Where to Start with Dave Barrett
If you are new to Dave Barrett's work, the starting point is straightforward: you should begin with his debut novel, It's All Fun and Games. Barrett's bibliography is focused on a single, continuous young adult portal fantasy trilogy known as the Fun and Games series. Because the story follows a tight, linear narrative arc, reading the books out of order will spoil the major plot developments and character growth.
The series is highly recommended for fans of Dungeons & Dragons, LitRPG, World of Warcraft, and classic portal fantasies like The Chronicles of Narnia or the works of Lloyd Alexander. It masterfully bridges the gap between geek culture and traditional adventure fiction, making it an excellent match for gamers and casual readers alike.
The Fun and Games Trilogy in Reading Order
Since the publication order and chronological order for the series are identical, following the release dates is the best and only way to experience the story. Here is the recommended reading path:
- It's All Fun and Games (2016)
- More Fun and Games (2018)
- No More Games (2019)
Detailed Series Breakdown
1. It's All Fun and Games (2016)
The trilogy kicks off with the book that put Dave Barrett on the map. Protagonist Allison is a teenager who has always steered clear of the geekier hobbies of her peers. However, she is eventually convinced by her best friend, TJ, to join a weekend Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) event in the woods of Maine. What is supposed to be a fun, nerdy weekend of dressing up and rolling dice turns into a nightmare when the group crosses an invisible boundary.
Suddenly, their foam swords are steel, their spells are real, and their character stats determine their actual physical limits. Thrust into a genuine fantasy realm, the friends must adapt to their new personas, master their sudden abilities, and band together to fight off very real and very deadly threats like kobolds and brigands. It is a classic coming-of-age story wrapped in gaming tropes.
2. More Fun and Games (2018)
The second installment, which was self-published, continues immediately where the first book left off. Having survived their initial encounters in the fantasy world, Allison, TJ, and their companions must delve deeper into the lore of the realm. The stakes are raised as they realize that returning home isn't as simple as walking back across the border. They must forge alliances with native denizens of the world, navigate complex political structures, and face increasingly dangerous magic.
3. No More Games (2019)
The trilogy reaches its epic conclusion in the third book. In No More Games, the group of high schoolers is forced to march east to confront the ultimate threat of the realm: the evil wizard-king Magnus. With their skills fully leveled up and their bonds tested by betrayal and hardship, the friends must put everything on the line to defeat the wizard-king and secure their final passage back to their own world.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the books, it helps to understand the unique background and writing style of the author. Dave Barrett is a financial accounting instructor at the University of Maine who turned his passion for Dungeons & Dragons and fantasy literature into a writing career. He dedicated his debut novel to Gary Gygax (co-creator of D&D) and Lloyd Alexander (author of The Chronicles of Prydain), and their influences are clear throughout the series.
Barrett uses a writing style often referred to in the community as "pantsing" (writing by the seat of his pants without a rigid outline), which gives the narrative the spontaneous, unpredictable feel of a tabletop campaign run by a creative Dungeon Master. The tone is lighthearted, humorous, and fast-paced, though it doesn't shy away from real danger and emotional growth.
Spin-offs, Co-authored Works, and Adaptations
At this time, there are no spin-off novels, companion collections, or co-authored books set in the Fun and Games universe. The trilogy stands alone as a self-contained story. The first novel was originally published through the crowdfunding platform Inkshares after winning the inaugural Nerdist Collection Contest in 2016, which helped propel its initial popularity. Following the release of the first book, the series drew media attention and was optioned for a potential television adaptation, though no concrete production has materialized yet.