Back of Book: 

Who says a troll can't be the hero?

Chad Johnson built his following by being a troll. Online games, social media, you name it—he's there with a witty comeback and a knack for stirring the pot. But when he goes too far during a televised stream, he's handed a punishment unlike any other.

Instead of the usual ban or suspension, Chad's sentenced to thirty days in Isle of Mythos—a world of epic fantasy filled with dungeons and mythical creatures. The twist? He's forced to embody a forest troll, one of the most despised races in Mythos.

At least the punishment fits the crime.

Now, Chad's on a quest, slaying monsters and aiding his troll tribe. It's different, but not necessarily in a bad way, especially with a mischievous little imp as his sidekick. For the first time in his life, Chad's found something more than just trolling—he's found purpose.

Rehabilitation? Call it what you want, but Chad's all in. Who knows? Maybe this troll can be a hero.

Book Number: One 

Genre: Adult | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

When a gamer is sentenced to become a troll in the newest online game after verbally harassing players online, he learns many valuable lessons about himself in the real world. 

Chad Johnson is known in the video game world as a streamer that trolls other players. When he makes an offensive comment during a televised livestream, Chad is dealt a unique punishment tailored to him. He is to be put into the newest fantasy video game, Isle of Mythos, for thirty days of full immersion therapy playing a troll. In Mythos, trolls are hated like no other race, and Chad gets a taste of his own medicine. As he gathers his party and takes down dangerous monsters, Chad begins to care for the NPCs in the game in a way he's never bonded with anyone in the real world. 

I saw the author post on Instagram that he was putting this one up for free as an audiobook on Barnes & Noble for a limited time, and I thought the premise sounded funny, so I figured I'd give it a go. I ended up really enjoying this one, which I didn't find all that surprising because I am a big fantasy nerd myself and found the world of Mythos to be quite fascinating. 

At first, I feared that Chad's poor attitude would have me disliking this book. Luckily, when Chad was by himself with no other players, he seemed to be a decent guy. Watching him learn how the world of Mythos worked was really interesting, even if a ton of this book was just him listing off various stat points, abilities, and in-game notifications. As someone who enjoys watching people play games such as the Isle of Mythos, I found myself having a ton of fun with this one. This seemed very similar to watching someone else play a video game and I'll definitely be checking out more books in the LitRPG genre. 

The racism present in this world is pretty typical. Common species such as dwarves live among humans peacefully, but humans rebel against trolls due to their scary exteriors. The fact that the different species can't easily speak to one another makes it quite hard for them to put their differences aside, which I feel represents the real world quite well. 

I must say, the characters are a bit lacking in this one. Most of them truly do feel like NPCs you'd accompany for one quest and then never think about ever again. The only one that I found myself really liking was the little imp guy. (I think his name was Linny, but since I read the audio version, I'm not entirely sure). I hope this gets remedied a little bit as the series progresses, otherwise I could see this series dragging on.

Overall, I don't think "Sentenced to Troll" was the most original concept, but it has a great premise, and it served as my intro to the LitRPG genre. I found myself entertained by all the antics that Chod found himself getting up to and was very interested to learn more about Mythos as he traveled the continent. This story definitely felt as though it took place in a developing video game, and I hope some of the feeling of it being underdeveloped goes away as the series progresses. Since this series is on Hoopla, I will probably continue to give them a listen at random intervals. 

Audiobook Note: I personally believe that Eric Jason Martin did a superb job at bringing this one to life. I thought that all the video game talk surrounding stats, abilities, items, etc would get boring, but they did a great job of using a robotic voice that spoke quickly so we weren't bogged down by all the technical details. I also thought the voices were great, especially when it came to the high squeaky ones that the imps had and the deep resounding ones that the male trolls typically possessed. Martin's performance made this story more captivating than it would have been otherwise. I hope to continue this series on audio and hear more of their work! 

Back of Book: 

Greater challenges. Unsuspected allies. Dangerous enemies.

Chad’s thirty-day sentence may be over, but his trolling has just begun. Forsaking his old ways, he fully embraces a future as Chod, the hero of the forest trolls.

But life in Isle of Mythos isn’t easy for the barbarian summoner. Chod has angered more than one hero on his quest to save his people from extinction, and they’ve sworn vengeance. With a target on his back, Chod is about to find out how difficult the world can be for a hero that looks like a monster. 

Book Number: Two

Genre: Adult | Fantasy 

Review: ? 

Back of Book: 

The ancient portals have been unlocked, restoring fast travel to Isle of Mythos.

No longer the outsider, Chod enjoys his newfound acceptance as a hero and troll. New lands and adventures await with the promise of gold and glory. But every opportunity offers the chance of misfortune.

Several portals still remain closed, hiding dire threats behind their veils of dark energy. Enemies have disappeared into parts unknown, and rumors of the return of the greatest villain Mythos has ever known grow louder by the day.

Chod has one goal- unite the heroes of Mythos. Fail, and he loses everything. 

Book Number: Three

Genre: Adult | Fantasy 

Review: ? 

Back of Book: 

For Chod and company, Mythos just got a whole lot bigger.

After making a name for himself on the isle, Chod has set out for new kingdoms. Each portal brings its own unique challenges, with powerful threats and deadly monsters, but most importantly, potential allies.

Tasked with completing a difficult quest for the dwarven king, the barbarian summoner is determined to prove his worth, not just for the good of the forest trolls, but for all of Mythos.

Under-leveled, and far from home, Chod will have to use his wits as well as his muscles to survive in these strange lands. All the while enemies lurk in the shadows. Willing and waiting to strike when he least expects it. 

Book Number: Four

Genre: Adult | Fantasy 

Review: ? 

Back of Book: 

In the wake of tragedy, a new hope emerges.

Chod has obtained an item with the potential to turn the tide of battle if it can only be unlocked.

To unleash the power of the mighty green dragon, first, it must be hatched—a feat unheard of for generations. For any chance of success, Chod needs a location rich in life aura, and there are precious few.

While new allies march toward Seascape, Chod and company head to Wandermere, the fabled land of centaurs and Mythos’s most ancient forest. The life aura within may be dense, but sinister monsters have escaped from the shadow realms with the intention of overtaking the forest.

Chod must save the centaurs’ ancestral homeland. Or watch it topple, the first of many. 

Book Number: Five

Genre: Adult | Fantasy 

Review: ? 

Back of Book: 

True heroes are forged by fire.

In a world of monsters, dungeons, and dragons, Chod has finally found a place to call home. More than that, he’s found a tribe worth fighting for.

A colossal battle is brewing, and the fate of Mythos hangs in the balance. With the forces of darkness primed to make their move, Chod finds himself in a race against time. The Mythos Rehabilitation Program will soon be terminated, and the era of heroes is coming to an end.

As the clock ticks down, Chod must make a stand if he wants to prevent a future cast in perpetual shadow.

When the curtain falls, a troll will rise. 

Book Number: Six (Last Book) 

Genre: Adult | Fantasy 

Review: ?