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Contender Saga #2
Ritual Combat
With the mine reopened and his farm under construction, Falkor and his party go exploring in the tunnels below the village. Though he defeated the first Contender that had hunted him down, Falkor was sure that more would be coming for him, and he needed to get stronger as quickly as possible. Fighting and defeating the monsters of the underground seemed to be the fastest way to accomplish that goal.
But unexpectedly strong monsters from the deep depths of the underground are appearing closer to the surface than they should be. Falkor’s party barely survives their first encounter with the higher leveled beasts. His more experienced advisors are concerned, and launch an exploratory mission to the depths to find out what’s pushing the monsters toward the surface. What they find could mean the end of them all.
Meanwhile, the brotherhood of the Contender Falkor killed is intent on taking his head, as well as the heads of some of his friends, forcing Falkor into ritual combat yet again.
But unexpectedly strong monsters from the deep depths of the underground are appearing closer to the surface than they should be. Falkor’s party barely survives their first encounter with the higher leveled beasts. His more experienced advisors are concerned, and launch an exploratory mission to the depths to find out what’s pushing the monsters toward the surface. What they find could mean the end of them all.
Meanwhile, the brotherhood of the Contender Falkor killed is intent on taking his head, as well as the heads of some of his friends, forcing Falkor into ritual combat yet again.
- GenresFantasy
675 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2023
240 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Dave Willmarth
31 books633 followersDave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 12, 2023
Great!
A real RPG novel with no harem. The characters are richly detailed and interesting, the challenges are complex and the lore is new and complex. A satisfying and fast paced read. I couldn't put it down until I'd devoured the whole book. I'm eagerly waiting on the next installment of this series.
A real RPG novel with no harem. The characters are richly detailed and interesting, the challenges are complex and the lore is new and complex. A satisfying and fast paced read. I couldn't put it down until I'd devoured the whole book. I'm eagerly waiting on the next installment of this series.
August 14, 2023
Book two
I found a few mistakes and will list them on Goodreads.
For being a veteran warrior the MC doesn't act like it sometimes.
Also the fact that he leaves loot is annoying. He may be rich, but that is no reason not to loot your enemies.
He has a storage belt and apparently multiple storage rings that he has never bothered to check. So he is lazy rich, so rich he doesn't need to keep track of what he has?
Otherwise it's a decent story. I'd love to know what the points are for that he gets from killing other contenders though.
7/10
I found a few mistakes and will list them on Goodreads.
For being a veteran warrior the MC doesn't act like it sometimes.
Also the fact that he leaves loot is annoying. He may be rich, but that is no reason not to loot your enemies.
He has a storage belt and apparently multiple storage rings that he has never bothered to check. So he is lazy rich, so rich he doesn't need to keep track of what he has?
Otherwise it's a decent story. I'd love to know what the points are for that he gets from killing other contenders though.
7/10
September 18, 2023
decent read
It was an ok book. Some of the world building was interesting, but the MC is basically an idiot. Survives by luck most of the time. He had a couple of good strategies and some decent fights, but overall an idiot. I don’t think I will read anymore of this series when they come out.
It was an ok book. Some of the world building was interesting, but the MC is basically an idiot. Survives by luck most of the time. He had a couple of good strategies and some decent fights, but overall an idiot. I don’t think I will read anymore of this series when they come out.
August 16, 2023
KU Review
Definitely enjoy the grind. Not sure the attitude of the contenders surprises me, but it also makes me despair a bit for humanity. Fun adventures to follow regardless.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Definitely enjoy the grind. Not sure the attitude of the contenders surprises me, but it also makes me despair a bit for humanity. Fun adventures to follow regardless.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
September 19, 2023
Great book loved the magic system and the characters can’t wait for the next one.
August 7, 2023
solid progress
Not another earth-Isekai, so it stays interesting instead of overwhelming with modern knowledge. MC doesn’t fly through levels, though he does have advantages. Well balanced for the most part, but the healing feels a bit OP.
I look forward to another.
Not another earth-Isekai, so it stays interesting instead of overwhelming with modern knowledge. MC doesn’t fly through levels, though he does have advantages. Well balanced for the most part, but the healing feels a bit OP.
I look forward to another.
August 10, 2023
A great continuation
Loved the first book in the series, and this one was even better. The story is great, and the progression, although slow, is more realistic than a lot of litrpg novels. If I had any complaints, it would be that the MC for someone who spent years as a soldier is always afraid and slow to learn to take advantage of his skills and talents even after repeated warnings. As a former marine and soldier, I can tell you it is a rare soldier who doesn't learn quickly to use every advantage you can get. He was battle hardened before coming to this world but act like a fresh boot with almost every fight and basically gives up every advantage and almost dies several times as a result. Don't get me wrong, he's still an awesome character, but he does little to show that he was a soldier before he was thrust into his new life. You can be a good guy without always offering mercy to the people trying to kill you, especially after it has almost gotten you killed several times. That's just being stupid. Anyway, I will definitely be reading book three, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it just as much.
Loved the first book in the series, and this one was even better. The story is great, and the progression, although slow, is more realistic than a lot of litrpg novels. If I had any complaints, it would be that the MC for someone who spent years as a soldier is always afraid and slow to learn to take advantage of his skills and talents even after repeated warnings. As a former marine and soldier, I can tell you it is a rare soldier who doesn't learn quickly to use every advantage you can get. He was battle hardened before coming to this world but act like a fresh boot with almost every fight and basically gives up every advantage and almost dies several times as a result. Don't get me wrong, he's still an awesome character, but he does little to show that he was a soldier before he was thrust into his new life. You can be a good guy without always offering mercy to the people trying to kill you, especially after it has almost gotten you killed several times. That's just being stupid. Anyway, I will definitely be reading book three, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it just as much.
September 18, 2023
Less good than book 1. Prose seems more clumsy. Book jumps between multiple major plot points without resolutions or consequences. For example Falkor kills a bunch of Contenders from the church of God X (the god doesn't appear to have a name?), and neither Church X or the other God X Contenders or any other Contenders have any reactions to this slaughter (aside from a very brief "yeah those gods were kind of jerks" from Priest X). In a fit of petty spite Falkor decides to fight a trade war against the leader of the local merchants. No pushback, no consequences. There is a weird plot with a mercenary troop than comes from nowhere, makes no sense, and goes nowhere.
Series seems to be pivoting away from the Contender plot to an ancient evil rises again plot.
Oh, I forgot. Protagonist continues to threaten to murder his girlfriend's dog. WTF?
Series seems to be pivoting away from the Contender plot to an ancient evil rises again plot.
Oh, I forgot. Protagonist continues to threaten to murder his girlfriend's dog. WTF?
August 12, 2023
Another stellar read
Dave has most definetly outdone himself with this one. I've been waiting to get my hands on this book since the first one came out.
I ended up grabbing it and reading it in one day because the action was so amazing but the world building and plot was so well done that anytime I thought I should take a break I ended up reading something that pulled me back in.
I was so pumped by it that I didn't realize I hit the end of the book until I got to this section.
Definitely a 10/10 and a must read series for anyone that wants a amazing story
Dave has most definetly outdone himself with this one. I've been waiting to get my hands on this book since the first one came out.
I ended up grabbing it and reading it in one day because the action was so amazing but the world building and plot was so well done that anytime I thought I should take a break I ended up reading something that pulled me back in.
I was so pumped by it that I didn't realize I hit the end of the book until I got to this section.
Definitely a 10/10 and a must read series for anyone that wants a amazing story
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September 6, 2023Great As Usual
This story of a medieval soldier going to a magical world after his death was fantastic. He is a Contender who must battle one on one with another Contender. While it was bs in the first book, he has some levels now so it’s not as imposing as it was. He’s a bit of a wuss, which doesn’t make sense as he is a veteran soldier who took on greater odds in his previous life. Great nonetheless.
This story of a medieval soldier going to a magical world after his death was fantastic. He is a Contender who must battle one on one with another Contender. While it was bs in the first book, he has some levels now so it’s not as imposing as it was. He’s a bit of a wuss, which doesn’t make sense as he is a veteran soldier who took on greater odds in his previous life. Great nonetheless.
November 8, 2023
I have come to enjoy the adventures written by David Willmarth. There are two series of his I am following, Battleborne and The Contender. Both are very well written to include humor and adrenaline producing situations. Dave does a wonderful job of world building and his characters are very engaging. There is one bad part to Dave's writing and that is once I have gone through the latest book I sit on pins and needles waiting for the next book in the series to come out.
August 10, 2024
The protagonist is so annoying
Any intelligent person would prepare and train when hunted. Not so the protagonist. I guess he must have read the script and the saving plot armour..
Of course he keeps getting his enemies close all the time and keeps attacking with his melee weapons himself. This, of course, results with him almost dying and constantly being saved by plot armour like in a 1960s batman series episode..
I rather hated the big fights and was no fan of the new huge threat which changed the plot abruptly..
Any intelligent person would prepare and train when hunted. Not so the protagonist. I guess he must have read the script and the saving plot armour..
Of course he keeps getting his enemies close all the time and keeps attacking with his melee weapons himself. This, of course, results with him almost dying and constantly being saved by plot armour like in a 1960s batman series episode..
I rather hated the big fights and was no fan of the new huge threat which changed the plot abruptly..
August 22, 2023
I think this is one of Dave's better series. There is plenty of action and adventure as Falkor fights off competitors.
In book two, Falkor is busy. His house is done but Grelda hasn't moved in yet. The mine is doing well which makes the dwarves happy, and it's almost time to rebuild the old city since the village doesn't have walls. I won't spoil what comes next, but I was thoroughly entertained.
The editing is above average, and the stats are fine albeit in small boxes. I definitely plan to read book two as the problem below heats up. 5/5* recommended.
In book two, Falkor is busy. His house is done but Grelda hasn't moved in yet. The mine is doing well which makes the dwarves happy, and it's almost time to rebuild the old city since the village doesn't have walls. I won't spoil what comes next, but I was thoroughly entertained.
The editing is above average, and the stats are fine albeit in small boxes. I definitely plan to read book two as the problem below heats up. 5/5* recommended.
November 16, 2023
Fantastic book 2 in the series!
Fantastic second book! The characters are still strong, and you get a real sense of their purpose and their character. Enjoyable growth and talents and fighting abilities. Believable battles, and the wounds that occur during them. Definitely a series and I hope continues.
Fantastic second book! The characters are still strong, and you get a real sense of their purpose and their character. Enjoyable growth and talents and fighting abilities. Believable battles, and the wounds that occur during them. Definitely a series and I hope continues.
January 8, 2024
Fantastic continuation
Of a series . Had been waiting for the second part of this series to come out and I wasn't disappointed at all!
Good pacing , development of.characters and the new development of a.previously unknown danger means that I can easily give this book two.thumbs up
Of a series . Had been waiting for the second part of this series to come out and I wasn't disappointed at all!
Good pacing , development of.characters and the new development of a.previously unknown danger means that I can easily give this book two.thumbs up
January 17, 2024
It is one of those books where you love the 1st book. But the 2nd book is just ok. And I quit reading in the middle of the 3rd.
This book fell into the same old rut of the formula story. Where everything follows along in a non deviating line of same old Writing 101 story arc, with no originality or feeling. I of course thought the 3rd book "would be better". The 3rd book is never better.
This book fell into the same old rut of the formula story. Where everything follows along in a non deviating line of same old Writing 101 story arc, with no originality or feeling. I of course thought the 3rd book "would be better". The 3rd book is never better.
January 19, 2024
Okay
Falkor continues to get stronger and fight off other contenders , he's lucky he's made several good friends to help him as he's still clueless and has no common sense , an enjoyable continuation from book one , I enjoyed the growth of the village and the mine etc , the delving wasn't very interesting but that's part of the story.
Falkor continues to get stronger and fight off other contenders , he's lucky he's made several good friends to help him as he's still clueless and has no common sense , an enjoyable continuation from book one , I enjoyed the growth of the village and the mine etc , the delving wasn't very interesting but that's part of the story.
September 20, 2024
Another great story
Lived this, our hero continues to grow and be a good person preferring not to fight the other contenders in this world but with the help of his friends he destroys them when he must.
A wonderful tale of a good man thrust into situations where he has to sink to the level of the lowest to survive and protect his friends.
Lived this, our hero continues to grow and be a good person preferring not to fight the other contenders in this world but with the help of his friends he destroys them when he must.
A wonderful tale of a good man thrust into situations where he has to sink to the level of the lowest to survive and protect his friends.
August 22, 2023
Dave did it again
I am a huge fan of all of Daves books. So take this as a recommendation to read them. The way he writes puts you in the story. You are laughing, crying, some times both at once. Really can pull emotions.
I am a huge fan of all of Daves books. So take this as a recommendation to read them. The way he writes puts you in the story. You are laughing, crying, some times both at once. Really can pull emotions.
August 29, 2023
I was hesitant at first to start this series Ritutal Combat. To my surprise after a rough start it had my attention. Turns out I enjoyed following Falkor journey. I am looking forward to the next book in the series although there is no reference to continuing the series.
August 29, 2023
Great book
This was a brilliant and enjoyable entry in the series. I like the MC, the other characters are well fleshed out and the story engaging. Can't wait for book 3 in the series.
This was a brilliant and enjoyable entry in the series. I like the MC, the other characters are well fleshed out and the story engaging. Can't wait for book 3 in the series.
September 2, 2023
More please
Dave continues to produce an engaging story the flows nicely and doesn't bog down. One of the few authors that constantly puts out books that are enjoyable to reread. Thank you Dave
Dave continues to produce an engaging story the flows nicely and doesn't bog down. One of the few authors that constantly puts out books that are enjoyable to reread. Thank you Dave
September 9, 2023
Not to bad
Entertaining and exciting hoping for book 3 .
As far as characters go there were detailed and relatable.
Events were not obvious or predictable as is usually the case in fantasy novels.
Entertaining and exciting hoping for book 3 .
As far as characters go there were detailed and relatable.
Events were not obvious or predictable as is usually the case in fantasy novels.
September 25, 2023
Worthy Sequel
Fun series with decent pacing looking forward to the next book. Characters are flawed, and no one is perfect, but the main character is well thought out and competent.
Fun series with decent pacing looking forward to the next book. Characters are flawed, and no one is perfect, but the main character is well thought out and competent.
November 8, 2024
Okay, good story, where is book III?
I enjoyed the fact that the mc makes mistakes amd actually does not just have it all easy.
I also like that he has to develop relationships, not just have it easy.
I enjoyed the fact that the mc makes mistakes amd actually does not just have it all easy.
I also like that he has to develop relationships, not just have it easy.
August 7, 2023
another great book from dave willmarth, flkors adventure continues and boy this doesnt disappoint. cant wait for the next one
August 9, 2023
Excellent follow on
Book 2 of the Contender saga continues to be engaging and exciting as book 1. Well worth the read. Dave Willmarth continues his outstanding wordsmithing.
Book 2 of the Contender saga continues to be engaging and exciting as book 1. Well worth the read. Dave Willmarth continues his outstanding wordsmithing.
August 9, 2023
Excellent!
Very good LitRPG, fun Read. Stats are not to heavily done. Very good world building and lots of action and well written.
Very good LitRPG, fun Read. Stats are not to heavily done. Very good world building and lots of action and well written.
August 11, 2023
great read
Great story. Was waiting impatiently for this one. Now I have to wait for the next. An enjoyable read in that the hero is struggling to understand a new world.
Great story. Was waiting impatiently for this one. Now I have to wait for the next. An enjoyable read in that the hero is struggling to understand a new world.
August 14, 2023
Buy it, read it
Carries on nicely from the previous book and leaves a great set up for the next one.
Can't wait for the next one.
Carries on nicely from the previous book and leaves a great set up for the next one.
Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews