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The Good Guys #12
Wild Wild Quest
Straight out of the West (or, you know, somewhere through a gloom portal), in a thunder of hooves (but they're kinda like giant turtle hooves, if you can picture it?), comes Montana Coggeshall, gun (sword) slinger. Sure, he's survived Fiends' Night and an all-out goblin war. But for his people in Coggeshall to truly be safe, Montana needs to go out and find the source of all these crazy attacks. Along the way, Montana will be tested by feuding families, money-hungry miners, hookers with hearts of gold, and more than a few idiot tour guides. Turns out everything Montana's been through up until now wasn't hell. It was practice. Wild Wild Quest is rabble rousin' LitRPG like you've never read before. For fans of genre-twisting plots full of mind-bending battles.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2021
394 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
July 31, 2021
Pointless
This entire book had no bearing on the overall plot. The author seems to have forgotten the system exists for large parts of it so we get to see a grand total of 1 skill increase the whole book. The inane chatter read like a group of attention deficit middle schoolers who'd managed to sneak into their parents liquor cabinet. Just so, so much wrong with this that i'm not sure if i'm going to pick up the next one. Hoping this is a fluke and we get a return to form.
This entire book had no bearing on the overall plot. The author seems to have forgotten the system exists for large parts of it so we get to see a grand total of 1 skill increase the whole book. The inane chatter read like a group of attention deficit middle schoolers who'd managed to sneak into their parents liquor cabinet. Just so, so much wrong with this that i'm not sure if i'm going to pick up the next one. Hoping this is a fluke and we get a return to form.
June 19, 2024
Of Goblins and Morons
Irredeemably stupid. That pretty much sums up Montana at this point. I can only imagine the joy of following someone who vacillates from being utterly ignorant to tersely issuing vague commands affecting everyone’s lives. Especially when difficult decisions might trigger a sudden tantrum from Montana, a dullard strong enough to accidentally pull a limb off in the heat of the moment. I was hoping for much more from the character and author, which is why it’s frustrating to see them both fall short.
Another area of frustrating ineffectiveness is the role of advisor to Montana. Before, he had the bitter and cynical but highly competent and hardworking Nikolai to depend on. This was actually a solid partnership, sort of a good cop, bad cop situation. Now, he has Lee who is highly intelligent, but nearly as ignorant of the new world as Montana and extremely reluctant to actually guide him. It seems Lee thinks Montana might somehow become able to guide himself, which is like putting Derek Zoolander in charge of a school for kids who can’t read. It’s a one step forward, two or three steps back scenario.
And in yet another double edged turn of events, Montana finally decides to utilize certain powerful assets that have been ignored for several books. Only problem is it appears his complacency and subsequent leveling has reduced their potency by as much as 25% effectiveness for him. The implication is that if he would have taken them earlier as intended by the givers, then they would have been more helpful. It’s a great example of the author’s subversive writing style, which seems aimed at displeasing readers who enjoy Montana’s growth.
The story does a lot of meandering per usual, but it’s helped along by the fun Yojimbo theme. I still found it a chore to get through with a bunch of little things that really bothered me. Like the fact that Montana hands out more potions of healing to complete strangers than the soldiers who risked their lives to protect Coggeshall. As part of an ignorant tantrum, he ends up showing more concern for the lives of cutthroat bandits than civilians in need of rescue. And as expected, very important stuff is left unfinished. That’s right, Montana still hasn’t built the free magical building or reset his freaking spawn point.
Was it better than the last book? Yes, but not by much and there were no true standout moments for me. I still recall really enjoying the first several books in this series, which is what has kept me going for so long. However, I no longer find myself caring about what happens next. It’s clear to me the writing quality went downhill after the author decided to split his attention between two series and it has never recovered since.
Turns out, the kobolds might be the smartest residents of Coggeshall after all. Many chose to flee to another haven at the start of the book. I think I’ll take a hint from their example and move on as well.
Irredeemably stupid. That pretty much sums up Montana at this point. I can only imagine the joy of following someone who vacillates from being utterly ignorant to tersely issuing vague commands affecting everyone’s lives. Especially when difficult decisions might trigger a sudden tantrum from Montana, a dullard strong enough to accidentally pull a limb off in the heat of the moment. I was hoping for much more from the character and author, which is why it’s frustrating to see them both fall short.
Another area of frustrating ineffectiveness is the role of advisor to Montana. Before, he had the bitter and cynical but highly competent and hardworking Nikolai to depend on. This was actually a solid partnership, sort of a good cop, bad cop situation. Now, he has Lee who is highly intelligent, but nearly as ignorant of the new world as Montana and extremely reluctant to actually guide him. It seems Lee thinks Montana might somehow become able to guide himself, which is like putting Derek Zoolander in charge of a school for kids who can’t read. It’s a one step forward, two or three steps back scenario.
And in yet another double edged turn of events, Montana finally decides to utilize certain powerful assets that have been ignored for several books. Only problem is it appears his complacency and subsequent leveling has reduced their potency by as much as 25% effectiveness for him. The implication is that if he would have taken them earlier as intended by the givers, then they would have been more helpful. It’s a great example of the author’s subversive writing style, which seems aimed at displeasing readers who enjoy Montana’s growth.
The story does a lot of meandering per usual, but it’s helped along by the fun Yojimbo theme. I still found it a chore to get through with a bunch of little things that really bothered me. Like the fact that Montana hands out more potions of healing to complete strangers than the soldiers who risked their lives to protect Coggeshall. As part of an ignorant tantrum, he ends up showing more concern for the lives of cutthroat bandits than civilians in need of rescue. And as expected, very important stuff is left unfinished. That’s right, Montana still hasn’t built the free magical building or reset his freaking spawn point.
Was it better than the last book? Yes, but not by much and there were no true standout moments for me. I still recall really enjoying the first several books in this series, which is what has kept me going for so long. However, I no longer find myself caring about what happens next. It’s clear to me the writing quality went downhill after the author decided to split his attention between two series and it has never recovered since.
Turns out, the kobolds might be the smartest residents of Coggeshall after all. Many chose to flee to another haven at the start of the book. I think I’ll take a hint from their example and move on as well.
August 1, 2021
After the last book I really hoped things were on track. Nope. It seems like it's time for the author to revisit his overarching story, as this book amounted to about 50 pages (maybe) of actual plot progression.
The pages of pointless snark and dumbass conversations hit a new low in this book. I can't say categorically that this was the worst of the series for that, but I was hoping that Montana had gained a clue. If anything he's going backwards, denying the one thing he's good at, which is killing things/people. While it's admirable to help people when you can, giving enemies more chances to kill you or people you care about is, in Vuldranni, criminally negligent.
Will I read the next one? I don't know. The "Bad Guys" series is still looking good, but I have come to the conclusion that this story is stalled out. I was actively annoyed while wading through most of it, and the resolution to the quest was anti-climatic at best. Montana is a an increasingly uninteresting dumbass, and not an MC I care about any more.
