the rest of the Bad Guy series. I was able to listen on Libby for free. I listened during work, as well as during video games since I really wanted to catch up after finishing the Good Guy series.
book 9: 3/5 - Clyde goes to the city of darkness, which has taken 2 or 3 books to get there. then he finally treads back to Glatton, where I'm interested in.
book 10: 4/5 - I wondered how scenes from The Good Guys would overlap, and I like that. I would like the overlapped povs better if I hadn't binged the Good Guys the week before.
book 11: 4/5 - interesting problem and solutions during the main quest for the story. I liked it, but I was upset that this wasn't concurrent with Good Guys book 15. oh well, maybe the next one.
... Read moreIf you're anything like me, you've probably been looking for your next fantasy fix, and let me tell you, Eric Ugland's 'The Bad Guys' series is an absolute gem. I recently binged books 9, 10, and 11, diving deep into Clyde's world, and I just had to share my thoughts, especially for those considering jumping in or catching up.
One of the biggest draws for me was the audiobook format, which I snagged for free on Libby – a total lifesaver! Being able to listen while I'm doing chores, working, or even gaming makes it so much easier to get through these epic stories. A huge shoutout has to go to Neil Hellegers, the narrator, whose performance really brings the characters and the world to life. His voice acting truly elevates the experience, making long listening sessions incredibly engaging. For example, 'Darktown Funk,' book 9, clocks in at over 9 hours, and Hellegers makes every minute count.
Book 9, 'Darktown Funk,' picked up with Clyde finally making it to the enigmatic City of Darkness. It felt like such a long build-up to get there, but the payoff was worth it. I was particularly thrilled when the story started heading back towards Glatton, a place I've grown quite fond of in this series. Without giving too much away, this book felt like a crucial stepping stone in Clyde's overarching journey, setting up some serious stakes for what's to come.
Then came 'On a Throne of Lies,' book 10. This one really played with the narrative structure, offering overlapping perspectives with 'The Good Guys' series. As someone who had just finished binging 'The Good Guys' the week before, I found these overlaps fascinating. It's so cool to see how events unfold from different character viewpoints across both series. However, I can definitely see how it might be a bit confusing if you haven't read 'The Good Guys' recently or at all. It's a testament to Ugland's world-building that he can weave these narratives together so seamlessly.
'2 Lies, 2 Thrones,' book 11, really delivered on the 'main quest' front. I loved how the characters faced intricate problems and came up with clever, sometimes unexpected, solutions. There were moments that had me completely engrossed, trying to figure out how they'd get out of certain predicaments. My only minor gripe, which I know many fans share, is the desire for these books to run concurrently with 'The Good Guys' book 15. It just leaves you wanting more and wondering what's happening simultaneously in that other corner of the world!
Overall, if you're a fan of progression fantasy, unique world-building, and a protagonist who's definitely not your typical hero, 'The Bad Guys' series by Eric Ugland is a must-read (or listen!). The audiobooks are fantastic, and while the pacing can sometimes feel like a slow burn as Clyde navigates his chaotic world, the journey is incredibly rewarding. Whether you're new to the series or just catching up like I was, getting lost in these books is a fantastic way to spend your time.