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The Grand Game #6
A Scion's Duty
A burgeoning Power. Dormant followers. Ancient forces. Forgotten Allies. And Lurking Enemies.
Will they clash? And when they do, will the Wolf emerge triumphant?
Michael has come far in the Game since his somewhat-ignominious entry through Erebus’ dungeon. Now, a force to be reckoned with, he is a more than a mere player and someone the Powers would do well to fear…
But as Michael’s power has grown, so too, has his Pack.
Now, thousands look to him. With the fate of the House Wolf resting on his shoulders, allies left adrift awaiting his return, new friends brought into the fold, and enemies lurking in the shadows, can Michael juggle his multiplying duties and protect all those he has sworn to? All while still gathering the Power he desperately needs?
Will they clash? And when they do, will the Wolf emerge triumphant?
Michael has come far in the Game since his somewhat-ignominious entry through Erebus’ dungeon. Now, a force to be reckoned with, he is a more than a mere player and someone the Powers would do well to fear…
But as Michael’s power has grown, so too, has his Pack.
Now, thousands look to him. With the fate of the House Wolf resting on his shoulders, allies left adrift awaiting his return, new friends brought into the fold, and enemies lurking in the shadows, can Michael juggle his multiplying duties and protect all those he has sworn to? All while still gathering the Power he desperately needs?
576 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2024
729 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Tom Elliot
21 books334 followers"Tom Elliot's writing is like his hero: it never quits." - Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Kate Daniels series.
Wander through epic worlds of dungeons, dragons, and magic created by fantasy author, Tom Elliot.
Reader. Gamer. Writer. That’s me :).
I enjoy creating worlds for readers to explore, and of course, amazing magic for my characters to wield!
In June 2021, I released my debut novel, The Grand Game. It follows the adventures of Michael, an assassin with a ‘wolven’ heritage and is told from the first-person perspective. Step by step, we watch as Michael grows from a lowly level 1 noob to… well, you’ll see soon enough.
Between my day job and family, I indulge in my passion for writing, reading and gaming. I favour CRPGs and turn-based strategy games, and epic fantasy novels.
You can support my writing on: PATREON, and follow me on social media through: Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Still writing,
Tom.
Wander through epic worlds of dungeons, dragons, and magic created by fantasy author, Tom Elliot.
Reader. Gamer. Writer. That’s me :).
I enjoy creating worlds for readers to explore, and of course, amazing magic for my characters to wield!
In June 2021, I released my debut novel, The Grand Game. It follows the adventures of Michael, an assassin with a ‘wolven’ heritage and is told from the first-person perspective. Step by step, we watch as Michael grows from a lowly level 1 noob to… well, you’ll see soon enough.
Between my day job and family, I indulge in my passion for writing, reading and gaming. I favour CRPGs and turn-based strategy games, and epic fantasy novels.
You can support my writing on: PATREON, and follow me on social media through: Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Still writing,
Tom.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 3, 2024
Another solid entry into this phenomenal LitRPG series.
September 2, 2024
This is sixth in a LitRPG series that builds over time. Read in order.
You really know what you are getting with this. Mostly. I will admit that I don't much care for the class advancement mechanics and mostly skim them (which is weird for me in a system power fantasy). I am glad I caught a friend's review that mentioned that Michael , so I was prepared for that. Which made it easier to be along for the ride.
I did love the developments with Ghost. She gets her full body and becomes Michael's familiar and that was everything I wanted it to be. And I really liked the developments on the way to Michael establishing House Wolf, but recognizing that he needs to help any other scions he also finds along the way. After all, you can't expect a single house to stand against the usurping Powers. So Michael is beginning to develop a broader perspective and that starts with some tough decisions in this story. Decisions I very much appreciated.
So this is a solid five stars, though I am getting impatient for some of the dangling plots to resolve a bit.
A note about Chaste: There are no prospects. Also no time. So this is very chaste.
You really know what you are getting with this. Mostly. I will admit that I don't much care for the class advancement mechanics and mostly skim them (which is weird for me in a system power fantasy). I am glad I caught a friend's review that mentioned that Michael , so I was prepared for that. Which made it easier to be along for the ride.
I did love the developments with Ghost. She gets her full body and becomes Michael's familiar and that was everything I wanted it to be. And I really liked the developments on the way to Michael establishing House Wolf, but recognizing that he needs to help any other scions he also finds along the way. After all, you can't expect a single house to stand against the usurping Powers. So Michael is beginning to develop a broader perspective and that starts with some tough decisions in this story. Decisions I very much appreciated.
So this is a solid five stars, though I am getting impatient for some of the dangling plots to resolve a bit.
A note about Chaste: There are no prospects. Also no time. So this is very chaste.
September 22, 2024
A good continuation of the series containing excellent world-building, characterisations and plot.
Highly recommended for all LitRPG enthusiasts!
2024 Read
Highly recommended for all LitRPG enthusiasts!
2024 Read
March 3, 2024
Fine, but disappointing. This book could’ve easily been paired with the previous one with about 60% of the content removed and would’ve had more of an impact. The book itself was incredibly short and filled with the tedious tying of loose ends that could’ve easily been skipped over with summarization of the events. The latter third was great and delivered in what this series promised, but once I realized that the book was basically an extended epilogue of book 5 I found it hard to keep reading.
March 7, 2024
good book
I like the series but the story arcs keep changing so many quests left unfinished and we spent 2 books on this dungeon.
I like the series but the story arcs keep changing so many quests left unfinished and we spent 2 books on this dungeon.
March 5, 2024
Mostly Shoeleather writing in this one
I have so far liked the series, but this feels more like an unnecessary Book 5b than a Book 6. Shoe leather is what writers call the unnecessary parts of a story that is normally removed, like leaving the door unlocked in a show so the characters can come and go without needing one character to open it for another wasting time. This book is full of shoe leather that could have been dealt with "offscreen" instead of wasting time. I like feeling like Michael is pushing himself in each book to overcome a new obstacle but his life was never really in danger at any point in this story because he killed all the dangerous dungeon denizens in the last book. With the dungeon finally wrapped up, I hope Tom doesn't let negative reviews impact his momentum and can get back to some solid story progression for Book 7 because the new content that was here sets up some exciting storylines to come.
I have so far liked the series, but this feels more like an unnecessary Book 5b than a Book 6. Shoe leather is what writers call the unnecessary parts of a story that is normally removed, like leaving the door unlocked in a show so the characters can come and go without needing one character to open it for another wasting time. This book is full of shoe leather that could have been dealt with "offscreen" instead of wasting time. I like feeling like Michael is pushing himself in each book to overcome a new obstacle but his life was never really in danger at any point in this story because he killed all the dangerous dungeon denizens in the last book. With the dungeon finally wrapped up, I hope Tom doesn't let negative reviews impact his momentum and can get back to some solid story progression for Book 7 because the new content that was here sets up some exciting storylines to come.
March 15, 2024
filler
The last book ended with Michael beating the dungeon. Surely he would leave the dungeon in this book, right?
Nope. Spends the entire book in the dungeon that he already beat. Lots of filler and little plot development. I don’t know if the author doesn’t k ow what he wants to do next or what but it was very disappointing
The last book ended with Michael beating the dungeon. Surely he would leave the dungeon in this book, right?
Nope. Spends the entire book in the dungeon that he already beat. Lots of filler and little plot development. I don’t know if the author doesn’t k ow what he wants to do next or what but it was very disappointing
March 16, 2024
Intrigues and Gary Stu
Whenever i got reminded that the story takes place in some computer game i lost great parts of my immersion..
The whole book seemed more like a filler. I didn´t really care about the intrigues and found the fights getting really repetitive. It would have been better to shorten both books 5 and 6 and make a more compelling story..
Whenever i got reminded that the story takes place in some computer game i lost great parts of my immersion..
The whole book seemed more like a filler. I didn´t really care about the intrigues and found the fights getting really repetitive. It would have been better to shorten both books 5 and 6 and make a more compelling story..
April 3, 2025
Another fantastic installment in what I consider the best LitRPG series around.
Michael advances his goals of further establishing house Wolf, and gaining strong allies in even the unlikeliest of places.
The only downside I would note is that this is the 2nd book in a row to take place within the same dungeon of Dravin's Reach. It's not bad, but the Forever Kingdom as a whole is too interesting to leave us isolated in one area for so long. It's tempered by the fact that by the time Michael leaves Dravin's Reach there are no loose ends. Well, at least no loose ends that can come back to bite him in the rear, so that's good!!
Looking forward [as always] to the next book, and doing my best NOT to binge read. Then I would have to wait that much longer for the next installment!
Michael advances his goals of further establishing house Wolf, and gaining strong allies in even the unlikeliest of places.
The only downside I would note is that this is the 2nd book in a row to take place within the same dungeon of Dravin's Reach. It's not bad, but the Forever Kingdom as a whole is too interesting to leave us isolated in one area for so long. It's tempered by the fact that by the time Michael leaves Dravin's Reach there are no loose ends. Well, at least no loose ends that can come back to bite him in the rear, so that's good!!
Looking forward [as always] to the next book, and doing my best NOT to binge read. Then I would have to wait that much longer for the next installment!
March 2, 2024
Adventure Waiting
I love this series for its adventure with new and exciting places to discover and lots of hero action. Yet this book failed to deliver that with the entire story in the same dungeon and 70% of it dealing with politics and social issues. I still have hope for the next book and some was needed for the future story line.
I love this series for its adventure with new and exciting places to discover and lots of hero action. Yet this book failed to deliver that with the entire story in the same dungeon and 70% of it dealing with politics and social issues. I still have hope for the next book and some was needed for the future story line.
March 12, 2024
Awwwoooo!
Very cool progression of story, and awesome conclusion of the Draven dungeon. I can't wait to see what happens next for Michael and his pack.
Very cool progression of story, and awesome conclusion of the Draven dungeon. I can't wait to see what happens next for Michael and his pack.
May 25, 2024
4.75 stars. This, the last book available currently, really grabbed my interest. Unfortunately, I must now suffer while I wait for the next book to release.
March 29, 2024
Book six
After spending time on two books before the MC left the dungeon we are finally leaving.
I don't have a clue about when the author plans to start posting book seven on Royalroad, but the story is there.
This is pretty much a wish fulfillment series without the need to be lewd.
The MC is way overpowered and still getting stronger. At the same time I think that the writing has vastly improved since I picked up book one.
I'm waiting with the rest of you now for book seven.
8/10
After spending time on two books before the MC left the dungeon we are finally leaving.
I don't have a clue about when the author plans to start posting book seven on Royalroad, but the story is there.
This is pretty much a wish fulfillment series without the need to be lewd.
The MC is way overpowered and still getting stronger. At the same time I think that the writing has vastly improved since I picked up book one.
I'm waiting with the rest of you now for book seven.
8/10
August 24, 2024
Rating 4.0 stars
More of the same. The same issues I had in the previous books are still there but also the things I like are the same. The issues. Michael has way to many things going on at the same time and that list gets even bigger with every book. That is pretty much the exact thing I wrote in the review for the last book (I just went back and reread it). The pace of this one was also a little slow.
More of the same. The same issues I had in the previous books are still there but also the things I like are the same. The issues. Michael has way to many things going on at the same time and that list gets even bigger with every book. That is pretty much the exact thing I wrote in the review for the last book (I just went back and reread it). The pace of this one was also a little slow.
March 11, 2024
Felt a little short, but then I realised that I read this from Saturday to Sunday for hours at a time so I'd argue its pretty good.
Theres not much i can really say without spoiling things. I will say it didnt go how I thought it would after the events of the last book, but we did get to see an interesting new character introduced, a return by a character we havent seen for some time and we get to see some awesome combat scenes, all of which contain some fantastic stealth and misdirection blended with the combat that I consider the author to be paticularly effective at using.
If you enjoyed the previous books in the series you'll enjoy 'A Scion's Duty'
Theres not much i can really say without spoiling things. I will say it didnt go how I thought it would after the events of the last book, but we did get to see an interesting new character introduced, a return by a character we havent seen for some time and we get to see some awesome combat scenes, all of which contain some fantastic stealth and misdirection blended with the combat that I consider the author to be paticularly effective at using.
If you enjoyed the previous books in the series you'll enjoy 'A Scion's Duty'
September 7, 2024
a phenomenal continuation
It’s hard to write a review for a book this late into a series. The best thing that i can say is to start from the beginning and read the whole series! This was a phenomenal continuation of the story, and with each new entry i find myself craving more. As a chronic re-reader, this series has pushed me to expand my interests and experiment with stories i do not already know. The excitement that this series has created in me has brought the endless wonder of literature back into my life, and i couldn’t be more grateful.
It’s hard to write a review for a book this late into a series. The best thing that i can say is to start from the beginning and read the whole series! This was a phenomenal continuation of the story, and with each new entry i find myself craving more. As a chronic re-reader, this series has pushed me to expand my interests and experiment with stories i do not already know. The excitement that this series has created in me has brought the endless wonder of literature back into my life, and i couldn’t be more grateful.
September 20, 2024
nothing about these books are dark
I mean nothing they’re in a game world that even if you do kill someone they have another life, but we just found out that they don’t die they just wonder forever to be a sprit. I thought since it had dark in the title it was going to be different from all the other litrpg books but nope same old thing. Pure hero has to save everyone. And correct mistake that has nothing to do with him. I was really hoping for a fresh take but nope same old have to save the world.
I mean nothing they’re in a game world that even if you do kill someone they have another life, but we just found out that they don’t die they just wonder forever to be a sprit. I thought since it had dark in the title it was going to be different from all the other litrpg books but nope same old thing. Pure hero has to save everyone. And correct mistake that has nothing to do with him. I was really hoping for a fresh take but nope same old have to save the world.
March 4, 2024
Great but annoying addition to the series.
It's a great book, with everything I've come to expect from the series. Well written with great action and I like the new characters and hopefully permanent companions.
On the other side, while the book doesn't read like it's bogged down, another full book inside the same dungeon was a bit much. Imo the first 30% or so could've simply been scratched and instead I'd have liked to have seen the story progress a bit further.
It's a great book, with everything I've come to expect from the series. Well written with great action and I like the new characters and hopefully permanent companions.
On the other side, while the book doesn't read like it's bogged down, another full book inside the same dungeon was a bit much. Imo the first 30% or so could've simply been scratched and instead I'd have liked to have seen the story progress a bit further.
March 7, 2024
Interesting developments
How will Michael deal with his new infamy? Will he be able to remain hidden from the Powers? And what will Loken do? I’m still wondering if Loken is deliberately setting Michael up to become a new Prime, for some reason.
This book was one where our MC solidifies his foundations and gets ready to face greater trials and opportunities to come. Michael got a few levels, but nothing remarkable - but he did increase his skills and abilities instead.
How will Michael deal with his new infamy? Will he be able to remain hidden from the Powers? And what will Loken do? I’m still wondering if Loken is deliberately setting Michael up to become a new Prime, for some reason.
This book was one where our MC solidifies his foundations and gets ready to face greater trials and opportunities to come. Michael got a few levels, but nothing remarkable - but he did increase his skills and abilities instead.
March 7, 2024
a departure
Still one of the best litrpg series out there. This one slowed down a lot. While the scene of the action surprisingly didn’t progress, the wolf clan and supporting character class expanded significantly. I’m hoping the next installment allows us to reconnect with old characters we haven’t seen for a few books.
Top notch progression system. Thoughtful character building and clean writing.
Still one of the best litrpg series out there. This one slowed down a lot. While the scene of the action surprisingly didn’t progress, the wolf clan and supporting character class expanded significantly. I’m hoping the next installment allows us to reconnect with old characters we haven’t seen for a few books.
Top notch progression system. Thoughtful character building and clean writing.
September 16, 2025
This book felt mostly like political manoeuvring rather than Michael trying to level up, which I appreciated. Some interesting new concepts have been added to the mechanics of the game and I liked learning more about what it means to be an elite. The narrative is becoming less Michael improvement focused and more on how he is becoming a protector of his people which is helping keep my interest. This series is developing into a robust story.
March 3, 2024
No plan survives contact with the enemy.
Michael spends book six in Dravens Reach sorting out the Possessed and New Haven and gaining allies and growing his power , I'd like to have seen more progress but the world Building , character development and information give the series a solid foundation and the next books look to be epic.
Michael spends book six in Dravens Reach sorting out the Possessed and New Haven and gaining allies and growing his power , I'd like to have seen more progress but the world Building , character development and information give the series a solid foundation and the next books look to be epic.
March 3, 2024
In which side quests become epic
This book did not go the direction I thought it would given the end of the last book. That said, this was super satisfying in how many loose ends were tied up. Loved the progression and expansion of the core team.
That said it was over far far to quickly and leaves me wanting more.
This book did not go the direction I thought it would given the end of the last book. That said, this was super satisfying in how many loose ends were tied up. Loved the progression and expansion of the core team.
That said it was over far far to quickly and leaves me wanting more.
March 4, 2024
I love this series
This is a very good LitRPG, if you enjoy those this series is for you! This book in particular was fantastic and really hard to put down. Once I got about halfway through I kept reading until 2am when I had work at 5. Fantastic book keep up the great storytelling!
This is a very good LitRPG, if you enjoy those this series is for you! This book in particular was fantastic and really hard to put down. Once I got about halfway through I kept reading until 2am when I had work at 5. Fantastic book keep up the great storytelling!
March 6, 2024
Over too soon
This isn't A short book, but it still ended too soon. I love how he adopts "pups" constantly. Some characters are both more and less than expected, and the guardians are different than what I thought. The whole spirit cheat for multiple attempts at lycanthropy had me laughing. A fun and thrilling read, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
This isn't A short book, but it still ended too soon. I love how he adopts "pups" constantly. Some characters are both more and less than expected, and the guardians are different than what I thought. The whole spirit cheat for multiple attempts at lycanthropy had me laughing. A fun and thrilling read, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
May 9, 2024
This book is a bit odd for me. It had some great moments, and we got even more of the story information. However, the ending sucked. It ended in a very unsatisfying fashion for me, and the whole thing took place in the same dungeon again. Lets hope the next one picks up the interaction with the world at large again.
May 12, 2024
good read
Good read but I wish it progressed a bit faster! But I guess the slow build and completion of tasks adds to the suspense! I like the storyline and the development of the main character! Tom is raising the stakes for his main character and it will good to see how they both navigate it!
Good read but I wish it progressed a bit faster! But I guess the slow build and completion of tasks adds to the suspense! I like the storyline and the development of the main character! Tom is raising the stakes for his main character and it will good to see how they both navigate it!
August 8, 2024
I've read each book 3 times! Pure entertainment!
The flow and character development is amazing. The world he creates is so fun, intriguing, and beautiful! I don't myself choosing to reread his books rather over other forms of distraction and entertainment; which is totally new for me!
The flow and character development is amazing. The world he creates is so fun, intriguing, and beautiful! I don't myself choosing to reread his books rather over other forms of distraction and entertainment; which is totally new for me!
March 2, 2024
love this series
One of the best out there. Hands down an amazing read. Only problem is I can't put the book down when I start and it ends too quickly. The. The wait begins. Must read series for me and have reread a couple times now and loved each read as much as the first.
One of the best out there. Hands down an amazing read. Only problem is I can't put the book down when I start and it ends too quickly. The. The wait begins. Must read series for me and have reread a couple times now and loved each read as much as the first.
March 4, 2024
The series has slowly grown on me and while the last book seem to spread the series and what's happening, this book closed down some lose ends and progressed the series in a good direction.
Overall a great book and great addition to the series 👍
Overall a great book and great addition to the series 👍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews