# Shadeslinger

By Kyle Kirrin · The Ripple System, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/shadeslinger-74831eb7/

Ned Altimer enters the virtual game Earthblood Online three days before everyone else. He has Frank, a talking axe with valuable game knowledge, but that advantage also makes the pair targets once the other players arrive.

## What makes it funny?

Frank knows useful things and is perfectly capable of being unhelpful. Ned's advantage comes attached to a difficult personality he has to deal with rather than a weapon that simply follows orders.

### Try this if…

Game progress and loot accompany the threat of a hunt by other players. Kirrin describes banter as a central pleasure in writing the characters, making their interactions part of the attraction alongside the competition.

### Good to know

In his author Q&A, Kirrin explains that death in the game carries a reputation penalty, and vibration feedback replaces pain. Shadeslinger is the first volume of The Ripple System.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · LitRPG · Science fiction
- Kind of humor: Banter
- Format: Novel
- Audiobook: 21 hr 32 min
- Published: 2021

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Apple Books lists Shadeslinger: The Ripple System, Book 1 (A Fantasy LitRPG Series) (Unabridged) by Kyle Kirrin, narrated by Travis Baldree, with a 21:32 runtime.](https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/shadeslinger-the-ripple-system-book-1-a-fantasy/id1550940992)
- Book information: [Bibliographic record](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/k/kyle-kirrin/shadeslinger.htm)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://portal-books.com/author/kyle-kirrin)
- Author commentary: [Author Q&A](https://www.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/lxxxnx/im_kyle_kirrin_author_of_shadeslingerama)