Step into the rollicking world of The Good Guys, where an ex-thug turned tank warrior battles monsters, builds a dukedom, and tries to be a hero in a game-like fantasy realm! Eric Ugland’s LitRPG series blends fast-paced adventure, snarky humor, and RPG mechanics, following Montana Coggeshall’s quest to redeem his past in the vivid world of Vuldranni. Perfect for fans of Dungeons & Dragons and immersive GameLit, this saga hooks you with its lovable, flawed hero and relentless action.
From dungeon crawls to epic sieges, The Good Guys offers a fresh spin on the isekai trope, transporting readers to iNcarn8, a game world that feels all too real. Montana’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about slaying corrupted beasts, making this series a standout in the LitRPG genre.
How The Good Guys Began
Eric Ugland, a former circus runaway turned Los Angeles novelist, launched The Good Guys in 2018 with One More Last Time. Inspired by classic RPGs and the burgeoning LitRPG scene, Ugland crafted a story that merges the mechanics of games like World of Warcraft with the stakes of a real-world adventure. Montana, a biker with a troubled past, was born from Ugland’s desire to explore redemption through a larger-than-life hero who’s more heart than brains, tossed into a world where every choice matters.
The series’ inception tapped into the growing popularity of LitRPG, where game mechanics like leveling and quests drive the narrative. Ugland’s knack for humor and his commitment to a breakneck publishing schedule—releasing multiple books a year—helped The Good Guys gain traction among fans craving action-packed escapism.
The Heart of The Good Guys
The series kicks off with One More Last Time (2018), where Montana, facing a dead-end life, gets whisked into iNcarn8 as a hulking warrior and heir to a dukedom. His goal? Be a good guy for once. In Heir Today, Pawn Tomorrow (2018), he grapples with leadership and betrayal while fortifying his holding. Dungeon Mauling (2019) sees Montana tackling a deadly prison dungeon to rescue a friend, showcasing his impulsive bravery. The Bare Hunt (2019) takes him on a quest to slay corrupted ursus, testing his resolve against overwhelming odds.
Themes of redemption, loyalty, and the struggle to do right in a chaotic world anchor the series. Montana’s bumbling yet earnest nature, paired with Vuldranni’s rich medieval setting—think sprawling forests, cursed ruins, and Wild West-style towns—creates a dynamic backdrop. The LitRPG elements, like stat progression and skill choices, add crunch for gamers, but Ugland’s dry humor and Montana’s questionable decisions (like fighting bears with minimal prep) keep the tone light and addictive.
The series’ style leans on fast-paced combat, witty banter, and a sprawling cast, from Montana’s loyal hirð to quirky NPCs. While some critique inconsistencies in RPG mechanics, the character-driven narrative and relentless plot twists make each book a page-turner.
Why The Good Guys Resonates
The Good Guys has carved a niche in LitRPG for its blend of heart and hilarity, appealing to readers who love flawed heroes and immersive world-building. Montana’s journey from thug to duke mirrors the genre’s core appeal: the chance to reinvent oneself in a new world. Fan discussions on platforms like Reddit praise its comedic take on LitRPG tropes, with audiobook narrator Sean Runnette earning kudos for bringing Montana’s antics to life.
Despite occasional criticism for rushed plotting or stat errors, the series’ staying power lies in its ability to balance epic stakes with laugh-out-loud moments. With 15 books and counting, The Good Guys continues to draw readers into Vuldranni’s wild adventures, proving that even a “lovable idiot” can leave a lasting mark.
- Publication Years: 2018–present
- Number of Books: 15 (as of 2025)
- Genre: LitRPG/GameLit
- Setting: Vuldranni, a medieval fantasy game world
Grab One More Last Time and dive into The Good Guys’ wild, witty world of monsters, loot, and second chances!