The pages of pointless snark and dumbass conversations hit a new low in this book. I can't say categorically that this was the worst of the series for that, but I was hoping that Montana had gained a clue. If anything he's going backwards, denying the one thing he's good at, which is killing things/people. While it's admirable to help people when you can, giving enemies more chances to kill you or people you care about is, in Vuldranni, criminally negligent.
Will I read the next one? I don't know. The "Bad Guys" series is still looking good, but I have come to the conclusion that this story is stalled out. I was actively annoyed while wading through most of it, and the resolution to the quest was anti-climatic at best. Montana is a an increasingly uninteresting dumbass, and not an MC I care about any more.
July 31, 2021
So much pointless blah blah
Yeah, that's it for me. The "banter" has gotten to the point where I just find it annoying and like a comic strip, there's no real progress. The overpowered MC who is ultimately impotent (almost literally in the story) is unsatisfying, but YMMV.
Yeah, that's it for me. The "banter" has gotten to the point where I just find it annoying and like a comic strip, there's no real progress. The overpowered MC who is ultimately impotent (almost literally in the story) is unsatisfying, but YMMV.
July 30, 2021
Drivvle made for money
This should have been called sidequest.
This was pointless and written to cover author's bills.
This series had potential, but it's just crap now.
This should have been called sidequest.
This was pointless and written to cover author's bills.
This series had potential, but it's just crap now.
August 15, 2021
Book 12 of The Good Guys by Eric Ugland. Never have I imagined I would be so hooked as to read 12 books into a series but here we are. Eric has an ever imaginative, spinning plates style of storytelling and I am hooked on it. In particular, I enjoy the high octane scenes chock full of balletically violent imagery. You know these scenes are not violence for violence sake as the author draws a clear line between action and motivation.
Criticisms: side characters are numerous and interchangeable, depending on what flavor of side kick the MC needs to support/galvanize his MC'ness.
Praise: I am always entertained from start to finish when I pick up a LitRPG by Eric Ugland, and Wild Wild West is no exception.
Criticisms: side characters are numerous and interchangeable, depending on what flavor of side kick the MC needs to support/galvanize his MC'ness.
Praise: I am always entertained from start to finish when I pick up a LitRPG by Eric Ugland, and Wild Wild West is no exception.
August 1, 2021
Another cliff hanger.
The author appears to follow the best practices of trashy daytime soap operas in always ending on a dramatic twist rather then a conclusion. This book could end after another chapter later or a half chapter earlier in order to reach a good stopping point. I'm not sure why the author writes this way. A trashy soap uses this tactic to ensure viewers keep coming back. If someone has read this far in the series they are coming back without the dramatic hook. All the constant cliffhangers do is convince me.not to read the companion "The bad guys" series since i don't want to wait for two series incapable of conclusions. That and the building issue have gotten me to the point where i consider dropping the series and the author from my follows.
The building has to to be used in the first chapter of the next book. It has gotten to the point that its just annoying. A plot point hanging around and BEING CONSTANTLY MENTIONED without use is poor writing in the extreme. For the entire book my thoughts whenever it came up wasn't "what's it going to be?" Or anything speculative. It was a glaring annoying immersion breaking "the author has no idea what to do with this this" and "This is entirely here to tease the reader and build tension."
Lampshading chekovs gun isn't good writing. Its what a teenager does in a writing assignment to hit a writing device quota or to be ironic.
Now it looks like Gasp Montana is going to use in Glaton as a bargaining chip or emergency solution. Because the only thing more dramatic then finally using the mcguffin that you spent 3 books talking up, is arbitrarily losing it in an "unpredictable" way which gives a real sense of loss to the readers.
In summary my reaction to this book and the series in general isn't "Awesome" or "A great read" but is an ever increasing feeling of annoyance and frustration. The author has taken things best used in small measures and is over using them to the point of ruin.
The author appears to follow the best practices of trashy daytime soap operas in always ending on a dramatic twist rather then a conclusion. This book could end after another chapter later or a half chapter earlier in order to reach a good stopping point. I'm not sure why the author writes this way. A trashy soap uses this tactic to ensure viewers keep coming back. If someone has read this far in the series they are coming back without the dramatic hook. All the constant cliffhangers do is convince me.not to read the companion "The bad guys" series since i don't want to wait for two series incapable of conclusions. That and the building issue have gotten me to the point where i consider dropping the series and the author from my follows.
The building has to to be used in the first chapter of the next book. It has gotten to the point that its just annoying. A plot point hanging around and BEING CONSTANTLY MENTIONED without use is poor writing in the extreme. For the entire book my thoughts whenever it came up wasn't "what's it going to be?" Or anything speculative. It was a glaring annoying immersion breaking "the author has no idea what to do with this this" and "This is entirely here to tease the reader and build tension."
Lampshading chekovs gun isn't good writing. Its what a teenager does in a writing assignment to hit a writing device quota or to be ironic.
Now it looks like Gasp Montana is going to use in Glaton as a bargaining chip or emergency solution. Because the only thing more dramatic then finally using the mcguffin that you spent 3 books talking up, is arbitrarily losing it in an "unpredictable" way which gives a real sense of loss to the readers.
In summary my reaction to this book and the series in general isn't "Awesome" or "A great read" but is an ever increasing feeling of annoyance and frustration. The author has taken things best used in small measures and is over using them to the point of ruin.
December 17, 2021
Another pointless side quest story. I struggled through it to 80 percent but i just can´t continue anymore. Which is a shame as the original story could have been so good (at least with better characters).
The start of the book showed just once again how stupid and indecisive the MC is and will forever stay. The super important scouting mission seemed more like a Muppet garden party. Maybe the author thinks it funny if his characters talk snarky sh*t and has the MC doing slapstick, maybe he does it to ingratiate himself to young adult readers. But i am really, really, really sick of it.
The MC ends up in the local version of the Wild West. Unfortunately, i could not care about the least about this new unnecessary side quests.
The start of the book showed just once again how stupid and indecisive the MC is and will forever stay. The super important scouting mission seemed more like a Muppet garden party. Maybe the author thinks it funny if his characters talk snarky sh*t and has the MC doing slapstick, maybe he does it to ingratiate himself to young adult readers. But i am really, really, really sick of it.
The MC ends up in the local version of the Wild West. Unfortunately, i could not care about the least about this new unnecessary side quests.
August 1, 2021
Same ol same old
The last four or so books in this series are not so much four books but the same book four times. The same dialogue, the same basic plot. The only thing the author has done to mix things up is to kill off a bunch of characters. Very, very lame. I'm done with this series and I suggest you don't bother with it.
The last four or so books in this series are not so much four books but the same book four times. The same dialogue, the same basic plot. The only thing the author has done to mix things up is to kill off a bunch of characters. Very, very lame. I'm done with this series and I suggest you don't bother with it.
July 31, 2021
This felt like a placeholder...could ignore this & not miss anything...
August 2, 2021
So this is the wrap up for the night goblin debacle?
I feel that author has given up on the story. I know I have given up on the characters. So crap characters with a lazy story, not much of a wrap up.
I feel that author has given up on the story. I know I have given up on the characters. So crap characters with a lazy story, not much of a wrap up.
August 14, 2021
I've complained in past reviews about the author's inability to progress the plot, and this installment is no exception. It basically goes nowhere and accomplishes nothing, beyond introducing yet more new characters that we'll likely never hear from again in future books.
The author clearly likes to write clever dialogue, and this book is full of that. But if you're looking for substance of basically any kind, this book doesn't have it.
Really disappointing book overall. I'll be dropping the series here unless the reviews on the next book show the author has brought things back on track.
The author clearly likes to write clever dialogue, and this book is full of that. But if you're looking for substance of basically any kind, this book doesn't have it.
Really disappointing book overall. I'll be dropping the series here unless the reviews on the next book show the author has brought things back on track.
August 1, 2021
Not much plot movement
Seems like the last few books have had very little plot movement. Are these just books to say you wrote a book?
Seems like the last few books have had very little plot movement. Are these just books to say you wrote a book?
August 3, 2021
I like the story, but
THE CONSTANT INANE BANTERING IS DRIVING ME UP A F'ING WALL! Really, it's becoming a meme! It is fine when it is funny and drives the story, but it is more whining and annoying than humorous for the last couple of books. Sorry man, I like your stories, but enough is enough!
THE CONSTANT INANE BANTERING IS DRIVING ME UP A F'ING WALL! Really, it's becoming a meme! It is fine when it is funny and drives the story, but it is more whining and annoying than humorous for the last couple of books. Sorry man, I like your stories, but enough is enough!
February 15, 2022
This book fundamentally has the same issues as the last few in the series.
The main character has not grown on a personal level, he is a poor leader and has had plenty of time to change that but hasn't. He's indecisive, flip-flopping back and forth on decisions because there isn't a perfect option. The worst part is that he show no sign of changing, of actually taking charge and responsibility rather than just fobbing it off on others.
The only real character development that's happened in the last few books is that he's started to try teamwork. And that's it.
The dialogue is a mess, the MC constantly derails conversations all while complaining to himself that it's taking too long. He has no focus. It's like a video game character exploring all of the dialogue options. He constantly interrupts others talking, which is just painful.
The plot is barely present, with only a small amount of the content actually being plot related. The rest is just pointless drivel.
He doesn't use most of the gifts given to him by the gods. Many he hasn't used at all or is actively antagonising the gift. It seems like the gods have forgotten about them in the same way that the author has. In my mind they would be pretty pissed.
He was super powerful, but that power has been mostly neutered as he spends most of his time half-arsing being a leader.
Narrator does an excellent job as usual.
I think this is likely to be the last one in the series that I'll read. I'm not fond of books that don't go anywhere, don't have any character development, and have annoying dialogue.
The main character has not grown on a personal level, he is a poor leader and has had plenty of time to change that but hasn't. He's indecisive, flip-flopping back and forth on decisions because there isn't a perfect option. The worst part is that he show no sign of changing, of actually taking charge and responsibility rather than just fobbing it off on others.
The only real character development that's happened in the last few books is that he's started to try teamwork. And that's it.
The dialogue is a mess, the MC constantly derails conversations all while complaining to himself that it's taking too long. He has no focus. It's like a video game character exploring all of the dialogue options. He constantly interrupts others talking, which is just painful.
The plot is barely present, with only a small amount of the content actually being plot related. The rest is just pointless drivel.
He doesn't use most of the gifts given to him by the gods. Many he hasn't used at all or is actively antagonising the gift. It seems like the gods have forgotten about them in the same way that the author has. In my mind they would be pretty pissed.
He was super powerful, but that power has been mostly neutered as he spends most of his time half-arsing being a leader.
Narrator does an excellent job as usual.
I think this is likely to be the last one in the series that I'll read. I'm not fond of books that don't go anywhere, don't have any character development, and have annoying dialogue.
August 10, 2021
The useless dialog makes for a painful read
I started off liking these books and I still really like the bad guys series that runs parallel to this series. The dialog in this book is written in what you would expect from a middle school paper trying to hit a word count. There can be whole pages devoted to 3-4 words a line talking in circles where you can’t tell who is saying what unless you do what I do and assume the stupid one is the main character.
I started off liking these books and I still really like the bad guys series that runs parallel to this series. The dialog in this book is written in what you would expect from a middle school paper trying to hit a word count. There can be whole pages devoted to 3-4 words a line talking in circles where you can’t tell who is saying what unless you do what I do and assume the stupid one is the main character.
August 24, 2021
No character growth
Enjoyed the first several books. Kept waiting for Montana to grow more but he is still an idiot. Second guesses everything. Makes a decision then those around tell him in a long round about conversation that he is an idiot and shouldn't do things that way. When asks what to do though they just say not my decision. It repeats through every conversation. He is pushed around and bullied by everyone because he is too insecure.
Enjoyed the first several books. Kept waiting for Montana to grow more but he is still an idiot. Second guesses everything. Makes a decision then those around tell him in a long round about conversation that he is an idiot and shouldn't do things that way. When asks what to do though they just say not my decision. It repeats through every conversation. He is pushed around and bullied by everyone because he is too insecure.
September 27, 2021
Christ Ugland, did a horse shit in your cereal or something?
Better than the last one but still don't feel like the storyline is moving forward.
Better than the last one but still don't feel like the storyline is moving forward.
August 28, 2024
This book is why I keep reading this series. It was fun, funny and had a full team showing off their skills (or lack thereof). This story starts with Montana and a crew, described as,
"Arno the Imperial mancer, Yuri the léonen monster hunter, Bear the brownie, Ragnar the lutra (now with extra speed!), Amber the kitsune girl kitted out in her full ranger gear, and our supposed cave expert: Cruzzaak Frencremane the kobold. Oh, and, naturally, my five furry living scarfs, the super weasels."
Off to explore the caves left behind by the Night Goblins in an effort to discover who was behind their attack.
Obviously, it becomes a bigger quest than that and after a jaunt through the gloom, they end up in a desert, trying to track the running goblins. I enjoyed this one. I hope moving forward there are more like this one.
"Arno the Imperial mancer, Yuri the léonen monster hunter, Bear the brownie, Ragnar the lutra (now with extra speed!), Amber the kitsune girl kitted out in her full ranger gear, and our supposed cave expert: Cruzzaak Frencremane the kobold. Oh, and, naturally, my five furry living scarfs, the super weasels."
Off to explore the caves left behind by the Night Goblins in an effort to discover who was behind their attack.
Obviously, it becomes a bigger quest than that and after a jaunt through the gloom, they end up in a desert, trying to track the running goblins. I enjoyed this one. I hope moving forward there are more like this one.
August 8, 2023
I've always liked The Good Guys series better than The Bad Guys one because the latter just lost its way earlier and further than the former.
Having said that, TGG also has his fair share of issues, mainly the main plot not advancing and Montana being a lovable (insufferable) idiot some (many) times.
This book acknowledges all those issues and starts correcting them, so hallelujah for that.
As always, one extra star for the fantastic audiobook read by the amazing Neil Hellegers.
TLDR; If you are in book 8 and wondering if it will get better, the answer is yeah, probably. Hopefully. But it's free on KU and the audio is great, so still worth it.
Having said that, TGG also has his fair share of issues, mainly the main plot not advancing and Montana being a lovable (insufferable) idiot some (many) times.
This book acknowledges all those issues and starts correcting them, so hallelujah for that.
As always, one extra star for the fantastic audiobook read by the amazing Neil Hellegers.
TLDR; If you are in book 8 and wondering if it will get better, the answer is yeah, probably. Hopefully. But it's free on KU and the audio is great, so still worth it.
August 2, 2021
Loved it
I can't explain why, but Montana resonates with me. See a problem, solves a problem, consequences be damned. I think it is the dialog that keeps moving these Ugland books to the top of my read list when they come out. I've tried my hand at writing, but fail to capture the animus of conversations like these books do so well. If you've enjoyed the series so far, you will enjoy this too.
I can't explain why, but Montana resonates with me. See a problem, solves a problem, consequences be damned. I think it is the dialog that keeps moving these Ugland books to the top of my read list when they come out. I've tried my hand at writing, but fail to capture the animus of conversations like these books do so well. If you've enjoyed the series so far, you will enjoy this too.
August 15, 2021
Wow
I thought the writer would change up the main character but he did not still the same thing over and over... dont know why so many books was written could have been just 2 because most are the same ..I dont recommend this book and series!!
I thought the writer would change up the main character but he did not still the same thing over and over... dont know why so many books was written could have been just 2 because most are the same ..I dont recommend this book and series!!
February 12, 2025
Totally worthless side quest that was tedious and did not advance the MC or the storyline in any way. I had already purchased the next book, or I might very well stop at this point.
August 1, 2021
Outstanding
Another awesome story about our hapless hero, continually covered in gore, written by someone who loves a great plot, a good dialogue and more than a bit of cheek. If you ever played an RPG then you need to read this series, and also read its counterpart “The Bad Guys”. Both awesome. All extremely recommended (15+)
Another awesome story about our hapless hero, continually covered in gore, written by someone who loves a great plot, a good dialogue and more than a bit of cheek. If you ever played an RPG then you need to read this series, and also read its counterpart “The Bad Guys”. Both awesome. All extremely recommended (15+)
June 8, 2022
Wild Wild Quest
The Good Guys: Book 12
By Eric Ugland
Summary:
Another book in the ilk of “complete goal A by completing objective B but get sidetracked with tasks C-Z along the way, and Z is what’s needed to complete B so that A can be completed”. The author has written several books in the series like this and it always irritates me. If the entire series wasn’t free in audiobook format via my public library, I might’ve given up on the series already.
The story is farfetched at best (more so than the others). Trekking half way around the world to find the human who plotted with the Dark Goblins against Coggeshall, really??? Meanwhile everyone left behind is not mentioned a single time as if they don’t exist, such as the army Stokes brought back with him from book 11. The holding has bigger fish to fry than a lone human. Although the book does end on a juicy cliff hanger, not a great addition to the series. 2/5 stars.
The Good
* Wow Eric, you’ve added two more hours to the audio length. Nice job!
* “Where’s Nikolai, is he hiding in his office?” “He’s actually hiding in a lot of places at once.” Smooth, Montana.
* The incident with the book of etiquette was hilarious. Apparently it has turned into a mimic chest of sorts.
* The double entendres with Lady Northwoods was fun.
* More small furry creatures to love: super weasels.
* The mix of the party Montana chose to go hunt the dark goblins had high entertainment value, especially since they were are characters who have been around for awhile, thus knowing their personalities helped a great deal.
* The Bloodletter twist in the Dark Goblin story was really intriguing, in which Montana was unknowingly blessed-or cursed-by their god to be an executioner of dark goblins to carry out sacrifices to their god in order to summon some powerful entity.
* Bravo, Montana managed to gain another huge monster creature to do Kaiju slaying with (was sad to see the gargantuan from book 11 die).
* Yay, more followers for Coggeshall, and they’re all Kitsune-girls!
The Meh:
* Maybe it was because the book was 20% longer or the author just ran out of important things to add to the story but it seemed like a great deal more exploration was devoted to new plot elements (which translates, in the author’s case, to wordiness). Not saying it was boring per se, but I did get the desire to yell out “move on already!” E.G. descriptions of the Goblin Breeder; conversation with the ogre.
The Bad
* I liked Hugo a lot better knowing he wasn’t an alcoholic. The first book he was introduced made no mention of his boozing. Also I could do without the gay innuendos from him.
* With all the gay references and foul language afoot, not to mention how often Montana ogles at his in-game physique, is it too much to ask for a heterosexual tryst? Instead we get Montana running away from every single offer in the entire series like a celibate monk.
* At some point the story goes from underground dark goblin hunting to the mysterious and deadly land of “The Gloom” to the steers and queers of the Wild Wild West, where cowboys may be plotting with the Dark Goblins to overthrow Coggeshall. It’s kind of a ludicrous story arc.
* The one skill that could have saved Montana a book’s worth of trouble is used only at the very end (Veratassium: makes who ever it is used upon tell the truth). It kind of felt like an insult that I had to read the entire book only to have the truth come out so easily at end.
* The only portal that Montana can use to transport him to another place in Vuldraani and he promptly destroys it upon his return journey. Seems a little myopic.
SPOILERS: Roster of Notable Characters (phonetic spellings in some cases, last names of characters are mentioned once sometimes but hardly ever afterwards, alphabetical order):
* Amber: a 20-something girl of a fox-like race who can take on humanoid form but with 2 fox tails and upright ears. The race was bred for sexual promiscuity but Amber is not at all interested in that sort of thing. She wants to be a ranger and makes her home in a tree to avoid all the men pursuing her 24/7. She might have a thing for Montana, though.
* Alexander Trubakowsky: local legion commander whom Montana battled with at the wall in Ostertot in book 9. Alexander took over Vyan Stokes’ role after he died. Alexander popularized the title “hero of Osterstot” and later agreed to come to Coggeshall with a contingent of legion soldiers.
* Arnaux: mancer who confirmed Montana’s vampire kills at the palace of Osterstot in book 9 then later accompanied him to hunt vampires.
* Baltu: an elder snobold and de facto leader of the Coggeshall kobolds, described as probably the smartest kobold alive thanks to a ton of points spent on the Intellect stat.
* Bear Snowgust: a brownie who is described as a miniature pin-up model or like Tinker Bell without the wings. She’s very magical and aids Montana in battles starting from book 7 by standing invisible upon his shoulder and casting support spells like Firebolt and Haste.
* Cicely Bigsby: the head of the witches that were found in the valley outside Coggeshall in book 7. They were originally mislabeled as Hags of the region (another race/class entirely). As a coven, they take on new members and train them, such as Clyde’s magic trainer from the Bad Guy series.
* Clarissa Edgmon: Montana’s new chancellor as of book 11, recommended by Duke Ginsberg (a hitherto unknown duke). She is described as having a familiar beauty, “a girl next door if one lives next to really hot chicks”. For all intents and purposes she is a young, inexperienced person with only the barest of education on holding management and probably is there for ulterior motives, yet in Montana fashion, he hires her on the spot with little to no questions asked. Her family name is not very reputable in the empire and wishes to do business on her merits, not her family’s.
* Darius: an earth born “traveler” who plays as a Minotaur and is in charge of the stables in Coggshall. Was originally part of Cleave’s band of travelers from book 1 as well. Most notably takes care of a mysterious egg in books 10-11 that Typhon the god of monsters gifts Montana, which then hatches into a multi-legged telepathic weasel.
* Eliza Northwoods: daughter of a Baron whose land borders Montana’s dukedom. He sends her to spy out and possibly proposition Montana for marriage in book 5. It’s revealed in book 7 that the Northwoods fall under a separate dukedom so they would never actually be allies unless through marriage or ducal consent. Eliza trains Montana in social and regal etiquette in book 9, herself still residing as a guest of Coggeshall.
* Emiline Rogers: daughter of black market kingpin whose father asked Montana to spring her out of prison in book 3. She was beheaded by the mysterious “Master” or its sycophants in book 7, due to meddling in affairs that don’t concern her. She was found to be alive in book 9, explaining that she created a simulacrum of herself which was beheaded in book 7. In book 10 it was revealed that the Master was embodying her all along and she is really, in fact, dead.
* Essie: a hired mancer (geomancer) who helps with building up Coggeshall.
* Fritz: a monster pet granted to Montana by Typhon, the god of monsters (in book 4) because Montana was killing way too many of his creations. If killed, Fritz comes back in another incarnation at Typhon’s choosing and timetable.
* Gregork: a snobold tracker/ranger who led Montana’s party to the corrupted ursas in book 7 after their original ursa tracker, Woof, deserted them upon encountering danger. Snobolds grow white fur that is near impervious to the elements and is the main reason why they’re hunted and killed (for their hides). He’s described as being an incredible ranger but not very punctual. Killed by dark goblins at North Fort in book 11.
* Harmot: chief of his clan of dwarves and serves on the Coggeshall council. His brother-Grorhys-committed regicide by killing their father, the former king of dwarves. Harmot rebelled against his brother’s rule by leading several clans away to Coggeshall (in which conflict in book 10 arose based on that decision).
* Hizetsa: former imperial historian who accompanied heiress Princess Glatan to Coggeshall in book 5 and stayed after the Princess was maritally rebuffed by Montana. She is suspected to be unnaturally old and wise beyond her years, as evident by answering Montana only in riddles and questions. Has a permanent Prinkies named Reginald.
* Hugo Fox: a short, older man who came from a landless noble family in Osterstot. He served as an Archivist in Glatan prior. Montana hires Hugo to be his secretary upon Eliza’s recommendation, the latter pointing out that Nikolai’s previous role was actually a secretary as well as a chancellor to Montana.
* Lee: an earth born “traveler” who is good with things like supply chain and logistics. He’s a retired old-timer widower in real life.
* Mercy Caufland: a hired mancer (hydromancer) who helps with building up Coggeshall.
* Montana Coggeshall: protagonist of series, inherited last name and dukedom from adopted father, the late Benedict Coggeshall (who went by the alias Cleave Dye early in series). From Earth and respawns in-game after dying. Is insanely powerful due to boons and such granted by various gods, including super strength, Deadpool-like healing, unbreakable bones, night vision, unlimited stamina, reduced sleep requirements, vibration-sensing, and an instant polyglot ability if he hears 3 words spoken in a foreign tongue (but consequently his race of “Fallen” does not permit casting of spells). He was sucked into the game at the beginning of book 1, leaving no Earth-self behind. In book 9 we learn that Montana’s in-game race of “Fallen” is one of four “primal” races (Lower, Upper, Risen, Fallen) when the world began. Whereas the Risen tried to take over the world, the Fallen succeeded, only to be struck down by the gods themselves for being too powerful (Numenoreans anyone?)
* Mr. Paul: Montana’s in-game patron god who indoctrinated Montana into the game in book 1. Pops up every couple books and talks about ambiguous and/or ominous things like Montana’s viewer count, sponsors’ gifts, additional boons, and lagging behind on some over-arching but hidden objective.
* Natalie Glatan: cousin to assassinated emperor, co-head of Coggeshall military (alongside Vyan Stokes) and head of the Coggeshall guard. Also sister to the Viceroy of the Empire, Leon Glatan, who was beheaded by a mob of Osterstot citizens in book 9. Despite her position and nobility, Natalie is often overlooked when it comes to important meetings and sensitive information-intentionally or negligently.
* Nikolai Petroff: Montana’s mentor, father figure, chancellor of Coggeshall, and a real nagging Nelly. Had his melee stats reset after imprisonment in book 3 and is still intellect-wise but no longer the fighter he once was. Nikolai is the quintessential pessimist of the series but often makes important and valid points about how Montana should rule and govern his people, to which Montana trusts implicitly. Is eaten by the Master in book 10.
* Princess heir Glatan: the daughter of assassinated emperor, niece to Valameer (who purportedly killed his brother the emperor), and by all accounts naive, weak, and very young (22 yo). She is not readily stepping up to take the throne and has been lodging in Coggeshall in books 5-7 in hopes that Montana would marry her. He declined.
* Ragnar HelfDane: one of two Lutra, an otter like race, and the first of Montana’s vassals. Ragnar is secretly in love with Amber the Kitzune-girl.
* Skeld Woodingson: one of two Lutra, an otter-like race, and the first of Montana’s vassals. Skeld is much more level-headed than his counterpart, Ragnar. Died of wounds inflicted by a demon from book 7 and then reincarnated in book 8 by the god of the dead as a Carcachoo, a wolverine-like race. Hooks up with Bear Snowgust in book 10.
* Tarryn Flynn: a hired mancer (warmancer) who helps with defending Coggeshall.
* Timmerlin: the life weaver of Coggeshall, uses magic and farming techniques to grow, harvest, and cultivate the holding’s food needs (both plants and animals).
* Yuri: a Leonan or lion-like humanoid similar in size and strength to Montana who helped him defeat a 100’ crocodile creature in Mardune from book 8. They became friends afterwards but Montana wasnt able to convince him to come back to Coggeshall. He shows up in Osterstot as the Monster Hunter in book 9.
* Vyan Stokes: former head of the Thingman (loyal to the assassinated emperor) and current co-head of the military in Coggeshall. He goes after the Princess of Glatan in book 9 (the latter left on her own volition in book 8?) and returns at the end of book 11 with an army.
* Zoe: a human woman/mother who was found sick with illness in the slums of Osterstot. Zoe is now the master blacksmith of Coggeshall, able to craft up to level 6 metals. She took on Norffin, a dwarf girl, among others as an apprentice.
The Good Guys: Book 12
By Eric Ugland
Summary:
Another book in the ilk of “complete goal A by completing objective B but get sidetracked with tasks C-Z along the way, and Z is what’s needed to complete B so that A can be completed”. The author has written several books in the series like this and it always irritates me. If the entire series wasn’t free in audiobook format via my public library, I might’ve given up on the series already.
The story is farfetched at best (more so than the others). Trekking half way around the world to find the human who plotted with the Dark Goblins against Coggeshall, really??? Meanwhile everyone left behind is not mentioned a single time as if they don’t exist, such as the army Stokes brought back with him from book 11. The holding has bigger fish to fry than a lone human. Although the book does end on a juicy cliff hanger, not a great addition to the series. 2/5 stars.
The Good
* Wow Eric, you’ve added two more hours to the audio length. Nice job!
* “Where’s Nikolai, is he hiding in his office?” “He’s actually hiding in a lot of places at once.” Smooth, Montana.
* The incident with the book of etiquette was hilarious. Apparently it has turned into a mimic chest of sorts.
* The double entendres with Lady Northwoods was fun.
* More small furry creatures to love: super weasels.
* The mix of the party Montana chose to go hunt the dark goblins had high entertainment value, especially since they were are characters who have been around for awhile, thus knowing their personalities helped a great deal.
* The Bloodletter twist in the Dark Goblin story was really intriguing, in which Montana was unknowingly blessed-or cursed-by their god to be an executioner of dark goblins to carry out sacrifices to their god in order to summon some powerful entity.
* Bravo, Montana managed to gain another huge monster creature to do Kaiju slaying with (was sad to see the gargantuan from book 11 die).
* Yay, more followers for Coggeshall, and they’re all Kitsune-girls!
The Meh:
* Maybe it was because the book was 20% longer or the author just ran out of important things to add to the story but it seemed like a great deal more exploration was devoted to new plot elements (which translates, in the author’s case, to wordiness). Not saying it was boring per se, but I did get the desire to yell out “move on already!” E.G. descriptions of the Goblin Breeder; conversation with the ogre.
The Bad
* I liked Hugo a lot better knowing he wasn’t an alcoholic. The first book he was introduced made no mention of his boozing. Also I could do without the gay innuendos from him.
* With all the gay references and foul language afoot, not to mention how often Montana ogles at his in-game physique, is it too much to ask for a heterosexual tryst? Instead we get Montana running away from every single offer in the entire series like a celibate monk.
* At some point the story goes from underground dark goblin hunting to the mysterious and deadly land of “The Gloom” to the steers and queers of the Wild Wild West, where cowboys may be plotting with the Dark Goblins to overthrow Coggeshall. It’s kind of a ludicrous story arc.
* The one skill that could have saved Montana a book’s worth of trouble is used only at the very end (Veratassium: makes who ever it is used upon tell the truth). It kind of felt like an insult that I had to read the entire book only to have the truth come out so easily at end.
* The only portal that Montana can use to transport him to another place in Vuldraani and he promptly destroys it upon his return journey. Seems a little myopic.
SPOILERS: Roster of Notable Characters (phonetic spellings in some cases, last names of characters are mentioned once sometimes but hardly ever afterwards, alphabetical order):
* Amber: a 20-something girl of a fox-like race who can take on humanoid form but with 2 fox tails and upright ears. The race was bred for sexual promiscuity but Amber is not at all interested in that sort of thing. She wants to be a ranger and makes her home in a tree to avoid all the men pursuing her 24/7. She might have a thing for Montana, though.
* Alexander Trubakowsky: local legion commander whom Montana battled with at the wall in Ostertot in book 9. Alexander took over Vyan Stokes’ role after he died. Alexander popularized the title “hero of Osterstot” and later agreed to come to Coggeshall with a contingent of legion soldiers.
* Arnaux: mancer who confirmed Montana’s vampire kills at the palace of Osterstot in book 9 then later accompanied him to hunt vampires.
* Baltu: an elder snobold and de facto leader of the Coggeshall kobolds, described as probably the smartest kobold alive thanks to a ton of points spent on the Intellect stat.
* Bear Snowgust: a brownie who is described as a miniature pin-up model or like Tinker Bell without the wings. She’s very magical and aids Montana in battles starting from book 7 by standing invisible upon his shoulder and casting support spells like Firebolt and Haste.
* Cicely Bigsby: the head of the witches that were found in the valley outside Coggeshall in book 7. They were originally mislabeled as Hags of the region (another race/class entirely). As a coven, they take on new members and train them, such as Clyde’s magic trainer from the Bad Guy series.
* Clarissa Edgmon: Montana’s new chancellor as of book 11, recommended by Duke Ginsberg (a hitherto unknown duke). She is described as having a familiar beauty, “a girl next door if one lives next to really hot chicks”. For all intents and purposes she is a young, inexperienced person with only the barest of education on holding management and probably is there for ulterior motives, yet in Montana fashion, he hires her on the spot with little to no questions asked. Her family name is not very reputable in the empire and wishes to do business on her merits, not her family’s.
* Darius: an earth born “traveler” who plays as a Minotaur and is in charge of the stables in Coggshall. Was originally part of Cleave’s band of travelers from book 1 as well. Most notably takes care of a mysterious egg in books 10-11 that Typhon the god of monsters gifts Montana, which then hatches into a multi-legged telepathic weasel.
* Eliza Northwoods: daughter of a Baron whose land borders Montana’s dukedom. He sends her to spy out and possibly proposition Montana for marriage in book 5. It’s revealed in book 7 that the Northwoods fall under a separate dukedom so they would never actually be allies unless through marriage or ducal consent. Eliza trains Montana in social and regal etiquette in book 9, herself still residing as a guest of Coggeshall.
* Emiline Rogers: daughter of black market kingpin whose father asked Montana to spring her out of prison in book 3. She was beheaded by the mysterious “Master” or its sycophants in book 7, due to meddling in affairs that don’t concern her. She was found to be alive in book 9, explaining that she created a simulacrum of herself which was beheaded in book 7. In book 10 it was revealed that the Master was embodying her all along and she is really, in fact, dead.
* Essie: a hired mancer (geomancer) who helps with building up Coggeshall.
* Fritz: a monster pet granted to Montana by Typhon, the god of monsters (in book 4) because Montana was killing way too many of his creations. If killed, Fritz comes back in another incarnation at Typhon’s choosing and timetable.
* Gregork: a snobold tracker/ranger who led Montana’s party to the corrupted ursas in book 7 after their original ursa tracker, Woof, deserted them upon encountering danger. Snobolds grow white fur that is near impervious to the elements and is the main reason why they’re hunted and killed (for their hides). He’s described as being an incredible ranger but not very punctual. Killed by dark goblins at North Fort in book 11.
* Harmot: chief of his clan of dwarves and serves on the Coggeshall council. His brother-Grorhys-committed regicide by killing their father, the former king of dwarves. Harmot rebelled against his brother’s rule by leading several clans away to Coggeshall (in which conflict in book 10 arose based on that decision).
* Hizetsa: former imperial historian who accompanied heiress Princess Glatan to Coggeshall in book 5 and stayed after the Princess was maritally rebuffed by Montana. She is suspected to be unnaturally old and wise beyond her years, as evident by answering Montana only in riddles and questions. Has a permanent Prinkies named Reginald.
* Hugo Fox: a short, older man who came from a landless noble family in Osterstot. He served as an Archivist in Glatan prior. Montana hires Hugo to be his secretary upon Eliza’s recommendation, the latter pointing out that Nikolai’s previous role was actually a secretary as well as a chancellor to Montana.
* Lee: an earth born “traveler” who is good with things like supply chain and logistics. He’s a retired old-timer widower in real life.
* Mercy Caufland: a hired mancer (hydromancer) who helps with building up Coggeshall.
* Montana Coggeshall: protagonist of series, inherited last name and dukedom from adopted father, the late Benedict Coggeshall (who went by the alias Cleave Dye early in series). From Earth and respawns in-game after dying. Is insanely powerful due to boons and such granted by various gods, including super strength, Deadpool-like healing, unbreakable bones, night vision, unlimited stamina, reduced sleep requirements, vibration-sensing, and an instant polyglot ability if he hears 3 words spoken in a foreign tongue (but consequently his race of “Fallen” does not permit casting of spells). He was sucked into the game at the beginning of book 1, leaving no Earth-self behind. In book 9 we learn that Montana’s in-game race of “Fallen” is one of four “primal” races (Lower, Upper, Risen, Fallen) when the world began. Whereas the Risen tried to take over the world, the Fallen succeeded, only to be struck down by the gods themselves for being too powerful (Numenoreans anyone?)
* Mr. Paul: Montana’s in-game patron god who indoctrinated Montana into the game in book 1. Pops up every couple books and talks about ambiguous and/or ominous things like Montana’s viewer count, sponsors’ gifts, additional boons, and lagging behind on some over-arching but hidden objective.
* Natalie Glatan: cousin to assassinated emperor, co-head of Coggeshall military (alongside Vyan Stokes) and head of the Coggeshall guard. Also sister to the Viceroy of the Empire, Leon Glatan, who was beheaded by a mob of Osterstot citizens in book 9. Despite her position and nobility, Natalie is often overlooked when it comes to important meetings and sensitive information-intentionally or negligently.
* Nikolai Petroff: Montana’s mentor, father figure, chancellor of Coggeshall, and a real nagging Nelly. Had his melee stats reset after imprisonment in book 3 and is still intellect-wise but no longer the fighter he once was. Nikolai is the quintessential pessimist of the series but often makes important and valid points about how Montana should rule and govern his people, to which Montana trusts implicitly. Is eaten by the Master in book 10.
* Princess heir Glatan: the daughter of assassinated emperor, niece to Valameer (who purportedly killed his brother the emperor), and by all accounts naive, weak, and very young (22 yo). She is not readily stepping up to take the throne and has been lodging in Coggeshall in books 5-7 in hopes that Montana would marry her. He declined.
* Ragnar HelfDane: one of two Lutra, an otter like race, and the first of Montana’s vassals. Ragnar is secretly in love with Amber the Kitzune-girl.
* Skeld Woodingson: one of two Lutra, an otter-like race, and the first of Montana’s vassals. Skeld is much more level-headed than his counterpart, Ragnar. Died of wounds inflicted by a demon from book 7 and then reincarnated in book 8 by the god of the dead as a Carcachoo, a wolverine-like race. Hooks up with Bear Snowgust in book 10.
* Tarryn Flynn: a hired mancer (warmancer) who helps with defending Coggeshall.
* Timmerlin: the life weaver of Coggeshall, uses magic and farming techniques to grow, harvest, and cultivate the holding’s food needs (both plants and animals).
* Yuri: a Leonan or lion-like humanoid similar in size and strength to Montana who helped him defeat a 100’ crocodile creature in Mardune from book 8. They became friends afterwards but Montana wasnt able to convince him to come back to Coggeshall. He shows up in Osterstot as the Monster Hunter in book 9.
* Vyan Stokes: former head of the Thingman (loyal to the assassinated emperor) and current co-head of the military in Coggeshall. He goes after the Princess of Glatan in book 9 (the latter left on her own volition in book 8?) and returns at the end of book 11 with an army.
* Zoe: a human woman/mother who was found sick with illness in the slums of Osterstot. Zoe is now the master blacksmith of Coggeshall, able to craft up to level 6 metals. She took on Norffin, a dwarf girl, among others as an apprentice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2021
What happened in this book?
Like, I've read the book. Montana kills a bunch of people. Sure. But what _happened_?
Like, I've read the book. Montana kills a bunch of people. Sure. But what _happened_?
August 15, 2021
Decent
Not great, not awful. The author just doesn't progress the plot much and this book the MC spends a lot of time whining about not knowing what to do and not moving forward. Only problem is he does little to fix that and so we are left with another really short book with tiny chapters when not much happens.
When stuff happens, this is a great series, but many of the latter books remind me of anime. Lots of dialogue and talking about things and...it takes 6 episodes to conclude one three minute fight scene lol. I don't mind as much in anime, but in books it's boring.
Also, something I've mentioned before is that the tone of the various characters in the series all sounds way too similar. Lot's of small clipped sentences where they misunderstand each other over and over even though the meaning was clear...for comedic value? But it's done too much and having the MC do it is fine, but not everyone in the book should talk that way.
TL;DR I like the series but I'm struggling with how short the books are, how little gets resolved, and how everyone dialogues the same way.
Not great, not awful. The author just doesn't progress the plot much and this book the MC spends a lot of time whining about not knowing what to do and not moving forward. Only problem is he does little to fix that and so we are left with another really short book with tiny chapters when not much happens.
When stuff happens, this is a great series, but many of the latter books remind me of anime. Lots of dialogue and talking about things and...it takes 6 episodes to conclude one three minute fight scene lol. I don't mind as much in anime, but in books it's boring.
Also, something I've mentioned before is that the tone of the various characters in the series all sounds way too similar. Lot's of small clipped sentences where they misunderstand each other over and over even though the meaning was clear...for comedic value? But it's done too much and having the MC do it is fine, but not everyone in the book should talk that way.
TL;DR I like the series but I'm struggling with how short the books are, how little gets resolved, and how everyone dialogues the same way.
August 2, 2021
Side quest fun
Well, this one has a clean ending, Montana is still a bit of a dolt, but not painfully so in this tale. More items are introduced and placed into the void of being forgotten for several books i imagine. Development is slow to form in town. MC spends most of the book offsite, which while refreshing does nothing to advance the main plot. No level up, MC personal growth has little gains and those he does have really does nothing for the story. I guess i want more gamelit/litRPG elements like how the books started, than now. Still, i strongly feel the author has heard our feedback and making the MC less of an idiot here. Thanks for that. Also, light cliffhanger at the end was good way to tie in the next book without leaving this volume feeling unfinished.
3 stars, not because i did not enjoy the book, but more because i am comparing it to all the literature out there, and i am over critical in my feelings that 4 and 5 stars are given out like candy and fail to give a potential reader a true gauge. 5 stars IMO would place this among literary masterpieces. Which, while an enjoyable read is unlikely going to make any global impacts.
Eric Ugland, thank you.
Well, this one has a clean ending, Montana is still a bit of a dolt, but not painfully so in this tale. More items are introduced and placed into the void of being forgotten for several books i imagine. Development is slow to form in town. MC spends most of the book offsite, which while refreshing does nothing to advance the main plot. No level up, MC personal growth has little gains and those he does have really does nothing for the story. I guess i want more gamelit/litRPG elements like how the books started, than now. Still, i strongly feel the author has heard our feedback and making the MC less of an idiot here. Thanks for that. Also, light cliffhanger at the end was good way to tie in the next book without leaving this volume feeling unfinished.
3 stars, not because i did not enjoy the book, but more because i am comparing it to all the literature out there, and i am over critical in my feelings that 4 and 5 stars are given out like candy and fail to give a potential reader a true gauge. 5 stars IMO would place this among literary masterpieces. Which, while an enjoyable read is unlikely going to make any global impacts.
Eric Ugland, thank you.
April 12, 2023
Honestly? This book was awful. Montana spends the whole book in a state of obstinate raging Ahole that is completely out of character. I suppose the implication is that he's grieving for his friend and angry that his holding which kicked him to the curb / ostensibly punished him for saving all their lives a dozen times over (fair) but i don't know where the author got the idea that anyone would want to read depression Montana doing what he's told because the system is making him do it.
In this book, he whines constantly about pretty much everything, takes quest after quest that he doesn't want to take, and angrily chases a mysterious figure across half the planet to "make sure he can't come back" despite having literally nothing to go on and zero indication that the person he's chasing actually intends to come back. I don't know what is more suprising. The fact that montana didn't tell the council to @#$& off and eat the frankly ridiculous penalty, or the fact that for once in his life, the nebulous, cunning, insidious mastermind he's chasing has left him a convenient trail of easy to follow breadcrumbs.
Moving onto the system stuff, the premise for this entire book, the entire driver of this book's plot involves the system threatening to take away literally everything he got for slaying an elder god to save his holding unless he tracks down (???) Who has a multi-day lead on him because he can and because the council (by way of the historian who is not even on the council as far as im aware and has thus far shown zero indication that she wishes to be involved) tells him to do it. The levels he's getting have become pointless, as he's stopped accruing stats entirely at this point and his god gifted potions are even failing to boost him at this point. He's plateaued. Levels, skills, pretty much everything we see is telling us that the author feels that montana is too strong and the system is out to #@*! him over.
Skip this book. It's not worth the credits.
In this book, he whines constantly about pretty much everything, takes quest after quest that he doesn't want to take, and angrily chases a mysterious figure across half the planet to "make sure he can't come back" despite having literally nothing to go on and zero indication that the person he's chasing actually intends to come back. I don't know what is more suprising. The fact that montana didn't tell the council to @#$& off and eat the frankly ridiculous penalty, or the fact that for once in his life, the nebulous, cunning, insidious mastermind he's chasing has left him a convenient trail of easy to follow breadcrumbs.
Moving onto the system stuff, the premise for this entire book, the entire driver of this book's plot involves the system threatening to take away literally everything he got for slaying an elder god to save his holding unless he tracks down (???) Who has a multi-day lead on him because he can and because the council (by way of the historian who is not even on the council as far as im aware and has thus far shown zero indication that she wishes to be involved) tells him to do it. The levels he's getting have become pointless, as he's stopped accruing stats entirely at this point and his god gifted potions are even failing to boost him at this point. He's plateaued. Levels, skills, pretty much everything we see is telling us that the author feels that montana is too strong and the system is out to #@*! him over.
Skip this book. It's not worth the credits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
Montana’s quest to find out who was behind the Night Goblin war against him leads our hero through the gloom into a Wild-West-like town that, despite lacking six shooters, felt like a Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western. Two factions are striving for control of the town and Montana is quickly in the middle trying to get the information he needs while everyone tries to use him.
This one is action-packed from beginning to end and showcases Montana’s distinctive morality. Despite being very good at killing people and monsters, he always tries diplomacy first Usually it is to no avail (and the phrase—He can’t kill all of us—will have you laughing as the bad guys quickly discover that yes, Montana can in fact kill all of them).
That bit of morality (coupled with his hatred of slavery) is very good for the plot because it imposes reasonable and believable self-imposed restrictions on Montana that keep him from simply going in and killing all the bad guys at the start of the adventure.
We also get a new and potentially very powerful enemy for Montana by the end of the story. Actually, that might be two new and very powerful enemies. I don’t want to give the surprises away, but more good action is clearly on the way.
This one is action-packed from beginning to end and showcases Montana’s distinctive morality. Despite being very good at killing people and monsters, he always tries diplomacy first Usually it is to no avail (and the phrase—He can’t kill all of us—will have you laughing as the bad guys quickly discover that yes, Montana can in fact kill all of them).
That bit of morality (coupled with his hatred of slavery) is very good for the plot because it imposes reasonable and believable self-imposed restrictions on Montana that keep him from simply going in and killing all the bad guys at the start of the adventure.
We also get a new and potentially very powerful enemy for Montana by the end of the story. Actually, that might be two new and very powerful enemies. I don’t want to give the surprises away, but more good action is clearly on the way.
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