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Big Sneaky Barbarian #1
Big Sneaky Barbarian: A LitRPG Novel
One angry young man is about to take a fantasy realm by storm—or by accident—in the hilarious first book of a new series by the author of Good Boy.
Gabe Skelter has a temper, which he likes to imagine has the effect of causing people to fear and respect him. On the contrary, his pudgy, underdeveloped body and negative personality make him more your standard outcast teenager. Worse still, he kinda knows what a jerkweed he actually is.
Then, in the middle of a class trip, Gabe finds himself spirited away to Regaia: a world of magic, mayhem, and nerd-tastic adventure. Naturally, he’s completely ill-prepared. But in this realm, he’s a monstrous, muscular man of action. Unfortunately, he’s still saddled with the frightfully unimpressive brains of a teenage loser.
Now, Gabe must make his burly, bulky way in a land where the strong dominate, the powerful rule, and picking a class has nothing to do with algebra . . . and everything to do with survival.
Bristling with reckless abandon and antisocial attitude, Big Sneaky Barbarian is Die Hard with dungeons; a must-read for fans of heavy-hitting action mixed with laugh-out-loud snark—and absolutely loaded with swears.
The first volume of the hit LitRPG adventure series—with almost 100,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
Gabe Skelter has a temper, which he likes to imagine has the effect of causing people to fear and respect him. On the contrary, his pudgy, underdeveloped body and negative personality make him more your standard outcast teenager. Worse still, he kinda knows what a jerkweed he actually is.
Then, in the middle of a class trip, Gabe finds himself spirited away to Regaia: a world of magic, mayhem, and nerd-tastic adventure. Naturally, he’s completely ill-prepared. But in this realm, he’s a monstrous, muscular man of action. Unfortunately, he’s still saddled with the frightfully unimpressive brains of a teenage loser.
Now, Gabe must make his burly, bulky way in a land where the strong dominate, the powerful rule, and picking a class has nothing to do with algebra . . . and everything to do with survival.
Bristling with reckless abandon and antisocial attitude, Big Sneaky Barbarian is Die Hard with dungeons; a must-read for fans of heavy-hitting action mixed with laugh-out-loud snark—and absolutely loaded with swears.
The first volume of the hit LitRPG adventure series—with almost 100,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
682 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2022
196 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 24, 2022
I could not finish this.
What is worse than having an MC that is big dumb rage monster? Having the MC being a big dumb range monster that is ALSO a TEEN EDGELORD. Seriously, it is really difficult to read about a 18 year old who acts like a 13 year old. You know the type, always angry all the time and has the intelligence of a peanut. It becomes worse when he gets a second chance in life and decide to be an even bigger dick. Three hours into to the audiobook version, and there is no real story just the teen griping on how unfair the world is, that no one understand him and how he wants to take revenge on everyone. This isn't a story that is worth reading. Trust me, this is not worth it.
What is worse than having an MC that is big dumb rage monster? Having the MC being a big dumb range monster that is ALSO a TEEN EDGELORD. Seriously, it is really difficult to read about a 18 year old who acts like a 13 year old. You know the type, always angry all the time and has the intelligence of a peanut. It becomes worse when he gets a second chance in life and decide to be an even bigger dick. Three hours into to the audiobook version, and there is no real story just the teen griping on how unfair the world is, that no one understand him and how he wants to take revenge on everyone. This isn't a story that is worth reading. Trust me, this is not worth it.
January 13, 2023
It’s a difficult review to write without just parroting the same words as others but this truly is a book that gets better over time.
I would say the last 1/3 makes it worthwhile reading this, and I am excited to find out where the next book goes. But the first 1/3 truly was a slog. Just anger, rage and more anger which makes it hard to relate and care for the MC at the beginning.
Overall though, if you like the LitRPG genre its certainly a fine entry and did add some new “features” to the world I haven’t seen in other books.
I would say the last 1/3 makes it worthwhile reading this, and I am excited to find out where the next book goes. But the first 1/3 truly was a slog. Just anger, rage and more anger which makes it hard to relate and care for the MC at the beginning.
Overall though, if you like the LitRPG genre its certainly a fine entry and did add some new “features” to the world I haven’t seen in other books.
December 18, 2023
Book one
So the MC is not a great person. He's not really even a good person. However he has good qualities.
Everyone in this book seems to have a foul mouth. If you don't like cursing then this isn't the book for you.
Some parts did drag on and get boring.
The MC and his..... Just him, got old at times. I think he is getting better though.
Any mistakes I have found will be on Goodreads.
This was on Royalroad, but it has been taken down.
7/10
So the MC is not a great person. He's not really even a good person. However he has good qualities.
Everyone in this book seems to have a foul mouth. If you don't like cursing then this isn't the book for you.
Some parts did drag on and get boring.
The MC and his..... Just him, got old at times. I think he is getting better though.
Any mistakes I have found will be on Goodreads.
This was on Royalroad, but it has been taken down.
7/10
December 6, 2022
I love reading litRPG, but this is one of the first books in that genre that didn't suck me in. The protagonist isn't relatable or likeable to me. Yes this is on purpose, probably, but it makes reading about him just a chore. I made it through the first 25% of the book before I gave up. I can't handle the particular stupid and asshole combination this protagonist has. He's angry at the world, I get it, but it gets old quick if it mor or less gets repeated every page. Big nope from me.
June 11, 2024
A somehow masterfully written book about a teen edgelord with anger issues. It's very hard to make an unlikeable main character a likeable experience but it's achieved through the MCs hilarious interactions in the world, his discreetly good qualities and the author's surprisingly blunt but masterfully executed comedic style.
A book that uses phrases like "cash money" isn't for everyone and it might not be a literary masterpiece, but it never tries to be that either. That's not to say the author hasn't put a lot of effort in it. As much as it's about mayhem and witty dialogue, it ultimately deals with the trauma of a problematic teen and his journey to become a better person.
A book that uses phrases like "cash money" isn't for everyone and it might not be a literary masterpiece, but it never tries to be that either. That's not to say the author hasn't put a lot of effort in it. As much as it's about mayhem and witty dialogue, it ultimately deals with the trauma of a problematic teen and his journey to become a better person.
February 10, 2023
Enjoyed the book more than some of the other reviews lead me to expect, so I thought I should leave my own.
I didn't find the MC as off-putting as some of the other reviewers. Yes, I wouldn't want to be his friend at the beginning, but it actually works in context of the story and how it's written. It's rare (to me anyway) to find a character written with flaws or quirks that actually works. I couldn't do Cinnamon Bun (obviously at the complete opposite end of the character spectrum) or the characters from Critical Failures, but this book worked for me.
It's worth giving a try if you're looking for an entertaining read. It certainly isn't Shakespeare, but it's fun.
Though if you don't like insults, foul language or the like, you're probably not going to enjoy the book.
I didn't find the MC as off-putting as some of the other reviewers. Yes, I wouldn't want to be his friend at the beginning, but it actually works in context of the story and how it's written. It's rare (to me anyway) to find a character written with flaws or quirks that actually works. I couldn't do Cinnamon Bun (obviously at the complete opposite end of the character spectrum) or the characters from Critical Failures, but this book worked for me.
It's worth giving a try if you're looking for an entertaining read. It certainly isn't Shakespeare, but it's fun.
Though if you don't like insults, foul language or the like, you're probably not going to enjoy the book.
June 20, 2025
FOR CHOMPY!!!
Very fun humor and world. I loved the egg boys.
Very fun humor and world. I loved the egg boys.
March 18, 2024
Was hoping for more as was recommended on reddit. Stuck with it in hopes the MC finds a side character to like or grows himself, but just a dumb foul mouth unsympathetic teenager transported to magical realm that fights some things. Did not find anything amusing. Shows some spark in the end, but I'm going to move on to other options.
If i live long enough to come back to this, I think no point in redoing B1, as B2 should be just as good of a jump in point. The little back story of the MC or plot so far we got is nothing significant past this summation.
If i live long enough to come back to this, I think no point in redoing B1, as B2 should be just as good of a jump in point. The little back story of the MC or plot so far we got is nothing significant past this summation.
July 23, 2023
One of the worst litrpg books I’ve read. The main character just got more and more grating as the book went on, never being redeemed in a way that I found satisfying. I could see someone enjoying this book if they really enjoyed roasting their friends and finding inventive ways to insult others but 300+ pages of that really was too much for me.
January 4, 2024
HELP ME I'M FEELING!
This book blew me away. I have read quite a lot of LitRPG's and none of them begin to compare to this one, none of them. Based on the cover art and synopsis I expected just another silly RPG based story that is slam full of jokes and action and doesn't really delve too deep into character development or take itself seriously. Boy oh boy was I wrong. Don't mis understand this book is absolutely HILARIOUS. There were times when I was laughing so hard I almost cried... Butteeeerscotch!? There are a ton of pop culture references and lots of quips it was a great time.
However that's not all you get with this one. I am so impressed by the well rounded characters, the plot and development of both. A lot of people find the MC Loon/lune? (I listened to the audio) annoying and insufferable. I found him to be neither- Okay he is unlikeable at introduction- but even he acknowledges that fact. I found him to be quite amusing and lovable.
The vast majority of this book is fun, action packed hilarity, so I was caught utterly unprepared for the turn this book took stabbing me right in the feels, and then sprinkling salt in the feely wound! Don't worry it bounces back and balances the very serious with the comedy in a way that is perfection. I'm just absolutely blown away by the writing in this book and I immediately bought book two.
As mentioned earlier, I listened to the audio of this one and I feel like it is the absolute BEST way to enjoy this one. seriously, if you can get the dang audiobook!!!
The narrator, Johnathan McClain, made this story come to life in a way I've never experienced in an audio book before. You can just tell that they loved narrating this book and put their whole heart into the performance. The way they deliver the emotions and tones of the characters is magic. I had an absolute blast listening and the blooper real at the end was such a fun surprise.
A MILLION STARS TO THIS BOOK!!!!!!
This book blew me away. I have read quite a lot of LitRPG's and none of them begin to compare to this one, none of them. Based on the cover art and synopsis I expected just another silly RPG based story that is slam full of jokes and action and doesn't really delve too deep into character development or take itself seriously. Boy oh boy was I wrong. Don't mis understand this book is absolutely HILARIOUS. There were times when I was laughing so hard I almost cried... Butteeeerscotch!? There are a ton of pop culture references and lots of quips it was a great time.
However that's not all you get with this one. I am so impressed by the well rounded characters, the plot and development of both. A lot of people find the MC Loon/lune? (I listened to the audio) annoying and insufferable. I found him to be neither- Okay he is unlikeable at introduction- but even he acknowledges that fact. I found him to be quite amusing and lovable.
The vast majority of this book is fun, action packed hilarity, so I was caught utterly unprepared for the turn this book took stabbing me right in the feels, and then sprinkling salt in the feely wound! Don't worry it bounces back and balances the very serious with the comedy in a way that is perfection. I'm just absolutely blown away by the writing in this book and I immediately bought book two.
As mentioned earlier, I listened to the audio of this one and I feel like it is the absolute BEST way to enjoy this one. seriously, if you can get the dang audiobook!!!
The narrator, Johnathan McClain, made this story come to life in a way I've never experienced in an audio book before. You can just tell that they loved narrating this book and put their whole heart into the performance. The way they deliver the emotions and tones of the characters is magic. I had an absolute blast listening and the blooper real at the end was such a fun surprise.
A MILLION STARS TO THIS BOOK!!!!!!
March 15, 2023
Audible Review
I don’t think this book is for everyone. I’ll be honest I wasn’t enjoying it a ton at the beginning. The MC is a hateful, petty, mean, teenager lashing out at the world due to previous unexplained trauma.
Not only that but he is dumb as a rock. In most stories the MC recognizes he inadequacies and seek to shore them up as he grows. Not here. He doesn’t care and embraces his strengths and ignores his weaknesses. Those are a future me problem right! This is where things sorta get fun. Between a healthy dose of continuous plot armor (aka luck) the MC survives all impossible situations and comes up on top, somehow. Bleh.
Where it really was able to shine for me was the 1 million and 1 one-liners and sarcastic comments masterfully delivered by the narrator John Mclaine he did an awesome job and I was cracking up the whole time. The banter is very much like He Who Fights With Monsters (HWFWM) just cruder and a little more creative. He also doesn’t repeat the same jokes over and over again like in HWFWM.
I loved the end. The author was able to weave an emotional component into the story that drew me in and got me a little choked up for the MC’s sake. So well done I couldn’t help but to lose myself in the story.
I don’t think this book is for everyone. I’ll be honest I wasn’t enjoying it a ton at the beginning. The MC is a hateful, petty, mean, teenager lashing out at the world due to previous unexplained trauma.
Not only that but he is dumb as a rock. In most stories the MC recognizes he inadequacies and seek to shore them up as he grows. Not here. He doesn’t care and embraces his strengths and ignores his weaknesses. Those are a future me problem right! This is where things sorta get fun. Between a healthy dose of continuous plot armor (aka luck) the MC survives all impossible situations and comes up on top, somehow. Bleh.
Where it really was able to shine for me was the 1 million and 1 one-liners and sarcastic comments masterfully delivered by the narrator John Mclaine he did an awesome job and I was cracking up the whole time. The banter is very much like He Who Fights With Monsters (HWFWM) just cruder and a little more creative. He also doesn’t repeat the same jokes over and over again like in HWFWM.
I loved the end. The author was able to weave an emotional component into the story that drew me in and got me a little choked up for the MC’s sake. So well done I couldn’t help but to lose myself in the story.
May 5, 2024
So, I listened to this book and certainly the narrator - Jonathan McClain made it a lot more fun than if I "read" it. But regardless, the book is a lot of fun anyway.
There are a lot of remarks in other reviews that the first half of the book is pretty much empty of action, and that the MC is annoying. I would agree that's the case, however I would also surmise that these are necessary - we need some sort if world introduction, and as far as I am concerned, the way it was done was fine by me. It could have been shorter, yes, but with a wonderful narrator, it was fun too. As for the MC, well, he is a teen with "issues". I actually found it well written.
Once you are past 50% mark and the action speeds up, the book gets a lot better. Add few surprises, and it raised my interest to go over the series. Which I will do. Solid 4 stars, and if the author keeps on improving, it is close to a five in my book ;)
There are a lot of remarks in other reviews that the first half of the book is pretty much empty of action, and that the MC is annoying. I would agree that's the case, however I would also surmise that these are necessary - we need some sort if world introduction, and as far as I am concerned, the way it was done was fine by me. It could have been shorter, yes, but with a wonderful narrator, it was fun too. As for the MC, well, he is a teen with "issues". I actually found it well written.
Once you are past 50% mark and the action speeds up, the book gets a lot better. Add few surprises, and it raised my interest to go over the series. Which I will do. Solid 4 stars, and if the author keeps on improving, it is close to a five in my book ;)
September 14, 2024
End is much better than the middle.
I didn't really understand the hype for this book as I was reading it. It made me laugh a couple of times which was nice but beyond that it seemed like a fairly standard LitRPG.
That being said the last chapter was fantastic. Absolutely hit it out of the park and left the book ending (pre-epilogue) on a narrative high with more feeling and emotion than much of the rest of the book managed.
I'm not sure if I'd read book 2 when it comes out. The standardness of much of the book left a lot to be desired but by the end it had sort of grown on me. I think I'll probably give it a go. The narration was great too, really brought the characters to life.
I didn't really understand the hype for this book as I was reading it. It made me laugh a couple of times which was nice but beyond that it seemed like a fairly standard LitRPG.
That being said the last chapter was fantastic. Absolutely hit it out of the park and left the book ending (pre-epilogue) on a narrative high with more feeling and emotion than much of the rest of the book managed.
I'm not sure if I'd read book 2 when it comes out. The standardness of much of the book left a lot to be desired but by the end it had sort of grown on me. I think I'll probably give it a go. The narration was great too, really brought the characters to life.
December 25, 2023
Different and fun
I will admit that I found it hard to like the main character at times. Loon seems like a very disagreeable person. He is rude and loud-mouthed and kind of a jerk... And yet as the story develops I found myself liking him more, as his personality developed.
The little egg critters seem awesome , and I can't wait to see how they develop or evolve in the story. The overall world is described beautifully, and it's going to be fun reading future books.
I will admit that I found it hard to like the main character at times. Loon seems like a very disagreeable person. He is rude and loud-mouthed and kind of a jerk... And yet as the story develops I found myself liking him more, as his personality developed.
The little egg critters seem awesome , and I can't wait to see how they develop or evolve in the story. The overall world is described beautifully, and it's going to be fun reading future books.
December 10, 2025
Aggravatingly entertaining
There's something to be said about MC's who aren't perfect. Who are bad on purpose. Helps people relate to them, or engages with some antihero fantasy. This is not one of those. This MC is so frustratingly stupid ON PURPOSE that I legit only finished the book to see if the mf puts any points into his intelligence stat. Which is insane because I actually finished the dang book. Stupid incredible wordplay doctor author person.
There's something to be said about MC's who aren't perfect. Who are bad on purpose. Helps people relate to them, or engages with some antihero fantasy. This is not one of those. This MC is so frustratingly stupid ON PURPOSE that I legit only finished the book to see if the mf puts any points into his intelligence stat. Which is insane because I actually finished the dang book. Stupid incredible wordplay doctor author person.
December 9, 2022
Get through it
This book can be really frustrating, mostly cuz of the MCs personality. But it's like that for a reason and it softens and gets more tolerable, barely, by the end. And it's frustratingly realistic, so it's well written. A great book. Just try to get through the MCs ... Quirks
This book can be really frustrating, mostly cuz of the MCs personality. But it's like that for a reason and it softens and gets more tolerable, barely, by the end. And it's frustratingly realistic, so it's well written. A great book. Just try to get through the MCs ... Quirks
March 4, 2023
Amusing and by far not as annoying as other reviews make it out to be.
The main character is a stupid edgelord but that's what makes it funny. Only issue I have is that it's a bit light on the world building and quite a lot of the book is spent in a dungeon so it feels a bit cramped and it's a bit slow.
The main character is a stupid edgelord but that's what makes it funny. Only issue I have is that it's a bit light on the world building and quite a lot of the book is spent in a dungeon so it feels a bit cramped and it's a bit slow.
April 21, 2023
Sooooo much crap talking and ZERO real adventure. But seriously, if a fight breaks out, just skip 3 chapters and they will still be fighting or talking talking and more talking. You will not miss a thing, you will not mis a thing not reading the brainless book, well maybe a credit if you're a audio listener. .
July 6, 2023
Not really much new I will be saying here that others haven't. This novel that had its moments, but getting to the good parts proved to be a bit of a challenge. While the concept and potential were there, the pacing and execution left something to be desired. Characters were a real solid for me, and if the pacing and action were better managed this could have been a real gem
April 8, 2024
Listened to the audiobook version. There are a lot of similarities with ‘he who fights with monsters’ I went through a similar emotional ride with the first book of that series too. It’s hard at first, but sticking with it ends up feeling rewarding and by the end I can’t wait for the next! Glad I found this one.
April 18, 2024
This was my first time listening to something narrated by Johnathan McClain and he was just fantastic with the material -- to the point where I need to get someone who has only read it in print to try out the audio.
I thought it was going to be pretty standard litrpg/isekai but the last half really shines with some great characters I was really interested in by the end.
Well worth reading.
I thought it was going to be pretty standard litrpg/isekai but the last half really shines with some great characters I was really interested in by the end.
Well worth reading.
September 9, 2024
Great Fun!
Enjoyable beginning of a new world written with wit and sass.
The MC is a bit repetitive as an 18yo bad attitude teen with massive trauma on his shoulders.
His antics are fun, but being clear here: You'll be treated to the same dumb antics for (so far) the next two books.
Enjoyed this first book but got bored when the next two sound the exact same.
Enjoyable beginning of a new world written with wit and sass.
The MC is a bit repetitive as an 18yo bad attitude teen with massive trauma on his shoulders.
His antics are fun, but being clear here: You'll be treated to the same dumb antics for (so far) the next two books.
Enjoyed this first book but got bored when the next two sound the exact same.
December 7, 2022
Ok book
Well it was fun to read for awhile but the main character got old real fast,a coward and a bully not a fan off. I don't know if he matures or not cause could not continue reading,so maybe some one can finish reading this book but it will not be me.
Well it was fun to read for awhile but the main character got old real fast,a coward and a bully not a fan off. I don't know if he matures or not cause could not continue reading,so maybe some one can finish reading this book but it will not be me.
March 3, 2023
Couldn’t finish it
I made it about 65% through the book. It’s well written & even made me laugh, but the MC is so obnoxious that it just stops being funny.
I wanted the story to push forward but it kept stalling from too much unnecessary bickering.
I made it about 65% through the book. It’s well written & even made me laugh, but the MC is so obnoxious that it just stops being funny.
I wanted the story to push forward but it kept stalling from too much unnecessary bickering.
March 6, 2023
Fucking hilarious
Great humor and a fresh take on the genre. I like that the guy is written as someone that is genuinely disturbed, slowly becomes aware of it, and tries to change.
Great humor and a fresh take on the genre. I like that the guy is written as someone that is genuinely disturbed, slowly becomes aware of it, and tries to change.
July 25, 2023
Really?
I feel like this could have been a decent story but the language gets tiresome, very quickly. The snark, he seems to be going for just ain't there with all the juvenile insults. Moving on to something a little less childish
I feel like this could have been a decent story but the language gets tiresome, very quickly. The snark, he seems to be going for just ain't there with all the juvenile insults. Moving on to something a little less childish
October 25, 2023
This book is not only GD hilarious, but deeper and more emotional than I would have guessed. I loved the small hints about Gabe/Loon's previous life's trauma and the bigger hint with his dad. Def looking forward to book 2 and beyond. 👍🏽👍🏽
December 5, 2023
New author for me. Wasn't sure I'd like this that much cuz the main character is a massive *sshat. Happy to report, his *sshattiness makes it 🤣 and so satisfying when he gets his foot stuck in it. Aaaaaand he's a metalhead 🤘🖤
Omg John's bloopers at the end are pure gold! 😂😂😂
Omg John's bloopers at the end are pure gold! 😂😂😂
January 31, 2024
Really enjoyed the book, although I understand where some of the negative commentary about the main character could be coming from.
Johnathan McClain does a tremendously superb (I understand this is 2 hyperboles) job as narrator.
Highly recommend it.
Johnathan McClain does a tremendously superb (I understand this is 2 hyperboles) job as narrator.
Highly recommend it.
May 31, 2024
amazing
This is some of the funniest shit I’ve read in my 51 years of living. Just outstanding. Can’t wait for the next one…and the narrator for audible is just incredible. Beyond 5 stars.
This is some of the funniest shit I’ve read in my 51 years of living. Just outstanding. Can’t wait for the next one…and the narrator for audible is just incredible. Beyond 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews