Picture this: a lawyer by day, meticulously navigating the legal world, only to transform into a master storyteller by night, weaving epic tales of virtual reality and dark heroism. That’s Travis Bagwell, an indie author who’s taken the LitRPG genre by storm with his Awaken Online series. My daughter’s been raving about his books, calling them her gateway into fantasy, and I can see why—Bagwell’s stories are a thrilling mix of gaming and adventure that’ll hook any reader, young or old. If you’re ready to dive into immersive worlds where the lines between game and reality blur, let’s explore why Bagwell’s a standout author and why his books deserve a spot on your shelf.
From Legal Briefs to Epic Quests
Travis Bagwell’s journey is as inspiring as his characters’ arcs. Living in Seattle, Washington, with his wife and their four dogs, he balances a career as a business and tax attorney with his passion for writing. For years, crafting fiction was a secret dream, one that seemed impossible amidst the demands of law school and legal practice. But when he finally carved out time, he didn’t just dip his toes in—he dove headfirst into the LitRPG genre, fueled by his love for video games and stories like Ready Player One and Sword Art Online. What started as a creative outlet exploded into a phenomenon, with Awaken Online selling nearly a million copies worldwide across all formats. Bagwell’s story is proof that chasing a dream, no matter how improbable, can lead to extraordinary places.
A Dark Twist on Virtual Reality
Bagwell’s flagship Awaken Online series is a dark, thrilling ride through a virtual reality MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) that’s anything but ordinary. The series kicks off with Catharsis, where we meet Jason, a high schooler fed up with real-world pressures. Logging into Awaken Online, he’s not handed the usual hero’s journey—instead, the game’s AI casts him as a villain, a necromancer leading an undead army. It’s a fresh spin on the genre, embracing the anti-hero and exploring power, morality, and freedom in ways that feel raw and real. From there, the series expands, weaving in side quests and new characters, like Finn, a retired engineer turned fire mage, and Eliza, a water mage grappling with apathy.
Bagwell’s not done there, though. He’s recently launched Hollow, a new series that ditches the isekai (another world) trope for a reincarnation tale within an existing fantasy world. It’s got dungeon diving, a loot-based skill system, and a main character who’s been dubbed “fantasy Deadpool” for his unhinged charm. With Hollow promising five books, Bagwell’s proving he’s not afraid to push boundaries and experiment, keeping his stories fresh and unpredictable.
What Makes Bagwell Shine?
Bagwell’s magic lies in his ability to blend gaming mechanics with deep, character-driven storytelling. His worlds are immersive, with every spell, skill, and loot drop feeling earned, not just handed out. But it’s the characters that steal the show—Jason’s not your typical hero, Finn’s got the wisdom of age but the fire of youth, and the Hollow protagonist is a wildcard you can’t help but root for. Bagwell’s writing is fast-paced and witty, balancing epic battles with quiet moments that hit you in the gut.
What’s more, he’s indie through and through, engaging directly with fans on platforms like Patreon and Royal Road, where he’s shared early drafts of Hollow. His passion for the genre shines in every book, and his willingness to take risks—like writing a 250,000-word epic like Hellion—shows he’s in it for the love of the story, not just the sales. My daughter loves how his books feel like stepping into a video game, but with the depth of a classic fantasy novel, and I’ve got to admit, I’m tempted to borrow her copies.
Roll the Dice on These Reads
Ready to log into Bagwell’s worlds? My daughter’s already planning a reread, and I’m betting you’ll want to join her! Here’s a roundup of his must-read titles, using the specific links you provided, updated with my affiliate ID “thebookhave0d-20” to snag your copies. Whether you’re starting with Awaken Online or jumping into Hollow, there’s an adventure waiting!
| Title | Series | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|
| Catharsis | Awaken Online (Book 1) | Buy Now |
| Precipice | Awaken Online (Book 2) | Buy Now |
| Retribution | Awaken Online (Book 2.5) | Buy Now |
| Evolution | Awaken Online (Book 3) | Buy Now |
| Apathy | Awaken Online (Book 3.5) | Buy Now |
| Dominion | Awaken Online (Book 4) | Buy Now |
| Unity | Awaken Online (Book 4.5) | Buy Now |
| Ember | Awaken Online: Tarot (Book 1) | Buy Now |
| Flame | Awaken Online: Tarot (Book 2) | Buy Now |
| Inferno | Awaken Online: Tarot (Book 3) | Buy Now |
| Hellion | Awaken Online (Book 5) | Buy Now |
| Happy | Awaken Online (Book 6) | Buy Now |
| Armageddon | Awaken Online (Book 7) | Buy Now |
| Timeless | Awaken Online (Book 8) | Buy Now |
| Hollow | Hollow (Book 1) | Buy Now |
| Roadtrip | Hollow (Book 2) | Buy Now |
Final Quest
Travis Bagwell isn’t just writing books—he’s crafting experiences. From the dark thrills of Awaken Online to the unhinged adventures of Hollow, his stories are a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. My daughter’s already counting down to his next release, and I’m betting you’ll want to join her. So, grab a book, log into his worlds, and see why Bagwell’s a name to watch in fantasy. You won’t regret it.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog!
Discover more from Where Stories Come Alive
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
