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The Realm of False Gods #4
Vertrautes Territorium: Ein Zauberer in Bremen Teil 3 (Das Reich der falschen Götter)
Sie halten ihn in der Hölle gefangen. Er ist der Sklave eines Dämons, aber das wird ihnen noch leid tun.
Der unsterbliche Zauberer Otto Schneider hat seine Abmachung mit dem Dämon Daniel unterschätzt. Nun ist Otto eine Marionette des Dämons und entführt Menschen, weil er keine andere Wahl hat ...
... zumindest glauben das die Dämonen.
Er ist gezwungen schreckliche Arbeit zu verrichten oder anderen beim Leiden zuzusehen. Er wartet und bleibt achtsam, denn die Jahrtausende, in denen die Dämonen nicht bekämpft wurden, haben sie unvorsichtig gemacht und jemandem wie Otto dreht man nicht den Rücken zu!
Otto will einen Weg zurück nach Bremen finden, zu seiner Frau, seiner neuen Schülerin Katja und allem, was er liebt, aber er kann es nicht ohne Hilfe schaffen. Wem kann man trauen, wenn man schon in der Hölle ist?
Inmitten eines Netzes aus Betrug und Verrat muss unser Zauberer einen Weg finden, die uralte Magie zu überwinden, die ihn bindet, und die Dämonen zurückzuschlagen, die drohen, die Erde zu überfallen.
Der Verteidiger von Bremen kehrt zurück und bringt die Hölle mit sich!
Der unsterbliche Zauberer Otto Schneider hat seine Abmachung mit dem Dämon Daniel unterschätzt. Nun ist Otto eine Marionette des Dämons und entführt Menschen, weil er keine andere Wahl hat ...
... zumindest glauben das die Dämonen.
Er ist gezwungen schreckliche Arbeit zu verrichten oder anderen beim Leiden zuzusehen. Er wartet und bleibt achtsam, denn die Jahrtausende, in denen die Dämonen nicht bekämpft wurden, haben sie unvorsichtig gemacht und jemandem wie Otto dreht man nicht den Rücken zu!
Otto will einen Weg zurück nach Bremen finden, zu seiner Frau, seiner neuen Schülerin Katja und allem, was er liebt, aber er kann es nicht ohne Hilfe schaffen. Wem kann man trauen, wenn man schon in der Hölle ist?
Inmitten eines Netzes aus Betrug und Verrat muss unser Zauberer einen Weg finden, die uralte Magie zu überwinden, die ihn bindet, und die Dämonen zurückzuschlagen, die drohen, die Erde zu überfallen.
Der Verteidiger von Bremen kehrt zurück und bringt die Hölle mit sich!
238 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2020
240 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
625 books858 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 20, 2026
Book 4, also a quick read - I've spent less time reading these four books than just one book from Brandon Sanderson. Anyhow...
Otto continues to increase his technique, and has become something of a leader among the slaves captured by the demons. The aloof angels also make an appearance - we have quite a battle brewing.
Looks like these books had a good run of success on kindle unlimited, and I can see why - the writing draws you in, with aspects of thriller and fantasy. Most chapters lead right to the next, so this is hard to put down. I've seen reviewers refer to this as book 5, book 6 - for me it was book 4, which matches the order listed on the author's website. All were released in a very short span of time, so I can see the confusion.
Otto continues to increase his technique, and has become something of a leader among the slaves captured by the demons. The aloof angels also make an appearance - we have quite a battle brewing.
Looks like these books had a good run of success on kindle unlimited, and I can see why - the writing draws you in, with aspects of thriller and fantasy. Most chapters lead right to the next, so this is hard to put down. I've seen reviewers refer to this as book 5, book 6 - for me it was book 4, which matches the order listed on the author's website. All were released in a very short span of time, so I can see the confusion.
January 24, 2026
The planar politics are really starting to get interesting. I'm enjoying this series and course we also have interesting politics developing in the immortal realm too.
June 21, 2025
Familiar Territory: A Wizard in Bremen part 3 by Steve Higgs is the 4th book in the Realm of False Gods series. Wizard Otto Schneider is tied to his deal with the demon Daniel, forced to kidnap others to take up roles as demon familiars, all the while plotting escape and revenge and trying to foil the demons plans to invade. An entertaining and interesting, fast paced fantasy. Lots of fun.
August 24, 2021
Enjoyable third part of A Wizard in Bremen. It may be book 6 but it's the fourth part in the Kindle book set. (I can hardly wait to finish the next one; the heroine is MAGNIGIFICENT!) I was pleased with the way Familiar Territory wound up Otto's story. Without giving out any spoilers, it gives me hope for Mr. Higgs' universe. Perhaps between humans and angels, the demons can be neutralized. We usually find that humans can rise to the occasion when we're threatened from outside. (Loving this series!) Recommended.
May 24, 2020
Familiar Territory is the sixth book in The Realm of False Gods series and the third book in the A Wizard in Bremen sub-series.
Otto is Daniel's slave but he doesn't plan to be one for long. This is a very entertaining read and has betrayal, magic, demons and action as Otto fights for the ones he loves.
I am loving this series and cannot wait for the next book.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Otto is Daniel's slave but he doesn't plan to be one for long. This is a very entertaining read and has betrayal, magic, demons and action as Otto fights for the ones he loves.
I am loving this series and cannot wait for the next book.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
July 30, 2020
Get coffee first
You will need coffee....real coffee...not decaf because this book will keep you up way too late. I feel this book should have been the fourth in the series, but, it answered a lot of questions that I had while reading books four and five. I was cheering, and scared and mad, and yes I ugly cried, but I know good will defeat evil and Mr. Higgs will make sure that happens. Great book.
You will need coffee....real coffee...not decaf because this book will keep you up way too late. I feel this book should have been the fourth in the series, but, it answered a lot of questions that I had while reading books four and five. I was cheering, and scared and mad, and yes I ugly cried, but I know good will defeat evil and Mr. Higgs will make sure that happens. Great book.
January 16, 2023
Otto.Strikes Back
Part Three in this series moves just.as.quickly as the previous ones. Otto is bound to Daniel the Demon and is ready to leAve a revolt of.some.sort to get the Familiars back to their previous homes and lives. As usual, a few things don't go as planned and a small.revolt turns into.something much larger. And there's always someone to betray him. You'll have to read it to find out more. Another great read from Steve Higgs.
Part Three in this series moves just.as.quickly as the previous ones. Otto is bound to Daniel the Demon and is ready to leAve a revolt of.some.sort to get the Familiars back to their previous homes and lives. As usual, a few things don't go as planned and a small.revolt turns into.something much larger. And there's always someone to betray him. You'll have to read it to find out more. Another great read from Steve Higgs.
August 23, 2020
Another great book by Steve Higgs! In this book we look through the eyes of Otto Schneider, a wizard, a husband, a good samaritan and a reluctant familiar to demons. Saving the world is hard work and there is no shortage of enemies. This book is very fast-paced and filled to the brim with non-stop action. Fantastic book!
November 5, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 12, 2026
Book four of The Realm of False Gods represents a return to the the main timeline of the large story arc. It again is narrated in the first-person view of Otto Schneider and it continues where book two left off. Not that I don't enjoy the Zachary Barnabus "sidequest", but it hardly move the plot forward or explain the backstory which is why I don't consider it as either a prequel or sequel.
It's hard to make a review of the story without giving off major spoiler so let's just say that I could plausibly see a world where book 1, 2, and 4 is released as a single book and it wouldn't feel jarring both length-wise and coherence-wise.
There's just one niggling question though. The story in the books so far is apparently told from the perspective of Otto Schneider, but this is the last book in the series (yes, I read all the titles of the series in advance) where "A Wizard in Bremen" is included in the subtitle and we're only at book four out of eleven. I wonder how the story would be told going forward. Is Otto still going to be the main character? Maybe the future books would still tell the story in his perspective just without his description in the title. I guess I'll find out soon since I'm definitely reading the next book right after this.
It's hard to make a review of the story without giving off major spoiler so let's just say that I could plausibly see a world where book 1, 2, and 4 is released as a single book and it wouldn't feel jarring both length-wise and coherence-wise.
There's just one niggling question though. The story in the books so far is apparently told from the perspective of Otto Schneider, but this is the last book in the series (yes, I read all the titles of the series in advance) where "A Wizard in Bremen" is included in the subtitle and we're only at book four out of eleven. I wonder how the story would be told going forward. Is Otto still going to be the main character? Maybe the future books would still tell the story in his perspective just without his description in the title. I guess I'll find out soon since I'm definitely reading the next book right after this.
July 26, 2020
Always a thrilling ride
Another wonderful, action packed adventure with drooling, ancient, vicious, evil. I was about to win a challenge to be able to keep up with the author’s publications. Fortunately he provided a new book! His ability and energy is astounding. Thank goodness!
Another wonderful, action packed adventure with drooling, ancient, vicious, evil. I was about to win a challenge to be able to keep up with the author’s publications. Fortunately he provided a new book! His ability and energy is astounding. Thank goodness!
December 1, 2023
The Rebellion Begins
Will the captured familiars escape? Can Otto trust the SIA/AIB? Is the new leader of the SIA/AIB turning into the guy he just deposed? Moving on to the next book.
Will the captured familiars escape? Can Otto trust the SIA/AIB? Is the new leader of the SIA/AIB turning into the guy he just deposed? Moving on to the next book.
March 29, 2025
A great way to wrap up what I believe is Otto's personal arc! I am glad that I was also able to predict what a few of his blood traits would help him accomplish by the end of it! I look forward to seeing what role Freja may play when Otto (hopefully) meets back up with Zachary.
November 28, 2025
As we all know, reviews are simply one's own opinion. I liked the book but found myself asking do I just want want to stop this series now? I was getting bored with it, but I kept reading till the end, it was good with a good ending.
June 29, 2020
Another Great Read
These books are excellent. Lots of action, no swearing (for those that care), a real humdinger of a storyline and a great central character, Otto.
These books are excellent. Lots of action, no swearing (for those that care), a real humdinger of a storyline and a great central character, Otto.
November 30, 2020
Otto 1 Demons 0
Wow this one was a wild ride from start to finish and it's not over. Some very exciting stuff, but also hurts. Have the tissues ready.
Wow this one was a wild ride from start to finish and it's not over. Some very exciting stuff, but also hurts. Have the tissues ready.
April 10, 2021
Read through kindle unlimited
May 29, 2021
the heroic conclusion of the wizard in bremen line looks like. it clears up loose ends and has a happy ending. looking forward to the next part in the realm series
October 4, 2021
Busy, busy. Do how does a demon control an immortal familiar? With great difficulty, that’s how.
November 11, 2023
Report
This book is a good read but it needs reading in small doses or it can be over mich .
This book is a good read but it needs reading in small doses or it can be over mich .
January 8, 2024
Back with Otto in the Demon Realm. Otto has replaced Edward as Daniel’s familiar. But he’s a man with a plan
May 9, 2024
Fantastic
I love this series and it's so thrilling, can't wait.to se.What happens next...poor.Otto really having to fight.for.the world, loosing everthing in the process
I love this series and it's so thrilling, can't wait.to se.What happens next...poor.Otto really having to fight.for.the world, loosing everthing in the process
June 27, 2024
Great
Really good book, fast paced and constant. Only confusion is in the authors notes he states this book is book 6... but this is actually book 4... Downloaded book 5 anyways!
Really good book, fast paced and constant. Only confusion is in the authors notes he states this book is book 6... but this is actually book 4... Downloaded book 5 anyways!
August 15, 2024
It just keeps on getting better! Looking forwrd to reading all 11 books in this series!!
January 27, 2025
( Definitely will need to read the next book of series...cliffhanger was a "biggie". )
February 7, 2025
really didn’t enjoy this one as much
I thought the author did a good job pulling out the ending but it took a lot of acrobatics to get there. I don’t think I’ll continue the series
I thought the author did a good job pulling out the ending but it took a lot of acrobatics to get there. I don’t think I’ll continue the series
May 7, 2025
Otto has managed to free many enslaved familiars, but the biggest battle is still to be fought on Earth. Will they be able to win this one?
November 19, 2025
story starting to shape after first two books.
January 8, 2026
This is a fast and fun series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews