Picture a Seattle-born storyteller who swapped circus dreams for epic fantasy worlds—meet Eric Ugland! This American author has carved a niche in the LitRPG and gameLit genres, crafting tales that blend humor, action, and heart. From chaotic adventures in The Good Guys to gritty quests in The Bad Guys, Ugland’s stories captivate readers with their immersive worlds and relatable heroes.
Ugland’s journey is as wild as his novels. After running away to join the circus, he found his true calling in writing, settling in Los Angeles to spin tales that resonate with fans of fantasy and gaming. His knack for blending supernatural elements with character-driven narratives has made him a standout in modern fantasy.
The Making of Eric Ugland
Born in Seattle, Eric Ugland’s early life was marked by a thirst for adventure. As a young dreamer, he left home to join the circus, chasing a life of spectacle. Reality soon called, leading him to Manhattan and later Los Angeles, where he embraced writing. His eclectic path—from circus runaway to novelist—infuses his work with a unique perspective, blending real-world grit with fantastical flair.
Ugland’s writing career kicked off in 2014 with The Mexico Affair, a thriller in his Hunter Smith Adventures series. But it was his dive into LitRPG with The Good Guys in 2018 that cemented his reputation. Inspired by video games and role-playing, Ugland found his groove, crafting stories that feel like playing an epic RPG.
Eric Ugland’s Unforgettable Stories
Ugland’s bibliography is a treasure trove for fantasy fans. His flagship series, The Good Guys, follows Montana Coggeshall, a rough-around-the-edges hero navigating the perilous world of Vuldranni. The first book, One More Last Time, sets the tone with its mix of humor, epic battles, and deep reflections on heroism. Readers love Montana’s growth from thug to duke, wrapped in Ugland’s witty prose.
Equally compelling is The Bad Guys, centered on Clyde Hatchett, a thief reborn in a game-like world. Books like Bad to the Throne showcase Ugland’s knack for blending palace intrigue with high-stakes action. His standalone novel The Grim Guys offers a lighter take, following frat brothers Greg and Julian as they stumble into a magical realm, proving Ugland’s versatility. Across his works, Ugland’s style shines: fast-paced, humorous, and rich with character development, often exploring themes of friendship and redemption.
Ugland’s Roseland series, set in Las Vegas and Portland, introduces Ginger Mitchell, an unlicensed PI tackling mysteries with snark and grit. This shift to urban fantasy highlights his range, weaving supernatural elements into grounded narratives. With 28 books across multiple series, Ugland’s prolific output keeps fans hooked.
Why Eric Ugland Matters
Eric Ugland has become a cornerstone of the LitRPG genre, bridging fantasy and gaming cultures. His ability to craft immersive worlds where readers feel like players has earned him a loyal following. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise his balance of humor and heart, with characters like Montana and Clyde resonating as flawed yet inspiring heroes. Ugland’s work also reflects broader trends in fantasy, where game mechanics enhance storytelling without overshadowing character arcs.
Beyond entertainment, Ugland’s stories explore universal themes—friendship, purpose, and second chances—making them relatable to diverse readers. His influence extends to aspiring authors, showing how a non-traditional path can lead to literary success. As LitRPG grows, Ugland remains a trailblazer, inviting readers to lose themselves in his worlds.
- Birthplace: Seattle, Washington
- Key Works: The Good Guys, The Bad Guys, Roseland, The Grim Guys
- Genres: LitRPG, GameLit, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
- First Book: The Mexico Affair (2014)
Ready for an adventure? Snag One More Last Time and dive into Eric Ugland’s thrilling LitRPG universe!