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Master of Puppets #1
Master of Puppets
He thought he was ready for the apocalypse. Then it happened...
A Secret Service operative and dedicated survivalist, Special Agent Del Roosevelt had a plan for every world-ending scenario, and regularly trained for them all.
He was even ready for a date with the hottest woman in his office next Friday. At least he hoped so.
But all that training, all those rations, all that prepping? Useless for the apocalypse that actually played out. Del wakes up half buried in a giant trash pile, missing his thumbs. And, um, covered in red fur.
He’s stuck in a world of fuzzy monsters, senseless violence, and cult-like crusaders. And instead of falling back on known strategy, or making smart decisions based on, I don’t know, logic, Del kind of just freaks out. Big time.
He knows he’s got to get to the top of the tower he’s in to find the wizard who presumably turned him into a living toy. Will the help of an academic rat and an exiled little dinosaur get him there?
Doubtful.
But in all his failing, in all his traipsing around as a silly little red doll, Del starts to realize how ridiculous his life as a prepper actually was. After all, what’s the point in surviving if you have no one to live for?
Master of Puppets is the first book in an all-new LitRPG Adventure by Eric Ugland, bestselling author of The Good Guys. Strap in for an immersive adventure full of quests, powerful magic, tower climbing, leveling up, wise-cracking landlords, and murderous cookies.
A Secret Service operative and dedicated survivalist, Special Agent Del Roosevelt had a plan for every world-ending scenario, and regularly trained for them all.
He was even ready for a date with the hottest woman in his office next Friday. At least he hoped so.
But all that training, all those rations, all that prepping? Useless for the apocalypse that actually played out. Del wakes up half buried in a giant trash pile, missing his thumbs. And, um, covered in red fur.
He’s stuck in a world of fuzzy monsters, senseless violence, and cult-like crusaders. And instead of falling back on known strategy, or making smart decisions based on, I don’t know, logic, Del kind of just freaks out. Big time.
He knows he’s got to get to the top of the tower he’s in to find the wizard who presumably turned him into a living toy. Will the help of an academic rat and an exiled little dinosaur get him there?
Doubtful.
But in all his failing, in all his traipsing around as a silly little red doll, Del starts to realize how ridiculous his life as a prepper actually was. After all, what’s the point in surviving if you have no one to live for?
Master of Puppets is the first book in an all-new LitRPG Adventure by Eric Ugland, bestselling author of The Good Guys. Strap in for an immersive adventure full of quests, powerful magic, tower climbing, leveling up, wise-cracking landlords, and murderous cookies.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2024
359 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 20, 2024
This had to be one of the strangest LitRPG books I've ever read. Imagine falling from Earth into a land of carnivorous Muppets who live in an enormous trash pile in the basement of a wizard's castle. Del, our newest Muppet must survive the horrors of the trash heap and try to escape back to Earth.
This book was funny, highly imaginative, and had a great plot. I am looking forward to book number 2. I would imagine that this series is going to have a number of books in it, given Ugland's penchant for long series. This should be fun!
This book was funny, highly imaginative, and had a great plot. I am looking forward to book number 2. I would imagine that this series is going to have a number of books in it, given Ugland's penchant for long series. This should be fun!
September 21, 2024
weird
This book was weird. But it was good. I really enjoyed the humor throughout it, especially with the Crumbling Death.
This book was weird. But it was good. I really enjoyed the humor throughout it, especially with the Crumbling Death.
September 19, 2024
Funny and weird
A bit like Seiple's Threadbare with more F-bombs. Isekai'd to a red muppet in a giant trash level. Extra stinky. Goofy. But you already knew that from the cover.
A bit like Seiple's Threadbare with more F-bombs. Isekai'd to a red muppet in a giant trash level. Extra stinky. Goofy. But you already knew that from the cover.
September 24, 2024
I don't know why...
I really like the authors other series, so I was excited to try this one. It didn't land very well for me. The character seems well developed, and the world and system seem well put together, but the concept falls flat for me. He trips and bangs his head and suddenly is in another world? Some wizard turned him into a toy and threw him away? He's in a trash bin that has existed long enough to develop I to a full on ecosystem? It just doesn't resonate. It's a little too Alice in Wonderland. Weird random things happening for weird random reasons...
I don't really know why any of this is happening, and it kills rhe immersion for me.
I really like the authors other series, so I was excited to try this one. It didn't land very well for me. The character seems well developed, and the world and system seem well put together, but the concept falls flat for me. He trips and bangs his head and suddenly is in another world? Some wizard turned him into a toy and threw him away? He's in a trash bin that has existed long enough to develop I to a full on ecosystem? It just doesn't resonate. It's a little too Alice in Wonderland. Weird random things happening for weird random reasons...
I don't really know why any of this is happening, and it kills rhe immersion for me.
September 24, 2024
This story is a crazy-hectic trippy-mesh-up between Alice in Wonderland goofy-world-surreal-setting meets apocalypse kill-or-get-eaten wacky-gore smart-talk litRPG flavored nonsense. Mmmmmmkay I'm in! ^_^
I'm not able to recommend this book to anyone. It takes a strongly acquired taste to enjoy. Like ... really strong.
I personally liked it, yet I realize I'm heavily biased on multiple fronts. On one hand given I'm a die-hard fan of litRPG and on the other coz' I really really really enjoy Eric Ugland's style (see the Vuldranni universe).
I might be brave enough to continue reading if this becomes a series 🤔😅
I'm not able to recommend this book to anyone. It takes a strongly acquired taste to enjoy. Like ... really strong.
I personally liked it, yet I realize I'm heavily biased on multiple fronts. On one hand given I'm a die-hard fan of litRPG and on the other coz' I really really really enjoy Eric Ugland's style (see the Vuldranni universe).
I might be brave enough to continue reading if this becomes a series 🤔😅
February 26, 2025
Dude gets turned into a tiny little fuzzy red Muppet in a land of Muppets that's actually a wizard's basement where they dump their magical trash. And that's the easy stuff to explain.
It's a strange book which is why I wanted to check it out. I bounced pretty hard off the writing and the character. It's not a bad book, it's just a book where the execution of the interesting ideas didn't really do it for me. I started burning through it there at the end to be finished and I won't be continuing but points for originality and a take on litRPG that didn't really turn me off at all.
It's a strange book which is why I wanted to check it out. I bounced pretty hard off the writing and the character. It's not a bad book, it's just a book where the execution of the interesting ideas didn't really do it for me. I started burning through it there at the end to be finished and I won't be continuing but points for originality and a take on litRPG that didn't really turn me off at all.
October 7, 2024
Okay so not his best work but I'm still looking forward to the next one. I can't bring myself to give it less then a four but I'm hoping the second book pulls me in more.
October 7, 2024
Boring
I expected a lot more having read most of Eric’s works. This book is slow in the extreme, with next to no character development throughout the entire book.
LitRPG elements are almost non existent, takes 60% of the book to gain one level and then just ignores the system until end of the book. System seems less sure of itself than the main character which makes absolutely no sense. Main character is almost unbelievably stupid, it’s like the plot to a Ben Stiller movie. Only reason this got 2 stars from me is that the editing is quite good with few grammatical or spelling errors.
Book waffles on and on about pointless things but fails to describe any of the characters in detail which is annoying in the extreme as all the creatures are new and not from mainstream fantasy archetypes. There is no tension or build up to a climax, MC just wanders around being an idiot and always ‘almost’ dying. Just makes the whole book bland and shallow.
I regret wasting the time it took to read this book, hopefully if you read this you can save yourself some time.
I expected a lot more having read most of Eric’s works. This book is slow in the extreme, with next to no character development throughout the entire book.
LitRPG elements are almost non existent, takes 60% of the book to gain one level and then just ignores the system until end of the book. System seems less sure of itself than the main character which makes absolutely no sense. Main character is almost unbelievably stupid, it’s like the plot to a Ben Stiller movie. Only reason this got 2 stars from me is that the editing is quite good with few grammatical or spelling errors.
Book waffles on and on about pointless things but fails to describe any of the characters in detail which is annoying in the extreme as all the creatures are new and not from mainstream fantasy archetypes. There is no tension or build up to a climax, MC just wanders around being an idiot and always ‘almost’ dying. Just makes the whole book bland and shallow.
I regret wasting the time it took to read this book, hopefully if you read this you can save yourself some time.
October 4, 2024
If you have never read Eric Ugland, don't start here. Read Roseland or The Good Guys instead. I don't know if he lost a bet and was forced to write this book, but this book is horribly lost and was painful to read.
January 11, 2025
I have liked some of Eric Uglands other books. Not this one. No plot. Ridiculous dialog. Lack of character development. Not worth the credit. Very disappointing from Mr. Ugland.
September 26, 2024
Cool concept, disappointing delivery
I really enjoyed the premise and promised transformation of MC into a monster. Combining that with him being a special agent and survivalist also had me excited, being tropes that overlapped with my other guilty pleasure reading genres.
Unfortunately, none of this background is utilized once the MC finds himself in a dangerous new world. I’m not harping on the MC’s inability to instantly develop muppet Kung Fu or track creatures that float above the ground. I’m annoyed because the MC behaves more like an autistic child left unsupervised at the edge of a lake, surviving only through his plushie plot armor and the kindness of monsters.
To be clear, the MC doesn’t appear to be suffering from shock or panic - aside from some initial and totally understandable reactions to his circumstances. The narrative is in first person, which portrays his thoughts as lucid and rational. Also, the MC’s personality doesn’t change as he acclimates to his situation.
So, contrary to what the introduction led to believe, the MC is constantly caught unaware and perpetually ill-prepared for threats. This is not a skill translation issue. The MC simply has none of the expected expertise. I guess this could be considered subversion of expectation. You know, like a LitRPG series with an MC who chooses to not use the best loot. Whatever the intent, I think it’s pretty lame to mislead readers.
Finally, there’s precious little of anything LitRPG in this LitRPG story. It would have injected a much needed sense of progress if the MC regularly leveled and unlocked new and novel muppet abilities. Instead, half the book goes by before the MC shows any interest in leveling. If you are looking for a story with an MC that interacts with a game system and is driven by growth, this isn’t it.
While I have a lot of issues with this book, I don’t want to say it is terrible. Although the pacing is plodding and the MC often ineffective, it has its moments and unraveling the mystery of the MC’s fate was fun. But there’s also points where the writing is very rough, from confusing scene descriptions to key events that fall flat. Not recommended, unless you can try it for free on Kindle Unlimited.
I really enjoyed the premise and promised transformation of MC into a monster. Combining that with him being a special agent and survivalist also had me excited, being tropes that overlapped with my other guilty pleasure reading genres.
Unfortunately, none of this background is utilized once the MC finds himself in a dangerous new world. I’m not harping on the MC’s inability to instantly develop muppet Kung Fu or track creatures that float above the ground. I’m annoyed because the MC behaves more like an autistic child left unsupervised at the edge of a lake, surviving only through his plushie plot armor and the kindness of monsters.
To be clear, the MC doesn’t appear to be suffering from shock or panic - aside from some initial and totally understandable reactions to his circumstances. The narrative is in first person, which portrays his thoughts as lucid and rational. Also, the MC’s personality doesn’t change as he acclimates to his situation.
So, contrary to what the introduction led to believe, the MC is constantly caught unaware and perpetually ill-prepared for threats. This is not a skill translation issue. The MC simply has none of the expected expertise. I guess this could be considered subversion of expectation. You know, like a LitRPG series with an MC who chooses to not use the best loot. Whatever the intent, I think it’s pretty lame to mislead readers.
Finally, there’s precious little of anything LitRPG in this LitRPG story. It would have injected a much needed sense of progress if the MC regularly leveled and unlocked new and novel muppet abilities. Instead, half the book goes by before the MC shows any interest in leveling. If you are looking for a story with an MC that interacts with a game system and is driven by growth, this isn’t it.
While I have a lot of issues with this book, I don’t want to say it is terrible. Although the pacing is plodding and the MC often ineffective, it has its moments and unraveling the mystery of the MC’s fate was fun. But there’s also points where the writing is very rough, from confusing scene descriptions to key events that fall flat. Not recommended, unless you can try it for free on Kindle Unlimited.
July 10, 2025
3.5/5
This was just ok for me.
This follows Dell, a secret service agent, living in the mountains near Denver. After a visit from a coworker, Dell has an accident that knocks him out. When he wakes, he finds himself in a different world and changed into what is essentially a squat, red, thumbless, puppet.
Also, everything in this new world seems to want to eat him.
The premise of this was interesting. I like the LitRPG plot. There are level-ups and achievements overseen by a funny "System." The side characters are interesting and silly.
I was not impressed by Dell. His entire character was kind of like "Oh I guess this is what's happening to me now," and it left him feeling flat to me. There was some growth near the end of the book, which made him more likable, but it took way too long for me to connect with him.
I will probably read book 2 at some point just to see where the story is headed.
This was just ok for me.
This follows Dell, a secret service agent, living in the mountains near Denver. After a visit from a coworker, Dell has an accident that knocks him out. When he wakes, he finds himself in a different world and changed into what is essentially a squat, red, thumbless, puppet.
Also, everything in this new world seems to want to eat him.
The premise of this was interesting. I like the LitRPG plot. There are level-ups and achievements overseen by a funny "System." The side characters are interesting and silly.
I was not impressed by Dell. His entire character was kind of like "Oh I guess this is what's happening to me now," and it left him feeling flat to me. There was some growth near the end of the book, which made him more likable, but it took way too long for me to connect with him.
I will probably read book 2 at some point just to see where the story is headed.
October 14, 2024
A change of pace
As always, Eric does an excellent job at writing engaging and fulfilling banter between his characters, and this was the highlight of the book for me. Eric also does a good job portraying action scenes, and these did not disappoint, especially the comic undertones.
There were creative monsters and imaginative beasts. I think the crumbling death were by far the most unique and comical creations. The Higgins gets a close second.
I had a hard time following the MC logic as the story progressed, he seemed like an individual that would heavily plan his actions based on his backstory, but he seemed very spontaneous with a bit of Montana shining through. It would have been a more palatable story to have more thought put into the actions of the MC. He’s a strategist at work and a doomsday planner…
Additionally, the storyline progressed almost in a sawtooth fashion, where I felt like I was being jerked along in highs and lows. The introduction and progression of the characters was abrupt and somewhat uncharacteristic from prior works (potentially rushed?). While I enjoyed the humanistic qualities during conversations and banter, I think it could have had some more spice if the characters were portrayed more with idiosyncrasies brought by species traits.
Based on the other series, I was anticipating a clever entrance into this new world. I am a little disappointed that something rolled off a shelf, bonked his head, and he was transported.
The land the MC finds himself is interesting. I kept thinking of Montana’s bag of holding from the good guys, and how he’s always throwing anything he can find into it.
A creative writing Eric, always a pleasure to read.
As always, Eric does an excellent job at writing engaging and fulfilling banter between his characters, and this was the highlight of the book for me. Eric also does a good job portraying action scenes, and these did not disappoint, especially the comic undertones.
There were creative monsters and imaginative beasts. I think the crumbling death were by far the most unique and comical creations. The Higgins gets a close second.
I had a hard time following the MC logic as the story progressed, he seemed like an individual that would heavily plan his actions based on his backstory, but he seemed very spontaneous with a bit of Montana shining through. It would have been a more palatable story to have more thought put into the actions of the MC. He’s a strategist at work and a doomsday planner…
Additionally, the storyline progressed almost in a sawtooth fashion, where I felt like I was being jerked along in highs and lows. The introduction and progression of the characters was abrupt and somewhat uncharacteristic from prior works (potentially rushed?). While I enjoyed the humanistic qualities during conversations and banter, I think it could have had some more spice if the characters were portrayed more with idiosyncrasies brought by species traits.
Based on the other series, I was anticipating a clever entrance into this new world. I am a little disappointed that something rolled off a shelf, bonked his head, and he was transported.
The land the MC finds himself is interesting. I kept thinking of Montana’s bag of holding from the good guys, and how he’s always throwing anything he can find into it.
A creative writing Eric, always a pleasure to read.
October 20, 2024
So very slow
I don’t know if Eric just has such a grand vision for this series that he has to “set the scene” a lot, but this book dragged on for me. One thing that I did like was that while Del wasn’t a gamer, or fan of isekai before this - he didn’t constantly belittle fans of this genre, as I’ve read from other authors. In that same vein, Del’s choices were believable for his character to make, without that foundation.
Will we learn more about this tower now that they have passed the boss? Is every floor just as ignorant of the whole? I will read the next book, I just hope that we get something more satisfying than this introduction to Del.
I don’t know if Eric just has such a grand vision for this series that he has to “set the scene” a lot, but this book dragged on for me. One thing that I did like was that while Del wasn’t a gamer, or fan of isekai before this - he didn’t constantly belittle fans of this genre, as I’ve read from other authors. In that same vein, Del’s choices were believable for his character to make, without that foundation.
Will we learn more about this tower now that they have passed the boss? Is every floor just as ignorant of the whole? I will read the next book, I just hope that we get something more satisfying than this introduction to Del.
November 18, 2024
After reading The Good Guys and The Bad Guys series, it took a bit of getting used to this new series as it does have some similar vibes but a whole different setup. In the end, though, I like this series just as much as the others. The camaraderie, the banter, the weird but endearing side characters, the awsome action scenes and the absolute weirdness of the world are a joy to listen to. Talking about listening to, Nick Podehl does an excellent job. There is great differentiation in all kinds of crazy, humourous voices. He really brings the world to life. He is excellent!
May 1, 2025
so funny
Dude gets yanked into another world and is trapped in a fluffy red stuffy. Even worse he’s is a dog-eat-dog trash pile. To survive he must make friends and an escape plan. His plans fail and the last resort is to take on the big bad boss. Against all odds he wins! Now he can climb to the next level, one floor closer to going home.
The story is wonderfully fast paced with excellent characters and magnificent word play conversations. The narrator was a treat to listen to. I look forward to the next audiobook and already have the next ebook. Please enjoy.
Dude gets yanked into another world and is trapped in a fluffy red stuffy. Even worse he’s is a dog-eat-dog trash pile. To survive he must make friends and an escape plan. His plans fail and the last resort is to take on the big bad boss. Against all odds he wins! Now he can climb to the next level, one floor closer to going home.
The story is wonderfully fast paced with excellent characters and magnificent word play conversations. The narrator was a treat to listen to. I look forward to the next audiobook and already have the next ebook. Please enjoy.
November 28, 2024
I listened to the audio book of Master of Puppets.
Del get whacked in the head and wakes up as a red furry puppet stuffed with feathers in the basement of 7 level tower.
He is another discarded creation of the wizard on the 7th floor.
This book constantly reminded me of one long Monty Python skit. The byplay between Del and the others, although sometime frustrating always made me chuckle.
Well worth the listen, Nick Podehi as always brings it to life with his reading style.
Del get whacked in the head and wakes up as a red furry puppet stuffed with feathers in the basement of 7 level tower.
He is another discarded creation of the wizard on the 7th floor.
This book constantly reminded me of one long Monty Python skit. The byplay between Del and the others, although sometime frustrating always made me chuckle.
Well worth the listen, Nick Podehi as always brings it to life with his reading style.
January 20, 2025
DNF 7%
The opening rubbed me the wrong way. The protagonist starts out as a tough prepper/investigator prior to awakening in a strange body on a strange world. So, I'm imagining Jack Reacher as the MC and then he starts a wide-eyed internal monologue that reminded me of Hitchhiker's Guide... "What's that thing coming toward me? It's kind of big and round. I wonder what it's called? Round, round, GROUND! Yes, I'll call it ground. I wonder if it'll be friendly."
Nope.
The opening rubbed me the wrong way. The protagonist starts out as a tough prepper/investigator prior to awakening in a strange body on a strange world. So, I'm imagining Jack Reacher as the MC and then he starts a wide-eyed internal monologue that reminded me of Hitchhiker's Guide... "What's that thing coming toward me? It's kind of big and round. I wonder what it's called? Round, round, GROUND! Yes, I'll call it ground. I wonder if it'll be friendly."
Nope.
July 5, 2025
Why???? I really wanted to like this puppets + LitRPG sign me up... The LitRPG was non-existent he freaked out for way to long it lost interest and am disappointed this could have been amazing but nope 🙅♀️ it flopped like a dying fish 🐟 the author should have just labeled this a fantasy book. I HATE it when author's 🏷 label their books as litrpg's and you're 📚 listening or reading and where's the system the loot the levels and stats come on BOO 👎 😤
October 1, 2024
Wonderfully funny
Eric Ugland for sure had a blast writing this book, and I am confident that this series will continue on for some time and his skill at keep long series interesting is wonderful. I loved this book, from the humor to an MC not being all-knowing and admitting to flaws, to hilarious creatures and interactions, Ugland has done it once again!
Eric Ugland for sure had a blast writing this book, and I am confident that this series will continue on for some time and his skill at keep long series interesting is wonderful. I loved this book, from the humor to an MC not being all-knowing and admitting to flaws, to hilarious creatures and interactions, Ugland has done it once again!
October 4, 2024
🥺 cute and fun
A little different. Worried it was going to go all military fbi overboard... Nope. Just a little flavor and background. MC is more interesting and fleshed out than I expected. Grew a little during their time.
The world is pretty fun and I hope there is more to explore. What about beyond the waste...
Looking forward to the next
A little different. Worried it was going to go all military fbi overboard... Nope. Just a little flavor and background. MC is more interesting and fleshed out than I expected. Grew a little during their time.
The world is pretty fun and I hope there is more to explore. What about beyond the waste...
Looking forward to the next
October 6, 2024
This one has a potential to become one of more interesting LitRPG series.
After a rather "meh" beginning, and kind of slow burn, it hit all the right notes in last 25% and finished on a high.
It has a good story, the MC is rather on the positive side, the world seem fine, and the humor (especially said last 25%) was rather amusing.
So far, so good. Looking forward for book #2
After a rather "meh" beginning, and kind of slow burn, it hit all the right notes in last 25% and finished on a high.
It has a good story, the MC is rather on the positive side, the world seem fine, and the humor (especially said last 25%) was rather amusing.
So far, so good. Looking forward for book #2
October 8, 2024
strange but
it was interesting. Not gonna lie I was a bit puzzled at times and found myself wondering if I was in a fever dream of a psychotic break. Del is an interesting little red Muppet of a... man, yeah. And he keeps trying to find friends and a path out of the midden but he is determined even if he is a Muppet.
it was interesting. Not gonna lie I was a bit puzzled at times and found myself wondering if I was in a fever dream of a psychotic break. Del is an interesting little red Muppet of a... man, yeah. And he keeps trying to find friends and a path out of the midden but he is determined even if he is a Muppet.
April 6, 2025
I love ugland books
Ok I would give it five stars but there was 2 spots were they/them was used to what I think was one person, lot of action happening and it got really confusing had to reread it a few times and got the gist but still confused (if it is a monster can we not worry about it's feelings and call it an IT and not a they/them makes for confusing reading)
Ok I would give it five stars but there was 2 spots were they/them was used to what I think was one person, lot of action happening and it got really confusing had to reread it a few times and got the gist but still confused (if it is a monster can we not worry about it's feelings and call it an IT and not a they/them makes for confusing reading)
October 27, 2024
too much internal dialogue
I wanted to like it. The characters are interesting but the internal dialogue killed it for me. I loved the first chapter and would have rather of read that book.
I wanted to like it. The characters are interesting but the internal dialogue killed it for me. I loved the first chapter and would have rather of read that book.
October 29, 2024
what!
Have loved this writing until now. Bored, boring, repetitive, dare I say droll! I ended up skimming sections just to get through this.
Wouldn’t recommend it to anyone really. Shame as the good and bad guys is fab!
Have loved this writing until now. Bored, boring, repetitive, dare I say droll! I ended up skimming sections just to get through this.
Wouldn’t recommend it to anyone really. Shame as the good and bad guys is fab!
February 18, 2025
This is a weird, weird book. My husband liked it and that is why I finished reading it. A lot of its outlook is bleak. I don’t really like puppets so I had problems with the main character being a puppet. There was a dry dark humor that at times gave me anxious troubled feelings.
September 22, 2024
Who's pulling your strings?
Hilarious send up of the genre. Trapped in a body like a Muppet Delino has to figure out how to get back to the real world before his date on Friday.
Hilarious send up of the genre. Trapped in a body like a Muppet Delino has to figure out how to get back to the real world before his date on Friday.
September 24, 2024
Fantastic book
It's hilarious and fun through the entire story. It brings a unique flavor to the genre and was hard to put down. Can not wait to read the next one.
It's hilarious and fun through the entire story. It brings a unique flavor to the genre and was hard to put down. Can not wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews