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The Grand Game #8
The Lost Reclaimed
There is no one path to victory, but many. Which will Michael pursue?
Michael's plans have shifted, or rather, he has upended them. His once simple plans for raising House Wolf have morphed into something different. Will he succeed at his new goals? Will the Forerunners? Or will Michael's allies be made to pay for his overreach?
Join Michael on his epic journey and find out!
Michael's plans have shifted, or rather, he has upended them. His once simple plans for raising House Wolf have morphed into something different. Will he succeed at his new goals? Will the Forerunners? Or will Michael's allies be made to pay for his overreach?
Join Michael on his epic journey and find out!
796 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2025
479 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Tom Elliot
21 books340 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.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 13, 2025
Okay
I liked this book up until the ending or rather non ending. Yeah I know got to set up the next book so we have to buy it to see what happens but come on what a cheap shot . it almost makes me not wanting to get the next book. I'm very disappointed. Other than the ending or non ending it was a nice read but I swear if he does this again I will quit reading this series.
I liked this book up until the ending or rather non ending. Yeah I know got to set up the next book so we have to buy it to see what happens but come on what a cheap shot . it almost makes me not wanting to get the next book. I'm very disappointed. Other than the ending or non ending it was a nice read but I swear if he does this again I will quit reading this series.
February 10, 2025
This was a great book. This was what Grand Game readers have been waiting for. So much happened, that tbh, I would have been ok if the book was longer. Unlike the earlier books, plot points were resolved quickly (I feel like more tasks were completed in this book than in all previous books combined).
The only knock against this book is that there are too many characters and some go underutilized. Pretty frequent issue with larger series but hopefully Elliot will bring them into the spotlight more often.
The only knock against this book is that there are too many characters and some go underutilized. Pretty frequent issue with larger series but hopefully Elliot will bring them into the spotlight more often.
February 12, 2025
The last 8% of this book
Is unnecessary filler. And extremely disappointing when you're at the end of the book and expecting more. But the pacing and content of this book was stretched far and thin already. Not sure this one is going to be worth continuing
Is unnecessary filler. And extremely disappointing when you're at the end of the book and expecting more. But the pacing and content of this book was stretched far and thin already. Not sure this one is going to be worth continuing
February 16, 2025
The ending was cut too soon. The last 8% of the book is just filler trash that takes up pages. If you dislike books cutting off mid epic battle this is the book for you. What an awful decision to end a book in right before the main character fights the big bad monster. I may not even buy the next book in the series due to this choice.
March 26, 2025
I changed my mind. I initially gave this a 3 star rating because it was ok, nothing special. But I've removed a star for that absolutely unnecessary and shitty cliffhanger ending. Litrpg doesn't need that kind of ending; we're reading for the progression and story (no matter how sparse that usually is) anyway.
Be better.
Be better.
May 1, 2025
2.5 stars Horrible cliffhanger. The battle should have ended in this book. My gripe with the past few books is that there's a lot of wasted time spent talking in circles. This book was better at moving the plot forward, but it still suffered. -0.5 stars due to the cliffhanger. Don't do that again.
February 7, 2025
really good
I have been waiting for this one and it was awesome!! So entertaining I
Read it all in one sitting. Wish it had been
Longer as I was so engaged I didn’t realize I was at the end! Can’t wait for the next one!!
I have been waiting for this one and it was awesome!! So entertaining I
Read it all in one sitting. Wish it had been
Longer as I was so engaged I didn’t realize I was at the end! Can’t wait for the next one!!
February 5, 2025
Great book and series, very disappointed with the cliff hanger ending.
March 1, 2025
That cliffhanger pissed me off. At least finish the freaking battle they are literally in the middle of.
February 15, 2025
Good, but...
Tom Elliot has really found his stride and delivered pacing, consistent story beats and enough combat to keep me engaged and excited to read! However, as many litRPG authors do, he's fallen into the trap of not actually ending the book. I get that these stories are progressive and continuous and I love picking up (near) where I left off in the next one... But at the same time, it's jarring as a reader to have not just a cliffhanger but an ending with effectively zero resolution to all the great build up of the hundreds of pages of good story. There's a happy medium to be found in this series where each book's arc ends with a bang, but the larger (well established) goals plant the hook for the next installment. The author hasn't found it yet. I'll be sticking around for the next in the series for all the writing I enjoyed in 80% of this one, but it gets harder to stomach each time they end this way.
Tom Elliot has really found his stride and delivered pacing, consistent story beats and enough combat to keep me engaged and excited to read! However, as many litRPG authors do, he's fallen into the trap of not actually ending the book. I get that these stories are progressive and continuous and I love picking up (near) where I left off in the next one... But at the same time, it's jarring as a reader to have not just a cliffhanger but an ending with effectively zero resolution to all the great build up of the hundreds of pages of good story. There's a happy medium to be found in this series where each book's arc ends with a bang, but the larger (well established) goals plant the hook for the next installment. The author hasn't found it yet. I'll be sticking around for the next in the series for all the writing I enjoyed in 80% of this one, but it gets harder to stomach each time they end this way.
June 6, 2025
Rating 4.0 stars
A good continuation of the series. It still has the same problems as the other books in the series. Mainly giving Michael way too many things to do in one book. When he actually gets around to pushing the plot forward, I really enjoy it. There are a lot of side quests the get in the way. I must of heard " We will get to that later, or I will explain later, or I have 2 more things to go over before I explain" at least 2 dozen times in this book. Michaels friends and allies ask him questions and those statements are his go to reponses at least half the time. Since I try to put myself in the story, that makes me a little frustrated. Not enough to stop, it is the 8th book in the series so I should know what I am getting into by now. It is enough to keep this series from my favorites list though. Overall, I am still enjoying the series.
A good continuation of the series. It still has the same problems as the other books in the series. Mainly giving Michael way too many things to do in one book. When he actually gets around to pushing the plot forward, I really enjoy it. There are a lot of side quests the get in the way. I must of heard " We will get to that later, or I will explain later, or I have 2 more things to go over before I explain" at least 2 dozen times in this book. Michaels friends and allies ask him questions and those statements are his go to reponses at least half the time. Since I try to put myself in the story, that makes me a little frustrated. Not enough to stop, it is the 8th book in the series so I should know what I am getting into by now. It is enough to keep this series from my favorites list though. Overall, I am still enjoying the series.
August 7, 2025
This book is a solid 3 out of 5, but only a 1 out of 5 when the ending is taken into consideration.
I wish someone would help the author get over their abandonment issues or whatever it is that causes them to leave nearly all their books unfinished. We'll read them even if you properly end the story, that's the point of a story...it needs an ending with some sort of conclusion.
Everything about thhis book also came across as too wordy. I like the story, I like that this entry had more progression, but it is too much writing for the amount that is happening. There is also more inner dialog in the middle of heavy action scenes, and nothing makes me feel annoyed more than the main character rattling on forever when he is in the middle of a big fight.
I wish someone would help the author get over their abandonment issues or whatever it is that causes them to leave nearly all their books unfinished. We'll read them even if you properly end the story, that's the point of a story...it needs an ending with some sort of conclusion.
Everything about thhis book also came across as too wordy. I like the story, I like that this entry had more progression, but it is too much writing for the amount that is happening. There is also more inner dialog in the middle of heavy action scenes, and nothing makes me feel annoyed more than the main character rattling on forever when he is in the middle of a big fight.
March 1, 2025
pretty good
This book was entertaining and pretty good overall. I gave it four stars for a number of reasons. One the MC sets an arbitrary timeline to accomplish an impossible task for no real reason. Arbitrary deadlines is a plot device that the author has used 5 too many times. They’re really not necessary to tell a good story. Additionally, the litrpg elements remain annoying. The system is a bit too complex and the abilities are underwhelming. Finally, the cliff hanger at the end was unnecessary. The whole book is a lead up to the battle. Why not finish the last 1%.
This book was entertaining and pretty good overall. I gave it four stars for a number of reasons. One the MC sets an arbitrary timeline to accomplish an impossible task for no real reason. Arbitrary deadlines is a plot device that the author has used 5 too many times. They’re really not necessary to tell a good story. Additionally, the litrpg elements remain annoying. The system is a bit too complex and the abilities are underwhelming. Finally, the cliff hanger at the end was unnecessary. The whole book is a lead up to the battle. Why not finish the last 1%.
February 17, 2025
Another fantastic addition but unfortunately with a cliffhanger ending
This series is definitely one of the best in the genre and reflects the best parts of the genre as well. Quests, smart MC, training/leveling, multiple plots lines, long long series potential. This book specifically was fun but a lot of it was planning for the end fight and the future which wasn’t bad but it ended with the fight half finished and that is just tortuous for us reading. Hopefully Royal Road has more soon. Thanks Tom!
This series is definitely one of the best in the genre and reflects the best parts of the genre as well. Quests, smart MC, training/leveling, multiple plots lines, long long series potential. This book specifically was fun but a lot of it was planning for the end fight and the future which wasn’t bad but it ended with the fight half finished and that is just tortuous for us reading. Hopefully Royal Road has more soon. Thanks Tom!
September 22, 2025
I find myself enjoying this series quite a bit, although I must admit that the main character's tendency to believe he knows best for everyone and everything is a bit bothersome. He seems rather quick to judge and is often overly suspicious, even towards his allies. It sometimes feels as though he doesn't trust them to think independently or make sound decisions. I want to emphasize that this is not meant as a criticism of the book series itself, but rather a personal observation about the protagonist's behavior.
September 8, 2025
Awesome read
The main character reads like the rogues I have enjoyed playing in D&D as well as reading about in books. Whether it's Silk in Edding's work or the Grey Mouser in Leiber's work, the job of a rogue is to be deadly, sneaky, and brilliant. Elliott's main character Michael is written with confidence and creativity and joins this type of archetype.
James Piiparinen MFA in Creative Writing University of Mississippi
The main character reads like the rogues I have enjoyed playing in D&D as well as reading about in books. Whether it's Silk in Edding's work or the Grey Mouser in Leiber's work, the job of a rogue is to be deadly, sneaky, and brilliant. Elliott's main character Michael is written with confidence and creativity and joins this type of archetype.
James Piiparinen MFA in Creative Writing University of Mississippi
September 19, 2025
Elliot needs to work on his endings. Cliffhangers are one thing, leaving an arc incomplete is another, I didn’t just read 700 pages of buildup for nothing. The pacing of this book was decent, albeit long and slightly drawn out. I did like that we finally seem to have put off the side quests and gotten back to the main story though. Michael is learning to share somewhat, and I am enjoying seeing characters challenge his ideas and bring their own strengths to the table.
February 8, 2025
ended short
Another short book with a terrible place to end the book. If I hadn’t started reading this series until 4 or 5 books were already out, I’m not sure I would have read book 2. I would suggest waiting until the series is finished before reading it or at least wait for the next book is out before reading this one.
Another short book with a terrible place to end the book. If I hadn’t started reading this series until 4 or 5 books were already out, I’m not sure I would have read book 2. I would suggest waiting until the series is finished before reading it or at least wait for the next book is out before reading this one.
March 8, 2025
another phenomenal continuation
The Lost Reclaimed continues the epic fantasy story of The Grand Game in a fast paced and extremely entertaining ride. This entry into the series advances almost every plot line in an even and enjoyable way, while providing more depth to the overarching story. I could not put this book down, and the wait for more is almost unbearable!
The Lost Reclaimed continues the epic fantasy story of The Grand Game in a fast paced and extremely entertaining ride. This entry into the series advances almost every plot line in an even and enjoyable way, while providing more depth to the overarching story. I could not put this book down, and the wait for more is almost unbearable!
May 3, 2025
Ah beautiful cliffhanger
I love and dislike cliffhangers. I love how well I'm enthralled in the story, and I'm pouty to have to wait for the next book. Michael is becoming a better leader, and he's surrounding himself with good advisors. His leveling is almost an afterthought. The book ends during a battle and I'm excited to read more when I'm able to get the next book.
I love and dislike cliffhangers. I love how well I'm enthralled in the story, and I'm pouty to have to wait for the next book. Michael is becoming a better leader, and he's surrounding himself with good advisors. His leveling is almost an afterthought. The book ends during a battle and I'm excited to read more when I'm able to get the next book.
February 9, 2025
This is one of my favorites in the series so far and it's because we are starting to see more forward progression in the overall storyline and not as many side quests. Michael is really starting to narrow is focus on what is important overall and moving into his position as a future power.
February 10, 2025
Excellent Series
This story of a young man who becomes a player of a long extinct house was a fantastic read that I really enjoyed reading. Unfortunately this book ends in the middle of the fight for a sector with the tree fleeing to a place of his allies
This story of a young man who becomes a player of a long extinct house was a fantastic read that I really enjoyed reading. Unfortunately this book ends in the middle of the fight for a sector with the tree fleeing to a place of his allies
February 13, 2025
I really love this installment of the series. It makes significant progress in the storyline. It is pretty gripping and kept me interested at all times. The end is a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book to come out!
February 18, 2025
Excellent & action packed
This is a fascinating weave of fantasy & action. The characters are wildly varied & all well developed.
You should start this series from the beginning, but even if you don't, each book is worth your time.
This is a fascinating weave of fantasy & action. The characters are wildly varied & all well developed.
You should start this series from the beginning, but even if you don't, each book is worth your time.
March 8, 2025
Continues to impress
Good characters, nice story arcs, interesting plot twists... just a sold read all around. Not a fan of the cliffhanger- not nice at all. So um, when's the next one? Tomorrow?
Good characters, nice story arcs, interesting plot twists... just a sold read all around. Not a fan of the cliffhanger- not nice at all. So um, when's the next one? Tomorrow?
March 10, 2025
by the nape of your neck
Will wolf do it? So many pieces parts, so many complicarions. This series has you on the edge of your seat. Every book is another layer of pure enjoyment. But will he do it?
Will wolf do it? So many pieces parts, so many complicarions. This series has you on the edge of your seat. Every book is another layer of pure enjoyment. But will he do it?
March 10, 2025
good read but CLIFFHANGER grrr
One of the best volumes so far especially with respect to pacing and tension. I really enjoyed the book all the way to the sudden, jarring THE END. Not ok! lol, waiting months for the next book is just mean!
One of the best volumes so far especially with respect to pacing and tension. I really enjoyed the book all the way to the sudden, jarring THE END. Not ok! lol, waiting months for the next book is just mean!
April 12, 2025
Welcome to this slice of life litrpg of a project manager, replete with planning sessions, logistics, personnel management, moving deadlines and interminable unfolding to do lists. Cliff hanger at the end so it's probably an overrun.
April 16, 2025
One of the most annoying cliffhangers I have seen... Other than that, it was ok. Listened it as an audio book and I'm not sure if it's the narrator or the material that makes some of the conversations sound really akward.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews