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Heretical Fishing #5

Heretical Fishing 5

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When one man becomes the chosen deity of a church, it's all fun and games . . . until it interferes with his fishing time.

After months of sticking his head in the sand—sometimes literally—Fischer is finally ready to learn the secrets of the Kallis Realm . . . just in time for some of his followers to start hoarding them. Talk about infuriating.

Still, there's much to be grateful for. The world's chi is growing stronger every day, leading to unique awakenings, strange creations, and unexpected allies for Fischer and the gang. Not to mention some downright absurd changes to Tropica's sea life.

Meanwhile, on a distant continent, far less cozy powers are feeding off the same increased essence—and unlike Fischer, they've got zero interest in playing nice. But it'll be fine. Probably.

The fifth volume of the laugh-out-loud LitRPG adventure series—a #1 Rising Star on Royal Road with more than three million views—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

360 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2026

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About the author

Haylock Jobson

6 books221 followers

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Community Reviews

5 stars
317 (52%)
4 stars
183 (30%)
3 stars
80 (13%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Overmyer.
73 reviews
April 2, 2026
I LOVED the first two in this series, the third was good, but the fourth and fifth were a complete let down. So much of this book was what I’d consider “backstory” that could’ve been condensed into a couple of pages. I actually started skimming pages to get to the good parts- which didn’t happen until the last few chapters.

I see there are more books in this series coming, but I’m done.
94 reviews
March 25, 2026
Not great

These books are all filler until the last 5 or 6 percent. They feel like they intentionally waste your time. The same story plays out again in this books as the others. Blah blah the characters can't think for themselves and think they are so smart while being evil for no apparent reason. Fisher saves them because. Skip it unless you really want a rehash of the last few books
Profile Image for Jack Vinson.
997 reviews50 followers
March 17, 2026
This story jumps around between characters and often with unclear motivations. There were some sections that baffled me as to what they were trying to do.

The overall story continues with Fischer and his friends getting into more hijinks and finding new friends. (And maybe some not-quite-enemies.) Plenty of the weird jokes and puns and overall bizarro behavior from the main character, who is just here to have some fun.
2,528 reviews
April 17, 2026
Best book/series evarrr! Frackintastic!!!

Best book evarrr! Even Bettarrr than the last book, and believe you/me that book was AwesomeSauce! But Haylock Jobson and Heath Miller knew what they were doin when they unleashed the book on their unsuspecting reader Cadre. I loved every mesmerizing moment! And with all the pop-cultural references that you can have fun with, you won't wanna miss this book! Guaranteed... In this book Fischer the God-King decides to make the love of his life Maria his Queen! Ohhhh myyy what a fantastic marriage. It'll certainly be remembered for the ages, as the whole town of Tropica turned out to celebrate! Fischer was also given one of the hardest jobs of his life. The job was to keep his hands off, to trust his followers and to let the crafters follow their own pursuits. Even if they're edangering themselves in the process! Your gonna hafta find out what happens when the God-Empress takes umbrage to the newly crowned King and Queen! And with the wedding and the birth of baby Fin the book got even cozier!
So join the Posse and get the book!

Here's a couple three quotes:

“Fæthm sounds the same, but it has that weird letter that looks like both an A and an E and hurts your brain if you think about it too long."

"...he had always been responsible—except for when pies were involved, but that didn’t count. Baked goods and bad choices went hand in hand."

“Obviously. I said we could go back for a life-or-death scenario, and coffee is the bare minimum for survival.”
Profile Image for Magalie Bonneau.
648 reviews
April 21, 2026
I love so much about this series. The found family is like no other, the animal pals are amazing, the writing is great.
But this one was fine. There was a lot of building for not much of third act "drama, exciting battle etc"
I’m still going to continue this but I’m having a hard time seeing where it’s going and why. The last two books could have been edited down and combined IMO.
Profile Image for M.
626 reviews21 followers
April 16, 2026
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.

I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
3 reviews15 followers
April 19, 2026
Eh

The first half of the book is just rehashed nonsense. The last half of the book is good and the ratio of nonsense to good needs to be fixed.
1,018 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2026
A terrific sequel.

I always love reading this series. This book was no different. It was funny and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book and series are definitely worth checking out.
Profile Image for Ben Savage.
460 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy
February 26, 2026
3.5.

It's easy fun! Its cool escapism, where you can do anything on a tropical paradise.

It was escapism instead of job hunting and it was confusing with the world building and the dozens of enlightened people and spirit beasts. I like the dynamic-ism and the clear anime and action movie influences. It's a feel good read! Just a lot to get through and a slog.

Interested but not critically so to read the next one
56 reviews
February 22, 2026
Better Every Time

I love this series so much I don't even want to complain about the wait between releases. Loving RPM and Cpl. Claws antics and can't wait to see what Fin gets up to as it's clear she's going to get some time to shine.
Profile Image for Wa Majorowicz.
81 reviews
February 25, 2026
Awesome edition

This is currently one of my favorite not-lit little series in my read list. The characters and story always actual laugh out loud funny. Thank you for the good time and I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Phil.
316 reviews14 followers
May 13, 2026
Houston, we have a problem...

When I began this series, it warmed and filled my heart with a charming, funny (if not hysterical in some moments), and endearing story with just enough action to keep me interested while not overdoing anything with blood and gore. Last book the bubble burst. I am not one who is going to leave a series I have enjoyed because of a down book. Unfortunately, I do not believe that the last book was an aberration. I think the direction of the book is not one that I am enjoying. While this book was marginally better, it ultimately felt worse because I don't think I am interested in the series anymore.

I think it was book 3 when there was a union of sorts among the most central characters. That Kumbaya moment is where things went off the rails.

This book felt like two of your best friends, who have crushed on each other since you all were in first grade together, finally sharing their feelings and you were just as happy as they were ... until now every time you all hang out they are sucking each other's faces. This book felt awkward. It felt like I was encroaching onto private moments. The characters know what each other are thinking and feeling yet as the reader, you feel like a voyeur. Half the narration was unclear whether it was actual narration or inner thoughts that were being shared with others. I don't know what happened but this is no longer what I wanted to read.

I am really disappointed. I don't fault Jobson for deciding to take the book in this direction. It is his book and he gets to write it how he wants. I just miss the silly smile I wore on my face through almost all of the first three books. With so many great books in the world, it will be hard for me to forego them to continue this series.
Profile Image for Bradley.
Author 9 books4,977 followers
May 23, 2026
Everything is great and all people love the god king, and what's more, he loves them back. With scritches, coffee, and croissants.

There's so many people he loves and who loves him that we even had to bring in another god-queen with serious mental issues to show him a little challenge or die a horrible death trying it or there would be practically no point to this series anymore.

He got too OP. And I think the story ideas ran out.

That's not to say OP can't get interesting again, but in this case, the total-cozy feel is starting to wear itself out. I'll probably read the next, but unless it does a 180 and get more clever, it'll be the last.

This is despite the fact that I love the cozy. But everything is just going TOO right.
480 reviews
March 8, 2026
good

Yet Another funny book in the series. Hopefully another one will be written soon because They always make me laugh.
88 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2026
Like book 4 this one felt like mostly filler with a bit of action added at the end. Had a hard time keeping my attention.
Profile Image for Thai.
526 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2026
It’s not a 5 star but still comforting to read.
944 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2026
This series is absolutely wonderful to add a bit of fun and silliness into your life!
Profile Image for Tyler.
368 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2026
Took me a bit to get into, but HJ still has the touch.

3.8 🌟
1,056 reviews35 followers
April 25, 2026
3.5 This series is starting to decline for me. So much filler in the beginning that I almost gave up on the story. Hopefully the next one heads back towards greatness or I may be done...
Profile Image for Kate Shea.
22 reviews
May 2, 2026
Another fantastic edition to the series! Its like free therapy.
1 review
May 5, 2026
Did not finish...
It never got going. The previous one was borderline boring...
This one I just could't do it anymore...
1,719 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2026
These are fairly low stress, easy read/listening books which I appreciate. I'm a bit sad I'm all caught up, but hopefully I don't have to wait too long for the next installment!
197 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2026
Takes a touch to get going but a good addition
22 reviews
May 31, 2026
A good balance of fun and cozy adventure

I love h.ow the world keeps opening up but the obstacles they have to overcome still feel cozy which maintains the spirit of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews