Tag: Shirtaloon

Reading is my Passion.

Bloganuary writing prompt
What books do you want to read?
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Ever since I was a kid, I have loved firstly speculative fiction, especially fantasy, then books on history and finally mathematics/science textbooks.

This interest stems from my various interests, needing to understand the history and the riches that come from that knowledge. I have used this learning to influence my writing. I love learning what was done before and seeing how it slowly impacted society.

Then it is reading fantasy from these fantastic authors; David Eddings, Raymond E Feist, Robb Hobb, Sarah Douglass, Weis and Hickman combo, Dan Abnett, and most recently Pirateaba, Shirtaloon, JF Brink and Zogarth. It helped me in the past to escape from my depression and abusive stepfather with the constant bullying at school. Now, it helps relax me and learn how others write.

Then there is reading textbooks on mathematics and science; this stemmed from my skill and talent in these areas. If I had been better in the whole university thing, I would have become a physicist or a mathematician. Still, I have a few dozen books on these topics in my bookcases.

I do like other books, but these picks are my passion.

Review of He Who Fights with Monsters by Shirtaloon

I have been listening to many audiobooks during my time off from writing. I am reviewing a few of the ones I love. The first is by the author, Shirtaloon, and the book’s name is He Who Fights with Monsters. The series just published its tenth book, and I am currently listening/reading it.

This series started on the web series site Royal Road and is currently continuing on said site.

Like most of my reviews, I will avoid spoilers while giving you more of an emotional review over a technical one.

This series is a genre called litrpg, a literary role-playing game to get this out of the way. This is a literary genre combining the conventions of computer RPGs with science-fiction and fantasy novels.  

The main character is Jason Asano, a Japanese Australian transported into a world of magic and monsters. Now, if you are Australian, who will love Jason, as Shirtaloon capsulised the larrikin of Australia’s society. From sarcasm to his apparent disregard for social or political conventions, this is only a tiny part of his personality. I cannot tell you how many laugh-out-loud moments I had listening to this series. 

Now, MC is only complete with some fantastic supporting characters. These range from the first magic users he meets in the series, Gary, the jolly Lion-man, Rufus, the straight man, and Farrah, his female Gandalf. 

Then there is the world, and wow! How to create such a vibrant world is marvellous. The magic system is more akin to cultivation fantasy, as there are tiers in power than levels like other litrpgs. This makes reading more fluid than crunchy, like some heavy stat-based books.

From some other reviews I have read, it can be challenging for people to get into, but I promise you will love this series. 

Shirtaloon Website: https://hewhofightswithmonsters.com/
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WF8SB71
Royal Road: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/26294/he-who-fights-with-monsters
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Shirtaloon