He who Fights With Monsters by Shirtaloon (Travis Deverell)

I love this series, I like the character. What I truly appreciate about this series and author though is the ability to write humorous scenes and deliver laugh out loud moments.

That's rare. Most books these days that even attempt humor will just through in a quip here, a joke (or meme reference) there, and very little original or 'natural'.

This author creates a real world, puts characters who feel real into it, and let's them interact and have fun - from natural conversations and making fun, to silly interactions, to moments that can mean a lot -- while still being a little ridiculous. It's a hard line to write well without going too far or just, failing to be funny - but this author really does it well. I admire that and may re-read these books (seriously) just to study that skill. Whether you care about the skill involved or not, it's enjoyable to go along for the ride and makes for a feel good book and once in a while, you just have to stop and grin so hard your cheeks hurt or actually laugh our loud. The characters aren't over the top (the main character likes to *act* over the top, but is decently grounded and explored enough that you do understand it's an act) and they get to have some very cool "moments of awesome" that usually really deliver. This series is fun just for that, but I can't stress enough, there's an original sense of humor here rather than just copy and pasting jokes or setting up slapstick, any book which is enjoyable and a good adventure I appreciate, but a book where I can just laugh at the fun? That's special. Especially these days.

There was one jarring moment in this book where the character -- established as new to the world and lost as his (early) defining traits begins to hit his stride and starts transitioning to being awesome / winning, it switches a little fast. That's it - my one complaint. Which is basically... I'd have liked more book there, half just because I've enjoyed the rest so much.

Some people have written that they dislike the politics... well first? I didn't think about politics while reading this book, I feel like that takes some effort to try to do. Like, you have to be looking to be offended a little bit to see a guy fighting monsters and traveling across a desert and think "God damn it, this reminds me of a certain political party" ... I honestly don't get that. The main character has opinions... yes. He's from a sheltered world and upbringing being dropped into an adventure world and having to face some difficult contrasts / choices. Sometimes he's wrong, sometimes he's right, sometimes he's learning... none of it struck me as political. He's outspoken (that's part of the character), but I don't feel like that's more than a way for him to face (or create his own) obstacles.

If you can't handle a character who has opinions or strong feelings without getting offended... well, it's probably good you're warned off, I guess? Personally I love military loving war books, peace loving adventure books, books that explore completely new ideas, books that take any idea to a new level... and any mix of any of that put together - that's half the point of books for me. I still don't think this should be a major concern for *this* book, but since the top review goes on and on about it... I'm putting it out there.

What does this book actually do?

Put's an interesting / smart protagonist in a new world, builds that world and it's magic in some detail and very interestingly, and sets up a series that keeps pushing the character to both deal with uncomfortable situations -- and gives a nice ride with thrills, some feels, and some laughs along the way.

I recommend it -- strongly -- it's really well done. I look forward to the next book in the series eagerly.