Picture an American storyteller who spun a fantasy world where a sarcastic hero named Jim battles goblins and bureaucracy alike—meet Ryan Rimmel! As the mastermind behind the Noobtown series, Rimmel crafts laugh-out-loud LitRPG adventures that blend video game mechanics, sharp humor, and heartfelt character growth, captivating readers with every page.
Known for his unique take on the isekai and LitRPG genres, Rimmel’s stories transport readers to Ordinal, a game-like realm where noobs become legends. With a knack for witty dialogue and immersive world-building, he’s carved a niche among fans of fantasy and gaming culture. Ready to explore the quirky brilliance of this Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Ryan Rimmel
Ryan Rimmel’s journey to authorship is as eclectic as his stories. While little is known about his early life, his passion for storytelling likely took root through his lifelong love of reading and gaming. An avid Dungeons and Dragons player, Rimmel honed his narrative skills at the tabletop, weaving tales of adventure and mischief. By day, he works as a Product Specialist for a telehealth company, maintaining a fleet of medical robots—a job that sounds straight out of sci-fi! This blend of technical expertise and creative flair set the stage for his leap into writing, culminating in his debut novel, The Mayor of Noobtown, in 2019.
Ryan Rimmel’s Unforgettable Stories
Rimmel’s Noobtown series is the heart of his literary legacy, an eight-book saga (and counting!) that follows Jim, a modern-day man reborn in the RPG-inspired world of Ordinal. In The Mayor of Noobtown (2019), Jim inherits a ramshackle village and a snarky shoulder demon named Shart, kicking off a hilarious journey of town-building and monster-slaying. Readers love the book’s fast-paced action and crude humor, with Goodreads reviews praising its 4.11 rating for blending stat-crunching with emotional depth.
The series continues with gems like Village of Noobtown (2019), where Jim grapples with goblin threats and economic woes, and The War of the Noobs (2024), which sees him facing the Dark Overlord in an epic clash. Rimmel’s style shines through his clever pop culture references and game mechanics, making each book a love letter to RPG fans. Beyond Noobtown, he’s ventured into side projects like Jim the Curious Puppy (2022), a kid-friendly spin-off, and Fifth Era Apocalypse, a tabletop-inspired LitRPG series. His collaboration with Boe Hagen on the Chronicles of Sir Crabby adds a quirky underwater adventure to his repertoire.
What sets Rimmel apart is his ability to balance humor with heart. His characters grow through teamwork and perseverance, reflecting themes of personal growth and community. The audiobook versions, narrated by Johnathan McClain, elevate the experience, with McClain’s vibrant performance earning rave reviews for bringing Jim’s snark to life.
Why Ryan Rimmel Matters
Ryan Rimmel has become a rising star in the LitRPG genre, offering a fresh take on fantasy that resonates with gamers and readers alike. His Noobtown series has built a dedicated fanbase, with thousands of Goodreads ratings and a vibrant Facebook community at Noobtown - Books. By blending gaming culture with relatable characters, Rimmel taps into the zeitgeist of virtual worlds, exploring how they shape identity and relationships. His work inspires fans to embrace their inner noob, finding humor and strength in life’s challenges.
As he continues to expand the Noobtown universe—with a ninth book slated for 2025—Rimmel’s influence grows. His stories remind us that even in a world of stats and skills, it’s the human (or noob) spirit that truly shines. For fantasy fans, he’s a must-read voice in a genre that’s only getting bigger.
- Key Works: Noobtown series, Chronicles of Sir Crabby, Fifth Era Apocalypse
- First Book: The Mayor of Noobtown (2019)
- Hobbies: Dungeons and Dragons, computer upgrades, medical robot maintenance
Snag The Mayor of Noobtown and dive into Ryan Rimmel’s hilarious LitRPG world! Whether you’re a gamer or just love a good laugh, Jim’s adventures in Ordinal will keep you hooked.