What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bad Guys #9
Darktown Funk
Land-ho!
Clyde and co. have finally – finally – made it to the City of Darkness. Which turns out to actually exist!
One small problem though. Anyone and anything that sets foot on the island immediately disappears. Ceases to exist. Poof.
To complete the quest, Clyde needs to figure out how to actually enter the city and steal the crown jewels…without getting stuck in the town forever. It’s a foreboding, dark place (obviously), where corruption is rampant. And maybe worse: the game rules Clyde’s gotten so good at bending to his will? They don’t seem to apply.
Darktown Funk is a riveting story full of wild twists, close calls, and deep lore. You’ll stay up all night with this sensational LitRPG adventure!
Clyde and co. have finally – finally – made it to the City of Darkness. Which turns out to actually exist!
One small problem though. Anyone and anything that sets foot on the island immediately disappears. Ceases to exist. Poof.
To complete the quest, Clyde needs to figure out how to actually enter the city and steal the crown jewels…without getting stuck in the town forever. It’s a foreboding, dark place (obviously), where corruption is rampant. And maybe worse: the game rules Clyde’s gotten so good at bending to his will? They don’t seem to apply.
Darktown Funk is a riveting story full of wild twists, close calls, and deep lore. You’ll stay up all night with this sensational LitRPG adventure!
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2022
355 people are currently reading
217 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 71 reviews
Read
July 14, 2022I am deliberately writing this without leaving a star rating.
I loved the Bad Guys up to about book 5 or 6. And then Back to One happened. It was basically a side story, with a bunch of scurrying around. And then Trick of the Night. The same. And now Darktown Funk. I'd say it was the same except it managed to notch up the annoying factor up to a new level.
Nothing happened. It's just Elfboy running around a city, interacting with people who won't tell him a damned thing, and plot points being pulled out of asses.
Ugland's strength lies in characterization and dialogue. And they seem to be put to the side to get out another filler book while he gets his new life back together after moving across country and having a second child.
I'm not going to spoil the story, but it was utterly pointless and irritating. It took a few hours to read and then it was over and I was relieved that I was done. Instead of the magic, the fun, the laughs, the sparks of creativity, it was just dreary. I was more concerned about a bag of books getting wet than I was about Clyde, the MC, resolving what was a selfish, meaningless request from a friend.
The two characters I actually was invested in (the flying pig and the stallion) were quickly ushered away. The Mcguffin from the last book was tossed in the first few pages without conclusion. The "team" meandered for the first third of the book and then were bypassed for the second and third.
This is, what, the fifth? sixth? seventh? Ugland book in a row that I wanted to throw at the wall (I won't because I read on an iPad).
I loved the Bad Guys up to about book 5 or 6. And then Back to One happened. It was basically a side story, with a bunch of scurrying around. And then Trick of the Night. The same. And now Darktown Funk. I'd say it was the same except it managed to notch up the annoying factor up to a new level.
Nothing happened. It's just Elfboy running around a city, interacting with people who won't tell him a damned thing, and plot points being pulled out of asses.
Ugland's strength lies in characterization and dialogue. And they seem to be put to the side to get out another filler book while he gets his new life back together after moving across country and having a second child.
I'm not going to spoil the story, but it was utterly pointless and irritating. It took a few hours to read and then it was over and I was relieved that I was done. Instead of the magic, the fun, the laughs, the sparks of creativity, it was just dreary. I was more concerned about a bag of books getting wet than I was about Clyde, the MC, resolving what was a selfish, meaningless request from a friend.
The two characters I actually was invested in (the flying pig and the stallion) were quickly ushered away. The Mcguffin from the last book was tossed in the first few pages without conclusion. The "team" meandered for the first third of the book and then were bypassed for the second and third.
This is, what, the fifth? sixth? seventh? Ugland book in a row that I wanted to throw at the wall (I won't because I read on an iPad).
July 4, 2022
book nine
One of my favorite series. It’s just a whole bunch of fun to read books by Eric Ugland. I look forward to many more adventures.
One of my favorite series. It’s just a whole bunch of fun to read books by Eric Ugland. I look forward to many more adventures.
July 10, 2022
Inane conversation
The author stated exactly how I felt reading this book.... The characters ramble and have inane conversations. This was my favorite series but I find myself skipping chapters.... And not missing a thing.
SPOILERS:
The far have been done... Alot. If you have read Dresden you know who all these characters are immediately. It's was like a bad ripe off of the second season of Gargoyles.... Crack Gargoyles!!!
It takes 30% of the book for the MC to decide to do the side quest that the readers are invested it. The author does t he exact same thing in the Good Guy series. All this build up and then half the book is wasted on indecision and "whose on first" conversations.
I have purchased all the books and Audible books until recently but these last ones are getting bad. I'm reading them on kindle unlimited because honestly I don't want to own them. I will give it one more because the main story line is about to finish but I have almost no hope.
The author stated exactly how I felt reading this book.... The characters ramble and have inane conversations. This was my favorite series but I find myself skipping chapters.... And not missing a thing.
SPOILERS:
The far have been done... Alot. If you have read Dresden you know who all these characters are immediately. It's was like a bad ripe off of the second season of Gargoyles.... Crack Gargoyles!!!
It takes 30% of the book for the MC to decide to do the side quest that the readers are invested it. The author does t he exact same thing in the Good Guy series. All this build up and then half the book is wasted on indecision and "whose on first" conversations.
I have purchased all the books and Audible books until recently but these last ones are getting bad. I'm reading them on kindle unlimited because honestly I don't want to own them. I will give it one more because the main story line is about to finish but I have almost no hope.
December 4, 2022
Ерик Угланд явно има талант, ако не за друго, то поне да пише разточително и безкрайно, без това да е особено неприятно на читателя. Така деветата книга от серията за Лошите, която от своя страна идва след сигурно дванайсет-тринайсет (не ми се проверява сега) книги за добрите, успява да е четима и едновременно дори сравнително занимателна.
Не бих казал, че книгите му като цяло са нещо особено значително в литературата или даже интересно, но са нещо като безкраен телевизионен сериал, който гледаш защото си го почнал и още не е станал чак толкова тъп, че да го оставиш.
Darktown Funk представлява своеобразен апотеоз на действието в настоящата арка, дето главните герои най-после стигат до Прокълнатия град и се разправят с него. Самият Прокълнат град пък, може би защото на автора му е писнало да си изсмуква от пръстите най-разнообразно действие в създадения от него свят, е заемка от северните митологии и техния Див лов. Получава се нелош отдих от стандартните фентъзи наративи.
Не бих казал, че книгите му като цяло са нещо особено значително в литературата или даже интересно, но са нещо като безкраен телевизионен сериал, който гледаш защото си го почнал и още не е станал чак толкова тъп, че да го оставиш.
Darktown Funk представлява своеобразен апотеоз на действието в настоящата арка, дето главните герои най-после стигат до Прокълнатия град и се разправят с него. Самият Прокълнат град пък, може би защото на автора му е писнало да си изсмуква от пръстите най-разнообразно действие в създадения от него свят, е заемка от северните митологии и техния Див лов. Получава се нелош отдих от стандартните фентъзи наративи.
July 10, 2022
Not the best book in the series but enjoyable enough.
I think the central problem is that the bulk of the story takes place in a sort of dream world where Clyde spent most of his time either by himself or interacting with characters whose agency was held by someone standing off-stage. They had an N.P.C. vibe, which reduced my interest.
Or looked at another way, this novel could be dropped from the series with barely a ripple.
I think the central problem is that the bulk of the story takes place in a sort of dream world where Clyde spent most of his time either by himself or interacting with characters whose agency was held by someone standing off-stage. They had an N.P.C. vibe, which reduced my interest.
Or looked at another way, this novel could be dropped from the series with barely a ripple.
July 3, 2022
DNF at 50%. Oh my god, i had repressed what an awkward tool the MC is and how lame, unnecessary and sheer annoying most interactions are. Why do i do this to myself...? I fought hard but at 50 % i just could not continue anymore. Life is too short and precious.
August 3, 2022
I'm a fan of Ugland, but this book was a drag. The first ~30% was un-entertaining dialog and the whole thing was a slog (normally his books FLY by and I devour them). I get that it becomes difficult to continue to challenge OP characters, but whatever this book's strategy was, it didn't work. I'll still read the next one, of course, because Ugland is great and he's a talented writer that does a good job of bringing humor and novelty to the genre. Still a big fan, they can't all be great : )
(On the off chance that the author reads the review, I'm sorry it's harsh. You rock, and I'll probably read everything you write because you're so good. Also, I hope all is well with the new baby!)
(On the off chance that the author reads the review, I'm sorry it's harsh. You rock, and I'll probably read everything you write because you're so good. Also, I hope all is well with the new baby!)
June 1, 2023
Not bad, but it felt a bit disconnected from the rest of the story...
April 15, 2024
Filler
I love this series but this book just felt like a huge waste of time that just took away from the overarching story. The banter between the characters was overly pedantic and was just annoying. I really hope the next book is better
I love this series but this book just felt like a huge waste of time that just took away from the overarching story. The banter between the characters was overly pedantic and was just annoying. I really hope the next book is better
December 6, 2024
Not as bad as “Back to One”, but not great either. Honestly the entire book was annoying. This thing that has been such a huge plot point ended up being rushed and underwhelming. Other than Clyde needing to get rid of the Corpse King and level up, this entire trip they’ve been on for 3 flipping books, was pointless.
The characters in this book are especially annoying. Nobody can tell Clyde anything meaningful. Some questions aren’t answered at all and never will be because that plot line is finished. I sincerely hope the next book is as good as the first few or I’m done with this series.
The characters in this book are especially annoying. Nobody can tell Clyde anything meaningful. Some questions aren’t answered at all and never will be because that plot line is finished. I sincerely hope the next book is as good as the first few or I’m done with this series.
April 21, 2023
Is it just me, who thinks all dialog seems confrontational and/or dysfunctional?? Why is it that having a conversation is like pulling teeth?? It fucking gets annoying after a while.
April 9, 2023
A strong entry in the series, good story with everything one expects from the bad guys series. Lots of silly banter, twisted strange worlds from other dimensions, Gods playing the Game, and a friendship-inspired impossible-mission with a plot in a plot within a plot, involving stealing something and rescuing something else.
The story picks up really slow with the first third of the book offering nothing much in terms of action or plot. It's set more around the team and it explains why Clyde is willing to sacrifice.
The second third of the book is more about introducing the new world and the (attempt at) discovery of its rules. This is where the sub-plots are woven and where one of the strangest places in the universe is set (so far).
And finally, the third part, is all about action, and playing "the game". Actually there are multiple games within games within games, like the the teams' playing the game of "the hunt", and the king's playing the game of "court", and the Gods playing their "godly" game, all while everyone's playing "the grand game".
Given its multilayered subplots this book looks to be a love-it-or-hate-it case for new readers. I recommend starting either from the beginning or at least from the previous book (the reset point).
Looking forward to the next story.
The story picks up really slow with the first third of the book offering nothing much in terms of action or plot. It's set more around the team and it explains why Clyde is willing to sacrifice.
The second third of the book is more about introducing the new world and the (attempt at) discovery of its rules. This is where the sub-plots are woven and where one of the strangest places in the universe is set (so far).
And finally, the third part, is all about action, and playing "the game". Actually there are multiple games within games within games, like the the teams' playing the game of "the hunt", and the king's playing the game of "court", and the Gods playing their "godly" game, all while everyone's playing "the grand game".
Given its multilayered subplots this book looks to be a love-it-or-hate-it case for new readers. I recommend starting either from the beginning or at least from the previous book (the reset point).
Looking forward to the next story.
April 23, 2023
Audible - 5 Stars for Neil Hellegars. He is the reason I've continued on with both series.
Book - 3.5 Stars. Finally. A mysterious adventure that brought back the "what the hell is going on" factor that I loved in the first few books. This entry is an actual adventure. Something happened. In fact, I'd rate it a 4 star story if not for the endless inane banter that the author pounds the reader into submission with. I get it. The inane banter is part of Clyde's (and Montana's) charm, persona, way of dealing with the world. But it is incredibly overdone here. If it was limited to when helpful to the story, it would probably erase a full hour of the audible. A chef knows how much to salt a dish to achieve maximum flavor without dumping the entire bag of salt on their creation and spoiling what would have been a great meal. I feel that is a fair analogy here. We are in book 9. We get it. Please stop oversalting. It diminishes the otherwise excellent comedy moments.
The series remains a favorite of mine in the litrpg genre. Again, Neil Hellegars is the reason I hung out through, what I hope was a limited amount, of slog books. I'm excited for the next book.
Book - 3.5 Stars. Finally. A mysterious adventure that brought back the "what the hell is going on" factor that I loved in the first few books. This entry is an actual adventure. Something happened. In fact, I'd rate it a 4 star story if not for the endless inane banter that the author pounds the reader into submission with. I get it. The inane banter is part of Clyde's (and Montana's) charm, persona, way of dealing with the world. But it is incredibly overdone here. If it was limited to when helpful to the story, it would probably erase a full hour of the audible. A chef knows how much to salt a dish to achieve maximum flavor without dumping the entire bag of salt on their creation and spoiling what would have been a great meal. I feel that is a fair analogy here. We are in book 9. We get it. Please stop oversalting. It diminishes the otherwise excellent comedy moments.
The series remains a favorite of mine in the litrpg genre. Again, Neil Hellegars is the reason I hung out through, what I hope was a limited amount, of slog books. I'm excited for the next book.
November 19, 2022
City of Darkness is definitely cursed and Clyde could end up forever part of the Hunt
As Clyde and friends make their way to the City of Darkness, the Carchedonians are out in force to find him and Lux. There is a lot of adventure along the way and even more in the cursed city, once they figure out how to enter. After losing one of their party, Clyde has to go it alone…
And then it really gets weird as the Great Hunt is a Fae tradition of sorts that is currently stuck in a permanent loop only running in the City of Darkness. Which is going to be more complicated than Clyde thinks and take more than one try.
Oh and no eating or drinking anything in the City of Darkness, and definitely no sleeping. Ahh and uhh stay away from the canals, trust me.
If he survives Lux’s quest he can finally return to Glaton without the threat of the corpse-lord hanging over him.
As Clyde and friends make their way to the City of Darkness, the Carchedonians are out in force to find him and Lux. There is a lot of adventure along the way and even more in the cursed city, once they figure out how to enter. After losing one of their party, Clyde has to go it alone…
And then it really gets weird as the Great Hunt is a Fae tradition of sorts that is currently stuck in a permanent loop only running in the City of Darkness. Which is going to be more complicated than Clyde thinks and take more than one try.
Oh and no eating or drinking anything in the City of Darkness, and definitely no sleeping. Ahh and uhh stay away from the canals, trust me.
If he survives Lux’s quest he can finally return to Glaton without the threat of the corpse-lord hanging over him.
February 20, 2023
Not sure why I skim read this book - the first few were better and I just assumed the later might upswing. They didn’t it is full of asinine meta loop pointless dialogue fluff and childish soap opera drama. If you like that and don’t much care for action you are set. Adventure violence does happen but before and between that is a ton of trite tripe circular absurd talk that puts the super skim into skim read- I am reading not audio book listening- I would likely stop the recording if I had to listen through it aloud. The author still manages to put politically correct “slavery bad” and “fly over states bad” points in too. No idea why I continue- I guess I justly it with skim reading and a few fun action times… maybe I just got dumber reading the past books and now can’t go back to historical biographical books?
July 1, 2022
With this, I am officially done with this author's work. It's unfortunate, as the world he created has near boundless potential, but he is not capable of writing about it without chapters of pointless, recursive snark.
I got 11% into this before I punted it back. Normally I'd give a book more of a chance than that, but the author's recent track record of tedious books has given me more than enough points from which to draw an downward-trending curve.
It's particularly unfortunate, as this was the series that I felt was doing better then TGG. The last book in that I gave a 4, but that was being generous and it really didn't deserve it. Montana is an imbecile, and Clyde isn't as much smarter as he needs to be to make this work.
I got 11% into this before I punted it back. Normally I'd give a book more of a chance than that, but the author's recent track record of tedious books has given me more than enough points from which to draw an downward-trending curve.
It's particularly unfortunate, as this was the series that I felt was doing better then TGG. The last book in that I gave a 4, but that was being generous and it really didn't deserve it. Montana is an imbecile, and Clyde isn't as much smarter as he needs to be to make this work.
April 8, 2023
The weakest of the series thus far IMO.
Once again, Oberon, Titania and (you know who) get re-used. A-fucking-gain. No other (spoilers - race) seem to be alive. Dull.
The MC started as someone easily distracted who rambles about inconsequential shit for WAY TOO LONG. You'd think he'd have changed some after 9 books - you would be wrong.
This one felt to me a like a real struggle to get to and there was plenty of fast forwarding (though the audio reader like always did a good job with what he had to work with) through inane dialogue that contributed to the plot not at all.
At the end of the book it all felt like a super awkward way to get the MC his newest character class.
I hope I enjoy the next book more.
Once again, Oberon, Titania and (you know who) get re-used. A-fucking-gain. No other (spoilers - race) seem to be alive. Dull.
The MC started as someone easily distracted who rambles about inconsequential shit for WAY TOO LONG. You'd think he'd have changed some after 9 books - you would be wrong.
This one felt to me a like a real struggle to get to and there was plenty of fast forwarding (though the audio reader like always did a good job with what he had to work with) through inane dialogue that contributed to the plot not at all.
At the end of the book it all felt like a super awkward way to get the MC his newest character class.
I hope I enjoy the next book more.
March 18, 2025
This one was a struggle to get through. Wanted some mindless fun and gave this series another try. This will be the last Audible credit it gets from me. What the author does best is world building. What this book was full of instead? Back and forth conversations that made me want to pencil my eardrum.
This book is 10 hours long and nearly 5 hours could have been shaved off by removing pointless conversations that did barely anything to advance the plot.
I already stopped "The Good Guys" series. But this one was supposed to have the "smart" MC. Had a lot of fun at the beginning of both series, but can't stomach either anymore.
This book is 10 hours long and nearly 5 hours could have been shaved off by removing pointless conversations that did barely anything to advance the plot.
I already stopped "The Good Guys" series. But this one was supposed to have the "smart" MC. Had a lot of fun at the beginning of both series, but can't stomach either anymore.
July 3, 2022
Chaotic But Fun
Series continues to be enjoyable, and I greatly appreciate the subtext of the story knowing the conclusion. There’s a lot of twists and turns, and it sticks the landing.
I’d give this a 4.5 - rounded up - because I think there’s an extra level of chaos that made some of the scenes / plot hard to follow. It plays into theme well, and the landing sticks… so that’s why I still give it the 4.5.
Look forward to the next book in this, and the good guys series - as they seem to be approaching each other rapidly and want to see the characters collide.
Series continues to be enjoyable, and I greatly appreciate the subtext of the story knowing the conclusion. There’s a lot of twists and turns, and it sticks the landing.
I’d give this a 4.5 - rounded up - because I think there’s an extra level of chaos that made some of the scenes / plot hard to follow. It plays into theme well, and the landing sticks… so that’s why I still give it the 4.5.
Look forward to the next book in this, and the good guys series - as they seem to be approaching each other rapidly and want to see the characters collide.
October 16, 2024
Almost a 5 star but this one did drag a bit at times. Great job completing and cleaning up some story lines, excellent new characters. Like most of the other Bad Guys books after Clyde leaves Glaton this one has that side quest feeling that felt a bit tired and rehashed but then Mr. Ugland did a great job of bringing the story to exciting end and returns us to Glaton to continue the main story line. The setup for the next story and the convergence with the Good Guys books made it certain that I would jump into the next book in the series right away.
July 2, 2022
Season finally
This was a great season finale. They way Eric writes his books always reminds me of TV series. We get little mini adventures with just enough excitement and a tiny bit of character progression to pick up the next book. And this book is the end of the city of darkness arc and it was pretty satisfying but I would honestly love an omnibus of all these arc so I can just binge it.
This was a great season finale. They way Eric writes his books always reminds me of TV series. We get little mini adventures with just enough excitement and a tiny bit of character progression to pick up the next book. And this book is the end of the city of darkness arc and it was pretty satisfying but I would honestly love an omnibus of all these arc so I can just binge it.
December 23, 2023
Against all expectations, many side-quests finally end in this book.
As expected for a Ugland book, the fight scenes are excellent and the action is non-stop. A bit unusually, this has quite good character development (though really only for the main character). And the plot is interesting, though almost completely divorced from the plots of the series as a whole.
Entertaining and recommended.
As expected for a Ugland book, the fight scenes are excellent and the action is non-stop. A bit unusually, this has quite good character development (though really only for the main character). And the plot is interesting, though almost completely divorced from the plots of the series as a whole.
Entertaining and recommended.
April 2, 2025
This was the first book in The Bad Guys series that I was not thrilled with. We have been traveling toward The City of Darkness for many volumes now and it was nothing like I expected. I just had a little trouble getting into this plot until the very end. It wasn’t that the story was bad. It wasn’t. It just didn’t hit the heights that the other books in the series has for me.
But it does end with a return to Glaten so I think things will be taking an upturn again with the next volume.
But it does end with a return to Glaten so I think things will be taking an upturn again with the next volume.
July 3, 2022
Finally
Great story I'm glad to see this part of the journey come full circle. The books leading up to this were great and even though some of this book was little strange at times it was still good. I hope to see Clyde advance more and have some power instead of squeaking by. Can't wait for next book.
Great story I'm glad to see this part of the journey come full circle. The books leading up to this were great and even though some of this book was little strange at times it was still good. I hope to see Clyde advance more and have some power instead of squeaking by. Can't wait for next book.
July 5, 2022
Finally getting somewhere!
If the previous one was partly fill-up this one is gloriously into the (current) main quest. Major characters get endings, there is a funny bit of Gaelic folklore and on top of that (except for the first third or so) is a full throttle adventure rogue style. Clyde Hatchet at his best.
If the previous one was partly fill-up this one is gloriously into the (current) main quest. Major characters get endings, there is a funny bit of Gaelic folklore and on top of that (except for the first third or so) is a full throttle adventure rogue style. Clyde Hatchet at his best.
July 8, 2022
Enjoyable
Another entertaining book that did so much but yet so little. It sounds bitter, I'm not. I absolutely love these books and the humor, I just worry about all the things not touched on when all the crazy comes I want to see all these goodies in action and character sheet development that doesn't make it longer.
I can't wait for more stories in this world
Another entertaining book that did so much but yet so little. It sounds bitter, I'm not. I absolutely love these books and the humor, I just worry about all the things not touched on when all the crazy comes I want to see all these goodies in action and character sheet development that doesn't make it longer.
I can't wait for more stories in this world
July 12, 2022
Mixed feelings.
Almost all of the book was one gigantic side quest where the series protagonist is isolated from all his friends. So no main plot advancement, no relationship advancement. On the other hand the side quest was in an interesting setting with a slightly new twist on one of the standard fantasy races.
Almost all of the book was one gigantic side quest where the series protagonist is isolated from all his friends. So no main plot advancement, no relationship advancement. On the other hand the side quest was in an interesting setting with a slightly new twist on one of the standard fantasy races.
May 24, 2023
DNF 30%
Drones on and on. This book should've been cut and edited down to half of what it is and merged with whatever is next, or rather this and the previous two books should all be cut and edited together. That might've been an action adventure quest worth reading. I don't think I'm going to be continuing The Bad Guys at this point.
Drones on and on. This book should've been cut and edited down to half of what it is and merged with whatever is next, or rather this and the previous two books should all be cut and edited together. That might've been an action adventure quest worth reading. I don't think I'm going to be continuing The Bad Guys at this point.
July 2, 2022
Another great adventure
As per usual, Ugland delivers again. Bit of a slow start but great on the whole. So many big moves across the board for Clyde, definitely setting up important pieces.
As per usual, Ugland delivers again. Bit of a slow start but great on the whole. So many big moves across the board for Clyde, definitely setting up important pieces.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews