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The Good Guys #14
Of Slicing Men
So, remember that whole ‘send Montana to the capital � he’s ready for prime time� plan?
Yeah. That might’ve been a little bit hasty.
Our hirsute hero really stepped in it. Like, is on the verge of losing his dukedom and everything he’s worked for stepped in it.
The only way out? A little-known technicality that stops Senate proceedings and sends Montana off on what’s most likely an insurmountable quest. One where odds are good that he’ll either die without a respawn or accidentally commit treason against the Empire.
Neat.
Can Montana stop the Dark Queen’s army on his own and hold the line for Glaton? Will he do enough to save Coggeshall from the aristocratic vultures circling? And will he finally find the sword of the gods he lost on his very first day in Vuldranni?
Of Slicing Men is The Good Guys at its finest: gory battles, surprise tactics, and unexpected heroes. Come for the long-term campaign play and rich character progression. Stay for the stupid banter and crazed, demonic inch worms.
Yeah. That might’ve been a little bit hasty.
Our hirsute hero really stepped in it. Like, is on the verge of losing his dukedom and everything he’s worked for stepped in it.
The only way out? A little-known technicality that stops Senate proceedings and sends Montana off on what’s most likely an insurmountable quest. One where odds are good that he’ll either die without a respawn or accidentally commit treason against the Empire.
Neat.
Can Montana stop the Dark Queen’s army on his own and hold the line for Glaton? Will he do enough to save Coggeshall from the aristocratic vultures circling? And will he finally find the sword of the gods he lost on his very first day in Vuldranni?
Of Slicing Men is The Good Guys at its finest: gory battles, surprise tactics, and unexpected heroes. Come for the long-term campaign play and rich character progression. Stay for the stupid banter and crazed, demonic inch worms.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2023
379 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 5, 2023
The author needs to wrap up the series
It's clear the author has run out of ideas. The book immediately starts with a contrived reason to cut out all of the RPG mechanics from the whole book. It had been clear for a while that the author had been phoning in the rpg mechanics by basically ignoring the class evolutions, but now he went several step further and just made up a reason to not have to deal with it at all.
Plot wise, this offered nothing new. Any new characters were basically just a name. The plot was a bog standard "Point MC at bad guys so he can smash them up." The jokes were cringey.
Author needs to figure out the end of the story instead of prolonging it with this filler and move on to something new.
It's clear the author has run out of ideas. The book immediately starts with a contrived reason to cut out all of the RPG mechanics from the whole book. It had been clear for a while that the author had been phoning in the rpg mechanics by basically ignoring the class evolutions, but now he went several step further and just made up a reason to not have to deal with it at all.
Plot wise, this offered nothing new. Any new characters were basically just a name. The plot was a bog standard "Point MC at bad guys so he can smash them up." The jokes were cringey.
Author needs to figure out the end of the story instead of prolonging it with this filler and move on to something new.
July 13, 2023
На 14-тата книга, поредицата най-после стана прекалено тъпа, за да продължавам да я следвам. На този етап авторът се опитва да си изсмуква идеи изпод ноктите, но от много предишно смукане там не е останало нищо. Така че тази книга включва най-вече безкрайни опити за "остроумни" диалози между героите, които са толкова криндж, че ми иде да си купя билет до Америка, само за да мога да намеря Ерик Угланд и да го джасна с лопата.
May 6, 2023
He's gonna make so much money off us idiots
I blew through this so fast, I'm starting to categorize them as light novels. And with the current wait times between books, very evil light novels.
Also has Eric taken up the Aleron Kong school of quest management? I thought for sure we'd get some things finished off... Should've known better, yet more quests. I hate you, now hurry up and release my pre-order early.
I blew through this so fast, I'm starting to categorize them as light novels. And with the current wait times between books, very evil light novels.
Also has Eric taken up the Aleron Kong school of quest management? I thought for sure we'd get some things finished off... Should've known better, yet more quests. I hate you, now hurry up and release my pre-order early.
May 4, 2023
I was sure I was done with this series, hell, with both Vuldranni series, but it'd been a while, and I decided to give this a chance.
Not a wasted chance as it turns out, as Montana has moved to this strengths, killing things in large numbers. There is still some over-done snarky dialogue, but nowhere near as much as later volumes of both of these series were overrun with. Montana's inability to have a serious conversation is mitigated, and he seems to be smart enough to do what he needs to do here.
