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The Grand Game #7
Ancient Debts
Thrust once more into the heart of the Game, can Michael survive?
At long last, Michael emerges from isolation. The Kingdom has not changed much since his last venture, but he has. Will he be able to conceal the truth of what he has become? Will he be able to fulfill his many obligations? And most importantly, can he reconnect with his old allies?
Join Michael on his epic journey and find out!
At long last, Michael emerges from isolation. The Kingdom has not changed much since his last venture, but he has. Will he be able to conceal the truth of what he has become? Will he be able to fulfill his many obligations? And most importantly, can he reconnect with his old allies?
Join Michael on his epic journey and find out!
554 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2024
781 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Tom Elliot
15 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 58 reviews
October 13, 2024
Exciting and thrilling!
As much as I expected from this offering and even more. This seventh installment is a direct continuation in vein of the rest of the books in the series and are to be read in order.
The stakes in this one that Michael faces as a fledgling Power in the Forever Kingdom couldn't have been higher and he performs his adventures with all the alacrity and panache I've come to expect from him.
The world building is not as detailed as I would have otherwise liked but the pace, lore and writing more than makes up for it. We also see the introduction of fantastic new characters and awesome battle scenes with our protagonists' progression advancing to a much needed level.
This to me has been one of the best offering among the series and that is saying quite a lot.
A must read to any and all LitRPG fans, highly recommend!
2024 Read
As much as I expected from this offering and even more. This seventh installment is a direct continuation in vein of the rest of the books in the series and are to be read in order.
The stakes in this one that Michael faces as a fledgling Power in the Forever Kingdom couldn't have been higher and he performs his adventures with all the alacrity and panache I've come to expect from him.
The world building is not as detailed as I would have otherwise liked but the pace, lore and writing more than makes up for it. We also see the introduction of fantastic new characters and awesome battle scenes with our protagonists' progression advancing to a much needed level.
This to me has been one of the best offering among the series and that is saying quite a lot.
A must read to any and all LitRPG fans, highly recommend!
2024 Read
September 8, 2024
This is seventh in a long series that builds over time. Read in order.
Michael finally takes the step back into the Forever Kingdom. And chaos ensues. It's a bit like events before he left, only much more so. He's feeling his way into being a minor power himself and figuring out how to go about with factions he has been avoiding to now. All without revealing the truth about his marks that would make him actively hunted by the big bads.
And this was extremely fun and everything it needed to be. There are important story developments, but my favorite was . I loved this very much.
So this remains five stars and I'm only bummed that I have once again caught up to publishing and have to wait many months until the expected publication of the next.
A note about Chaste: Michael finally catches up with Saphyr and they have some kind of relationship. It's an intimate one, but strained by his unexplained absence. There are a couple places where they might have been physically intimate. It's a possibility. But the story doesn't follow so we don't know. Leaving this pretty chaste.
Michael finally takes the step back into the Forever Kingdom. And chaos ensues. It's a bit like events before he left, only much more so. He's feeling his way into being a minor power himself and figuring out how to go about with factions he has been avoiding to now. All without revealing the truth about his marks that would make him actively hunted by the big bads.
And this was extremely fun and everything it needed to be. There are important story developments, but my favorite was . I loved this very much.
So this remains five stars and I'm only bummed that I have once again caught up to publishing and have to wait many months until the expected publication of the next.
A note about Chaste: Michael finally catches up with Saphyr and they have some kind of relationship. It's an intimate one, but strained by his unexplained absence. There are a couple places where they might have been physically intimate. It's a possibility. But the story doesn't follow so we don't know. Leaving this pretty chaste.
September 3, 2024
More side stories
Another book where the Mc runs around solving problems for random people. He's got a giant list of tasks and each book he makes an inch of progress.
Not a bad book, but I was looking forward to the story lines that were already developed, not a side quest
Another book where the Mc runs around solving problems for random people. He's got a giant list of tasks and each book he makes an inch of progress.
Not a bad book, but I was looking forward to the story lines that were already developed, not a side quest
August 29, 2024
I've been reading this over on Royalroad. So I consider it like I have been reading an ARC.
I really enjoy the overall story. I know that I have dropped a couple of rough reviews for some of the books in this series, but the story is good.
The MC is definitely overpowered. I'm constantly looking forward to what is coming next.
7/10
I really enjoy the overall story. I know that I have dropped a couple of rough reviews for some of the books in this series, but the story is good.
The MC is definitely overpowered. I'm constantly looking forward to what is coming next.
7/10
September 2, 2024
I’ve enjoyed this series, and despite the rating, did enjoy the book. However this was a transition book. 70% of this book was about the introduction of brand new characters, another subplot, and the resolution of the subplot. All of which was a minor obstacle to the overall plot of getting back to Michael’s allies. I’m sure the new characters will be referenced again, but the pacing of this book, as well as its placement in the series, feels incorrect.
September 6, 2024
A filler book
There's not much more to say about it. The events here didn't add to the story. The plot didn't move forward by any appreciable metric. We didn't learn anything about new characters. We didn't experience anything new. The MC barely leveled up further.
This was a book long side quest.
There's not much more to say about it. The events here didn't add to the story. The plot didn't move forward by any appreciable metric. We didn't learn anything about new characters. We didn't experience anything new. The MC barely leveled up further.
This was a book long side quest.
September 23, 2024
4.5 stars. I had no trouble getting back into this series after the wait for book 7 to come out. The MC has finally established a team that hopefully will continue together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
Feels like a repeat of previous storylines
The whole story just feels rehashed and unnecessary, just like the last book.
**MINOR SPOILER WARNING**
Michael plays multiple sides in a conflict and comes out on top again but is stronger for it. In this book, he doesn't actually get any tangible benefits from doing this compared to if he did it in a familiar sector to complete one of his quests. I feel like the last 20% of this book would have been a much better opening, with the second half being enacting the alluded to plan.
**RANT TO AUTHOR - MAJOR SPOILER WARNING**
The chosen bloodline ability feels shortsighted and poorly reasoned. The level stealing one was the most obvious best choice. Michael will need to fight powers and powerful nether creatures and getting 2% of their level for killing them (6 level minimum per power) would get him to strength much faster, which is what this novel desperately needs. Fighting 2 or 3 powers and getting 4 levels will be way too slow if he wants to get to Rank 12. His chosen puppeteer bloodline trait will undoubtedly find arbitrary use in future books, but his current psi skills are close to what this bloodline trait will offer already and without all the contact/slowness drawbacks.
The whole story just feels rehashed and unnecessary, just like the last book.
**MINOR SPOILER WARNING**
Michael plays multiple sides in a conflict and comes out on top again but is stronger for it. In this book, he doesn't actually get any tangible benefits from doing this compared to if he did it in a familiar sector to complete one of his quests. I feel like the last 20% of this book would have been a much better opening, with the second half being enacting the alluded to plan.
**RANT TO AUTHOR - MAJOR SPOILER WARNING**
The chosen bloodline ability feels shortsighted and poorly reasoned. The level stealing one was the most obvious best choice. Michael will need to fight powers and powerful nether creatures and getting 2% of their level for killing them (6 level minimum per power) would get him to strength much faster, which is what this novel desperately needs. Fighting 2 or 3 powers and getting 4 levels will be way too slow if he wants to get to Rank 12. His chosen puppeteer bloodline trait will undoubtedly find arbitrary use in future books, but his current psi skills are close to what this bloodline trait will offer already and without all the contact/slowness drawbacks.
September 20, 2024
Rating 3.5 stars
I have the same issue with this book as the previous book. A lot of things happen that doesn't push the plot forward. Michael has a list of at least 10 important tasks to complete and yet most of the last 2 books has been spent on side quests.
I have the same issue with this book as the previous book. A lot of things happen that doesn't push the plot forward. Michael has a list of at least 10 important tasks to complete and yet most of the last 2 books has been spent on side quests.
January 29, 2025
3.5 stars
Like many others have said, this book was about Michael finishing a side quest. A long, whole book length side quest. I can see this series becoming one that I pick back up once this series is finished so I can skip ahead. Maybe it’s just me but the longer this drags on the more I’m starting to forget from the previous books.
I do see the value of this arc though, we finally see how strong Michael is as a Power vs Players. Yes he’s op but so are all Powers that has Ascended. Next is the Blades owing Jasiah something equivalent to a sector which will most likely be a key component to the next book.
Despite the snail pace this is going at, I was still captivated by the story. The action was plenty, we finally get a reunion with the others and this sets the stage to finally getting somewhere in the plot; nothing resolved but a baby step.
Like many others have said, this book was about Michael finishing a side quest. A long, whole book length side quest. I can see this series becoming one that I pick back up once this series is finished so I can skip ahead. Maybe it’s just me but the longer this drags on the more I’m starting to forget from the previous books.
I do see the value of this arc though, we finally see how strong Michael is as a Power vs Players. Yes he’s op but so are all Powers that has Ascended. Next is the Blades owing Jasiah something equivalent to a sector which will most likely be a key component to the next book.
Despite the snail pace this is going at, I was still captivated by the story. The action was plenty, we finally get a reunion with the others and this sets the stage to finally getting somewhere in the plot; nothing resolved but a baby step.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
I love the grand game and how the story is continuing. Although I must admit I was mildly disappointed about just how transitory this book was. The main story plot wasn’t the focus of the book and the subplot while entertaining and giving Michael a few upgrades didn’t feel relevant to the ultimate goal. All in all I still give this book 5stars because the execution of everything was perfect. That it didn’t feel that relevant doesn’t distract from the fact that the writing was good the fight scenes were full of action and it was fast paced and entertaining. Just not as lore dense as the last few books. I still read it in one sitting.
All in all solid transition to hopefully the next major plot.
All in all solid transition to hopefully the next major plot.
September 21, 2024
Everything that's here is great, but the content itself is starting to annoy me.
70% of this book is a filler arc again. The arc itself is great. Well written, interesting storyline, no issues whatsoever. The other 30% is setup for the next book.
That's 2 books in a row now with barely any mainline story progress. I was hoping the whole "settling his clan" arc would be finished book 6, now I'd be surprised if we get there before book 9. With 2 books a year releasing, that's 4 years for what feels like a fairly minor story arc (no progress with the new power factions in sight).
Still enjoying the series, but I'm hoping things get moving soon.
70% of this book is a filler arc again. The arc itself is great. Well written, interesting storyline, no issues whatsoever. The other 30% is setup for the next book.
That's 2 books in a row now with barely any mainline story progress. I was hoping the whole "settling his clan" arc would be finished book 6, now I'd be surprised if we get there before book 9. With 2 books a year releasing, that's 4 years for what feels like a fairly minor story arc (no progress with the new power factions in sight).
Still enjoying the series, but I'm hoping things get moving soon.
September 18, 2025
The start and ends of these books feel kinda arbitrary and it’s one long story divided whenever it gets to about 550 pages. Maybe I’m also reading them fast enough that things start getting blurry about what’s happened in which book. The pace of the last 3 books has been both fast and slow, lots happens in a short space of game time, but the books are lengthy. Plot-wise it’s still good and engaging, although Ghost’s character needs more developing. She is with Michael all the time but placidly goes along with his ideas and her character seems to be revolved around her wanting to be let out of the cloak. She is an extension of Michael rather than having her own identity it seems.
September 8, 2024
step up and lead the pack
It was great until the reunion where the slight against the leader of the pack, Michael, received no Just Retribution. The people he carried and helped were unbelieving, untrusting, and outright insubordinate to the leader of Wolf. Worse was the pack leader cowardly submitted to them and acted like a pup. Worse still was refusing to lead the pack when the elders said they would follow him. He proved unworthy and it became an exhausting slog to get to the end as it went on for many chapters.
It was great until the reunion where the slight against the leader of the pack, Michael, received no Just Retribution. The people he carried and helped were unbelieving, untrusting, and outright insubordinate to the leader of Wolf. Worse was the pack leader cowardly submitted to them and acted like a pup. Worse still was refusing to lead the pack when the elders said they would follow him. He proved unworthy and it became an exhausting slog to get to the end as it went on for many chapters.
May 1, 2025
A new direction
I like the autonomy and the dearth of it in this book. Michael is now strong enough to influence his future path instead of following it as it has been before. He also makes an exciting change towards the end of the book. It's funny how he keeps having more responsibilities, and less ability to just get everything done. He sure does enjoy kicking Power's (hornets) nests. I'm not sure he can get along with other Powers, but his path does seem to open the possibility.
I like the autonomy and the dearth of it in this book. Michael is now strong enough to influence his future path instead of following it as it has been before. He also makes an exciting change towards the end of the book. It's funny how he keeps having more responsibilities, and less ability to just get everything done. He sure does enjoy kicking Power's (hornets) nests. I'm not sure he can get along with other Powers, but his path does seem to open the possibility.
September 12, 2024
I really enjoy Michael as a protaganist. He's paranoid, but confident, confident but not cocky and that is a very hard line to walk in this genre. I love his battles, the way the author uses stealth and planning makes even small skirmishes exciting.
The book itself felt a little short, but that might be because I tore through it, after all it is listed as over 500 pages so pretty sure its just me.
Shame I have to wait months for the next release but I'll certainly be picking it up.
The book itself felt a little short, but that might be because I tore through it, after all it is listed as over 500 pages so pretty sure its just me.
Shame I have to wait months for the next release but I'll certainly be picking it up.
September 21, 2024
Extremely and exceptionally complicated
For Frodo's sake does it have to be so darn convoluted (C.O.N.V.O.L.U.T.E.D) between the stupid questions of the main character who has little to no common sense. Oh what things aren't complicated enough let's just dump more things to the list of crazy. Oh and how about we add some more and more people to the list of people to remember and what not.
For Frodo's sake does it have to be so darn convoluted (C.O.N.V.O.L.U.T.E.D) between the stupid questions of the main character who has little to no common sense. Oh what things aren't complicated enough let's just dump more things to the list of crazy. Oh and how about we add some more and more people to the list of people to remember and what not.
Read
October 21, 2024I honestly don't know how to rate this one. I enjoyed the first 70% of the book, but the last 30% was a lot of cringe. It's also dawning on me that this story will either still be rambling on years and years from now with no resolution in sight, or will abruptly and unsatisfactorily wrap up and shut down o book 10. Unfinished business keeps piling up. MC enumerated 16 quests or goals yet to be done, but nothing got resolved in the past three books. I'm worried where this is going.
August 6, 2025
The books in this series seem to be in a pattern of hit and then miss. One book does a lot with the series plot, then the other is just a series of events that lead to something happening in the next book. Book 7 was the second of these, with the vast majority of the book being something that I didn't care about and that didn't involve any of the characters from other books. Finally we get where we are going and it is time to abruptly end and start the next book.
August 20, 2025
I actually sighed with relief when Michael finally got back to the wolf packs. The homecoming was long overdue.
Before that, though, there was another quest that was resolved within the book, so no loose ends. It was well done, but I've been looking forward to getting back to the main plot. Some new possibilities were opened for Michael's advancement, and eventual resolution for the main thread.
I like the new direction Michael is taking with his allies.
Before that, though, there was another quest that was resolved within the book, so no loose ends. It was well done, but I've been looking forward to getting back to the main plot. Some new possibilities were opened for Michael's advancement, and eventual resolution for the main thread.
I like the new direction Michael is taking with his allies.
September 11, 2024
Looking good here, I am looking forward to the next book and they back and forth in this book is solid. I enjoy his wolf "pup" quite a bit and I am happy with the plan at the end of the book. The only complaint I have is the author is just crunching everything into such a small timeframe. This just feels so forced and a bit silly, but what do I know.
November 7, 2024
Lit RPG
Once again Tom Elliot doesn’t disappoint. The story is packed with enough action and fast paced storytelling that hooks you and keeps one engaged. I love how Michael is progressing, would like to see him finally establish a stronghold either good access. Plan to continue the adventure with book 8. 😊
Once again Tom Elliot doesn’t disappoint. The story is packed with enough action and fast paced storytelling that hooks you and keeps one engaged. I love how Michael is progressing, would like to see him finally establish a stronghold either good access. Plan to continue the adventure with book 8. 😊
November 17, 2024
too much time discussing options
Way too many words with characters discussing the pros and cons of various options. The last few chapters felt like complete filler. Whilst I appreciate in this series the end of the book is rarely where you would expect it to be this really felt like the author was chasing a word count.
Way too many words with characters discussing the pros and cons of various options. The last few chapters felt like complete filler. Whilst I appreciate in this series the end of the book is rarely where you would expect it to be this really felt like the author was chasing a word count.
September 3, 2024
Good
Another good episode in Michael's quest for power and safety for his pack , very little actually happens regarding his progress and a lot more obstacles have appeared in his way .
Another good episode in Michael's quest for power and safety for his pack , very little actually happens regarding his progress and a lot more obstacles have appeared in his way .
September 4, 2024
Good fun Great read
I have really enjoyed this series. I like the concept and has believable characters. If you're looking for a fun read and enjoy this genre this is a good series to start. As always happy reading
I have really enjoyed this series. I like the concept and has believable characters. If you're looking for a fun read and enjoy this genre this is a good series to start. As always happy reading
September 5, 2024
Another round of solid progress
This series has gotten progressively better with each entry. I enjoy the steady progression of the MC and that he’s not automatically the smartest/most OP person in the room. Waiting eagerly for Book 8!
This series has gotten progressively better with each entry. I enjoy the steady progression of the MC and that he’s not automatically the smartest/most OP person in the room. Waiting eagerly for Book 8!
September 7, 2024
Anticipation is killing me
Aaaahhh I need more! Such a great story packed with character development, plot twists and many other characteristics that make such a legendary series. I'm dying for the next installment.
Aaaahhh I need more! Such a great story packed with character development, plot twists and many other characteristics that make such a legendary series. I'm dying for the next installment.
September 12, 2024
great story
Another book of set up and no real advancement of the major plot line objectives. But, what a fun world the author has created! I’m resigned that this will never complete and that we will just get to experience one off adventure stories - and they are great stories!
Another book of set up and no real advancement of the major plot line objectives. But, what a fun world the author has created! I’m resigned that this will never complete and that we will just get to experience one off adventure stories - and they are great stories!
September 13, 2024
The litrpg most heavily influenced by D n D
Brilliant story.. One of my favs and the author who begin my journey into litrpgs with another series of his over three years ago.. Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and Nocturne
Brilliant story.. One of my favs and the author who begin my journey into litrpgs with another series of his over three years ago.. Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and Nocturne
September 16, 2024
filler book
This felt like a book to set up a new part of the story and just did have that much to it. I still thought it was ok and am looking forward to the next book but this one was just ok.
This felt like a book to set up a new part of the story and just did have that much to it. I still thought it was ok and am looking forward to the next book but this one was just ok.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews