Step into the action-packed world of Monster Hunter Memoirs, where monsters lurk in the shadows and one ex-Marine is on a divine mission to take them down! This thrilling fantasy series, penned by John Ringo and set in Larry Correia’s Monster Hunter Universe, follows Oliver Chadwick Gardenier, a tough, witty, and slightly flawed hero who battles supernatural creatures with guns, grit, and a touch of humor. Blending high-octane action, horror, and a 1980s vibe, it’s a wild ride for fans of urban fantasy and monster-slaying adventures.
If you love stories where the stakes are high, the monsters are terrifying, and the heroes are larger-than-life, Monster Hunter Memoirs delivers a punch you won’t forget. Let’s dive into its origins, stories, and why it’s a must-read for fantasy fans!
How Monster Hunter Memoirs Began
Monster Hunter Memoirs is a spin-off from Larry Correia’s wildly popular Monster Hunter International series, which introduced a world where monsters are real and bounty-hunting teams take them out. Correia, a gun enthusiast and master of action-packed fantasy, teamed up with John Ringo, a military fiction veteran known for his gritty, immersive storytelling. Their collaboration birthed this prequel trilogy in 2016, set in the 1980s, focusing on Chadwick ‘Chad’ Gardenier. Ringo’s knack for flawed heroes and Correia’s monster-hunting framework created a series that feels both fresh and true to its roots.
The idea was to explore the early days of Monster Hunter International through Chad’s memoirs, offering fans a nostalgic trip with new characters and Ringo’s distinctive voice. The result? A series that’s like a love letter to action-horror fans, with a divine twist!
The Heart of Monster Hunter Memoirs
The series kicks off with Grunge (2016), where Chad, killed in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, meets a figure resembling Saint Peter. Given a choice—Heaven or a mission back on Earth—Chad picks the mission, guided by the cryptic sign ‘57.’ His journey leads him to Monster Hunter International, where he battles zombies, vampires, and more in a gritty 1980s Seattle. Sinners (2016) takes Chad to New Orleans, a monster hotspot teeming with werewolves, necromancers, and giant crocodiles. The trilogy wraps with Saints (2018), where Chad faces a larval Great One beneath New Orleans and makes a heroic sacrifice.
Themes of duty, faith, and redemption run deep, with Chad’s divine mission adding a spiritual layer to the gore and gunfire. The series’ 1980s setting, laced with retro references, grounds the fantastical horror in a vivid, nostalgic world. Ringo’s style leans into Chad’s bravado and flaws—his womanizing and arrogance make him divisive but compelling. Fans love the mix of tactical monster fights, dark humor, and a world where every myth is real.
While not as plot-driven as Correia’s main series, the memoir format feels like Chad recounting his wildest adventures over a beer. It’s less about one grand arc and more about episodic battles, making each book a thrilling, self-contained ride.
Why Monster Hunter Memoirs Resonates
Monster Hunter Memoirs stands out for its unapologetic embrace of action-horror and its bold, flawed protagonist. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its adrenaline-fueled battles and Ringo’s knack for making monsters terrifying yet fun to fight. The series has carved a niche among urban fantasy readers who crave gritty, testosterone-fueled stories with a side of humor. Its exploration of faith and duty, paired with a distrust of bureaucracy, resonates with readers who enjoy layered heroes.
Though less mainstream than Correia’s main series, the trilogy’s cult following and critical nods, like a 2017 Dragon Award nomination for Grunge, highlight its impact. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of monster-hunting tales and the power of collaboration between two genre titans.
- Publication Years: 2016–2018
- Number of Books: 3 (Grunge, Sinners, Saints)
- Notable Recognition: Grunge was a finalist for the 2017 Dragon Award.
Ready to hunt some monsters? Grab Grunge and dive into the wild, action-packed world of Monster Hunter Memoirs today!