Looks like the next one might take a year to come out, but that's preferable to the awful shit the author was pumping out for a while. Take the time to write good books and I will read them.
Not a wasted chance as it turns out, as Montana has moved to this strengths, killing things in large numbers. There is still some over-done snarky dialogue, but nowhere near as much as later volumes of both of these series were overrun with. Montana's inability to have a serious conversation is mitigated, and he seems to be smart enough to do what he needs to do here.
Looks like the next one might take a year to come out, but that's preferable to the awful shit the author was pumping out for a while. Take the time to write good books and I will read them.
May 9, 2023
2.5 stars. This series has been getting less entertaining. The progression feels stalled and the characters don’t seem to like each other. Everyone just seems tired of Montana. Also, the humor falls pretty flat. Three guys puking on each other in a carriage� ha? I’m tired of reading about how gross Montana’s life experience is. I get it, he is always covered in gross things. Let’s introduce some crystal wash or a magic shirt or whatever so we can stop beating that theme to death.
February 14, 2025
I am happy with the MC befriending all creatures, but the earworm is a little bit over the top for me. Overall, I did enjoy this book as the MC did accomplish his quest with only smaller side trips along the way.
January 28, 2024
The best yet!
I'm an avid reader of this series and it just keeps getting better! I pre-ordered my copy of book 15 as soon as I finished this one!
I'm an avid reader of this series and it just keeps getting better! I pre-ordered my copy of book 15 as soon as I finished this one!
May 1, 2023
Book fourteen
Well shoot! I read this in one sitting and now I have to find something new.
I love Eric Ugland stories. Editing isn't the best, but he writes for himself and we are just lucky enough to get to enjoy his efforts.
I'm going to be patient and wait for the next book. I do wish I could read it as he writes it, but for an author he runs really fast and I have yet to catch him and lock him in my basement.
Till next time!
8/10
Well shoot! I read this in one sitting and now I have to find something new.
I love Eric Ugland stories. Editing isn't the best, but he writes for himself and we are just lucky enough to get to enjoy his efforts.
I'm going to be patient and wait for the next book. I do wish I could read it as he writes it, but for an author he runs really fast and I have yet to catch him and lock him in my basement.
Till next time!
8/10
May 14, 2023
Some redeeming qualities
This book is better than the previous, but far from perfect. There's been enough progress that I'm willing to give the series one last shot. If the next book doesn't either come significantly sooner or have a significantly longer and more complete story I'll be done with the series. I'm growing very tired of the episodic story telling where nothing happens and Montana doesn't change in any way.
This book is better than the previous, but far from perfect. There's been enough progress that I'm willing to give the series one last shot. If the next book doesn't either come significantly sooner or have a significantly longer and more complete story I'll be done with the series. I'm growing very tired of the episodic story telling where nothing happens and Montana doesn't change in any way.
May 4, 2023
great action
Lovely action packed and as fun as the rest of the books! I had lots of actual times when i laughed out loud
There were minor grammar errors that didn't take away from the story at all, but it was noticeable, as the authors other books have all been essentially error free.
Lovely action packed and as fun as the rest of the books! I had lots of actual times when i laughed out loud
There were minor grammar errors that didn't take away from the story at all, but it was noticeable, as the authors other books have all been essentially error free.
May 7, 2023
Brilliant as always!
What can I say that needs saying at this point? Either you’ll love this story and be following it as happily as I am, or you’ve not yet experienced the joy, but you’ll start soon I hope! Genuinely one of my favourite series, can’t wait for the next one!
What can I say that needs saying at this point? Either you’ll love this story and be following it as happily as I am, or you’ve not yet experienced the joy, but you’ll start soon I hope! Genuinely one of my favourite series, can’t wait for the next one!
August 5, 2024
Of Slicing Men is about 3.4 stars rounded down. A bit of an abrupt ending and I found aspects not well explained. It felt rushed, like trying to make a publication deadline.. Montana continues his quest and his efforts to fight against evil. Overall these books are quick light reads. I wish they were a bit longer with more substance but they are enjoyable.
About the Series:
For the last few weeks, I have been binge-reading Eric Ugland's works on the world of Vuldranni. I did not know at the start, but I started out of order, as I started with the Bad Guys series and then picked up the Good Guys series. The Good Guys series was where the author started building this world and I guess if you are new, you should begin with One More Last Time.
These books are fun, light and easy to read. I believe the author provides a good blend of LITRPG gaming and story. The writing is decent, the characters are interesting and likable and there is a lot of fun action. I believe the writing has improved as the author has progressed through the series.
I like the characters in the Bad Guys series a bit more but this series is also good. I believe all the books in both the Good Guys series and the Bad Guys series are between 3 and 4 stars with the writing improving as the series has progressed. I listened to the audio version of all these books and the narration by Neil Hellegers was very good. In the end, many hours of light entertainment and I look forward to reading more.
About the Series:
For the last few weeks, I have been binge-reading Eric Ugland's works on the world of Vuldranni. I did not know at the start, but I started out of order, as I started with the Bad Guys series and then picked up the Good Guys series. The Good Guys series was where the author started building this world and I guess if you are new, you should begin with One More Last Time.
These books are fun, light and easy to read. I believe the author provides a good blend of LITRPG gaming and story. The writing is decent, the characters are interesting and likable and there is a lot of fun action. I believe the writing has improved as the author has progressed through the series.
I like the characters in the Bad Guys series a bit more but this series is also good. I believe all the books in both the Good Guys series and the Bad Guys series are between 3 and 4 stars with the writing improving as the series has progressed. I listened to the audio version of all these books and the narration by Neil Hellegers was very good. In the end, many hours of light entertainment and I look forward to reading more.
April 1, 2025
Because an important lord in the empire’s feelings were hurt by Montana not groveling before him, Montana is in danger of losing his duchy and having it wiped out. But, the brother of the dead emperor has figured out an escape clause for him. He and the senate charged Montana with stopping an invasion (that we have been worrying about since book 1) without anything like an army to support him. But, if he succeeds, the plot against him will be foiled. So, Montana agrees.
I have to admit that I never had even the slightest doubt that Montana would accomplish this feat. He has pretty much single-handedly destroyed armies before (such as the goblins), but in addition to great fights a plethora of important and interesting things happen in this book. In no particular order—Montana accidentally sets himself onto the path of becoming a god, he gets a lot of cool intelligent horses, one of his great enemies begins to worship him (see the “god� issue), he gets challenged to raise his constitution to 100 (which I am very curious to see the impact of when he finally gets there), and he learns that sometimes being a good guy helps him rather than simply gets him into more messes.
This was a really good adventure.
I have to admit that I never had even the slightest doubt that Montana would accomplish this feat. He has pretty much single-handedly destroyed armies before (such as the goblins), but in addition to great fights a plethora of important and interesting things happen in this book. In no particular order—Montana accidentally sets himself onto the path of becoming a god, he gets a lot of cool intelligent horses, one of his great enemies begins to worship him (see the “god� issue), he gets challenged to raise his constitution to 100 (which I am very curious to see the impact of when he finally gets there), and he learns that sometimes being a good guy helps him rather than simply gets him into more messes.
This was a really good adventure.
June 28, 2023
Maybe it's because nearly a year has passed since I read the last book in this series but it hit me harder than the others. I didn't want to stop reading, devouring it in one day. I actually thought it was shorter than the rest but when I checked, the page count was actually higher than the average for the series. Time flies when you're reading fun.
The main premise was not atypical for Montana, who once again had to face off against a horde of enemies, almost alone. In this case, the "almost" was what made the difference. I simply loved his new diminutive recruits. The scene where a two-foot-tall hero was standing his ground between an army and Montana was heartwarming, but the conclusion of that character's arc made my heart swell to bursting. I truly hope there is a Cogshalla, at least for that little guy.
I can't wait for more.
The main premise was not atypical for Montana, who once again had to face off against a horde of enemies, almost alone. In this case, the "almost" was what made the difference. I simply loved his new diminutive recruits. The scene where a two-foot-tall hero was standing his ground between an army and Montana was heartwarming, but the conclusion of that character's arc made my heart swell to bursting. I truly hope there is a Cogshalla, at least for that little guy.
I can't wait for more.
July 5, 2023
Montana feels... wiser. Not smarter, just wiser. Maybe a little more self aware. Montana's idiocy has long been a problem for fans of the series. Understandable, the man has the capacity for thought and just... refuses to use it. And that's been frustrating. It balanced itself out with the absurd carnage the man could dish. For me,at least.
Of Slicing Men, hasn't made all that many character changes since the last installment. He's still a dumdum. He still gets caught up in the minutia of the unimportant(more of an Ugland writing thing). He still doesn't pick up on the unsaid.
But he's a bit better, I think. He talks, where in the past he would punch. He introspects where previously, he'd just storm forward. Not much.
But enough to make one hope.
tldr; good book, good fights, Montana's finally developing?
Of Slicing Men, hasn't made all that many character changes since the last installment. He's still a dumdum. He still gets caught up in the minutia of the unimportant(more of an Ugland writing thing). He still doesn't pick up on the unsaid.
But he's a bit better, I think. He talks, where in the past he would punch. He introspects where previously, he'd just storm forward. Not much.
But enough to make one hope.
tldr; good book, good fights, Montana's finally developing?
May 1, 2023
First of all, I absolutely enjoyed the book from cover to cover all in one day. Montana is on more whacky adventures with plenty of humor and puns.
The editing missed some things.
I do want to complain that Prinkies didn't make an appearance. Also there were a couple of key battle situations that Stand Tall really could have been used and wasn't. There were a couple of places Make an Entrance should've triggered also.
Overall another excellent addition to the series and I hope the next one is sooner than a year.
The editing missed some things.
I do want to complain that Prinkies didn't make an appearance. Also there were a couple of key battle situations that Stand Tall really could have been used and wasn't. There were a couple of places Make an Entrance should've triggered also.
Overall another excellent addition to the series and I hope the next one is sooner than a year.
May 7, 2023
super stoked, but bad editing peed on the fire
Great story, love this author and the work he does.
I started out and it was awesomesauce, but then there was bad editing and random words that weren’t supposed to be there or it sounded like you were going text to speech, and the software misheard you. So that was less awesomesauce. More of an awesomeglace- not the punch of flavor you were expecting when you were expecting sauce.
Anyways, good story and can’t wait for the next.
Great story, love this author and the work he does.
I started out and it was awesomesauce, but then there was bad editing and random words that weren’t supposed to be there or it sounded like you were going text to speech, and the software misheard you. So that was less awesomesauce. More of an awesomeglace- not the punch of flavor you were expecting when you were expecting sauce.
Anyways, good story and can’t wait for the next.
July 28, 2023
Excellent entry for me in the Good Guys series. I feel like the series has largely returned to what drew me to it initially. Once again, 10 stars for Neil Hellegars on Audible. Thank you Eric Ugland for featuring Ragnar here. His character has been lost in the weeds, which is inevitable in a now 14 book series with an ever-expanding cast. Ragnar is the heart of the hearth, so he needs to be there whenever possible. Not much more to say except Mr Paul owes Montana of Coghalla bigtime for this one. Highly enjoyable experience.
August 5, 2023
back to Montana’s side quests
While frustrated that Montana never seems to get ahead, and is always struggling to find purchase in his new world, the author’s style of writing is what draws me into this series. Very relatable instances of awkwardness and brilliant dialog hold my attention.
I’m still convinced that the story is diverging from its RPG background, but I’m hopeful as I read each release that we see more levels and skills. This book hit some of those aspects, more so than the recent releases, so that makes my smile a little bigger.
While frustrated that Montana never seems to get ahead, and is always struggling to find purchase in his new world, the author’s style of writing is what draws me into this series. Very relatable instances of awkwardness and brilliant dialog hold my attention.
I’m still convinced that the story is diverging from its RPG background, but I’m hopeful as I read each release that we see more levels and skills. This book hit some of those aspects, more so than the recent releases, so that makes my smile a little bigger.
April 30, 2023
proof reading
I enjoyed the book. More ridiculousness, with extra helpings of ludicrousness on top.
But the copy-editing is so bad. Obvious mistakes. If someone was paid to proofread this, they owe money to everyone who reads it.
‘A chord� not “Accord�. ‘Hang�, not “Hand�. And so on.
I will pre order the next book. I guess maybe people should wait until this book has been updated, if they want a cleaner read.
I enjoyed the book. More ridiculousness, with extra helpings of ludicrousness on top.
But the copy-editing is so bad. Obvious mistakes. If someone was paid to proofread this, they owe money to everyone who reads it.
‘A chord� not “Accord�. ‘Hang�, not “Hand�. And so on.
I will pre order the next book. I guess maybe people should wait until this book has been updated, if they want a cleaner read.
May 1, 2023
Another great Montana adventure
It was a long wait, but worth it. Another fun and entertaining Montana adventure with visits from Mr Paul and some new friends. I enjoyed the book and finished it quickly, staying up way too late. Thank you for another great story.
My only comment is the editing needs work. Eric, whoever does your final editing needs to actually read the book, not just hit spell check.
It was a long wait, but worth it. Another fun and entertaining Montana adventure with visits from Mr Paul and some new friends. I enjoyed the book and finished it quickly, staying up way too late. Thank you for another great story.
My only comment is the editing needs work. Eric, whoever does your final editing needs to actually read the book, not just hit spell check.
July 12, 2023
great half of a book
I love Eric’s work and while overall in principle I enjoyed this book. The who time reading it all I could focus on on was how short I knew it was, 6-9 hrs reading time is not a full book, that’s not even a full season of a tv show. While I will keep reading both of the series and have no trouble waiting a year between books I would appreciate it being a full book and not just a side mission.
I love Eric’s work and while overall in principle I enjoyed this book. The who time reading it all I could focus on on was how short I knew it was, 6-9 hrs reading time is not a full book, that’s not even a full season of a tv show. While I will keep reading both of the series and have no trouble waiting a year between books I would appreciate it being a full book and not just a side mission.
May 17, 2023
good, where’s the editor?
So it was a good story and entertaining but OMG what is with the grammar errors?!? I would accept such poor quality from the first in a series or a brand new author, but this is book 14! Unacceptable! Hence why it’s 3 stars and not 4. Honestly it should be more like 2.5 but I did enjoy the story so I rounded up. Do better!
So it was a good story and entertaining but OMG what is with the grammar errors?!? I would accept such poor quality from the first in a series or a brand new author, but this is book 14! Unacceptable! Hence why it’s 3 stars and not 4. Honestly it should be more like 2.5 but I did enjoy the story so I rounded up. Do better!
May 25, 2023
I said after the last one that I’d give this series one more book. But like many other authors mr. Ugland seems to have dragged the story out so long it’s lost it’s flare. What was once fun and light hearted has now become a slog to get through. No growth. Side tracks like you wouldn’t believe. The character interactions are all the same regardless of the people. And now we have politics.
June 6, 2023
congratulations on your new daughter!
Seriously, these books are amazing on a level hard to describe. But your daughter is more important and precious. Raise her well and give her all the love from us and write when you can. No one will fault you. Hopefully you get a rhythm going soon. Cant wait for book 15. This one was fun.
Seriously, these books are amazing on a level hard to describe. But your daughter is more important and precious. Raise her well and give her all the love from us and write when you can. No one will fault you. Hopefully you get a rhythm going soon. Cant wait for book 15. This one was fun.
April 30, 2023
always great but...
Feels like a rough draft with all the typos an such and there are alot... but still always great story and im sad to see that ill have to wait a year for the next one
Feels like a rough draft with all the typos an such and there are alot... but still always great story and im sad to see that ill have to wait a year for the next one
April 30, 2023
more of the same (which is a good thing)
Enjoyably longer then usual at 400+ pages, this book gave what it promised which is witty banter and people getting torn in half. What’s not to love?
Enjoyably longer then usual at 400+ pages, this book gave what it promised which is witty banter and people getting torn in half. What’s not to love?
May 1, 2023
Montana makes some friends...
This book is great, I love the series, and thus book doesn't disappoint. Montana gets thrown in the deep end again, but he makes some friends so it's worth it 😀
This book is great, I love the series, and thus book doesn't disappoint. Montana gets thrown in the deep end again, but he makes some friends so it's worth it 😀
May 1, 2023
Wild Ride
Phenomenal book for the series. A lot happened and we really got to see the MC show everyone what he’s made of. Great set up for the next book.
Waiting so long for another is going to be agonizing.
Phenomenal book for the series. A lot happened and we really got to see the MC show everyone what he’s made of. Great set up for the next book.
Waiting so long for another is going to be agonizing.
May 2, 2023
love this series!
Another great Story but we’ve got to get a hold of Eric to allow for some beta readers to proof the miss spellings and such! Maybe it’s an Amazon data transfer issue?!? No clue but Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
Another great Story but we’ve got to get a hold of Eric to allow for some beta readers to proof the miss spellings and such! Maybe it’s an Amazon data transfer issue?!? No clue but Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
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