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The Good Guys #9
Four Beheadings and a Funeral
We join Montana, recently returned from an impromptu study abroad trip, a bit wiser, a bit broader in perspective, and a lot freaked out by the once-dead person who's currently in his bedroom.
Possible zombie sightings aside, he's finally ready to take his job as Duke seriously. And just in time too -- not only are the politics of the capital rapidly closing in on Montana's little valley holding, but there are also goblins to negotiate with. Plus, that cult threatening to take the lives of his citizens. Montana will have to pull off the impossible -- walk amongst the highest levels of Vuldranni society to influence world politics, and slaughter a few goblins in the process.
Four Beheadings and a Funeral is a wild romp of town-building LitRPG. Pick it up today!
Possible zombie sightings aside, he's finally ready to take his job as Duke seriously. And just in time too -- not only are the politics of the capital rapidly closing in on Montana's little valley holding, but there are also goblins to negotiate with. Plus, that cult threatening to take the lives of his citizens. Montana will have to pull off the impossible -- walk amongst the highest levels of Vuldranni society to influence world politics, and slaughter a few goblins in the process.
Four Beheadings and a Funeral is a wild romp of town-building LitRPG. Pick it up today!
418 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2020
850 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 6, 2020
As usual the only disappointment is that its over all too soon, some books just flow and are devoured before you notice and Eric Uglands' books definitely fit with them.
Some minor editing issues but nothing that will really break the flow unless your half asleep.
Thanks you for another great installment.
Some minor editing issues but nothing that will really break the flow unless your half asleep.
Thanks you for another great installment.
May 29, 2020
What an awesome book!
I don't know what else to say about this series that I or other readers haven't already said. Super entertainment, meticulously crafted and tremendously wordsmithed.
I don't know what else to say about this series that I or other readers haven't already said. Super entertainment, meticulously crafted and tremendously wordsmithed.
June 5, 2020
Ok
These books all have several moments that make me laugh, but it seems in each one there's always a lot going on but nothing happening, same with most of the mc's conversations, like a politician talking endlessly without ever saying anything of substance, don't really think this is litrpg or gamelit, just fantasy really, there are a few levels gained this time a few notifications, but again nothing of substance, that's not a knock they are still decent stories, and I will read the next one, but not the type of book or character that has a steady progression of levels attributes or even the storyline everything is just a bit random.
These books all have several moments that make me laugh, but it seems in each one there's always a lot going on but nothing happening, same with most of the mc's conversations, like a politician talking endlessly without ever saying anything of substance, don't really think this is litrpg or gamelit, just fantasy really, there are a few levels gained this time a few notifications, but again nothing of substance, that's not a knock they are still decent stories, and I will read the next one, but not the type of book or character that has a steady progression of levels attributes or even the storyline everything is just a bit random.
June 5, 2020
Another meh
Seriously....
I wanted this to be good. I know the author can do it, as I've read his Bad Guys series and know he can write a good story.
The constant belittling of MC had again 1 defense in the entire book. Literally reading this not understanding why he does anything remotely like helping people with their problems when everyone ships on MC.
Sass makes every time a dialog happens longer and running on and on.
MC growing, wore armor, but not more then looted stuff.
MC is strong, like book 3 having him pull 100 tons of stone. Book 9, his full force punch cracked a wall and people getting up after hits.
Seriously....
I wanted this to be good. I know the author can do it, as I've read his Bad Guys series and know he can write a good story.
The constant belittling of MC had again 1 defense in the entire book. Literally reading this not understanding why he does anything remotely like helping people with their problems when everyone ships on MC.
Sass makes every time a dialog happens longer and running on and on.
MC growing, wore armor, but not more then looted stuff.
MC is strong, like book 3 having him pull 100 tons of stone. Book 9, his full force punch cracked a wall and people getting up after hits.
June 8, 2020
Done with this series.
When I first started reading these books they pulled me along just loving how the story progressed. Now I plod through them looking down realizing I am seventy percent through and feel as I have read an outline not a book. There is no meat to this story anymore, the author has lost the story.
When I first started reading these books they pulled me along just loving how the story progressed. Now I plod through them looking down realizing I am seventy percent through and feel as I have read an outline not a book. There is no meat to this story anymore, the author has lost the story.
July 17, 2021
I enjoy the series but this was trash
First half of the book is okay, but from 70% mark there were so many issues that I actually don't want to get into it. One scene was so bad that it sits at the top of my list as the worst scene of logical inconsistencies and bull I've ever read in a series.
Has this book made me what to stop reading the series...almost. It's worse than book 8 of the land. But I'll carry on because the writer has earned enough good will to write a terrible book and not have me drop him.
First half of the book is okay, but from 70% mark there were so many issues that I actually don't want to get into it. One scene was so bad that it sits at the top of my list as the worst scene of logical inconsistencies and bull I've ever read in a series.
Has this book made me what to stop reading the series...almost. It's worse than book 8 of the land. But I'll carry on because the writer has earned enough good will to write a terrible book and not have me drop him.
April 13, 2021
Wow! this one might be my favorite in this series so far, or at least one of my favorites! I enjoyed it very much and I am really looking forward to bk 10 in this series! I love this author, and what an improvement in Eric Ugland’s storytelling skills from bk 1 to bk 9! I do reccommend this series! It is fun!
August 11, 2020
This series is good. But the lack of any love interest or real connection with the characters around our MC just lost this one for me. I kept waiting and waiting and the way this one started just irritated me about it more so I gave up.
November 21, 2021
Great story
Well written story and characters . I am really glad to have found and the twelve parts of this great storyline. I am looking forward to reading the future books as well.
Well written story and characters . I am really glad to have found and the twelve parts of this great storyline. I am looking forward to reading the future books as well.
February 10, 2025
Osterstadt is not my favorite story arc, so I was originally happy to think that quest was completed and disappointed to find that wasn't the case. Nevertheless, I am still enjoying the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2024
Fun read. This one had vampires
May 28, 2022
Four Beheadings and a Funeral
The Good Guys: Book 9
By Eric Ugland
Summary:
Probably the most carnage and sheer number of fight scenes to date in the series, which is saying a lot. The Master and his conspirators are finally revealed (or are they?), we continue the storyline with Emiline (kind of) and Lady Northwoods, a couple new characters are introduced (peruse roster below), a couple new levels are attained, and a lot of new followers. All in all, a great addition to series. 5/5 stars.
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.
* 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 Tinker Bell without the wings. She’s very magical and aided Montana in book 7.
* 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.
* 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.
* Harmot: chief of the dwarves.
* Lee: the only other player from Earth that Montana has come across. Lee is strategic with things like supply chain and logistics and they commiserate about “back home” at times. He’s a retired old-timer widower in real life.
* Mercy Caufland: a hired mancer (hydromancer) who helps with building up Coggeshall.
* Mikalyon: a little white creature who is a pretty impressive cleric as well.
* 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-lead of Coggeshall military (alongside Vyan Stokes) and head of the Coggeshall guard. Also sister to the Viceroy of the Empire (Leon Glatan).
* 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.
* 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. Reincarnated as a Carcachoo, a wolverine-like race.
* 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.
* Zoe: the master blacksmith of Coggeshall, able to craft up to level 6 metals.
The Good:
* I need to give to Eric: he introduces a ton of characters but unlike Montana’s skills, he doesn’t forget about them. I never thought that Emiline’s, Donner’s, or the Master’s storyline would have been picked up again but here we are.
* The fact that all the women in the village lust after Montana might I guess make up for the fact that there’s no actual sex being made in this series. But the fact remains that Montana looks like a man’s man: 6’ 5”, extremely muscular, probably a 6- or 8-pack going on, long beard, long blond hair (at least up to the final events of book 8). And a complete bad ass. Maybe a little of a man’s crush myself?
* I could see, especially early on in the book, how one might either love or hate it. Because I’m hooked on the story, I enjoyed all the administrative pacing about which building to build.
* The fight at the wall was pretty epic and probably one of the best fight scenes in the series. It had a very ‘Val Kilmer hydra fight’ in the movie “Willow” feel which made it easier to imagine.
* “Finally a new level” Montana (and the rest of the fan base) says in exasperation.
* The attacks on Osterstot definitely have a Kaiju/Pacific Rim vibe going where monsters attack continuously and increasingly become more varied and diverse in size and ferocity.
* The Big Lebowski reference “Does the pope shit in the woods?” was hilariously inserted (mash up between does the pope wear funny hats and does a bear shit in the woods).
* Improvised weapon: vampire puppet…the best improv since the dwarf chair in book 1 or 2!
* The “your mom” joke with trader Bots at the end was just so unexpectedly amazing I literally cracked up laughing.
The Meh:
* There are hardly ever any mobs much higher level than Montana, who himself is only level 28, which, after 9 books, you’d think he’d be out of noobtown by then. That’s one thing that really irritates me about the series: leveling goes at a snail’s pace.
The Good Guys: Book 9
By Eric Ugland
Summary:
Probably the most carnage and sheer number of fight scenes to date in the series, which is saying a lot. The Master and his conspirators are finally revealed (or are they?), we continue the storyline with Emiline (kind of) and Lady Northwoods, a couple new characters are introduced (peruse roster below), a couple new levels are attained, and a lot of new followers. All in all, a great addition to series. 5/5 stars.
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.
* 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 Tinker Bell without the wings. She’s very magical and aided Montana in book 7.
* 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.
* 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.
* Harmot: chief of the dwarves.
* Lee: the only other player from Earth that Montana has come across. Lee is strategic with things like supply chain and logistics and they commiserate about “back home” at times. He’s a retired old-timer widower in real life.
* Mercy Caufland: a hired mancer (hydromancer) who helps with building up Coggeshall.
* Mikalyon: a little white creature who is a pretty impressive cleric as well.
* 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-lead of Coggeshall military (alongside Vyan Stokes) and head of the Coggeshall guard. Also sister to the Viceroy of the Empire (Leon Glatan).
* 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.
* 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. Reincarnated as a Carcachoo, a wolverine-like race.
* 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.
* Zoe: the master blacksmith of Coggeshall, able to craft up to level 6 metals.
The Good:
* I need to give to Eric: he introduces a ton of characters but unlike Montana’s skills, he doesn’t forget about them. I never thought that Emiline’s, Donner’s, or the Master’s storyline would have been picked up again but here we are.
* The fact that all the women in the village lust after Montana might I guess make up for the fact that there’s no actual sex being made in this series. But the fact remains that Montana looks like a man’s man: 6’ 5”, extremely muscular, probably a 6- or 8-pack going on, long beard, long blond hair (at least up to the final events of book 8). And a complete bad ass. Maybe a little of a man’s crush myself?
* I could see, especially early on in the book, how one might either love or hate it. Because I’m hooked on the story, I enjoyed all the administrative pacing about which building to build.
* The fight at the wall was pretty epic and probably one of the best fight scenes in the series. It had a very ‘Val Kilmer hydra fight’ in the movie “Willow” feel which made it easier to imagine.
* “Finally a new level” Montana (and the rest of the fan base) says in exasperation.
* The attacks on Osterstot definitely have a Kaiju/Pacific Rim vibe going where monsters attack continuously and increasingly become more varied and diverse in size and ferocity.
* The Big Lebowski reference “Does the pope shit in the woods?” was hilariously inserted (mash up between does the pope wear funny hats and does a bear shit in the woods).
* Improvised weapon: vampire puppet…the best improv since the dwarf chair in book 1 or 2!
* The “your mom” joke with trader Bots at the end was just so unexpectedly amazing I literally cracked up laughing.
The Meh:
* There are hardly ever any mobs much higher level than Montana, who himself is only level 28, which, after 9 books, you’d think he’d be out of noobtown by then. That’s one thing that really irritates me about the series: leveling goes at a snail’s pace.
January 7, 2023
Ролевите игри са направени, за да може играчът да се вдъхнови, да се потопи в техния свят и не да "управлява" героя си, а да се идентифицира с него, самият той да стане герой и да действа и решава от своя гледна точка в измисления свят, сякаш наистина живее там.
В действителност, особено в компютърните такива игри, се получава нещо по средата - наистина човек до известна степен се идентифицира с героя си, но това си остава игра и той не действа като истинска личност в игровия свят, а като "външен елемент" в него - което довежда до някои странности и особености на действието.
Именно тези странности и особености на действието описва в литературна форма Ерик Угланд в серията си за Добрите - всъщност само за един добър, който, както подобава на жанра LitRPG, "попада" в игрови свят, подчинен на игрова логика... но и той действа в него като външен играч, а не като негов жител или (слава богу) типичен герой от фентъзи книги.
Действията му са точно толкова нелогични и водят до точно същите резултати, каквито наблюдаваме у себе си, докато играем RPG игри:
Героят ни много бързо става прекалено силен, следва по-скоро инцидентно, отколкото съзнателно сюжетната линия, която създателите на играта са сложили за основна, разпилява усилията си по странични куестове, не чете съобщенията и хелп-файловете на играта, така че често му се налага да взема решения без да има идея от ситуацията...
Също така, въпреки, че в играта е двуметров мускулест и брадат войн, че и владетел после, играчът си остава смачкан смотаняк по душа, какъвто е авторът всъщност и действа и говори по съответния начин (сигурен съм, че авторът не го е планирал това, но така се е получило, понеже никой не може да избяга от себе си).
Резултатът от всичко това е доста забавен.
В действителност, особено в компютърните такива игри, се получава нещо по средата - наистина човек до известна степен се идентифицира с героя си, но това си остава игра и той не действа като истинска личност в игровия свят, а като "външен елемент" в него - което довежда до някои странности и особености на действието.
Именно тези странности и особености на действието описва в литературна форма Ерик Угланд в серията си за Добрите - всъщност само за един добър, който, както подобава на жанра LitRPG, "попада" в игрови свят, подчинен на игрова логика... но и той действа в него като външен играч, а не като негов жител или (слава богу) типичен герой от фентъзи книги.
Действията му са точно толкова нелогични и водят до точно същите резултати, каквито наблюдаваме у себе си, докато играем RPG игри:
Героят ни много бързо става прекалено силен, следва по-скоро инцидентно, отколкото съзнателно сюжетната линия, която създателите на играта са сложили за основна, разпилява усилията си по странични куестове, не чете съобщенията и хелп-файловете на играта, така че често му се налага да взема решения без да има идея от ситуацията...
Също така, въпреки, че в играта е двуметров мускулест и брадат войн, че и владетел после, играчът си остава смачкан смотаняк по душа, какъвто е авторът всъщност и действа и говори по съответния начин (сигурен съм, че авторът не го е планирал това, но така се е получило, понеже никой не може да избяга от себе си).
Резултатът от всичко това е доста забавен.
January 23, 2021
Well... promises, promises, promises... and well maybe not everything is the way you expect it to be. This book gives you a sense of what could happen during a zombie apocalypse as merchants and politicking takes precedence over the common man's need.
Hmmm.. yeah.. but as the MC of an Eric Ugland novel the need to murder the foes and reach the end where most of our friends are kinda safe ( Ugland is going the resurrection route for the entourage) but hey .. the plot works and even the last line of Oh Shit! made me chuckle .
Ahh... so satisfying. Not like an orgasm but like a soreness that only a good workout can bring.
I am such an addict. Come folks .. sniff some brownie dust with me.
How I wish I had two inch bombshell woman on my shoulder give me life advice while slinging some magic to make things easier. I just have a real life one that kicks my ass on a daily basis and now I seem to addicted to it like a masochist and have titled this feeling as love.
You will have a tonne of laughs. So do pick up this series.
Hmmm.. yeah.. but as the MC of an Eric Ugland novel the need to murder the foes and reach the end where most of our friends are kinda safe ( Ugland is going the resurrection route for the entourage) but hey .. the plot works and even the last line of Oh Shit! made me chuckle .
Ahh... so satisfying. Not like an orgasm but like a soreness that only a good workout can bring.
I am such an addict. Come folks .. sniff some brownie dust with me.
How I wish I had two inch bombshell woman on my shoulder give me life advice while slinging some magic to make things easier. I just have a real life one that kicks my ass on a daily basis and now I seem to addicted to it like a masochist and have titled this feeling as love.
You will have a tonne of laughs. So do pick up this series.
June 5, 2020
A good book, but I think a bit of the shine is coming off of this series for me. While there have been glimmers of character development for Montana, he is still an obnoxious ass who can only now, sometimes, allow someone to finish a sentence.
For fuck's sake, have him put some points into INT and WIS; this blockhead act is no longer viable with the challenges and responsibilities he has. There are references to this in the book so hopefully things will move in that direction, but I am honestly tired of his wilful dumbassery.
It's a fascinating world and I want more of it, but Montana badly needs to progress for it to be an enjoyable prospect for me. YMMV of course.
For fuck's sake, have him put some points into INT and WIS; this blockhead act is no longer viable with the challenges and responsibilities he has. There are references to this in the book so hopefully things will move in that direction, but I am honestly tired of his wilful dumbassery.
It's a fascinating world and I want more of it, but Montana badly needs to progress for it to be an enjoyable prospect for me. YMMV of course.
August 25, 2020
Love the story...but
I have enjoyed this series so far, but honestly l forced myself through it. The story and main characters have kept me going but I have two complaints. The first is that I felt like the MC is similar to the dog from the cartoon “Up”. In that every time he sets out on a quest he suddenly says “squirrel” and out pops multiple side quests. The dude is all over the place. Secondly, I really don’t understand the point of “Loot” in this series. You get excited about an item he finds or receives and it get set aside and never used. I had hopes that items would eventually get used but sadly they almost never did. I’m not sure I’ll read the next series.
I have enjoyed this series so far, but honestly l forced myself through it. The story and main characters have kept me going but I have two complaints. The first is that I felt like the MC is similar to the dog from the cartoon “Up”. In that every time he sets out on a quest he suddenly says “squirrel” and out pops multiple side quests. The dude is all over the place. Secondly, I really don’t understand the point of “Loot” in this series. You get excited about an item he finds or receives and it get set aside and never used. I had hopes that items would eventually get used but sadly they almost never did. I’m not sure I’ll read the next series.
December 17, 2021
This book seemed slightly better than the last two books.
Montana hunts his old antagonist, the Master, in Osterstadt. Will he FINALLY do some sincere shopping with his immense loot and wealth to get much needed supplies and magical stuff and/or get some more helpful people there? Nope. Will he ask the warrior clerics who fight the undead to help him against the vampires. Nope.
However, there are some minor delightful twists in the story even though the motivation of the people paying for the rebellion makes not much sense. If the town lives from trade and only can trade with the Empire than the merchant houses would not support the rebellion against the Empire.
Montana hunts his old antagonist, the Master, in Osterstadt. Will he FINALLY do some sincere shopping with his immense loot and wealth to get much needed supplies and magical stuff and/or get some more helpful people there? Nope. Will he ask the warrior clerics who fight the undead to help him against the vampires. Nope.
However, there are some minor delightful twists in the story even though the motivation of the people paying for the rebellion makes not much sense. If the town lives from trade and only can trade with the Empire than the merchant houses would not support the rebellion against the Empire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
Sigh
Good Guys books are always good. Montana is ridiculous and fun, as are his companions.
But good lord some plot lines need to start getting some resolution. If I'm counting right we added 3 new ones in this book(Vampires, Centaurs, Osterdast rebellion). Vampires was introduced and resolved, the other two were not. Net +2 plots to an already bloated number.
The book itself is good. The series overall is very good. I would just like to feel like there are payoffs coming for all of this build up...
Good Guys books are always good. Montana is ridiculous and fun, as are his companions.
But good lord some plot lines need to start getting some resolution. If I'm counting right we added 3 new ones in this book(Vampires, Centaurs, Osterdast rebellion). Vampires was introduced and resolved, the other two were not. Net +2 plots to an already bloated number.
The book itself is good. The series overall is very good. I would just like to feel like there are payoffs coming for all of this build up...
June 6, 2020
Too many hanging plot lines!!
I would love to give him four or five stars but the author is leaving to many story points hanging. While at the same time adding more points to the story. I feel I probably have one more book in me and then am done. The only we I see him wrapping things up, would come across rushed
I would love to give him four or five stars but the author is leaving to many story points hanging. While at the same time adding more points to the story. I feel I probably have one more book in me and then am done. The only we I see him wrapping things up, would come across rushed
June 17, 2020
Book nine
Mistakes: I found five. Mostly missing words.
Plot: Vampire hunting at its finest, no not the sparkles kind unfortunately.
Characters: Montana is a great character to follow. He is slowly getting smarter.
Mistakes: I found five. Mostly missing words.
Plot: Vampire hunting at its finest, no not the sparkles kind unfortunately.
Characters: Montana is a great character to follow. He is slowly getting smarter.
July 9, 2020
I'm still enjoying this series. Sure the protagonist is ridiculously overpowered but it's nice to see him surprising the arrogant and corrupt.
The pun used to generate the book's title has probably already passed its use-by date.
The pun used to generate the book's title has probably already passed its use-by date.
August 15, 2025
I’m very unhappy :(
I’ve read this entire series now (up to book 16 I think?), and I’m still mad about Leon. Not happy at all. Want that miraculously changed, pls and thank you. :( I mean, there’s your ideal chancellor, surely! Soooo, pretty please?
Otherwise, the series is pretty good for LitRPG. I started with Dungeon Carl, moved onto Shirt.aloon’s Jason, & looking forward to the ending soon to be released for Brook’s Earthen Contenders, then moved onto this series. I tried a few other LitRPGs, and stopped reading them really quickly, but the ones just mentioned feel like the (imo) good ones. Quality writing, likeable characters, chaotic madness yet still with quality underlying plots. If there was one thing I don’t like about this series, there is a LOT of swearing. Montana is one of those characters who uses swearing constantly, sometimes multiple times a sentence. If all the searing was removed, you’d probably have a story that was 50 pages shorter (ok, I totally made that up, but it’s a lot of swearing). But otherwise, if you enjoy LitRPG, or discovered LitRPG after Dungeon Carl like me & wanted to try more, this could be another good series for you.
I’ve read this entire series now (up to book 16 I think?), and I’m still mad about Leon. Not happy at all. Want that miraculously changed, pls and thank you. :( I mean, there’s your ideal chancellor, surely! Soooo, pretty please?
Otherwise, the series is pretty good for LitRPG. I started with Dungeon Carl, moved onto Shirt.aloon’s Jason, & looking forward to the ending soon to be released for Brook’s Earthen Contenders, then moved onto this series. I tried a few other LitRPGs, and stopped reading them really quickly, but the ones just mentioned feel like the (imo) good ones. Quality writing, likeable characters, chaotic madness yet still with quality underlying plots. If there was one thing I don’t like about this series, there is a LOT of swearing. Montana is one of those characters who uses swearing constantly, sometimes multiple times a sentence. If all the searing was removed, you’d probably have a story that was 50 pages shorter (ok, I totally made that up, but it’s a lot of swearing). But otherwise, if you enjoy LitRPG, or discovered LitRPG after Dungeon Carl like me & wanted to try more, this could be another good series for you.
June 6, 2020
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
May 27, 2024
Montana decides it is finally time to deal with "the Master". His reasons for abandoning his ducal responsibilities to do this were weak, but then, they always are. Montana does not like being a duke and he doesn’t feel like he’s really helping anyone unless he is killing the bad guys. So, off he goes back to the big city to seek out the Master and destroy him.
That’s where things get interesting because the city is suffering an increasing wave of monster attacks and Montana, being Montana, even though he’s undercover, can’t help but get involved to protect people in a very big way. And then—he gets warned off helping people, which was frankly really interesting.
Oh, and he gets attacked by vampires and then the novel moves into overdrive because—well, vampires with lots of political implications. This is an absolutely action packed and fast-moving novel—which I’ve come to expect from this series.
That’s where things get interesting because the city is suffering an increasing wave of monster attacks and Montana, being Montana, even though he’s undercover, can’t help but get involved to protect people in a very big way. And then—he gets warned off helping people, which was frankly really interesting.
Oh, and he gets attacked by vampires and then the novel moves into overdrive because—well, vampires with lots of political implications. This is an absolutely action packed and fast-moving novel—which I’ve come to expect from this series.
June 7, 2020
Another good installment in a great series. The action is there. The pithy dialog is there. Everything that makes it part of The Good Guys series is there. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the series. That said, at the end, it started to feel just a bit long in the tooth for me. There are so many loose plot ends the author leaves hanging, combined with limited progress on the existing ones...it just feels like Ugland could move the overall story forward more rapidly.
Which, if you're keeping track at home, was the complaint I had about book #8, as well. Ugland is very talented at character building and dialogue, but in terms of managing an overall story arc and keeping things moving in a generally northward fashion, I find that to be an area of opportunity.
Which, if you're keeping track at home, was the complaint I had about book #8, as well. Ugland is very talented at character building and dialogue, but in terms of managing an overall story arc and keeping things moving in a generally northward fashion, I find that to be an area of opportunity.
June 7, 2020
I really like this series and the Bad Guys series. This one brings our intrepid hero back into the political scene and sees a bit more growth to the character. It remains to be seen if the MC will ever utilize every source of help he has available to him going forward, and with the wait of half a year for the next book much thought will be given to this fact.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next Bad Guys book, and with the announcement of three in a row before the next Good Guys book it is good times.
I wish you luck in all your writing, Mr. Ugland. It is quite ambitious to write four books within the time frame you've offered up.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next Bad Guys book, and with the announcement of three in a row before the next Good Guys book it is good times.
I wish you luck in all your writing, Mr. Ugland. It is quite ambitious to write four books within the time frame you've offered up.
June 5, 2020
Back in full swing!
Montana is back, and in top form...well form for him, always an imperfect hero. Another city adventure, to tie up some loose ends and of course create new ones.
This is a very Montana focused installment with less of the old crew, but still lots of snappy dialogue, and some really next level prose.
If you haven't read the rest of the series go read the first one now. If you have, you know you are going to read this one too so stop reading reviews and buy it already.
Montana is back, and in top form...well form for him, always an imperfect hero. Another city adventure, to tie up some loose ends and of course create new ones.
This is a very Montana focused installment with less of the old crew, but still lots of snappy dialogue, and some really next level prose.
If you haven't read the rest of the series go read the first one now. If you have, you know you are going to read this one too so stop reading reviews and buy it already.
April 7, 2021
Still speed reading
Definitely missed writing the last books review. Strangely enough, I have not mentioned that the primary reason I read this series, and the bad guys, is for the dialogue. I legitimately laugh out loud at least twenty times each book. Sometimes I have to put the book down because I cannot stop laughing. I love the author's sense of humor. Anyways, another great book, that twist at the end was not what I was expecting. Although the foreshadowing definitely hinted to it. Time to read the next book.
Definitely missed writing the last books review. Strangely enough, I have not mentioned that the primary reason I read this series, and the bad guys, is for the dialogue. I legitimately laugh out loud at least twenty times each book. Sometimes I have to put the book down because I cannot stop laughing. I love the author's sense of humor. Anyways, another great book, that twist at the end was not what I was expecting. Although the foreshadowing definitely hinted to it. Time to read the next book.
June 4, 2020
Montana vs Master
In the red corner because he is always covered in blood and viscera we have Duke Montana in the blue corner we have The Master, join us for an epic fight.
Great book with a brilliant twist at the end. Thought it would be filled with politics and little action but the complete opposite was true. Sad to see one of my favourite characters die and so pointlessly. Devoured the book and can’t wait for the next one.
In the red corner because he is always covered in blood and viscera we have Duke Montana in the blue corner we have The Master, join us for an epic fight.
Great book with a brilliant twist at the end. Thought it would be filled with politics and little action but the complete opposite was true. Sad to see one of my favourite characters die and so pointlessly. Devoured the book and can’t wait for the next one.
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