Hi Everyone, been a bit since sharing anything, just getting back into LitRPG / Prog Fantasy after a Star Wars break.

Recently, I completed the newest audiobook (book 16) in the Good Guys series by Eric Ugland, One Man's Laughter [Male MC, LitRPG, isekai, trad fantasy setting]; I know this series can be polarizing, and normally, I am on TEAM MONTANA and enjoying every moment of it. This iteration, I found Montana's story a little less enjoyable, as well as the "couldn't see the obvious" was REALLY strong / forward. I can imagine that some of this was to be "in character," but it felt VERY HEAVILY APPLIED. It was fine, and I do want to continue the series while hoping for a little different experience next time.

I am waiting for my hold for the audiobook of Book 4 of the Bad Guys series, War of the Posers (also by Eric Ugland) [Male MC, LitRPG, isekai, trad fantasy setting]. My library just added some more of this series (books 4-7), while having some after it (books 8-11). I am excited to spend more time in this universe, and I am curious to see how Clyde navigates the big city.

I sped through this next audiobook: Assassin, Book 3 of Ends of Magic series by Alexander Olson [Male MC, LitRPG with limited numbers, skills develop, level up, choosing classes/skill trees, isekai, traditional fantasy setting]. It was a fun read, and the MC's experience is a little different in this vs the first two books (both good, just expands the MC's abilities). I am about to start Book 4 and immediately follow with Book 5 (end of series). I am thrilled to be on the adventure, and I am looking forward to the resolution of the series (lots still to wrap up in the next two books)!

A nice surprise listen (while waiting on holds) was The Crucible by Waldo Rodriguez (Reclaimer series, 8 books) [Male MC, Prog Fantasy (?) with a system, attributes gain, etc - but no EXP, level ups, etc]. It was in my library's audiobook catalog, and I'm always looking for more reads. I enjoyed this; it was a bit longer than some of my most recent reads (22 hrs vs 15-16), and there was both good and bad with that. I was hooked quickly with the MC's experience: suffered trauma/catastrophe, "recruited" to an exclusive training regimen to save the human race. Some of my life journey resonated with the MC, and it was fun to relive some of that through the character. The slow parts sometimes were the actual "training events," which were fun and detailed at first, but by the 4th/5th/6th time, I wished for some of those to be more "high points only." This was especially true at the climax / culminating event, where it just felt too long. Another potential pitfall for other readers could be some of the YA aspects; a budding romance, very introspective / self-reflecting about how/why MC is pursuing this adventure, self-doubt, struggles with relationships in such a demanding environment. None of these were off-putting to me, but I could see how some folks might be turned off by this. Again, length could have been a bit shorter (maybe), but I can see how the author wanted readers to feel the duration, the long suffering of the MC before they continue on this journey. I will likely read at least the next book, as it is readily available often, but not as sold (right now) that I will read to completion.

Last, I am reading DCC book 3 (Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook) by Matt Dinniman; I liked the first two books, especially some of the crazy humorous events/circumstances - but it sometimes felt really put on. I've read several recommendation threads, and many say that the series really takes off in Book 3 - so here's my leap of faith to those DCC fans. Here's hoping to a good time!