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Unbound #9
Crown
Vault Ravaged. Titan Fallen. Fugitives in Flight.
Felix and his friends have escaped the Undermount laden with spoils, a belly full of power, and most importantly: another Unbound at their side. Yet, their triumph is shadowed by the pursuit of the Dwarven Hinterlords, Hierocratic soldiers, and a sinister truth haunting Felix’s Mind.
Imara, Chosen Vessel of the Pathless, is his sister—and he failed to save her.
Encircled by two armies, uncaring mountains, and his newfound sister's oppressive power, the team is forced to face the long path… a crucible so demanding, they must transcend their limitations just to survive. As for Felix, the Unbound must evolve beyond what should be possible, grasping every scrap of power he can muster.
He's got a god to kill.
Felix and his friends have escaped the Undermount laden with spoils, a belly full of power, and most importantly: another Unbound at their side. Yet, their triumph is shadowed by the pursuit of the Dwarven Hinterlords, Hierocratic soldiers, and a sinister truth haunting Felix’s Mind.
Imara, Chosen Vessel of the Pathless, is his sister—and he failed to save her.
Encircled by two armies, uncaring mountains, and his newfound sister's oppressive power, the team is forced to face the long path… a crucible so demanding, they must transcend their limitations just to survive. As for Felix, the Unbound must evolve beyond what should be possible, grasping every scrap of power he can muster.
He's got a god to kill.
764 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2024
664 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 19, 2024
Fucking AMAZEBALLS!
May 25, 2025
Ratings:-4 and 1/2 stars
March 21, 2024
Book 9 was very full of rank-ups and stats, but a bit light on story progression. Seems like there needed to be a lot of reconciliation between stated power levels and foes defeated, this book bridges the gap, but it does get a bit repetitive.
March 19, 2024
Excellent
Mr. Gonnella is the best writer in this genre. Full stop. His writing has gotten better with every Unbound story. Whether you like the story and the universe or not (I like both very much), give credit where it's due. You only get to be a good writer by working hard at your craft; that seems to mean, in part at least, that you must kill your darlings. He has done this, thoroughly, even grimly, and his prose is better for it. It evolved, you could say.
A big plus in this genre: his manuscripts are competently edited.
His stories are expertly paced, massively action-filled, and not ever for a single second are they dull. Felix and his friends are likeable characters. The good guys. Flawed, brave, kind, scared, still guessing at what's right, and doing the best he can to protect those who need protecting. From monsters, zealots, errant gods, and other people.
This latest story? Pure fire. The final battle by itself is worth the book, but there's lots more. I hope he enjoys writing them as much as I enjoy reading them. Also, and you may not care about this, but I do: he invents the most awesome titles, names of skills, and names of things in general. It adds cream and sugar to the story.
All hail the Fiend!
Mr. Gonnella is the best writer in this genre. Full stop. His writing has gotten better with every Unbound story. Whether you like the story and the universe or not (I like both very much), give credit where it's due. You only get to be a good writer by working hard at your craft; that seems to mean, in part at least, that you must kill your darlings. He has done this, thoroughly, even grimly, and his prose is better for it. It evolved, you could say.
A big plus in this genre: his manuscripts are competently edited.
His stories are expertly paced, massively action-filled, and not ever for a single second are they dull. Felix and his friends are likeable characters. The good guys. Flawed, brave, kind, scared, still guessing at what's right, and doing the best he can to protect those who need protecting. From monsters, zealots, errant gods, and other people.
This latest story? Pure fire. The final battle by itself is worth the book, but there's lots more. I hope he enjoys writing them as much as I enjoy reading them. Also, and you may not care about this, but I do: he invents the most awesome titles, names of skills, and names of things in general. It adds cream and sugar to the story.
All hail the Fiend!
March 27, 2024
Too much
This series is falling into a pitfall that many of this type of story have, Making things too big. As Felix becomes more powerful, his enemies have to become crazy powerful to be a challenge. There was a point when I was thinking, 'if The Pathless can do that, why hasn't he before?' The reason why seemed pretty weak.
