Goblin King by R.R. Virdi

Goblin King

A gamer dies and gets trapped in a brutal fairy tale

Written byR.R. Virdi
Narrated byJeff Hays
Length13h20m
Release dateAugust 6, 2018
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.3 on Audible

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Quick Facts

AuthorR.R. Virdi
NarratorJeff Hays
Runtime13h20m
PublishedAugust 6, 2018
Rating★★★★ 4.3 / 5 on Audible
CategoriesScience Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Sword & Sorcery, Science Fiction
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

R.R. Virdi’s *Goblin King* is a high-octane blend of dark fantasy and VR sci-fi, where a near-death man is dumped into a lethal game world to earn his resurrection—or so he thinks. The premise is simple but executed with relentless energy, mixing the grind of an MMO with the brutality of classic fairy tales. Devrim Bains isn’t just fighting monsters; he’s navigating a world where folklore rules and every victory comes with a hidden cost. The prose crackles with sarcasm and grit, making it feel like a bingeable Netflix series in audio form—if Netflix made you sweat bullets.

What sets this apart is its refusal to coddle the audience. The pacing is punchy, with a mix of action sequences that feel cinematic and quieter moments where the world’s horrors sink in. The audiobook elevates it further, with Jeff Hays narrating in a voice that’s equal parts gravel and charm, delivering lines like a battle-hardened jock who’s seen too much. His performance keeps the energy high, even when the story stumbles into repetitiveness. This isn’t a gentle ride—it’s a gauntlet, and you’ll either love its relentless pace or find it exhausting.

Tags: dark fantasy audiobookVR sci-fi adventureGoblin King reviewJeff Hays narrationfairy tale horror audiogamer-to-monster fantasy

About the Narration

Narrated by Jeff Hays, this 13h20m audiobook holds a 4.3-star average rating on Audible. The narration brings R.R. Virdi's writing to life, making it a compelling choice for audiobook listeners.

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Editor's Review

AudioBook Atlas Editorial Team

Jeff Hays’ narration is the MVP here. His voicing of Devrim—equal parts jaded and scrappy—feels authentic, and he nails the side characters, from grizzled allies to smug backstabbers. When a goblin cackles or a dragon roars, you can practically *feel* the audio punch through your headphones. The production is crisp, with subtle sound design that immerses you without overpowering the story. My only complaint? The middle act drags. Devrim’s journey gets bogged down in setup after setups, making it feel like a grindstone instead of a story. The worldbuilding is rich, but the pacing wobbles like a runner who’s hit the wall. That said, the payoff is worth the slog. The ending is a gut-punch, wrapping up Devrim’s arc with a mix of triumph and tragedy that lingers. The goblin king himself is a standout villain—charismatic, unpredictable, and legitimately menacing. If you crave a fantasy that doesn’t baby you with code of conduct rules, this is your audiobook. Just be ready for a ride that’s as brutal as it is brilliant. 4.3/5—because even the best stories have a few speed bumps.

This review was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

How to Listen

Goblin King by R.R. Virdi is available as an audiobook on Audible. You can start with a free trial — the audiobook is yours to keep even if you cancel. Jeff Hays's narration spans 13h20m.

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