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Crimson Winter
ARCHAEOLOGY IS HIS PROFESSION. PROTECTING HUMANITY IS HIS CALLING.On some level, Dr. Gideon Wolf hoped that being a demigod would have its perks. Not necessarily throngs of adoring worshipers continuously bowing at his feet, but at least, you know, a lull maybe in the endless onslaught of assassins sent to kill him and steal his power.
But since reluctantly assuming the mantle of one of seven guardians of humanity—for Gideon a perplexing and occasionally unwelcome “honor” bestowed upon him by fate—he’s been shocked by how many lost souls he’s supposed to protect want him dead.
Gideon is the first new guardian chosen in ages, and being the first doesn’t make things any easier. Humanity is in crisis—beset on all sides by evil, avaricious forces bent on total global enslavement—but in addition to having to learn all his new powers and figure out how to use them, Gideon must also identify and recruit the six other guardians who will help him save mankind.
How to identify them? Gideon doesn’t know. If he does somehow locate the rest of them, how is he supposed to convince these six other everyday people of their grand cosmic destiny and indispensable role in the salvation of the planet? Without them thinking he’s crazy? Again, Gideon doesn’t know.
What he does know is his presence and newfound powers have attracted the attention of some very bad, very powerful people. Apparently, leaders of some of the oldest, most venerated institutions on earth want him dead—before he’s able to assemble his team. That sordid fact begs other, more troubling questions, for Gideon and for humanity.
A man of faith and perseverance, Gideon believes in the proverb that to whom much is given, much is required, but surely the gods could give him an occasional push in the right direction. Before it’s too late.
USA Today best-selling author Ernest Dempsey returns with the third gripping installment of his fan-favorite Gideon Wolf series. With Dempsey’s signature blend of history, myth, and mystery, the ultimate fate of Gideon Wolf will be as shocking as his destiny.
But since reluctantly assuming the mantle of one of seven guardians of humanity—for Gideon a perplexing and occasionally unwelcome “honor” bestowed upon him by fate—he’s been shocked by how many lost souls he’s supposed to protect want him dead.
Gideon is the first new guardian chosen in ages, and being the first doesn’t make things any easier. Humanity is in crisis—beset on all sides by evil, avaricious forces bent on total global enslavement—but in addition to having to learn all his new powers and figure out how to use them, Gideon must also identify and recruit the six other guardians who will help him save mankind.
How to identify them? Gideon doesn’t know. If he does somehow locate the rest of them, how is he supposed to convince these six other everyday people of their grand cosmic destiny and indispensable role in the salvation of the planet? Without them thinking he’s crazy? Again, Gideon doesn’t know.
What he does know is his presence and newfound powers have attracted the attention of some very bad, very powerful people. Apparently, leaders of some of the oldest, most venerated institutions on earth want him dead—before he’s able to assemble his team. That sordid fact begs other, more troubling questions, for Gideon and for humanity.
A man of faith and perseverance, Gideon believes in the proverb that to whom much is given, much is required, but surely the gods could give him an occasional push in the right direction. Before it’s too late.
USA Today best-selling author Ernest Dempsey returns with the third gripping installment of his fan-favorite Gideon Wolf series. With Dempsey’s signature blend of history, myth, and mystery, the ultimate fate of Gideon Wolf will be as shocking as his destiny.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2023
110 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Ernest Dempsey
71 books477 followersErnest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 3, 2026
3.5 stars
A fun action filled block buster
A fun action filled block buster
April 13, 2024
attention magnet
I enjoy the action and the mysticism. I love how the relationships build and intertwine. I believe in watchers. Very well written. A few parts are a bit over explained and drawn out, like the food and small talk with insignificant characters. Can’t wait for the next book.
I enjoy the action and the mysticism. I love how the relationships build and intertwine. I believe in watchers. Very well written. A few parts are a bit over explained and drawn out, like the food and small talk with insignificant characters. Can’t wait for the next book.
April 21, 2023
Gideon needs to return to Santa Rojo in Mexico after his trip home to the US, and his run in with Pastor Vernon Wells and his ex father-in-law. Especially after discovering some maps could lead him to the next medallion and Guardian.
With only a few miles left to reach the town he is attacked by gunmen and they clearly don't want him to be kept alive.
After ripping his rental car in bullet holes and making it look more like swiss cheese. He has had enough and when he sees the red mist rising from the gunners there is no choice but to unleash the Chupacabra.
After dispensing of the men Gideon walks the long way round into the village but another surprise awaits him.
Once at the village he can't wait to see Vero and Myra again. But as he enters Vero's Cantina he overhears a conversation that he doesn't like. Senor Eduardo Gonzalez is trying to purchase the cantina from Vero but she is standing firm and refuses his offer but Gonzalez is very insistent and said that he will return.
After visiting their friend Myra, Gideon asked Vero to come to Greece with him as that is where the maps so the next medallion to be situated.
What happens next is an explosive and non stop action to find the next Guardian.
The story and Gideon's character just continues to grow along with his powers.
Fantastic book, brilliant series. Looking forward to the next adventure.
With only a few miles left to reach the town he is attacked by gunmen and they clearly don't want him to be kept alive.
After ripping his rental car in bullet holes and making it look more like swiss cheese. He has had enough and when he sees the red mist rising from the gunners there is no choice but to unleash the Chupacabra.
After dispensing of the men Gideon walks the long way round into the village but another surprise awaits him.
Once at the village he can't wait to see Vero and Myra again. But as he enters Vero's Cantina he overhears a conversation that he doesn't like. Senor Eduardo Gonzalez is trying to purchase the cantina from Vero but she is standing firm and refuses his offer but Gonzalez is very insistent and said that he will return.
After visiting their friend Myra, Gideon asked Vero to come to Greece with him as that is where the maps so the next medallion to be situated.
What happens next is an explosive and non stop action to find the next Guardian.
The story and Gideon's character just continues to grow along with his powers.
Fantastic book, brilliant series. Looking forward to the next adventure.
May 26, 2023
Crimson Winter is the third Gideon Wolfe book and I definitely recommend that the books are read in order as they are continuous.
Gideon still wears the medallion that turns him into the Chupacabra. In this book his understanding of what that really entails becomes increasingly clear. Forging a deeper understanding with Xolotl is not always easy especially when it seems that everyone is trying to kill him at every turn.
Myra has her own issues but they become dangerously entwined with Gideon and his search for the next medallion.
This is a fabulous, addictive book, and series. Gideon and Myra are wonderful characters and the friends that help them are also great, if a little mysterious at times. I love that Xolotl is showing more of his personality and his wry sense of humour which did make me chuckle out loud at times. The action and danger continue at a great pace through the book culminating in an exciting ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. It is very different from the superb Sean Wyatt series but equally as exciting and addictive. I am looking forward to the next one.
Gideon still wears the medallion that turns him into the Chupacabra. In this book his understanding of what that really entails becomes increasingly clear. Forging a deeper understanding with Xolotl is not always easy especially when it seems that everyone is trying to kill him at every turn.
Myra has her own issues but they become dangerously entwined with Gideon and his search for the next medallion.
This is a fabulous, addictive book, and series. Gideon and Myra are wonderful characters and the friends that help them are also great, if a little mysterious at times. I love that Xolotl is showing more of his personality and his wry sense of humour which did make me chuckle out loud at times. The action and danger continue at a great pace through the book culminating in an exciting ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. It is very different from the superb Sean Wyatt series but equally as exciting and addictive. I am looking forward to the next one.
April 28, 2023
The best of the Gideon Wolf series
Crimson Winter, the third book in the Gideon wolf series, is not just the best book in the series, it is one of Ernest Dempsey’s best books. Crimson Winter doesn’t just have a strong story line, it incorporates so much mythology, history, and geography. I felt like I was traveling through the past and experiencing each of the locations Gideon and Vero found themselves in. additionally, I loved how Mr. Dempsey wove a philosophical element into this story by using the voice in Gideon’s head to try to provide useful knowledge. If you are new to the Gideon Wolf books, this is not a stand-alone story, you owe it to yourself to start from book one – Emergence – and follow Gideon’s journey. I received an advance reader copy from the author and chose to provide this review.
Crimson Winter, the third book in the Gideon wolf series, is not just the best book in the series, it is one of Ernest Dempsey’s best books. Crimson Winter doesn’t just have a strong story line, it incorporates so much mythology, history, and geography. I felt like I was traveling through the past and experiencing each of the locations Gideon and Vero found themselves in. additionally, I loved how Mr. Dempsey wove a philosophical element into this story by using the voice in Gideon’s head to try to provide useful knowledge. If you are new to the Gideon Wolf books, this is not a stand-alone story, you owe it to yourself to start from book one – Emergence – and follow Gideon’s journey. I received an advance reader copy from the author and chose to provide this review.
April 28, 2023
Wow what a great adventure!
Dr. Gideon Wolf was a respected archaeologist whose life is turned upside down because of a mythical amulet. Dr Wolf learns that his amulet is one of seven, and he needs to locate the other six Guardians of the Innocent and help them find their amulet so the power of good will balance that of evil.
Enjoy this story as Gideon helps the woman he believes is one of the Guardians.
The story has lots of action and is a thrill ride you will enjoy. With the many twists and turns as the story progresses it will keep you turning pages and you will find it hard to put the book down. Join the journey as you read the story to see what will happen next.
I really enjoyed it, I think you will also!!
Dr. Gideon Wolf was a respected archaeologist whose life is turned upside down because of a mythical amulet. Dr Wolf learns that his amulet is one of seven, and he needs to locate the other six Guardians of the Innocent and help them find their amulet so the power of good will balance that of evil.
Enjoy this story as Gideon helps the woman he believes is one of the Guardians.
The story has lots of action and is a thrill ride you will enjoy. With the many twists and turns as the story progresses it will keep you turning pages and you will find it hard to put the book down. Join the journey as you read the story to see what will happen next.
I really enjoyed it, I think you will also!!
April 25, 2023
Crimson Winter - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Archaeology Professor Gideon Wolf rises again as vigilante Chupacabra, the Mexican deity, guided by Gideon's snarky, internal guide Xolotl,
in Ernest Dempsey's fantastic epic Gideon Wolf series', Book 3, Crimson Winter.
Whilst trying to find the second of seven medallions, Gideon and Vero, undergo many weird, wonderful and sometimes deadly trials and encounters, as members of the evil cult, Gladius Dei, repeatedly try to kill them.
To find out how the duo survive and unite against the forces of Ahriman, a sea monster, a supernatural temple, mythic weapons, a magical map and compass, an undersea gravesite, an Oracle, deadly red mist, shape-shifters and much more, grab your copy today - and buckle up for a wild ride you're sure to love!
Archaeology Professor Gideon Wolf rises again as vigilante Chupacabra, the Mexican deity, guided by Gideon's snarky, internal guide Xolotl,
in Ernest Dempsey's fantastic epic Gideon Wolf series', Book 3, Crimson Winter.
Whilst trying to find the second of seven medallions, Gideon and Vero, undergo many weird, wonderful and sometimes deadly trials and encounters, as members of the evil cult, Gladius Dei, repeatedly try to kill them.
To find out how the duo survive and unite against the forces of Ahriman, a sea monster, a supernatural temple, mythic weapons, a magical map and compass, an undersea gravesite, an Oracle, deadly red mist, shape-shifters and much more, grab your copy today - and buckle up for a wild ride you're sure to love!
April 28, 2023
Gideon is back! He's in Mexico hanging at a cantina with a lovely lady when he gets a new dream that makes him realize he needs to head to Greece. He wants to take his lady to Greece with him, is led to believe he needs to, and fate makes it happen! So many bad guys happen along the way, A couple dream sequences, A coup!e oracles, and a fast trip back to Panama leads to the next medallion and a new Guardian! Gideon is ecstatic with how events turn out, and it was a satisfying ending! Another great read!
July 31, 2023
Delightfully different.
Gideon Wolf is an archaeologist who through no fault of his own ends up in possession of an ancient medallion. However, this isn’t just an Indiana Jones type of adventure as the medallion turns him into El Chupacabra—part man, part monster, guided by shaman to erase the evil doers in the world.
This is the third book of the series and Gideon Wolf is now on the trail of the other 6 medallions and their unsuspecting guardians. Meanwhile there are others just as determined to stop him and claim the medallions for themselves.
Truly a great read!
Gideon Wolf is an archaeologist who through no fault of his own ends up in possession of an ancient medallion. However, this isn’t just an Indiana Jones type of adventure as the medallion turns him into El Chupacabra—part man, part monster, guided by shaman to erase the evil doers in the world.
This is the third book of the series and Gideon Wolf is now on the trail of the other 6 medallions and their unsuspecting guardians. Meanwhile there are others just as determined to stop him and claim the medallions for themselves.
Truly a great read!
April 28, 2023
Gideon Wolf is getting used to life as a chupacabra and he is learning that there is no reason to let evil continue to roam. However; what does he do when another innocent's life is in danger? What reaches will he go to in order to save another's life? This is the best book yet in this series and Gideon continues to amaze in his knowledge and skills that he is gaining as one of the Guardians of the Earth.. get ready for a thrill ride!
May 6, 2023
Goodness defeats evil in Crimson Winter
This amazing paranormal fantasy addresses the evil that may inhabit leaders within churches. Greed and lust for power can destroy the souls of church leaders who trick others to follow them down the pathway of evil. Travel to Greece and to Panama from Mexico makes for another exciting journey by Gideon Wolf. This time he is accompanied by the beautiful Vero and love blossoms between them.
This amazing paranormal fantasy addresses the evil that may inhabit leaders within churches. Greed and lust for power can destroy the souls of church leaders who trick others to follow them down the pathway of evil. Travel to Greece and to Panama from Mexico makes for another exciting journey by Gideon Wolf. This time he is accompanied by the beautiful Vero and love blossoms between them.
August 7, 2024
Draws you in ...
I've read the first two in this series and this one doesn't disappoint. The story draws you in from word one, twists you around like a tilt-a-whirl, then spits you back out at a new beginning; starting the process all over again. You'll find yourself laughing with the characters, crying with them, even yelling out loud at them (yes I did). A great book. Can't wait for the next.
I've read the first two in this series and this one doesn't disappoint. The story draws you in from word one, twists you around like a tilt-a-whirl, then spits you back out at a new beginning; starting the process all over again. You'll find yourself laughing with the characters, crying with them, even yelling out loud at them (yes I did). A great book. Can't wait for the next.
December 23, 2024
Not his usual stzndard
I have read most of Ernest's Sean Wyatt books and found them good reads. Perhaps it's the change to a different style, paranormal, rather than straight action but it didn't flow for me. The hero continually making the same mistakes and also the characters being far too predictable. I bought the first 3 books as a package but won't be buying any more. Don't get me wrong, these will appeal to some readers but they didn't hit the mark for me.
I have read most of Ernest's Sean Wyatt books and found them good reads. Perhaps it's the change to a different style, paranormal, rather than straight action but it didn't flow for me. The hero continually making the same mistakes and also the characters being far too predictable. I bought the first 3 books as a package but won't be buying any more. Don't get me wrong, these will appeal to some readers but they didn't hit the mark for me.
August 8, 2025
Cliffhanger Read #1 first
Gideon is on a roll, thank God he's got Vero, 2 oracles and of course the voice in his head. Finally figured out who is trying to kill him, even got to meet him. Nut I'm getting ahead of myself. From the States to the Greek Islands to Panama by plane, ferry and boat Gideon gets the job done. And I can't wait to find out what happens next. Great job. Thank you.
Gideon is on a roll, thank God he's got Vero, 2 oracles and of course the voice in his head. Finally figured out who is trying to kill him, even got to meet him. Nut I'm getting ahead of myself. From the States to the Greek Islands to Panama by plane, ferry and boat Gideon gets the job done. And I can't wait to find out what happens next. Great job. Thank you.
May 1, 2023
Crimson Winter
I am enjoying this series and hope it continues as long as Sean’s series. This is more gritty and violent than other books by Mr. Dempsey. The violence is never gratuitous but fits in the story. The plot is good. Characters are interesting and are developing nicely. The supernatural is blended in well and is believable. Recommended.
I am enjoying this series and hope it continues as long as Sean’s series. This is more gritty and violent than other books by Mr. Dempsey. The violence is never gratuitous but fits in the story. The plot is good. Characters are interesting and are developing nicely. The supernatural is blended in well and is believable. Recommended.
May 8, 2023
Medallions, mist and monsters, 😈😈
I can not get enough of Gideon Wolf, these books are really well written and very entertaining. Xolotl has a great sense of humour 😁😁, and has you laughing. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, to see if Gideon can find the other medallions before the cardinal and his men do. I love the cover design too.
I can not get enough of Gideon Wolf, these books are really well written and very entertaining. Xolotl has a great sense of humour 😁😁, and has you laughing. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, to see if Gideon can find the other medallions before the cardinal and his men do. I love the cover design too.
May 11, 2023
When is the next one coming g?
I love Gideon! Archeology, humor, history, carnage and romance! I love that he is not super smart nut intelligent. Happy that Vero has joined him in his adventure! Couldn't believe I reached the end, it went too fast. Thank you again Mr. Dempsey for another fantastic read!
I love Gideon! Archeology, humor, history, carnage and romance! I love that he is not super smart nut intelligent. Happy that Vero has joined him in his adventure! Couldn't believe I reached the end, it went too fast. Thank you again Mr. Dempsey for another fantastic read!
May 8, 2024
Wow….2 of them
Gideon Wolf almost ends with this book, but I knew in my heart he would somehow survive. And Veronica becomes more of a partner in this book, too. Amazing detail, great imagination, and geographical accuracy, along with fantastical creatures, bad guys and much more. Now I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Gideon Wolf almost ends with this book, but I knew in my heart he would somehow survive. And Veronica becomes more of a partner in this book, too. Amazing detail, great imagination, and geographical accuracy, along with fantastical creatures, bad guys and much more. Now I can’t wait for the next in the series.
August 22, 2024
Great book!
I , as always, loved it. The characters are terrific, plot is interesting and it pulls you into the story. I learn something about history, mythology or archaeology every time I read one of Ernest Dempsey's books. Thank you for sharing your imagination and excellent writing skills with us.
I , as always, loved it. The characters are terrific, plot is interesting and it pulls you into the story. I learn something about history, mythology or archaeology every time I read one of Ernest Dempsey's books. Thank you for sharing your imagination and excellent writing skills with us.
May 4, 2023
great fun read
What a great fantasy !!!
Loved the shape shifting, red mist and invulnerability.
Good story of good versus evil with good triumphing.
I loved the ancillary characters, too.
Anticipating the next story.
What a great fantasy !!!
Loved the shape shifting, red mist and invulnerability.
Good story of good versus evil with good triumphing.
I loved the ancillary characters, too.
Anticipating the next story.
May 5, 2023
Excellent Story
The Gideon Wolf series are fantastic. Mixing an ancient spiritual world with mysteries and adventure of today’s crazy world. These are unputable down stories. I can’t wait for the next one!
The Gideon Wolf series are fantastic. Mixing an ancient spiritual world with mysteries and adventure of today’s crazy world. These are unputable down stories. I can’t wait for the next one!
May 16, 2023
Another Good Read!!
Enjoyed reading this next installment of the Gideon Wolf story. Looking forward to reading the next in this series. Im eager to find out who the next animal will be.
Enjoyed reading this next installment of the Gideon Wolf story. Looking forward to reading the next in this series. Im eager to find out who the next animal will be.
July 25, 2023
good God or bad, it gets the job done
The sequels are just as entertaining as the original. The story continues with smooth transitions throughout. Fun, fun, fun, till your daddy takes the T-Bird away.
The sequels are just as entertaining as the original. The story continues with smooth transitions throughout. Fun, fun, fun, till your daddy takes the T-Bird away.
May 14, 2024
extra fast adventure!
Keep the pause going! Travel, physics, portals, oracles, lots and lots of bullets….boats…..crashes! Surprises. Fast paced, fun read. The bad guys keep popping up very where. Find out more…..
Keep the pause going! Travel, physics, portals, oracles, lots and lots of bullets….boats…..crashes! Surprises. Fast paced, fun read. The bad guys keep popping up very where. Find out more…..
October 15, 2024
Entertaining, fast paced adventure
This is an easy read series. Gideon is an entertaining character and Dempsey is creating a detailed interesting world for him to inhabit. The mythology is expanding book by book. Great read.
This is an easy read series. Gideon is an entertaining character and Dempsey is creating a detailed interesting world for him to inhabit. The mythology is expanding book by book. Great read.
November 9, 2024
Spellbinding
Although the storyline was very hard to accept I very quickly got drawn in. So much so that I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book. This was also true of the first two books in the series. I hope that the series continues.
Although the storyline was very hard to accept I very quickly got drawn in. So much so that I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book. This was also true of the first two books in the series. I hope that the series continues.
June 7, 2025
Plenty of action and Suspense
The Wolf strikes again. Gideon is still tracking the other Madalions and people to wear it. He narrows it down and they both hunt for it. Then the fun started.
The Wolf strikes again. Gideon is still tracking the other Madalions and people to wear it. He narrows it down and they both hunt for it. Then the fun started.
June 28, 2025
Fun stuff.
This is a fun story. If you’re looking for something to read that’s not too involved, moves along at a good pace, and is filled with interesting characters. Definitely buy this book. It could use a better proof read but you will still enjoy it.
This is a fun story. If you’re looking for something to read that’s not too involved, moves along at a good pace, and is filled with interesting characters. Definitely buy this book. It could use a better proof read but you will still enjoy it.
May 3, 2023
A great read
Thank you. I hope there is a sequel to this Gideon Wolf story. Too many villains still out there. I want to know what happens next.
Thank you. I hope there is a sequel to this Gideon Wolf story. Too many villains still out there. I want to know what happens next.
May 6, 2023
Truly awesome new series
Another excite book by Earnest. Page turner as all his books seem to be. Can’t wait till the next book is released.
Another excite book by Earnest. Page turner as all his books seem to be. Can’t wait till the next book is released.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews