Shirtaloon
Shirtaloon has published 12 books. The recommended reading order starts with He Who Fights with Monsters (2021).
Shirtaloon is an author who writes LitRPG fantasy novels, most notably the He Who Fights with Monsters series. The pen name of Travis Deverell, Shirtaloon was working on a tedious academic paper when the idea of writing about an inter-dimensional kung fu wizard struck him as far more enjoyable. Delighted to discover that this sillier subject matter found an audience, he turned his focus to novels, blending high magic, adventure, and absurd humor. Shirtaloon debuted as a novelist in 2021 with the first book in the He Who Fights with Monsters series, quickly followed by another installment a few months later. He specializes in creating worlds where powerful magic meets unexpected challenges and often ridiculous situations.
Shelf & Shadows
Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books
- TagsfantasyDescriptionHe Who Fights with Monsters is a LitRPG novel about a man who wakes up in an alternate universe filled with magic and monsters. Jason, a former middle manager, finds the transition to interdimensional adventurer surreal. He attempts heroism, but discovers his powers are inherently evil, making goodness a difficult pursuit. His first day alone involves facing cannibals, cultists, wizards, and monsters. To survive this strange new land, Jason must find courage, wit, and magic, though his immediate need is for clothing. This 678-page novel, first published in 2021, follows Jason as he navigates a world where his powers are considered dark. He must contend with corrupt aristocrats and powerful beings, all while developing a unique progression system that blends cultivation with LitRPG elements. The story explores a weak-to-strong arc where the main character earns his abilities without eclipsing others. It offers a mix of humor, political intrigue, and slice-of-life elements alongside constant adventure and combat. As Jason struggles to adapt and survive, the question remains: can he reconcile his evil powers with a desire to be good, and what will he become in this world?Publication dateFebruary 23, 2021Amazon rating4.7/5Print length678LanguageEnglishPublisherIndependently published
- TagsfantasyDescriptionGreenstone is in chaos. A disastrous expedition has claimed the lives of numerous adventurers, and five more have been infected by a dangerous artifact, losing their will. Corruption reaches into the highest offices of the adventurer and mage guilds, pointing to an interdimensional cult with destructive plans. Jason Asano, settling into his life as an interdimensional wizard adventurer, must gather allies for a contest that draws young elites to the city, competing for a grand prize. While the young adventurers vie for the prize, the city leaders uncover betrayals as a vast and terrible enemy is revealed. Though Jason seems uninvolved, he has unknowingly crossed this enemy's path before. Friends and foes made along the way will lead him to cross it again as conflict looms. The second book in the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books series, Die Stadt der Gefallenen Echos is a litRPG adventure that follows Jason and his team as they hope to find answers through another expedition into the City of Fallen Echoes.Publication dateMay 10, 2021Amazon rating4.7/5Print length562LanguageEnglishPublisherIndependently published
- TagsfantasyDescriptionJason’s new life of power and wealth is amazing, but it comes at a price. Riding high on success, he and his team prepare for future challenges, unaware of the profound lessons his enemies are about to teach him. When magic is involved, the stakes transcend life and death. While Jason’s personal adversaries make their plans, the greater foes threatening his new home have been pushed to the brink. With one powerful card left to play, they are on a collision course with Jason and his team. With no one to help and more than their lives on the line, Jason and his companions must fight with more monsters than ever in a race to grow stronger. Facing an invincible enemy that anticipates their every move, they will learn that sometimes winning the battle is more important than surviving it.Publication dateSeptember 7, 2021Amazon rating4.6/5Print length722LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- TagsfantasyDescriptionJason Asano is back in his old world, but he feels like a stranger. After a reunion that was long awaited, he faces old traumas and looks toward a brighter future. Yet, despite warnings of dangers ahead, he returns to adventuring. Old enemies begin to emerge from the shadows, and Jason and his friends must devise their own plans to fight back. His companions are drawn into dangerous missions, facing both personal and unexpected adversaries. Jason pushes his limits, and while this comes at a cost, it draws him deeper into cosmic power. As Jason unravels secrets hidden from him his entire life, he discovers he might fit in better than ever and may be exactly what this world needs. This LitRPG fantasy novel, part of the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books series, follows Jason as he confronts what he has become and the hidden truths of his world.Publication dateDecember 28, 2021Amazon rating4.7/5Print length670LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- TagsfantasyDescriptionJason has discovered his homeworld is not what he thought, and the rest of the planet stands on the precipice of sharing his revelation. With magic on the rise and forces pulling him in multiple directions, the LitRPG adventure He Who Fights with Monsters 5 presents challenges greater than ever before. Enemies that have lurked in the background begin to move into the light, and Jason and his friends devise schemes to take the fight to the enemy. Jason's companions are plunged into dangerous missions and confronted with enemies both personal and unexpected. Jason will push new boundaries, and while it comes at a cost, it will move him deeper into the realms of cosmic power. Even as his power reaches incredible heights, he faces the realization that going beyond his best is still not enough. The question remains whether this push into cosmic power will lead him to salvation or destruction.Publication dateApril 5, 2022Amazon rating4.7/5Print length608LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- TagsfantasyDescriptionJason Asano faces a world teetering on the brink of destruction. Despite his warnings, those in power ignore him, choosing instead to focus on their own gains as the world burns. Lacking the strength to save it alone, Jason resolves to seize a power no mortal should touch, a choice that marks his first step into a wider cosmos he is not yet ready to face. This decision comes after a longed-for reunion, as he attempts to move past old traumas and looks toward a brighter future, but new challenges and enemies emerge from the shadows. Jason's companions are plunged into dangerous missions, confronting personal and unexpected enemies. He pushes new boundaries, a path that comes at a cost but leads him deeper into realms of cosmic power. With the fate of two worlds in his hands, Jason must decide what home truly means in this LitRPG fantasy novel. He Who Fights with Monsters 6, first published in 2022, is part of the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books series.Publication dateJune 28, 2022Amazon rating4.7/5Print length512LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- DescriptionJason arrives in a kingdom facing invasion, but finds his help is not needed. With authorities handling matters, he anticipates a period of rest. Yet, despite his desire to let go of past anger, the locals are far from relaxed with constant monster attacks and inter-dimensional incursions. Old and new adversaries are closing in, and even potential allies prove problematic. A princess finds his survival inconvenient, an ancient king appears at his barbecue, and the local Church of Fertility shows an unsettling interest in him. As his friends try to reach him from across the world, they face numerous setbacks. Jason is back in the world he desired, but he is a changed man. The mounting pressure reveals a new facet of his nature to both allies and enemies. This novel, the seventh in the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books series, explores the consequences of his transformation. As his friends struggle against obstacles to reunite with him, the question remains: can Jason navigate this familiar world and its new threats without succumbing to the man he has become?Publication dateSeptember 13, 2022Amazon rating4.8/5Print length622LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- DescriptionJason Asano works on moving past old traumas after a reunion, looking toward a brighter future. Despite warnings of dangers, he returns to adventuring to tackle new challenges. Enemies that have lurked in the background begin to emerge, prompting Jason and his friends to take the fight to them with their own schemes. His companions are plunged into dangerous missions and confront both personal and unexpected enemies. Jason pushes new boundaries, and though it comes at a cost, this moves him deeper into the realms of cosmic power. This LitRPG novel, the eighth in the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters series, follows Jason as he grapples with his past and confronts rising threats. As he delves further into cosmic power, the true extent of the challenges and the personal stakes for his companions become increasingly clear.Publication dateDecember 13, 2022Amazon rating4.7/5Print length624LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- DescriptionFollowing the devastating attack on Yaresh, its people are left to pick up the pieces. The city lies in ruins, but its defenders have more to deal with than just reconstruction. Jason's actions during the battle have brought unwelcome attention from allies and enemies alike, with adventurers questioning his loyalty and messengers questioning his very nature. Both have designs on Jason that he intends to thwart, but a danger comes to light that shifts everyone's agenda. Deep underground, a hidden civilization has survived by tapping into a long-buried power. This power's growing instability has become both a threat and an opportunity to the warring surface factions. Neither side can stop or claim the power alone, leading to an uneasy alliance with a reluctant Jason at its center. The adventurers, messengers, and Jason himself all have intentions for this power, but little idea what awaits them below ground. There are more players involved than any of them realize, and soon, they will have greater problems than each other. This is book 10 in the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books series, published in 2023 and running 758 pages.Publication dateNovember 28, 2023Amazon rating4.7/5Print length758LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- DescriptionJason and his team finally hit the road, leaving the Builder threat behind them. Eager to return to adventuring, Jason welcomes a break from world-changing events, though one last political entanglement leaves a strong impression as he departs Rimaros. New places and people await, but the land bears scars from recent conflicts, and lingering dangers persist. Adventurers are needed as background threats surface, and Jason’s team prepares to join the fray against angelic adversaries who are patient, powerful, and remorseless. Their unconscionable strategies lead to mass slaughter and more. Jason’s growing power begins to feel disturbingly similar to his enemies, a realization that offers insight into their methods and objectives but also draws their attention. To them, he is merely another tool to be manipulated. As conflict escalates into epic battles, they will learn that challenging Jason Asano is a grave mistake. This 2023 novel, part of the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books series, explores the consequences of this confrontation. As Jason faces his new foes, he must also grapple with the potential for his own power to align with theirs, raising the question of whether he can maintain his identity amidst the escalating conflict.Publication dateApril 18, 2023Amazon rating4.7/5Print length662LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- DescriptionJason and his companions managed to stop the undead, but their battle is not over. They and their enemies are scattered across a strange realm, and only by conquering it can anyone hope to escape. Factions fight for territory, seeking to reunite their people and claim dominance. Jason must navigate unwanted alliances and find lost friends while facing enemies from angelic despots to an undead god. He must confront a realm warped by his own mind and rescue a friend whose sacrifice brought them this far. To stand a chance, Jason must face the power within himself that he has long avoided, fearing what he might become. Accepting his looming destiny may grant him the strength to face his foes, though victory is far from assured. This novel, published in 2024, is part of the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books series and contains 766 pages.Publication dateJuly 23, 2024Amazon rating4.8/5Print length766LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
- TagsfantasyDescriptionTwenty years ago, Jason was pulled into a world of magic and monsters, promised a life of wandering and adventure. Things quickly got out of hand. He met kings and gods, fought interdimensional cults, and even faced the creator of universes, though he did not win that fight. He never got to have the nice, sensible adventures he envisioned, nor had he seen the hometown of his friends, which had been his first planned destination. Now, freshly returned from a conflict with the fate of the cosmos at stake, where the battlefield was his own soul, Jason is determined to reunite with his friends and finally have the simple adventuring life he always wanted. He won't let angelic armies, scheming guilds, or those who question his alteration of magic's fundamental laws stand in his way. He's taking a gap year, and whatever he has to do to make it happen—manipulating noble houses, extorting governments, or rebuilding cities—he will. Gods help anyone who tries to stop him, because the gods themselves have met Jason and know how that usually goes. This is book 12 in the Order of He Who Fights With Monsters Books series, published in 2025 and running 572 pages.Publication dateMay 20, 2025Amazon rating4.8/5Print length572LanguageEnglishPublisherAethon Books
Frequently Asked Questions about Shirtaloon
The books by Shirtaloon are part of a series and are intended to be read in sequential order. The narrative progresses from one book to the next, with plot points and character development carrying over. Reading them out of order would disrupt the story's flow and potentially lead to confusion about the events and character arcs. Therefore, the recommended approach is to start with the first book and continue through each subsequent installment to fully experience the unfolding story.
The best place to start with Shirtaloon's books is with the first book in the He Who Fights With Monsters series. This series establishes the main character, Jason Asano, and the world he inhabits. Each book builds upon the events and character development of the previous ones, making the initial entry crucial for understanding the ongoing narrative. Starting with the beginning allows readers to follow Jason's progression and the intricate plotlines as they are introduced and developed over time.
Yes, it is necessary to read Shirtaloon's books in order. The He Who Fights With Monsters series features a continuous storyline where events, character relationships, and plot developments are directly linked from one book to the next. Skipping ahead or reading out of sequence would mean missing crucial information and context, making it difficult to follow the narrative and appreciate the character's journey. The author has structured the series to be experienced chronologically for the most coherent and engaging reading experience.
Shirtaloon writes series, not standalone novels. The primary body of work available is the He Who Fights With Monsters series, which consists of multiple interconnected books. These books follow a single narrative arc with recurring characters and a developing plot. Therefore, readers looking for individual, self-contained stories would not find them within Shirtaloon's published works. The author's focus is on building an expansive story over a sequence of novels.
As of late 2023, Shirtaloon has written more than 12 books in the He Who Fights With Monsters series. The series is ongoing, with new installments released regularly. The initial books were published in 2021 and 2022, with additional volumes appearing in the subsequent years. Readers can expect the series to continue expanding as the author progresses with the story. The exact current count may vary as new books are published.
The first book Shirtaloon wrote and published is He Who Fights with Monsters, released in 2021. This inaugural novel introduces the protagonist, Jason Asano, and sets the stage for the unfolding fantasy narrative. It lays the groundwork for the world-building and the central conflicts that will be explored throughout the series. This book is the starting point for the entire He Who Fights With Monsters saga.
The most recent book by Shirtaloon, as of late 2023, is likely one of the later installments in the He Who Fights With Monsters series. Given the series' consistent release schedule, the latest entry would be the continuation of Jason Asano's story. Readers should check the most current publication dates for the He Who Fights With Monsters series to identify the absolute latest book.
Shirtaloon writes books that fall into the LitRPG and Progression Fantasy genres. These genres typically feature characters who gain power and abilities through a system, often resembling video game mechanics like levels and skills. The He Who Fights With Monsters series specifically incorporates elements of adventure, combat, and character growth within a fantastical setting, aligning with common themes in these popular fantasy subgenres.
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We verified the reading order for Shirtaloon's books by cross-referencing official publication dates, ISBN databases, and publisher catalogs.
Last verified: July 2026
Shelf & Shadows. (…). “Shirtaloon Books in Order.” Retrieved …, from https://www.shelfandshadows.com/authors/shirtaloon