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Der 13. Paladin #3
The Brazen City
Hardly have Ahren and his fellow adventurers returned to Deepstone following his Naming as Thirteenth Paladin when troubling news forces them into action again. They learn through the Ancients that one of their kind, the Paladin Bergen Olgitram, along with his band of mercenaries, the Blue Cohorts, are being besieged within the Brazen City by the headstrong Sun Emperor. Not only do Ahren and his companions need to get to the Sunplains in double-quick time and protect the Brazen City with its invaluable forges, but they also have to persuade the city triumvirate that a peaceful resolution to the conflict is paramount. And if that’s not challenging enough, the Sun Emperor is determined to have the renegade captain and his mercenaries put to death. But Jorath needs every one of the thirteen Paladins in its war against HIM, WHO FORCES. Even if one them is frustratingly stubborn.The saga of the Thirteenth Paladin continues. Join him and his friends on their adventures in the Sunplains and enjoy meeting his old friends in Deepstone again.
15 pages, Audible Audio
Published July 14, 2020
621 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Torsten Weitze
47 books217 followersI was born in Krefeld, Germany in 1976 and still live there under the caring eyes of my wife and two Norwegian Forest cats. Originally a publishing salesman, I couldn't resist the lure of writing, and after over a dozen years of playing the gamemaster in pen-and-paper groups, not to mention reading hundreds of fantasy novels, I decided to finally try to write a story myself that I thought might be worth telling. And so my novel Ahren was published in Germany, the first in the best-selling series The 13th Paladin.
When I am not creating new worlds and stories, I like to relax by playing pen-and-paper and story rich video games, reading or binging on TV series. I also practise Jiu Jitsu and the art of handling ancient Japanese weapons like the Katana or the Bo Staff.
When I am not creating new worlds and stories, I like to relax by playing pen-and-paper and story rich video games, reading or binging on TV series. I also practise Jiu Jitsu and the art of handling ancient Japanese weapons like the Katana or the Bo Staff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 25, 2022
Aus diesem Teil gehe ich mit einem etwas weniger guten Gefühl heraus, als dies beim Vorgänger der Fall war. Ich denke, das liegt daran, dass mir das Ende und generell die Handlung in der Ehernen Stadt nicht so gut gefallen haben. Stadtverteidigung, Angriffe etc. habe ich einfach schon zu oft gelesen. Leider nichts Besonderes für mich. Dafür mochte ich den Anfang in Tiefstein mit den Figuren aus Teil 1 sehr. Ich hatte sie vermisst! Auch die langsam aufkommende Liebesgeschichte gefällt mir besser, als ich zuvor dachte. Ich bin froh, dass mein Interesse an der Reihe nicht gebrochen ist, denn ich genieße die Hörbücher sehr als Unterhaltung nebenbei. Und ich bin schon sehr gespannt, was der Autor sich für Band 4 überlegt hat. Irgendwie schafft er es ja immer, diese Welt mit ganz neuen Ideen zu spicken, sodass es nicht langweilig wird. Und das ist unheimlich viel wert.
May 9, 2024
Ich mochte das Grashüpfermonster, das war cool.
Die Charaktere konnte ich nach diesem Teil weniger leiden als davor. Auch bei der Romanze sehe ich alles recht kritisch.
Die Charaktere konnte ich nach diesem Teil weniger leiden als davor. Auch bei der Romanze sehe ich alles recht kritisch.
January 22, 2018
Möglicherweise gibt’s Spoiler für Band eins und zwei.
Ahren ist zum dreizehnten Paladin ernannt worden, doch nun müssen noch die restlichen elf gefunden und versammelt werden. Einer von ihnen, Bergen, befindet sich in der Ehernen Stadt, die vom Sonnenkaiser belagert wird. Es liegt an Ahren und seinen Freunden, den Konflikt zu beenden und das Leben des Paladins zu sichern.
Ein Stern Abzug für die grammatikalischen Fehler. Ja, ich habe die Anmerkung gelesen, dass es jetzt eine Korrektorin gibt, deswegen bin ich auf meinem Blog näher auf diesen Punkt eingegangen (Link unten).
Der Schreibstil ist noch immer flüssig, aber komplexer als in den vorherigen Büchern. Gerade zu Anfang bringt er die Atmosphäre jedoch nicht so gut rüber wie gewohnt; im Laufe des Romans bessert sich das deutlich. Die restlichen Beschreibungen weisen nur wenige Makel auf und ansonsten gibt es nur Kleinigkeiten anzumerken, darunter sogar eine positive.
Die Plottwists sind zu weiten Teilen nicht vorhersehbar, außer die Sache mit Sven nach dem ersten … „Unfall“. Die Logik wird weitestgehend gewahrt; es haben sich mir dennoch einige Fragen gestellt, die auch den Weltenbau betreffen und vom Buch mit widersprüchlichen bis unsinnigen Antworten gestillt werden.
Die Antagonisten werden nicht ausgebaut; die Nebenfiguren sind nach wie vor hervorragend. Mit Ahren konnte ich dieses Mal weniger anfangen, aber prinzipiell bleibt er sympathisch. Khara hingegen war mir ein Dorn im Auge, insbesondere bis zur Hälfte des Buches, und bis dahin war auch ihre Liebesgeschichte unerträglich.
Die Welt lässt einiges an Faszination vermissen, die für mich nur an einer Stelle aufgekommen ist. Dennoch wird sie mit diesem Roman weiter ausgebaut und es ist nach wie vor klar, dass sie einiges zu bieten hat, aber es wird schlicht nicht mehr so gut rübergebracht.
Zusammenfassend hat mich „Die Eherne Stadt“ nach den ersten einhundert Seiten unterhalten, keine Frage, aber sie hat mich auch ernüchtert, da sie nicht mit ihren Vorgängern mithalten kann. Ich hoffe darauf, dass sich das im nächsten Buch wieder bessert, und werde die Reihe weiterhin verfolgen.
Eine ausführlichere Version dieser Rezension gibt es auf meinem Blog: www.aweneibner.at
Ahren ist zum dreizehnten Paladin ernannt worden, doch nun müssen noch die restlichen elf gefunden und versammelt werden. Einer von ihnen, Bergen, befindet sich in der Ehernen Stadt, die vom Sonnenkaiser belagert wird. Es liegt an Ahren und seinen Freunden, den Konflikt zu beenden und das Leben des Paladins zu sichern.
Ein Stern Abzug für die grammatikalischen Fehler. Ja, ich habe die Anmerkung gelesen, dass es jetzt eine Korrektorin gibt, deswegen bin ich auf meinem Blog näher auf diesen Punkt eingegangen (Link unten).
Der Schreibstil ist noch immer flüssig, aber komplexer als in den vorherigen Büchern. Gerade zu Anfang bringt er die Atmosphäre jedoch nicht so gut rüber wie gewohnt; im Laufe des Romans bessert sich das deutlich. Die restlichen Beschreibungen weisen nur wenige Makel auf und ansonsten gibt es nur Kleinigkeiten anzumerken, darunter sogar eine positive.
Die Plottwists sind zu weiten Teilen nicht vorhersehbar, außer die Sache mit Sven nach dem ersten … „Unfall“. Die Logik wird weitestgehend gewahrt; es haben sich mir dennoch einige Fragen gestellt, die auch den Weltenbau betreffen und vom Buch mit widersprüchlichen bis unsinnigen Antworten gestillt werden.
Die Antagonisten werden nicht ausgebaut; die Nebenfiguren sind nach wie vor hervorragend. Mit Ahren konnte ich dieses Mal weniger anfangen, aber prinzipiell bleibt er sympathisch. Khara hingegen war mir ein Dorn im Auge, insbesondere bis zur Hälfte des Buches, und bis dahin war auch ihre Liebesgeschichte unerträglich.
Die Welt lässt einiges an Faszination vermissen, die für mich nur an einer Stelle aufgekommen ist. Dennoch wird sie mit diesem Roman weiter ausgebaut und es ist nach wie vor klar, dass sie einiges zu bieten hat, aber es wird schlicht nicht mehr so gut rübergebracht.
Zusammenfassend hat mich „Die Eherne Stadt“ nach den ersten einhundert Seiten unterhalten, keine Frage, aber sie hat mich auch ernüchtert, da sie nicht mit ihren Vorgängern mithalten kann. Ich hoffe darauf, dass sich das im nächsten Buch wieder bessert, und werde die Reihe weiterhin verfolgen.
Eine ausführlichere Version dieser Rezension gibt es auf meinem Blog: www.aweneibner.at
March 5, 2025
DNF the third book. Very repetitive and got quite boring.
July 10, 2025
Again, really fun story. Predictable in a lot of ways, but a good coming of age story.
July 22, 2020
An Epic Fairy Tale
The 13th Paladin series is a 5 star epic journey that continues with the newly named 13th Paladin Ahren, his Paladin teacher and guide, Falk, his wolf companion Cullen, and his Ancient companions and the swordsgirl, Khara.
The theme of this story is that mistakes cause grief and guilt and we often can’t undo them so the best we can do is to learn to live with them, learn from them and not repeat them. The main characters experience many conflicts, meet unusual enemies, make interesting friends and go to many destinations on their jouney to find one of the 11 other Paladins they need by their side in a not so distant future battle. This series is like a fairy tale for adults.
The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that I can deal with editing errors of spelling or a missing or misplaced word (though there are more than there should be) but I simply hate reading modern throw away lines in a story that is taking place in the year 731. Most of the language seems correct for what I expect that period of time to be so to read words like “cats on a hot tin roof” made me roll my eyes, sigh and look up when tin roofing came into vogue. France, 1837. Another moment of disbelief was when reading about the blacksmith making hooves and nails instead of horse shoes and nails. To the translator I ask, please find a few friends to read through the English translation to catch these types of errors because this author is really good and knows how to write amazing adventures that should not be marred by these little but irritating aberrations.I am a definite fan and look forward to the next book.
The 13th Paladin series is a 5 star epic journey that continues with the newly named 13th Paladin Ahren, his Paladin teacher and guide, Falk, his wolf companion Cullen, and his Ancient companions and the swordsgirl, Khara.
The theme of this story is that mistakes cause grief and guilt and we often can’t undo them so the best we can do is to learn to live with them, learn from them and not repeat them. The main characters experience many conflicts, meet unusual enemies, make interesting friends and go to many destinations on their jouney to find one of the 11 other Paladins they need by their side in a not so distant future battle. This series is like a fairy tale for adults.
The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that I can deal with editing errors of spelling or a missing or misplaced word (though there are more than there should be) but I simply hate reading modern throw away lines in a story that is taking place in the year 731. Most of the language seems correct for what I expect that period of time to be so to read words like “cats on a hot tin roof” made me roll my eyes, sigh and look up when tin roofing came into vogue. France, 1837. Another moment of disbelief was when reading about the blacksmith making hooves and nails instead of horse shoes and nails. To the translator I ask, please find a few friends to read through the English translation to catch these types of errors because this author is really good and knows how to write amazing adventures that should not be marred by these little but irritating aberrations.I am a definite fan and look forward to the next book.
January 16, 2021
So finally the thirteenth palladin is declared to the world. And we are introduced to a series of abominations that the team must defeat. I wish more time was given to the new ancient, as the character has good potential.
January 8, 2023
Even though this series is super wordy I still appreciate he authors intent. The characters are rememberable and it was lovely to see Ahren growing into his role as a Paladin. Collins is my favorite character.
June 24, 2024
2.5
I enjoyed the most that Ahren and Cullen could talk to each other. I finished 50% and then I abandoned this series. I wasn't knocked out my shoes in the first place after reading book one but it seemed like a cosy, sort of lazy(in a way where you don't have to think) maybe young adult fantasy. It showed severely in this part however, that the characters aren't well developed (imo). Khara gave me the ick when she told Ahren at some point to just suck it up. I understand she grew up differently but it's not really something anyone would say, especially since it's going towards a romance between the two, which I don't like either. And Ahren being the goody two shoes was also too much for me shortly after the incident I mentioned.
The story is alright, mostly slow paced but seems rushed at some parts. As I said already, the characters aren't great and not well developed or worked out. The writing is standard, nothing spectacular. So in the end, I'm not reading for the story, the characters, nor the writing. Then what am I still reading it for?
So I just stopped because I also lost interest.
I'd say maybe, depending on who you are, it's a good beginner fantasy and in my humble opinion also for young adults/teens. But obviously a person of any age can read ya, however it just isn't for me.
I don't resent the series and neither do I regret reading as far as I have but needless to say, I will not continue. No hard feelings
I enjoyed the most that Ahren and Cullen could talk to each other. I finished 50% and then I abandoned this series. I wasn't knocked out my shoes in the first place after reading book one but it seemed like a cosy, sort of lazy(in a way where you don't have to think) maybe young adult fantasy. It showed severely in this part however, that the characters aren't well developed (imo). Khara gave me the ick when she told Ahren at some point to just suck it up. I understand she grew up differently but it's not really something anyone would say, especially since it's going towards a romance between the two, which I don't like either. And Ahren being the goody two shoes was also too much for me shortly after the incident I mentioned.
The story is alright, mostly slow paced but seems rushed at some parts. As I said already, the characters aren't great and not well developed or worked out. The writing is standard, nothing spectacular. So in the end, I'm not reading for the story, the characters, nor the writing. Then what am I still reading it for?
So I just stopped because I also lost interest.
I'd say maybe, depending on who you are, it's a good beginner fantasy and in my humble opinion also for young adults/teens. But obviously a person of any age can read ya, however it just isn't for me.
I don't resent the series and neither do I regret reading as far as I have but needless to say, I will not continue. No hard feelings
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
Now that the Naming has severed ‘He Who Forces’ connection to Ahren, the group has a breather in their fight against him, they return to Ahren’s home village to recover before they continue their journey searching for the other Paladins. They head first across the Sun Plains to contact the ancient Acard in Waterheart, then to stop a war between the Sun Emperor and the Brazen City where a fifth paladin Bergen was in charge.
Kara shouldn’t expect anything different from Ahren after how she behaved with his friend (and others). And Ahren’s companions may not want to give him too many compliments but they should at least not tease him so much. They don’t do it to the others when they have good ideas. After all Ahren been having more good ideas than they have.
Fave scenes: Ahren searching for the fireweed, Ahren rescuing the bandits, Acard’s plan for Kara and fighting the doubleganger.
Kara shouldn’t expect anything different from Ahren after how she behaved with his friend (and others). And Ahren’s companions may not want to give him too many compliments but they should at least not tease him so much. They don’t do it to the others when they have good ideas. After all Ahren been having more good ideas than they have.
Fave scenes: Ahren searching for the fireweed, Ahren rescuing the bandits, Acard’s plan for Kara and fighting the doubleganger.
October 7, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
The group moves together in their quest to find the 13 Paladins and to defeat the forces of the One Who Forces.
One of their targets are in the besieged Brazen City, and they are given a mere seven days to get an accord signed to prevent the Sun Emporer's Forces from bombarding the City into smithereens.
Ahern learns a lot in these schermishes, most of all, that his new status of thirteenth Paladin gives him more power than he could imagine. This power, wielded correctly, could achieve a lot more than brute force ever did.
The group moves together in their quest to find the 13 Paladins and to defeat the forces of the One Who Forces.
One of their targets are in the besieged Brazen City, and they are given a mere seven days to get an accord signed to prevent the Sun Emporer's Forces from bombarding the City into smithereens.
Ahern learns a lot in these schermishes, most of all, that his new status of thirteenth Paladin gives him more power than he could imagine. This power, wielded correctly, could achieve a lot more than brute force ever did.
August 4, 2024
The Brazen City continues on the same path as the previous installments. This time we are introduced to human politics instead of a different race. Even though, the novel was still mainly good, I am losing my interest to the series, as the main plot seems to be only an excuse to have the party whose adventures the series follows. I feel, that there is no intention to actually progress with any plot or story elements, other than those which are introduced in that same installment.
June 6, 2025
A 15 year old boy who is being nettled 24/7 by his oh so good friends and his severe master. Bringing him to tears with endless humiliation, sarcasme and teasing? What good is this for? And why would I want to read this? I am disgusted. I liked Ahren and do not care about any of the other characters. They could drop dead immediately, and I would be even glad. Maybe with one exception: The elven priestess.
July 21, 2020
Great book
Worthy installment for the series. August 2020 can't get here quick enough for the next book. I've read enough books over the years that few authors use words unknown to me, yet Weitze has managed to improve my vocabulary with each book...his use of "obstreperous" stands out. Unknown even to autocorrect!
Worthy installment for the series. August 2020 can't get here quick enough for the next book. I've read enough books over the years that few authors use words unknown to me, yet Weitze has managed to improve my vocabulary with each book...his use of "obstreperous" stands out. Unknown even to autocorrect!
February 12, 2024
The 13th Paladin finds his voice!
Watching Ahren grow and the relationships he develops keeps making me turn the page! I thought for sure Khara, was just going to become a unneeded subplot but it's been surprising to watch her part/path grow and she's becoming more an integral part of the story line!🙂Thank you for keeping me entertained for so long. I look forward to
Watching Ahren grow and the relationships he develops keeps making me turn the page! I thought for sure Khara, was just going to become a unneeded subplot but it's been surprising to watch her part/path grow and she's becoming more an integral part of the story line!🙂Thank you for keeping me entertained for so long. I look forward to
July 14, 2025
A great third installment! The series continues with what I loved in the first two books, training and skill progression as Ahren comes into his own as the 'chosen one', interspersed with some light relationship development... and humor as our hero completely misses all the hints and blunders into many classic male relationship potholes such as, "isn't that other girl pretty?"
August 22, 2025
I got the first three of this series in an Audible special. I thought they were a bit long-winded and there wasn’t any real suspense. I always knew that ‘the good guys’ would win every battle. I didn’t really care enough about the story to read the last two in the series. It was just something to listen to while I cleaned the house etc. Not great, just OK.
October 29, 2025
This is book 3 of a 3 book bundle for 1 credit on audible. 3 mins short of 44 hours listening. Overall it was ok but at times I found I’d lost track of where I was and had to rewind. There are 13 books in the series but I’m not continuing on to book 4, I’ve had enough of Aaron and co and the never ending quests.
June 12, 2020
Fantastic read
Fully developed characters and a plot that keeps you hanging on to the end. There are a few laugh out loud scenes that break the tension at just the right time. You need to read the whole series.
Fully developed characters and a plot that keeps you hanging on to the end. There are a few laugh out loud scenes that break the tension at just the right time. You need to read the whole series.
June 15, 2020
Can’t wait until the next book.
I found this book thrilling and set at a nice pace with a lot of plots and side stories coming out. I can’t wait until the next books are translated.
I found this book thrilling and set at a nice pace with a lot of plots and side stories coming out. I can’t wait until the next books are translated.
September 24, 2020
Consistent series, engaging storyline
Are usually get tired of inconsistent writing and hot caps by the third or fourth book in a series. However, this one is proving to be the exception. I am not an adolescent, but rather an adult reader who is enjoying the storyline.
Are usually get tired of inconsistent writing and hot caps by the third or fourth book in a series. However, this one is proving to be the exception. I am not an adolescent, but rather an adult reader who is enjoying the storyline.
December 8, 2021
Delightful
Although I did expect how it ended, the journey to get there was worthwhile. The characters are endearing and as the pasts of our older heroes unfold alongside our main character’s, it is artfully intertwined.
Looking forward to the next one.
Although I did expect how it ended, the journey to get there was worthwhile. The characters are endearing and as the pasts of our older heroes unfold alongside our main character’s, it is artfully intertwined.
Looking forward to the next one.
June 10, 2022
The story continues
These characters seem very believable. They have strengths and weaknesses. The young hero of the story continues to be one that a person can relate to in some ways while attaining goals most could not.
These characters seem very believable. They have strengths and weaknesses. The young hero of the story continues to be one that a person can relate to in some ways while attaining goals most could not.
July 17, 2022
Awesome read!
Otger than some minor typos, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the adventures of Ahren and his team on the quest to locate the other paladins. I'm ready to jump into part IV now!
Otger than some minor typos, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the adventures of Ahren and his team on the quest to locate the other paladins. I'm ready to jump into part IV now!
February 16, 2023
Great Read!
A 16 to 80 years fantasy with great characters that challenge the dark god with times of great struggle mixed with caring, tenderness and love along with many feats of marshal arts and courage beyond the pale. Gripping saga in the ilk of Tolkien.
A 16 to 80 years fantasy with great characters that challenge the dark god with times of great struggle mixed with caring, tenderness and love along with many feats of marshal arts and courage beyond the pale. Gripping saga in the ilk of Tolkien.
May 17, 2023
The 13th Paladin, Book 3, The Brazen City is a satisfying continuation of Ahren's story
The grave diggers son continues toward his destiny not in leaps but step by step. I enjoy each character's personality and perspective and how it adds to the narrative.
The grave diggers son continues toward his destiny not in leaps but step by step. I enjoy each character's personality and perspective and how it adds to the narrative.
January 28, 2025
Brazen City - another excellent read
The storyline is expanding and the character list is growing. Weitze is weaving a beautiful epic fantasy and I am enjoying his exceptional talent. Another wonderful read.
The storyline is expanding and the character list is growing. Weitze is weaving a beautiful epic fantasy and I am enjoying his exceptional talent. Another wonderful read.
June 18, 2020
Great read
Non-stop action. Believable characters. Keeps your interest throughout the book. Very good description of the world setting where the story takes place.
Non-stop action. Believable characters. Keeps your interest throughout the book. Very good description of the world setting where the story takes place.
July 17, 2020
More please. I can't wait for the next on audible. Gildart Jackson brings the characters to life and Torsten Weitze weaves an amazing story. Tim Casey, you are a hero for translating.
August 10, 2020
Plot good editing not
I enjoyed the plot but book is filled with words used in wrong context and words just left out. Needs a thorough editing
I enjoyed the plot but book is filled with words used in wrong context and words just left out. Needs a thorough editing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews