop for a moment and learn to use his magic?? How hard would it be for Shea to get her own room???
Maybe I'll feel differently after a break, but Clyde and co suck.
Maybe I'll feel differently after a break, but Clyde and co suck.
February 7, 2020
Really fun.
I'm really glad I decided to RAF this author's books. This series and the other series are two sides of a coin with two flawed individuals with little knowledge of their situation. This series puts pir small tone thief who made himself a hero in the first book truly take his first bumbling steps toward greatness. While he may be clueless in many ways, Clyde is very much the decisive one when it counts.
I'm really glad I decided to RAF this author's books. This series and the other series are two sides of a coin with two flawed individuals with little knowledge of their situation. This series puts pir small tone thief who made himself a hero in the first book truly take his first bumbling steps toward greatness. While he may be clueless in many ways, Clyde is very much the decisive one when it counts.
February 10, 2020
Can't get enough
As I finished this book I immediately clicked the link to pre-order book 4. Fantastic LitRPG with well developed characters, including those who are not the protagonist! The fact that we have two contrasting views on the world of incarn8 through the good and bad guys just makes the setting more compelling. Mr Uhland, Thanks for the hours of joy that your books bring.
As I finished this book I immediately clicked the link to pre-order book 4. Fantastic LitRPG with well developed characters, including those who are not the protagonist! The fact that we have two contrasting views on the world of incarn8 through the good and bad guys just makes the setting more compelling. Mr Uhland, Thanks for the hours of joy that your books bring.
February 13, 2020
Keep churning out the good & the bad guys!
Is the third series going to be called the ugly guys? But seriously, a great novel and I can’t wait to see the stories continue and perhaps merge at some point. I do hope Clyde ratchets up his security vs. the Iron Silents since he’s kinda just let them walk all around him. Not that it’s hurt him too much... maybe?? We’ll just have to wait to find out!
Is the third series going to be called the ugly guys? But seriously, a great novel and I can’t wait to see the stories continue and perhaps merge at some point. I do hope Clyde ratchets up his security vs. the Iron Silents since he’s kinda just let them walk all around him. Not that it’s hurt him too much... maybe?? We’ll just have to wait to find out!
March 9, 2021
I very much dislikedthe start of this book - somehow, I just couldn't believe there really wasn't a better/faster way out. I know I'm probably imagining the mechanics a bit differently than the author, if I'm seeing it that way, but...reading the first 4 chapters or so actually made me angry. Like.....seriously?
That said, the book was as good as usual with lots of random encounters and a good story progression. I'm quite curious to see how it develops :)
That said, the book was as good as usual with lots of random encounters and a good story progression. I'm quite curious to see how it develops :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews