He Who Fights with Monsters 8

A LitRPG Adventure (He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 8)

By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell

Narrated by: Heath Miller

Length: 18 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

After a much longed-for reunion, Jason Asano works on moving past old traumas as he looks to a brighter future.

Despite warnings of danger that awaits him, he gets back in the saddle as an adventurer, ready to tackle new challenges.

But as enemies that have lurked in the background start moving into the light, those challenges are not hard to find.

Jason and his friends don’t wait passively; they use schemes of their own to take the fight to the enemy. His companions find themselves plunged into dangerous missions and confronted with enemies both personal and unexpected.

Jason will push new boundaries, and while it comes at a cost, it will move him deeper into the realms of cosmic power.

©2022 Shirtaloon and Travis Deverell (P)2022 Podium Audio

Brain Bludgeoned by Astral Theory Anyone?

Okay, so I am going to start off with how much I love this series, because I do think it comes to play in this review, I LOVE this series. Like, A LOT!!

The very first book was exciting and had tons of fun and exciting events going on. Great dry humor and golden nuggets of satire, easy to like/hate/appreciate MC, wonderful world building. Just all completely great! The second was also amazing, and it got me to really want to see the series through to the end. From there on, it got a lot more political, which I'm also cool with as I like to think that I am open minded and trying to self-actualize as an American. After all, an unexamined life is a life not worth living! Right? As we go through the books, I see how things are turning to get much more impactful for our MC. Without spoiling anything, I feel like I can say this book and the couple leading up to it, are a lot of Shirtaloon teaching and us preparing for what mind-bending adventure is yet to come.

Having said all that...this book is pretty slow. Yeah, not a lot of action going on, but a lot of world building for future reader understanding. Lots of concept explanation in this one. I'm by no means a rocket scientist, but the author clearly loves world building and understanding the mechanics of magic and teaching large theology concepts and parables. Maybe a little too much? I mean I love a good parable, who doesn't? But the man could have spent his time more wisely and gotten down to the point much more quickly. I know Shirtaloon is no Jesus (who was very quick in his delivery) but come on!! Well come to think on it, lots of people still miss most of what He said, so maybe further explanation is required? IDK, verdict still out.

I understand that quick delivery means we get to the end of the series a lot faster, and the idea is to sell more books...but there is a point where you just start bludgeoning your reader with concepts and theory and boring us. Some how I didn't get bored...I credit this with 100% Heath Miller though. mmmmm.... Heath Miller.

I am hoping that the future books will really start to pick back up and that I have finished reading my textbook on the laws, fundamentals and mechanics of "magic". I realize there are some major mind opening concepts that he's trying to relay, and that full explanation of those concepts is necessary, or the reader misses the implications, but.... let's just say elevator pitches are clearly not his strong suit. I caught myself repeatedly going, "Okay, I get it...I know what you are saying...I see the real-world implications and those for the MC...yadda yadda." I feel like I'm re-living algebra through Diff-E.Q, all over again. Let's move on from theory and start applying the concepts already. I'm here for the entertainment!

As I said earlier though, I still really like the series. Still very much Team Biscuit!! Shirtaloon, you still are one of my most favorite authors and this one of my fav books. Just a tad frustrating as I am wanting to get back to the pace set with the first books.

Big shout out to Heath Miller!!! Dude's a rock star. Love your performances! I know I largely love this series because of your intoxicating voices. Thank you, you sexy voiced man beast!

Just amazing

This book has in the short amount I’ve listened to so far has gotten me to actually laugh and uncontrollably smile. This narrator and author as always are amazing!

More please!

Narration is amazing! This book compared to the others has more explanation. But I feel it’s necessary as the author seems to be getting back on track from the original story. Moving away from doing the Earth saga books. The author introduces everyone’s skill sets which understandably takes time, but I feel it’s viable as the direction leads back into the main storyline. I’m very excited for the next book. Can’t wait for it to come out in April

As always, it’s too short, I want more!

All the nay sayers about stats, just skip 15-30 seconds oh no!
Honestly though, the story just keeps evolving and I couldn’t put it down. Where was litrpg all my life? Can’t wait to pick up the next one and see where Jason ends up at, will he be gold ranked next book? Can’t wait to find out!

Meets your expectations

I love the banter between characters, first and foremost. Skill development a bit muddy but still very comprehensive. Can't wait to see what Jason turns into.

I enjoy the series

Excited to see where this story goes. 8 more words required 4 more words required.

Keeping the momentum going

eat books in and the story still pulls you back in like it did with the first one. the only bad part is now I'm done and I have to wait till April to get the next book.

Another good book but on the slow side

This may have been on the slower side of things for this book series but it was still and has me looking forward to the next book in the series.

time killer was worth it. I am hoping for more

a good book but lacking any progress it was mostly just about complete all the side stories.

I hope it’s not over

This is a wonderful series. I hope it’s not over. I want so much more.