# Big Sneaky Barbarian

By Seth McDuffee · Big Sneaky Barbarian, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/big-sneaky-barbarian-a94a3709/

A class trip sends angry teenager Gabe Skelter into Regaia, where magic and game-like character classes determine survival. He takes the name Loon and the body of an orc barbarian. His new muscles arrive with his old temper and very little idea of what to do next.

## What makes it funny?

Loon wants his enormous barbarian to specialize in sneaking. The Audiobook Review describes him blundering between encounters and somehow making progress through his mistakes, an appealing prospect if you like watching a bad plan survive its planner.

### The comedy at work

Getting a powerful body does little to improve Gabe’s judgment. His swagger runs ahead of his ability, frustrating the usual game-world fantasy of a hero who knows exactly which move to make. Snark and profane insults keep his anger audible.

### Try this if…

Readers who enjoy unruly game-world adventures may appreciate the room given to exploring Regaia before a larger plot takes over. Character sheets appear occasionally; the early story follows Loon from one encounter to another. Patience with an abrasive protagonist matters.

### Good to know

Expect frequent swearing and a hero who starts out unpleasant. The author describes gradual change, so instant likability is not the offer. Johnathan McClain narrates the audiobook, which includes a short section of outtakes at the end.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · LitRPG
- On the shelf: Portal fantasy
- Kind of humor: Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Story ingredients: Incompetent heroes
- Format: Novel
- Length: 482 pages
- Audiobook: 20 hr 27 min
- Published: 2022

## A few distinguishing details

- An orc barbarian with stealth ambitions
- Game-world power without matching judgment

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Apple Books audiobook](https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/big-sneaky-barbarian-a-litrpg-novel-book-1-unabridged/id1653203340)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://podiumentertainment.com/titles/1254/big-sneaky-barbarian-a-litrpg-novel)
- Review: [The Audiobook Review](https://theaudiobookreview.com/big-sneaky-barbarian)
- Book information: [Paperback listing](https://www.indigo.ca/products/big-sneaky-barbarian)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/1069684616388207/permalink/5992505037439449)
- Author commentary: [Author serial page](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/48922/big-sneaky-barbarian)