Additionally when did everyone start tempering mid combat? I seem to recall being able to wait for a while. It seems pretty dumb that anyone would choose to go through that trauma when fighting.
Final complaint. Why does Felix keep merging skills. Pretty much every time he does he looses a bunch of skills that are universally useful for one that is situationaly useful. Who would give up 3-5 skills that are more useful 90% of the time for 1 that is better 10% of the time? 'Upgraded' skills should actually be an upgrade.
That said I'm still enjoying the series. Tom out
This series is falling into a pitfall that many of this type of story have, Making things too big. As Felix becomes more powerful, his enemies have to become crazy powerful to be a challenge. There was a point when I was thinking, 'if The Pathless can do that, why hasn't he before?' The reason why seemed pretty weak.
Additionally when did everyone start tempering mid combat? I seem to recall being able to wait for a while. It seems pretty dumb that anyone would choose to go through that trauma when fighting.
Final complaint. Why does Felix keep merging skills. Pretty much every time he does he looses a bunch of skills that are universally useful for one that is situationaly useful. Who would give up 3-5 skills that are more useful 90% of the time for 1 that is better 10% of the time? 'Upgraded' skills should actually be an upgrade.
That said I'm still enjoying the series. Tom out
March 20, 2024
numbers go brrrrr
Atar is on fire…again. Pit got bigger. And Felix ate. Upgrading mid-fight *may* have some benefits, but it sure is rough on your allies.
I like this series, though there are a few things that annoy me.
Atar is on fire…again. Pit got bigger. And Felix ate. Upgrading mid-fight *may* have some benefits, but it sure is rough on your allies.
I like this series, though there are a few things that annoy me.
March 21, 2024
Muccccch better than Defiance of the Fall. At least when you read Gonnella you are satisfied with the story progression. Pov is balanced unlike DotF.
February 3, 2025
Probably my favorite of the series since book 1. I'm very much looking forward to when Gabby is fully unshackled and her and her brother wreck shop! 👍🏽👍🏽
November 29, 2024
The author has done an excellent job of allowing the MC success in defeating powermad monstrous villains, unlike other writers who keep the seemingly hopeless fight going for far too long.
March 18, 2024
More of the same.
This has kept its direction and it's pace. Nine books and a convoluted story, that is quite a feat to achieve. This is just more of the same.
This has kept its direction and it's pace. Nine books and a convoluted story, that is quite a feat to achieve. This is just more of the same.
April 22, 2024
Ohhhh man, that was effing fantastic. It definitely feels like we're getting close to the end of the saga, maybe even the penultimate book. That's only a guess mind you. As Nicoli Gonnella starts weaving the story-threads tighter together...
Gabby, Felix's sister and an unbound is still out there! Still being used by the Gods although no longer a tool of the Pathless, but what do the other Gods plan to do with her?
All three of the unbound counting Felix, plus all the others have increased their power by bounds pull along by Felix's will alone. And that's not counting Pit and Yintarion (Vess' pack dragon) as they both increased their power by evolving. I can hardly wait to get the next book.
I can't say enough about how good Travis Baldree is! He's a master tier narrator.
Here's a couple of quotes that amused me:
"Zara’s frown was loud."
"Oooh. The zoom boom." "The—the what?" "When it gets all cloudy around us, then I can't hear anything." Felix laughed. "That's called breaking the sound barrier."
Gabby, Felix's sister and an unbound is still out there! Still being used by the Gods although no longer a tool of the Pathless, but what do the other Gods plan to do with her?
All three of the unbound counting Felix, plus all the others have increased their power by bounds pull along by Felix's will alone. And that's not counting Pit and Yintarion (Vess' pack dragon) as they both increased their power by evolving. I can hardly wait to get the next book.
I can't say enough about how good Travis Baldree is! He's a master tier narrator.
Here's a couple of quotes that amused me:
"Zara’s frown was loud."
"Oooh. The zoom boom." "The—the what?" "When it gets all cloudy around us, then I can't hear anything." Felix laughed. "That's called breaking the sound barrier."
March 13, 2024
**I received an ARC from Mountaindale Press**
This series is so much fun and this book shows that Gonnella is really hitting his stride with this world. I burned through all 22 hours of audio with days to spare because I just couldn't stop listening.
Performance:
I once again will state my love of all things Travis Baldree. I will listen to him read the ingredients off a shampoo bottle. He continues to do amazingly with this series and I hope he stick with it to the end.
Story:
Felix continues to find challenges as this series moves quickly in the direction of a final confrontation with the Hierophant. The story seems to sprint with non-stop action on multiple fronts. We find answers about why the Unbound were summoned and the nature of the Ruin. I won't say more for fear of spoiling the actual experience, but if you have made it this far in the series you owe it to yourself to read this book.
This series is so much fun and this book shows that Gonnella is really hitting his stride with this world. I burned through all 22 hours of audio with days to spare because I just couldn't stop listening.
Performance:
I once again will state my love of all things Travis Baldree. I will listen to him read the ingredients off a shampoo bottle. He continues to do amazingly with this series and I hope he stick with it to the end.
Story:
Felix continues to find challenges as this series moves quickly in the direction of a final confrontation with the Hierophant. The story seems to sprint with non-stop action on multiple fronts. We find answers about why the Unbound were summoned and the nature of the Ruin. I won't say more for fear of spoiling the actual experience, but if you have made it this far in the series you owe it to yourself to read this book.
March 28, 2025
The Litrpg Wheel of Time that starts with the slog and moves forwards like the last four wheel of time books.
This series was a struggle for me to get into, yet as of book three I was smiling big at the time invested, and boy do I love this series, the mix of body horror and Ase sedai-ish organisation Introduced.
I do find myself thinking that the power scaling in the series is broken at times but then I remember the name of the whole series: 'unbound', the main character is way out of the established(bound) rules of the world and I guess that's it showing and It makes sense since all the other teammates of his who are from the continent have their power although bolstered by their bond, still limited to the established rules.
If anyone wonders how I keep giving Progression fantasy and Litrpgs 5 star ratings yet give classic fantasy fewer ratings that's just because I put the two on two different standards.
This series was a struggle for me to get into, yet as of book three I was smiling big at the time invested, and boy do I love this series, the mix of body horror and Ase sedai-ish organisation Introduced.
I do find myself thinking that the power scaling in the series is broken at times but then I remember the name of the whole series: 'unbound', the main character is way out of the established(bound) rules of the world and I guess that's it showing and It makes sense since all the other teammates of his who are from the continent have their power although bolstered by their bond, still limited to the established rules.
If anyone wonders how I keep giving Progression fantasy and Litrpgs 5 star ratings yet give classic fantasy fewer ratings that's just because I put the two on two different standards.
March 19, 2024
This has become one of my favourite series and this book delivered on all fronts for me. The stakes are so high, the battles so epic, that it feels like I should be ranting about the imbalance of it all, but it somehow all just works so well for me. I love the supporting characters, their growth, their sense of agency and how they are pivotal to Felix's strength even if he is dramatically more powerful than any one of them.
I could quibble over the Isla/Atar and Alister storylines being somewhat throwaway, but I think they were just there to keep those other parts of the cast engaged. I was too entertained to even complain overly about how the Isla/Atar storyline resolved.
I cannot wait for the next one.
I could quibble over the Isla/Atar and Alister storylines being somewhat throwaway, but I think they were just there to keep those other parts of the cast engaged. I was too entertained to even complain overly about how the Isla/Atar storyline resolved.
I cannot wait for the next one.
March 21, 2024
A M A Z I N G!!
Woah this book was everything I was expecting and more! Each time a book ends I’m sure it can’t get any better but Nicoli Gonella does it again! Felix is better than a god at this point while he may not have a gods power-yet- his tenacity and unrelenting drive make him a force to be reckoned with. I think back to the first book and his struggles in the beginning and I cannot believe how far he’s made it! I also loved that in this book his friend Bateo the Korva is mentioned… I think about him and his family often lol they live rent free in my head. I literally cannot wait for the next book I don’t know what he’ll come up with next but I’m sure I’ll be amazed by it!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Woah this book was everything I was expecting and more! Each time a book ends I’m sure it can’t get any better but Nicoli Gonella does it again! Felix is better than a god at this point while he may not have a gods power-yet- his tenacity and unrelenting drive make him a force to be reckoned with. I think back to the first book and his struggles in the beginning and I cannot believe how far he’s made it! I also loved that in this book his friend Bateo the Korva is mentioned… I think about him and his family often lol they live rent free in my head. I literally cannot wait for the next book I don’t know what he’ll come up with next but I’m sure I’ll be amazed by it!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 28, 2024
Still enjoying this series
Since book one I can truly say this book is hard to put down once you pick it up. I’m finally glad Felix and Vess finally started taking their romance serious in the last book. I’m hoping Vess Finds the answers to why the dragons were betrayed but it’s probably got something to do with the Gods. The more the story unfolds the worse the Gods look, I wanted to Hate the Unending Maw Primordial and her kin, but I’m starting to think the Gods cursed them into becoming monsters. I was well shocked finding out that the Gods stole their powers which begs the question, were they human first before ascending to Godhood? 🤔
Now just gotta wait until the next adventure. I’m fully invested 😁
Since book one I can truly say this book is hard to put down once you pick it up. I’m finally glad Felix and Vess finally started taking their romance serious in the last book. I’m hoping Vess Finds the answers to why the dragons were betrayed but it’s probably got something to do with the Gods. The more the story unfolds the worse the Gods look, I wanted to Hate the Unending Maw Primordial and her kin, but I’m starting to think the Gods cursed them into becoming monsters. I was well shocked finding out that the Gods stole their powers which begs the question, were they human first before ascending to Godhood? 🤔
Now just gotta wait until the next adventure. I’m fully invested 😁
March 16, 2024
Oh, so good!
Ironic that Felix would likely have been willing to help the gods out if they weren’t so incredibly selfish. Now, if he doesn’t devour them first, I’m pretty sure that he’ll find a way to feed them to the Ruin out of spite, if nothing else.
I wonder if the gods are actually former Pathless themselves. And that binding themselves somehow hid them from the last time the Ruin stopped by. But I’m very curious about how it was leashed before. And what will happen when Felix completes the crown? The gods already have difficulties slowing him down, will they be even able to do that if he obtains the Authority of the Nymean Empire?
Ironic that Felix would likely have been willing to help the gods out if they weren’t so incredibly selfish. Now, if he doesn’t devour them first, I’m pretty sure that he’ll find a way to feed them to the Ruin out of spite, if nothing else.
I wonder if the gods are actually former Pathless themselves. And that binding themselves somehow hid them from the last time the Ruin stopped by. But I’m very curious about how it was leashed before. And what will happen when Felix completes the crown? The gods already have difficulties slowing him down, will they be even able to do that if he obtains the Authority of the Nymean Empire?
March 28, 2024
Astonishing read.
Every book is better than its predecessor, and that is a very difficult road to travel, much less maintain. That said, here we are at book nine, and onwards, we go towards what we do not know! Isn't it a rush, though? I believe I could read Felix's story for a long time to come. Watching his relationship grow with Vess, Evie, and Pit has been delightful. While I feel there's more to Evie than meets the eye, Atar's development has been incredibly interesting. I thought the storyline was going in a direction that had me worried. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll leave it as such. Thanks Nicoli
Every book is better than its predecessor, and that is a very difficult road to travel, much less maintain. That said, here we are at book nine, and onwards, we go towards what we do not know! Isn't it a rush, though? I believe I could read Felix's story for a long time to come. Watching his relationship grow with Vess, Evie, and Pit has been delightful. While I feel there's more to Evie than meets the eye, Atar's development has been incredibly interesting. I thought the storyline was going in a direction that had me worried. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll leave it as such. Thanks Nicoli
September 27, 2024
Rating 4.0 stars
A good continuation for the series. I like the characters, I like the magic system. The fighting is amazing. I just wish Felix and his friends weren't always so outnumbered. They are so very powerful now and yet their opponents always seem 10 steps ahead with their plans and their powers. If not for there always being some last minute epiphany and power up, they would lose. There is always one at the last minute that lets them win the day. Overall, that is a minor issue that has been there since book 1, so I know what I am getting into. The good far outway the bad and I am really enjoying the series.
A good continuation for the series. I like the characters, I like the magic system. The fighting is amazing. I just wish Felix and his friends weren't always so outnumbered. They are so very powerful now and yet their opponents always seem 10 steps ahead with their plans and their powers. If not for there always being some last minute epiphany and power up, they would lose. There is always one at the last minute that lets them win the day. Overall, that is a minor issue that has been there since book 1, so I know what I am getting into. The good far outway the bad and I am really enjoying the series.
March 19, 2024
Look it's book 9 if you want to know that the series is about the descriptions for each book are pretty well done.
Are there epic fights that push our heroes to the limit? Oh yes, yes there are.
Do we get some answers to questions we've had from previous books? Yes there is a lot of that.
Do we get to see the characters develop better relationships after book 8? Oh yeah
This book is quite satisfying and yet there is so much more that I want to know about. I can't wait for book 10 and it's going to be a banger!
Are there epic fights that push our heroes to the limit? Oh yes, yes there are.
Do we get some answers to questions we've had from previous books? Yes there is a lot of that.
Do we get to see the characters develop better relationships after book 8? Oh yeah
This book is quite satisfying and yet there is so much more that I want to know about. I can't wait for book 10 and it's going to be a banger!
March 21, 2024
Another great entry
My opinion hasn't changed. Currently the best written series in this flavor between cultivation and traditional magic systems. Most similar to Defiance of the Fall and He Who Fights with Monsters but more well written. Characters are independent and display different personalities and traits. Something that is a rarity in this genre.
Few more editing errors than I've noticed previously but a great addition to the series.
Highly recommend reading the series.
My opinion hasn't changed. Currently the best written series in this flavor between cultivation and traditional magic systems. Most similar to Defiance of the Fall and He Who Fights with Monsters but more well written. Characters are independent and display different personalities and traits. Something that is a rarity in this genre.
Few more editing errors than I've noticed previously but a great addition to the series.
Highly recommend reading the series.
May 20, 2024
A book about lvl the MC’s
The majority of this book is leveling everyone up, sorting and picking skills. The story includes a quest to find a way to heal Pits wings - As well as gaining the strength to face the pathless. So, far this book is my least favorite. The book is required because its list out all the skills chosen. Plus it also includes a couple of important fights as well as including some info on Gabby. I’m just not a fan of condensed leveling process. Otherwise the story was good.
The majority of this book is leveling everyone up, sorting and picking skills. The story includes a quest to find a way to heal Pits wings - As well as gaining the strength to face the pathless. So, far this book is my least favorite. The book is required because its list out all the skills chosen. Plus it also includes a couple of important fights as well as including some info on Gabby. I’m just not a fan of condensed leveling process. Otherwise the story was good.
March 17, 2024
Whew!
What a journey!
Sometimes when perspectives get switched, it can get jarring, but didn’t get any sense of it here!
The writing and creation of each character and way they narrate the situation is inherently unique so you actually feel like the frame actually shifts and I am moved into the scene.
Also the implications that some situations are happening at the same moment in real time are cleverly used.
What a journey!
Sometimes when perspectives get switched, it can get jarring, but didn’t get any sense of it here!
The writing and creation of each character and way they narrate the situation is inherently unique so you actually feel like the frame actually shifts and I am moved into the scene.
Also the implications that some situations are happening at the same moment in real time are cleverly used.
March 18, 2024
This is a fun addition to a decent series. Although the lack of focus and middling boring sub plots in this book are exponentially worse then any of Gonnella's previous instalments. They very much break the rhythm and the pace. It's hard to get through entire sections of this book, instead of ramping up tension and building to a crescendo like in previous books it makes everything feel flat and annoying. I think this is the worst instalment in the series. I hope he can do better next time.
March 21, 2024
This one is long, but it held my attention quite well so it deserves its 5. Good progression for the MC and main characters, and the plot gallops along as well. Nicely balanced semi-cliffhanger ending sets thing up well for book 10.
Keeping my attention long enought o get to a book 10 is no mean feat, so if the blurb for book 1 appeals it's worth a look. Likewise, if you're a few books in and unsure, the series is uneven in spots, but this is where things really start to move.
Keeping my attention long enought o get to a book 10 is no mean feat, so if the blurb for book 1 appeals it's worth a look. Likewise, if you're a few books in and unsure, the series is uneven in spots, but this is where things really start to move.
March 25, 2024
Great addition to the series
This is quite possibly the best book in the series so far. The plot progresses nicely and has several surprises in this installment. The characters continue to grow in power and some new mysteries are introduced. Alliances are formed and some strengthened. The action in this book is intense and suspenseful in all the right places and the book ties up some loose ends while introducing others. Masterful storytelling.
This is quite possibly the best book in the series so far. The plot progresses nicely and has several surprises in this installment. The characters continue to grow in power and some new mysteries are introduced. Alliances are formed and some strengthened. The action in this book is intense and suspenseful in all the right places and the book ties up some loose ends while introducing others. Masterful storytelling.
March 28, 2024
Phenomenal story, lost points for editing
This story was fantastic. The stakes of the conflict were higher than ever and our heroes engaged in a constant struggle for signal that was a thrill to read. My only complaint was a bevy of typos and errors on the text that could have been fixed with a little more time in the proofreading stage. If you read this book please take the time to report content errors so they can be fixed in the app.
This story was fantastic. The stakes of the conflict were higher than ever and our heroes engaged in a constant struggle for signal that was a thrill to read. My only complaint was a bevy of typos and errors on the text that could have been fixed with a little more time in the proofreading stage. If you read this book please take the time to report content errors so they can be fixed in the app.
April 5, 2024
finally a god class battle
Book 9 was a surprise has the author of the series posted the individual chapters on royalroad first then published the book but he released it with 300 pages of content more then he’s released on royalroad showing he’s taking the official book format more important then individual chapter releases. Lay I see the books comeing out in normal times between releases it says he’s laying off from royalroad hard to say if that’s good or bad.
Book 9 was a surprise has the author of the series posted the individual chapters on royalroad first then published the book but he released it with 300 pages of content more then he’s released on royalroad showing he’s taking the official book format more important then individual chapter releases. Lay I see the books comeing out in normal times between releases it says he’s laying off from royalroad hard to say if that’s good or bad.
April 15, 2024
Crown
The plan did not go quite as expected. Felix and his companions were able to complete their mission, but it left them on the wrong side of the mountain with an angry army behind them. Now to figure out how to get home.
As with all the previous books in the series, the last 20% or so is a roller coaster that I could not put down. Having said that, I do appreciate that there were some quiet moments before that point! There was also more fun little nods to gaming culture. No spoilers, but the ending definitely has me ready to grab the next book! Travis Baldree does fantastic as the narrator.
Content warning: Language
The plan did not go quite as expected. Felix and his companions were able to complete their mission, but it left them on the wrong side of the mountain with an angry army behind them. Now to figure out how to get home.
As with all the previous books in the series, the last 20% or so is a roller coaster that I could not put down. Having said that, I do appreciate that there were some quiet moments before that point! There was also more fun little nods to gaming culture. No spoilers, but the ending definitely has me ready to grab the next book! Travis Baldree does fantastic as the narrator.
Content warning: Language
April 15, 2024
Terrible. Gonnella hasn't a clue how to write systems, can't write villains at all, struggles to plan plot points, and has a bizarre fixation with characters screaming the word "no".
What does mana do? What does significance do? What does authority do? What do stats do? What should a sane person need to be paid to suffer this horrendous crap? All important questions. I don't think Gonnella knows the answers! He certainly does have yapping villains though.
What does mana do? What does significance do? What does authority do? What do stats do? What should a sane person need to be paid to suffer this horrendous crap? All important questions. I don't think Gonnella knows the answers! He certainly does have yapping villains though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews