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The Bad Guys #11
2 Lies, 2 Thrones
Turns out jail really puts a damper on your plans.
Clyde Hatchett's latest adventure finds him wrongfully imprisoned, accused of striking the princess herself. With a death sentence hanging over him and time running out, Clyde's only hope lies in completing a series of impossible quests.
Because in Glaton, being innocent isn't enough to save your neck — especially when you owe people favors.
Clyde’s retrieve crucial documents to prove an ally's nobility, sabotage a wedding to gain favor with a powerful truth-sayer, and dismantle a dangerous cult with dark ambitions for the Empire. All while at least appearing to be the model prisoner.
As the election for Emperor draws near, Clyde discovers that the line between friend and foe is as thin as the blanket on his prison bed. Can he pull off a daring plan to expose the princess's true nature and save the Empire from ruin?
2 Lies, 2 Thrones is an epic tale of intrigue, betrayal, and a fight for justice, perfect for fans of high-stakes fantasy adventures.
Clyde Hatchett's latest adventure finds him wrongfully imprisoned, accused of striking the princess herself. With a death sentence hanging over him and time running out, Clyde's only hope lies in completing a series of impossible quests.
Because in Glaton, being innocent isn't enough to save your neck — especially when you owe people favors.
Clyde’s retrieve crucial documents to prove an ally's nobility, sabotage a wedding to gain favor with a powerful truth-sayer, and dismantle a dangerous cult with dark ambitions for the Empire. All while at least appearing to be the model prisoner.
As the election for Emperor draws near, Clyde discovers that the line between friend and foe is as thin as the blanket on his prison bed. Can he pull off a daring plan to expose the princess's true nature and save the Empire from ruin?
2 Lies, 2 Thrones is an epic tale of intrigue, betrayal, and a fight for justice, perfect for fans of high-stakes fantasy adventures.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 9, 2024
Goddamn it Eric!
I literally read this book in a day. That’s how good it is, and the entire series. I NEED MORE! If you’re at all on the fence about reading anything this mad-man writes then you need more therapy than I can help with. Read the books now, before you waste another second of your life!
I literally read this book in a day. That’s how good it is, and the entire series. I NEED MORE! If you’re at all on the fence about reading anything this mad-man writes then you need more therapy than I can help with. Read the books now, before you waste another second of your life!
September 14, 2024
Every bad thing that happens is the main character’s own fault. Creating villains that the main characters refuse to vanquish at every opportunity is a weird plot mechanic. Here's a sampler of the last few books:
1. Montana survives in the slave arena after being kidnapped. He uncovers a massive organization of slavers and human traffickers. He chooses not to kill the slavers for some reason, presumably so they can keep enslaving, idk (??).
2. The slave leader continues enslaving and killing women and children, obviously. Clyde, the other main character also discovers and ALSO chooses not to kill this same slaver (lol? Wat?).
3. Slaver threatens Montana AGAIN, tries to kill him. Montana AGAIN chooses to let him live for some reason while making empty threats, same as their last interaction.
4. Clyde, who has seen the slaver do sex slavery and torture, ALSO CHOOSES NOT TO KILL HIM YET AGAIN at multiple opportunities.
5. Slaver eventually kills lots of innocent people.
I don’t… I mean, these characters are so pusillanimous, their psychology is simply unbelievable — we're talking inhuman levels of density. The MC’s kill countless opponents throughout the story, right up until they encounter a villain, at which point they demur, as if killing slavers is some sort of moral gray area.
1. Montana survives in the slave arena after being kidnapped. He uncovers a massive organization of slavers and human traffickers. He chooses not to kill the slavers for some reason, presumably so they can keep enslaving, idk (??).
2. The slave leader continues enslaving and killing women and children, obviously. Clyde, the other main character also discovers and ALSO chooses not to kill this same slaver (lol? Wat?).
3. Slaver threatens Montana AGAIN, tries to kill him. Montana AGAIN chooses to let him live for some reason while making empty threats, same as their last interaction.
4. Clyde, who has seen the slaver do sex slavery and torture, ALSO CHOOSES NOT TO KILL HIM YET AGAIN at multiple opportunities.
5. Slaver eventually kills lots of innocent people.
I don’t… I mean, these characters are so pusillanimous, their psychology is simply unbelievable — we're talking inhuman levels of density. The MC’s kill countless opponents throughout the story, right up until they encounter a villain, at which point they demur, as if killing slavers is some sort of moral gray area.
July 24, 2024
2 Lies, 2 Thrones is book 11 of the LITRPG Series by Eric Ugland. Mr. Ugland combines enjoyable characters, villains, joy, tragedy, adventure, and action. I have been listening to the audio versions and the narration is outstanding.
This book and the entire series are light quick reads and have provided me with many hours of reading enjoyment. I have seen calls for an editor to improve grammar, but because I am listening to the narration, most of those errors are hidden from this reader.
I can go either way with LITRPG. I am not a gamer but have played some in the past. Mr. Ugland does a great job of minimizing the gaming aspects of the genre while providing great characters with an intriguing and addictive plot, and lots of snarky humor. I am looking forward to reading other series from the author and I am eagerly awaiting the release of Book #12 of The Bad Guys series. 4.25 Stars.
This book and the entire series are light quick reads and have provided me with many hours of reading enjoyment. I have seen calls for an editor to improve grammar, but because I am listening to the narration, most of those errors are hidden from this reader.
I can go either way with LITRPG. I am not a gamer but have played some in the past. Mr. Ugland does a great job of minimizing the gaming aspects of the genre while providing great characters with an intriguing and addictive plot, and lots of snarky humor. I am looking forward to reading other series from the author and I am eagerly awaiting the release of Book #12 of The Bad Guys series. 4.25 Stars.
May 1, 2024
i enjoyed this story
While I am critical of the series so far, this story was actually good. I am comparing it to the previous books when I say it’s good. It has a beginning, pretty much the last few pages of the last book, and it has an end…that will be the first part of the next book.
The author likes to write in episodes, where something might happen to push the main story line (whatever it is, I can’t be certain any longer) or it might be a filler episode where you hope to learn a little about the MC or about the world as it relates to the plot. The last few books were filler episodes and left me wanting to give up.
This book is a matched pair with the other series, Good Guys. If you read only one, I would read Good Guys. Bad Guys seems like a novela that has gone on too long.
While I am critical of the series so far, this story was actually good. I am comparing it to the previous books when I say it’s good. It has a beginning, pretty much the last few pages of the last book, and it has an end…that will be the first part of the next book.
The author likes to write in episodes, where something might happen to push the main story line (whatever it is, I can’t be certain any longer) or it might be a filler episode where you hope to learn a little about the MC or about the world as it relates to the plot. The last few books were filler episodes and left me wanting to give up.
This book is a matched pair with the other series, Good Guys. If you read only one, I would read Good Guys. Bad Guys seems like a novela that has gone on too long.
May 1, 2024
3.5 stars. This was skating on thin ice based on recent performance, and indeed started with too much of the trademark recursive snark from the MC.
Fortunately it managed to break free of that before I gave up in disgust. The story began moving again, and th MC learned that there are times to keep his mouth shut. This allows me to round the rating up to a 4 instead of going on the 2-star DNF pile (again).
Hopefully the author can continue this trajectory and let the story take over and the MCs learn to talk like normal people, or at least not people you want to punch because you can't have a conversation without them being smart-arses. There have been too many failures in that regard over the last several books in both series.
Fortunately it managed to break free of that before I gave up in disgust. The story began moving again, and th MC learned that there are times to keep his mouth shut. This allows me to round the rating up to a 4 instead of going on the 2-star DNF pile (again).
Hopefully the author can continue this trajectory and let the story take over and the MCs learn to talk like normal people, or at least not people you want to punch because you can't have a conversation without them being smart-arses. There have been too many failures in that regard over the last several books in both series.
May 7, 2024
Book 11
Even though the book is almost four hundred pages long, this still felt like a short fast read.
I guess good stories are like that.
I didn't give five stars due to the mistakes littered through out the book.
I'm not going to list them because the author has previously stated that they don't care about the mistakes. That they write for themselves and we are just lucky enough to tag along. Or something really close to that.
8/10 I don't think I will ever get bored with these stories.
Would have liked to know if he got all his stuff back. He seemed to have a lot of gold on himself.
Even though the book is almost four hundred pages long, this still felt like a short fast read.
I guess good stories are like that.
I didn't give five stars due to the mistakes littered through out the book.
I'm not going to list them because the author has previously stated that they don't care about the mistakes. That they write for themselves and we are just lucky enough to tag along. Or something really close to that.
8/10 I don't think I will ever get bored with these stories.
Would have liked to know if he got all his stuff back. He seemed to have a lot of gold on himself.
April 29, 2024
Solid Entry in the Series
Another solid entry for the series. Many have their qualms with both the Good Guys, and the Bad Guys, but Eric’s world-building is fantastic.
Eric’s characters are fun. And I ALWAYS read every new entry in roughly a day and a half— just absolutely binge them. I feel like everything is coming together to hit a fantastic endgame for the fate of Glaton. I look forward to a new release when the time comes and continuing to enjoy the journeys taking place in Vuldranni.
Another solid entry for the series. Many have their qualms with both the Good Guys, and the Bad Guys, but Eric’s world-building is fantastic.
Eric’s characters are fun. And I ALWAYS read every new entry in roughly a day and a half— just absolutely binge them. I feel like everything is coming together to hit a fantastic endgame for the fate of Glaton. I look forward to a new release when the time comes and continuing to enjoy the journeys taking place in Vuldranni.
April 29, 2024
Author levels up part way through
Felt like the author had an introspective moment while writing. As the book goes on there’s less silly interruptions that bring dialogue to a stand still, more of the protagonist pulling themselves out of thinking and introspection at every little thing, and we almost get a situation where random things that get alluded to in the beginning get linked to the ending of the same novel.
Maybe next time someone goes missing or there’s a new creature that will also tie into the ending of the same book. Next book plots should come up later!
Felt like the author had an introspective moment while writing. As the book goes on there’s less silly interruptions that bring dialogue to a stand still, more of the protagonist pulling themselves out of thinking and introspection at every little thing, and we almost get a situation where random things that get alluded to in the beginning get linked to the ending of the same novel.
Maybe next time someone goes missing or there’s a new creature that will also tie into the ending of the same book. Next book plots should come up later!
May 2, 2024
The best author since Pratchett
This whole series has been phenomenal. You come to expect twists and turns, and somehow, it's never what you think will happen. Eric Ugland has quickly become my favourite author, and I highly recommend both his lighthearted snarky nerd-culture-infused fantasy series and the darker urban detective Roseland Series. He is an author worth following, and it's never a dull ride.
This whole series has been phenomenal. You come to expect twists and turns, and somehow, it's never what you think will happen. Eric Ugland has quickly become my favourite author, and I highly recommend both his lighthearted snarky nerd-culture-infused fantasy series and the darker urban detective Roseland Series. He is an author worth following, and it's never a dull ride.
May 22, 2024
I don't want to nit-pick this series to death. The fact is, I like it and that's enough.
The key to my enjoyment is the likable protagonist. Clive is anti-authority but has a good heart. He'll give A**holes a chance to walk away but once they commit to cruelty, the gloves come off. It's satisfying.
Oh, and the two related series have finally crossed streams. Will the next book resolve both plot lines? I'm keen to find out.
The key to my enjoyment is the likable protagonist. Clive is anti-authority but has a good heart. He'll give A**holes a chance to walk away but once they commit to cruelty, the gloves come off. It's satisfying.
Oh, and the two related series have finally crossed streams. Will the next book resolve both plot lines? I'm keen to find out.
September 20, 2024
4.5 rounded to 5 for Goodreads. (I just don't give out all that many 5 stars in general:)
A million stars for Neil Hellegers. The man just has these characters (and in Good Guys) and the sensibilities of the author, down cold. He's brilliant in this entry.
I recommend Good Guys and Bad Guys constantly on my channel, BellTube, on YouTube if you like LitRPG, Fantasy, & Science Fiction. These books rarely let me down!
A million stars for Neil Hellegers. The man just has these characters (and in Good Guys) and the sensibilities of the author, down cold. He's brilliant in this entry.
I recommend Good Guys and Bad Guys constantly on my channel, BellTube, on YouTube if you like LitRPG, Fantasy, & Science Fiction. These books rarely let me down!
April 29, 2024
Needs an editor
Perhaps I am overly sensitive to grammar and sentence structure errors (extra and\or missing words), however, the distraction an disruption caused by these issues kept me from giving this book a four star review. Clyde does a bunch of stuff about sums up the plot. A good read without a lot of progress in the series.
Perhaps I am overly sensitive to grammar and sentence structure errors (extra and\or missing words), however, the distraction an disruption caused by these issues kept me from giving this book a four star review. Clyde does a bunch of stuff about sums up the plot. A good read without a lot of progress in the series.
May 6, 2024
Still no epilogue
Really enjoying the story and even more the lack of spellchecker errors. I think there was only one in this book!
Even though this story is broken into separate books its really just the one long story. Epilogues go along way to making these actual books. Again love the story hate the format.
Really enjoying the story and even more the lack of spellchecker errors. I think there was only one in this book!
Even though this story is broken into separate books its really just the one long story. Epilogues go along way to making these actual books. Again love the story hate the format.
May 7, 2024
Prison time?
It seemed pretty strange that in a world with magic that the jail wouldn't have protection against magical escape, but not my story.
Clyde manages to get up into all kinds of trouble though he is arrested and in jail the whole time, kinda.
Fun, easy read even though it seems like a transition book. Tom out
It seemed pretty strange that in a world with magic that the jail wouldn't have protection against magical escape, but not my story.
Clyde manages to get up into all kinds of trouble though he is arrested and in jail the whole time, kinda.
Fun, easy read even though it seems like a transition book. Tom out
May 29, 2024
Love
This series. Bad Guys and Good Guys. Running parallel to each other and about to join forces. This time around Clyde does quite a bit of soloing and as usual being in trouble. Strap in for a ride.
Mr Ugland you tickle my funny bone and delight with your stories. Please keep up the good work.
This series. Bad Guys and Good Guys. Running parallel to each other and about to join forces. This time around Clyde does quite a bit of soloing and as usual being in trouble. Strap in for a ride.
Mr Ugland you tickle my funny bone and delight with your stories. Please keep up the good work.
Read
June 4, 2024Great ending and dammit I need more
Outstanding as always. I so look forward to The Good Guys and The Bad Guys. They are my favorite LitRPG series' and that's saying something how many Outstanding series there are in the genre. Great work again Mr Ugland. Can't wait for Bad to the Throne
Outstanding as always. I so look forward to The Good Guys and The Bad Guys. They are my favorite LitRPG series' and that's saying something how many Outstanding series there are in the genre. Great work again Mr Ugland. Can't wait for Bad to the Throne
May 1, 2024
so glad to be back in Vuldranni!
If you’re reading this, you’re all the way in, so plot detail isn’t really that necessary. What is, that stuff happens, things are resolved, we meet our old friends again, and we are set for the next good guys book.
If you’re reading this, you’re all the way in, so plot detail isn’t really that necessary. What is, that stuff happens, things are resolved, we meet our old friends again, and we are set for the next good guys book.
May 2, 2024
back to back bad guys
Clyde’s antics continue and his foes only seem to grow more worrying. Love the pace and follow up to how the last edition ended. Let the biggest crossover yet commence!
Clyde’s antics continue and his foes only seem to grow more worrying. Love the pace and follow up to how the last edition ended. Let the biggest crossover yet commence!
May 3, 2024
A Thief to be delighted in
The Bad Guys and The Good Guys have been thoroughly a fun romp. I am looking forward to the next installment. Twist here, turn there, meanwhile a sharp dagger in the back awaits.
The Bad Guys and The Good Guys have been thoroughly a fun romp. I am looking forward to the next installment. Twist here, turn there, meanwhile a sharp dagger in the back awaits.
May 15, 2024
Tollendahl needs to die
I hate people like him he needs to die. I can't wait for the next book and to have both of them in it, hopefully a lot. I wonder if they will notice that they're from the other world. I kind of hope there's only one more book left
I hate people like him he needs to die. I can't wait for the next book and to have both of them in it, hopefully a lot. I wonder if they will notice that they're from the other world. I kind of hope there's only one more book left
July 19, 2024
Awesome addition to the series. It was very well done and an exciting read.
Saying that, though, I both love and hate the book endings in this series, hahahahahahahahaha!!!
Cannot wait for the next book!!!
Saying that, though, I both love and hate the book endings in this series, hahahahahahahahaha!!!
Cannot wait for the next book!!!
July 19, 2024
Recap
Clyde is in jail for slapping the princess, and he keeps breaking out. Goes and gets the papers for Montana. Wakes up to being tortured gives them the information about Montana. He is on the study of High Prince when Montana barges in.
Clyde is in jail for slapping the princess, and he keeps breaking out. Goes and gets the papers for Montana. Wakes up to being tortured gives them the information about Montana. He is on the study of High Prince when Montana barges in.
August 13, 2024
I think it is already established that the books in Ugland's series are steady 4 stars with the occasional disappointment of 3 stars. This one is good enough, and advances the story somewhat. Good enough for me.
August 29, 2024
You wouldn't think that a lot could happen with Clyde being imprisoned the whole book. You'd be wrong. Lots of fun. Not only its own story, it advances the story arc and leads into the next book: the crossover with The Good Guys series.
September 26, 2024
This book follows the less experienced cousin of Wizard Dressdon. Although the threat of the council and their judgment with the truth see-er is more balanced. I think Jim Butcher was heavy handed with his version of the wizard council but this book seemed well balanced with the threats he faced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2024
gahhhh!
Very good. Great, compact story that highlights all the things I like about this series. The cliffhanger is brutal though
Very good. Great, compact story that highlights all the things I like about this series. The cliffhanger is brutal though
May 5, 2024
good
Good plot with funny bits and decent action. I do wish the author would write quicker as I do enjoy his work.
Good plot with funny bits and decent action. I do wish the author would write quicker as I do enjoy his work.
May 6, 2024
3.75*
June 6, 2024
Great read Excellent series.
July 17, 2024
Lots of action, very little progression of the characters or story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews