Heir Today, Pawn Tomorrow: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel

The Good Guys Series, Book 2

By: Eric Ugland

Narrated by: Neil Hellegers

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Montana's new life in Vuldranni, the medieval fantasy game world he lucked into, isn't quite the tranquil extended fishing trip he'd been hoping for. But you gotta admit, he's doing pretty well for himself. Now he's Montana Coggeshall, heir to a dukedom. If he can get his crew to Osterstadt and claim it in time.

Heir Today, Pawn Tomorrow is a heart-pounding adventure through uncharted territory. Montana and the party must cross WarWaters, a lake that offers everything but a pleasure cruise, and then race through a dense, forbidden forest full of hungry beasts, unfriendly races, and a few cocky nobles. If you're ready for an epic quest full of hellbeasts, ghost royals, and wyrm guts, this is the book for you.

©2018 Eric Ugland (P)2019 Tantor

Offensively short, truly en series joyable otherwise.

First, the story...I love this story.

The whole “moronic MC trope” is something that will normally make me return a book so fast that the RAM in my iPhone overheats. However, Ugland has created a world and storyline that manage to overshadow the fact that half of the MC’s thoughts and actions are so idiotic that long ago he should have accidentally stabbed his own eyes out with a spoon while trying to eat a jello pudding snack-pack.

Which is to say that this is not one of those truly rare books where the story is actually improved by the author’s uncanny ability to make an annoying idiot feel seamlessly relatable and realistic... But this is an indication of how much I really felt immersed in the universe and adventure of this series.

To sum up, I highly recommend checking out this series... with one major caveat:

Below you will find my rant about the length of these releases and my opinions about cutting a solid 12-13 hour fantasy book into 2 separate installments. If all you only want to know whether this is a good story or not then feel free to ignore the self-righteous, tantrum-like scree that I continues hereafter......

It’s not the fact that this audio-“book” is under 7 hours that is so offensive, but it’s that the larger work is not being marketed and labeled as an episodic series. Or at the very least that the first and second “half-books” have not been repackaged as one release for the audio versions. Doing a combined volume 1 & 2 release for the audio version of a series like this is an accepted practice and it makes sense given the credit system on Audible.

Paying a few bucks for digital text copies of shorter works really isn’t a big deal, but considering I can get a 40 hour boxed set of a series for the same credit that I had to pay for one of the two short works in this series leaves a bad taste.

I’m not basing this complaint solely on the actual runtime of each of the Good Guys audiobooks. If they were truly self contained books with a pace and flow that dictated their lengths I wouldn’t be writing this diatribe. The problem is the combination of the short runtime and the fact that each of the installments by themselves are plotted like half of a whole book. Add to this that the audio versions were released within weeks of each-other and it feels a little bit too much like I’m paying twice for one actual audiobook.

The solution is to either write longer installments or combine them into single audio releases that actually add up to a full length fantasy novel. If the future installments of this series continue in the same manor, I’m liable to start acquiring every second book via other (free) methods to keep from feeling like I’m being swindled. I say this In spite of not only really enjoying this series, but also that I’m a true believer in making sure new artists are paid for their hard work. That’s why I’m proud to support multiple up and coming authors on Patreon.

What I’m saying is I’m more than happy to shell out my very meager, extra income to make it possible for “small” author’s to realize their art. I just don’t like the feeling that I’m being knowingly manipulated into paying double for it. Honestly, I have enjoyed the actual story so much that I would have sponsored Eric Ugland on Patreon and in the end put considerably more money in his pocket over time than he’s currently getting from me via the price of one book at a time.

our lovable Meathead returns

this is a great continuation of The Adventures of meat head the Barbarian who is striving to be a good man in a strange new world full of gaming mechanics and Magic the ending is insane and kind of amazing it tends to drag a little in the middle but well worth it

So good

I have 1 problem with the Good Guys series .... I WANT THE NEXT ONE!!!!! It’s a fun story with plenty of action and adventure. One of my favorite LitRPGs, great voice acting and well written. Good job and keep them coming!

Another fun listen.

Just as fun as the first one. Interesting story, great narration, I can't wait to find out what happens next.

A Masterpiece of LitRPG Adventure

Eric Ugland's "Heir Today, Pawn Tomorrow" is nothing short of a masterpiece, effortlessly earning a 10/10 rating in my book. The journey of Montana in the fantastical game realm of Vuldranni was an auditory feast that had me hooked from the get-go.

The LitRPG elements are intricately crafted, blending seamlessly with the captivating storyline. It's a rare find where game mechanics enhance the narrative rather than hinder it, creating a rich, immersive experience that is both thrilling and satisfying.

Montana, as the reluctant heir to a dukedom, is a character brimming with wit, courage, and a refreshing dose of humility. His interactions with other characters are both humorous and heartfelt, adding layers to the narrative that are both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

The Audible rendition is a triumph, with a narration that complements the tone of the story perfectly. Every character is given a unique voice that matches their personality, and the pacing is just right, keeping the excitement alive without rushing through the details.

"Heir Today, Pawn Tomorrow" isn't just a novel, it's a doorway into a world filled with adventure, humor, and the kind of camaraderie that leaves a lasting imprint on the listener. This book has set a high bar not just in the LitRPG genre, but in storytelling as a whole. It's a ride I'm willing to take over and over again, and I can't recommend it highly enough to other Audible listeners.

Great Litrpg

So here’s a thing before you get into the series. Right now each book is around 8 to 9 hours and they’re all around $12-$13 a book. And the 13th book is about to come out. So this is an investment to think about if you wanna really into this book. So far I’ve gotten to the sixth book and you don’t have to read Spinoff of the series.

nicely done indeed

ur killing me with waiting. He does need more intelligence coming from our world to theirs but to get to know it maybe he can bring that to his world. cant wait 4 next one

it just keeps getting better

oh my goodness what a ride.. it is almost everything I ever wanted in a game lit "another world" adventure. if only it were longer lol

I love this series

This series is extremely enjoyable.

I have only a few gripes with the series, first the MC is too held up on his lost love, second he sometimes makes really stupid decisions even though he has way above average intelligence and wisdom, third there is a LOT of foul language.

All in all, I love the series and I can't wait till the next book comes out!

Great - moved the story along and surprise ending.

Great book that moved the story along alot with a surprise ending. Now on to book 3.