What do you think?
Rate this book
The Grand Game #9
Dreams of Power
The Forerunners have achieved the impossible. Or have they?
Michael has been playing the Game. Growing in strength. Slaying his foes. And avoiding entanglement with the Powers. But the time is fast coming when that will no longer be possible. Almost a Power himself, Michael must answer the is he ready? Are his people?
And what will they do if the truth is uncovered?
Join Michael on his epic journey and find out!
Michael has been playing the Game. Growing in strength. Slaying his foes. And avoiding entanglement with the Powers. But the time is fast coming when that will no longer be possible. Almost a Power himself, Michael must answer the is he ready? Are his people?
And what will they do if the truth is uncovered?
Join Michael on his epic journey and find out!
488 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2025
284 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Tom Elliot
15 books341 followers"Tom Elliot's writing is like his hero: it never quits." - Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Kate Daniels series.
Wander through epic worlds of dungeons, dragons, and magic created by fantasy author, Tom Elliot.
Reader. Gamer. Writer. That’s me :).
I enjoy creating worlds for readers to explore, and of course, amazing magic for my characters to wield!
In June 2021, I released my debut novel, The Grand Game. It follows the adventures of Michael, an assassin with a ‘wolven’ heritage and is told from the first-person perspective. Step by step, we watch as Michael grows from a lowly level 1 noob to… well, you’ll see soon enough.
Between my day job and family, I indulge in my passion for writing, reading and gaming. I favour CRPGs and turn-based strategy games, and epic fantasy novels.
You can support my writing on: PATREON, and follow me on social media through: Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Still writing,
Tom.
Wander through epic worlds of dungeons, dragons, and magic created by fantasy author, Tom Elliot.
Reader. Gamer. Writer. That’s me :).
I enjoy creating worlds for readers to explore, and of course, amazing magic for my characters to wield!
In June 2021, I released my debut novel, The Grand Game. It follows the adventures of Michael, an assassin with a ‘wolven’ heritage and is told from the first-person perspective. Step by step, we watch as Michael grows from a lowly level 1 noob to… well, you’ll see soon enough.
Between my day job and family, I indulge in my passion for writing, reading and gaming. I favour CRPGs and turn-based strategy games, and epic fantasy novels.
You can support my writing on: PATREON, and follow me on social media through: Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Still writing,
Tom.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 1, 2025
Disappointing. The pacing of the series started strong but has since felt disjointed. This entire book felt like a transition.
We left off the last book with a semi-cliffhanger. That resolution was so quick, it honestly should have been included in the previous book. The rest of this story should have been included with the next one. Michael has a problem, solves it, then the rest of the book is just filler. Even the ending feels abruptly cut off.
The fight scenes feel recycled, with the same descriptions from previous books. At this point, Michael is so strong that fighting hundreds of players feels rote. Yet the author keeps including these scenes as if it matters. It would be better for the story to skip over the small fights and set up for the bigger or even more challenging ones.
I wanted to like this story. I still like the series and the plot enough to give this 2 stars instead of 1.
We left off the last book with a semi-cliffhanger. That resolution was so quick, it honestly should have been included in the previous book. The rest of this story should have been included with the next one. Michael has a problem, solves it, then the rest of the book is just filler. Even the ending feels abruptly cut off.
The fight scenes feel recycled, with the same descriptions from previous books. At this point, Michael is so strong that fighting hundreds of players feels rote. Yet the author keeps including these scenes as if it matters. It would be better for the story to skip over the small fights and set up for the bigger or even more challenging ones.
I wanted to like this story. I still like the series and the plot enough to give this 2 stars instead of 1.
November 19, 2025
While I do love the series, this book was a dud for me.
The whole book is just 1 big side quest of some random character we learned about in book 1(?) and the usual Michael, who wants to do everything alone. I am not a fan of just writing filler to keep stuff ongoing.
The whole book is just 1 big side quest of some random character we learned about in book 1(?) and the usual Michael, who wants to do everything alone. I am not a fan of just writing filler to keep stuff ongoing.
November 10, 2025
no challenge
Michaels powers are a bit too strong without any real consequences.
He doesnt have any drawbacks.
His confrontation with Loken was the first time i hoped for something interesting in this boon. But he still he just triumph easily.
A bit ridicule that a Power that killed many prime would be defeated by a would be prime that easily. Meh.
Michaels powers are a bit too strong without any real consequences.
He doesnt have any drawbacks.
His confrontation with Loken was the first time i hoped for something interesting in this boon. But he still he just triumph easily.
A bit ridicule that a Power that killed many prime would be defeated by a would be prime that easily. Meh.
November 5, 2025
Little story, cartoonish cliffhanger
Over 20% of these books are just useless stats thrown at you, every single book. The story finally progressed a tiny little bit and boom it's over.
Over 20% of these books are just useless stats thrown at you, every single book. The story finally progressed a tiny little bit and boom it's over.
November 3, 2025
Why is so little happening now?
Almost nothing happened in this book. Just concluding the stygian fight took the first half of the book, which wound things down. Then Michael goes off to save Saya and we get a big thing. Then, the end.
We got one Act. Where are the other 2?
Almost nothing happened in this book. Just concluding the stygian fight took the first half of the book, which wound things down. Then Michael goes off to save Saya and we get a big thing. Then, the end.
We got one Act. Where are the other 2?
November 3, 2025
Imaginative, entertaining & emotive.
You really want Michael to succeed. From the humblest of beginnings to this point, far, far down into the narrative, you're invested in his successes & the fate of those whom he chooses to protect.
The storyscapes are beautifully wrought & the editing tight. No AI here, thankfully (it seems).
Not afraid of the gore, yet the glory of purpose shines through all the violence.
Can't wait for the continuation.
You really want Michael to succeed. From the humblest of beginnings to this point, far, far down into the narrative, you're invested in his successes & the fate of those whom he chooses to protect.
The storyscapes are beautifully wrought & the editing tight. No AI here, thankfully (it seems).
Not afraid of the gore, yet the glory of purpose shines through all the violence.
Can't wait for the continuation.
November 6, 2025
A Howling Good Read!
I loved this book. Tom Elliot continues to impress me with everything he does. The abilities and their evolutions are wonderful. The protagonist may be strong, but more than anything he is intelligent and uses what he has cleverly. My only issue is having to wait for the next one, and I absolutely despise waiting, especially for what will likely be another epic story.
I loved this book. Tom Elliot continues to impress me with everything he does. The abilities and their evolutions are wonderful. The protagonist may be strong, but more than anything he is intelligent and uses what he has cleverly. My only issue is having to wait for the next one, and I absolutely despise waiting, especially for what will likely be another epic story.
January 18, 2026
I am now caught up on all of the 9 released books in this series. Not sure how many there will end up being. My review will be on the series as a whole. Side note, I am not a gamer myself but do have kids who sometimes play games and also watch those videos of people playing various games. This series kind of reminds me of those types of videos but with a lot of plot and world building.
I found this series through a recommendation by Ilona Andrews (I think on their blog). When I got the black Friday Kindle Unlimited deal I decided to focus for three months on Kindle books. I realized this book which had been on my to-read list was in KU so I tried the first one out. It led to me being sucked into each book back to back to back. I was completely absorbed by these books. I never would have suspected I would have enjoyed this type of book before.
The series follows our hero Michael who starts off not knowing where he came from but being put into video like game as a player. He starts as nothing with nothing under a shady power claiming him as his. Through the choices he makes we watch him grow and quickly decide he will be owned by no one. I love his growth. There is sort of a Jack Reacher like aspect to him at the beginning being a loner with an ingrained ethical system that defines his choices but without the overwhelming strength. While he doesn't become a Reacher like power house he does quickly use his strategic mind to make choices to where he quickly grows in power. Eventually he starts to make allies and grow as a character dimensionally. You find out more about the world/game and the injustices and problems in the world alongside him.
It was a joy watching first Michael solo and eventually he and his allies fight against the bad powers, issues and injustices in the game. It has been a long time since I got so sucked into a series. I loved it. Of note, there are periodic game updates about Michael's progression interjected throughout the series. I have seen people complain about it but honestly I don't think that it is valid. First of all, it is very easy to skim or skip these completely if you don't need them. Secondly, I found sometimes I did want a reminder. Now, be aware that at the end of book 8 there is a big cliff hanger. I had the next book lined up ready to read so it didn't bother me but I can see how other people found it jarring. That is something that newer authors sometimes don't realize how upset readers can get with those. Generally I am not a fan of cliff hangers but because I had the next book ready and it was such a good series I was able to not have it annoy me.
The main other critique I see about the series has to due to preferences. Some of the books revolve around larger wold wide issues for Michael and sometimes they end up being more side quests. Some people prefer one type over the other. I enjoyed both and find both necessary to the progression of the series. I think it's more realistic that sometime you attempt to address something big and get pulled into small skirmishes that you have to resolve to get back to your primary path. All of this leads to a larger and larger cast of background and side characters. It will be more to keep up with once I start the next book and I'll probably need a recap if much time has passed. But I find the effort and payoff completely worth while.
I found this series through a recommendation by Ilona Andrews (I think on their blog). When I got the black Friday Kindle Unlimited deal I decided to focus for three months on Kindle books. I realized this book which had been on my to-read list was in KU so I tried the first one out. It led to me being sucked into each book back to back to back. I was completely absorbed by these books. I never would have suspected I would have enjoyed this type of book before.
The series follows our hero Michael who starts off not knowing where he came from but being put into video like game as a player. He starts as nothing with nothing under a shady power claiming him as his. Through the choices he makes we watch him grow and quickly decide he will be owned by no one. I love his growth. There is sort of a Jack Reacher like aspect to him at the beginning being a loner with an ingrained ethical system that defines his choices but without the overwhelming strength. While he doesn't become a Reacher like power house he does quickly use his strategic mind to make choices to where he quickly grows in power. Eventually he starts to make allies and grow as a character dimensionally. You find out more about the world/game and the injustices and problems in the world alongside him.
It was a joy watching first Michael solo and eventually he and his allies fight against the bad powers, issues and injustices in the game. It has been a long time since I got so sucked into a series. I loved it. Of note, there are periodic game updates about Michael's progression interjected throughout the series. I have seen people complain about it but honestly I don't think that it is valid. First of all, it is very easy to skim or skip these completely if you don't need them. Secondly, I found sometimes I did want a reminder. Now, be aware that at the end of book 8 there is a big cliff hanger. I had the next book lined up ready to read so it didn't bother me but I can see how other people found it jarring. That is something that newer authors sometimes don't realize how upset readers can get with those. Generally I am not a fan of cliff hangers but because I had the next book ready and it was such a good series I was able to not have it annoy me.
The main other critique I see about the series has to due to preferences. Some of the books revolve around larger wold wide issues for Michael and sometimes they end up being more side quests. Some people prefer one type over the other. I enjoyed both and find both necessary to the progression of the series. I think it's more realistic that sometime you attempt to address something big and get pulled into small skirmishes that you have to resolve to get back to your primary path. All of this leads to a larger and larger cast of background and side characters. It will be more to keep up with once I start the next book and I'll probably need a recap if much time has passed. But I find the effort and payoff completely worth while.
November 3, 2025
This seems like a short book. 309 pages paper back, though i read on kindle. Saying that it is a very good story though, and a great addition to the series.
Book 8 ended on a cliff hanger. Which although great for a serial, where you wait a week, is a terrible idea in books where you wait for over a year to read the end of a specific battle or scene. Worse yet as I read book 8 on release over a year ago, I don't have a definitive recollection of everything that this book then continues from and finishes. Which in all honesty robs that aspect of Michael's story, and specifically that battle, of alot of its impact. That said it was still a good ending to the battle, but because it was an ending only of an imperfectly remembered battle, it was short, and so felt truncated. Had the entirety of the battle been contained in one book it would have been awesome.
The obvious negotiations take place with the brotherhood. Less action but just as important.
Then it's off to sector 12,560 to save Saya. Here we have a short but fun battle with a light contingent. Some minor sulking then off to battle Frey to save Saya. This is a more drawn out battle, or rather several ongoing in his war against Loken's envoy. This is what the writer writes best. Michael uses all his strengths that he has built up, improved on and refined. He's a burgeoning power now, and it shows. The fights are brilliant, the action fast paced and riveting and as usual very well written.
But the icing on the cake that make this seemingly short book one of pure excellence comes next, as he reaches Saya's cage. Spoilers if I go any further, but the ending is exquisite, exciting, and satisfying. Any fan of The series will love this book.
Book 8 ended on a cliff hanger. Which although great for a serial, where you wait a week, is a terrible idea in books where you wait for over a year to read the end of a specific battle or scene. Worse yet as I read book 8 on release over a year ago, I don't have a definitive recollection of everything that this book then continues from and finishes. Which in all honesty robs that aspect of Michael's story, and specifically that battle, of alot of its impact. That said it was still a good ending to the battle, but because it was an ending only of an imperfectly remembered battle, it was short, and so felt truncated. Had the entirety of the battle been contained in one book it would have been awesome.
The obvious negotiations take place with the brotherhood. Less action but just as important.
Then it's off to sector 12,560 to save Saya. Here we have a short but fun battle with a light contingent. Some minor sulking then off to battle Frey to save Saya. This is a more drawn out battle, or rather several ongoing in his war against Loken's envoy. This is what the writer writes best. Michael uses all his strengths that he has built up, improved on and refined. He's a burgeoning power now, and it shows. The fights are brilliant, the action fast paced and riveting and as usual very well written.
But the icing on the cake that make this seemingly short book one of pure excellence comes next, as he reaches Saya's cage. Spoilers if I go any further, but the ending is exquisite, exciting, and satisfying. Any fan of The series will love this book.
November 3, 2025
One heck of a story. Brilliant and riveting.
I am a fan of The Grand Game series, and speak highly of all the preceding books. But this one is so much more. I did feel the length of the book was a bit short, but what it contained was masterfully written, and very impactful.
I do not want to include spoilers and I lack the wit to described the story without at least hinting spoilers so I shall refrain.
Michael's character growth, that of a burgeoning power, is impressive. He has more power but faces increased danger. Edge of your seat stuff. The combat is as always fast, frantic, deadly and really enjoyable.
This is a great book, and a must read of any fan of The series. It delivered in spades and I highly recommend it.
I am a fan of The Grand Game series, and speak highly of all the preceding books. But this one is so much more. I did feel the length of the book was a bit short, but what it contained was masterfully written, and very impactful.
I do not want to include spoilers and I lack the wit to described the story without at least hinting spoilers so I shall refrain.
Michael's character growth, that of a burgeoning power, is impressive. He has more power but faces increased danger. Edge of your seat stuff. The combat is as always fast, frantic, deadly and really enjoyable.
This is a great book, and a must read of any fan of The series. It delivered in spades and I highly recommend it.
November 4, 2025
great story and pace. numbers go up as does the challenges
Michael continues to grow and he and ghost start where they left off last book. The story is still well written and progressing but in ways that some of the side quests feel more important than the main mission or lessons Michael should be learning. Not that this is necessarily wrong but it does seem side quests are more important and have better action then the current quest. Can’t wait to get the next book in 2026
Michael continues to grow and he and ghost start where they left off last book. The story is still well written and progressing but in ways that some of the side quests feel more important than the main mission or lessons Michael should be learning. Not that this is necessarily wrong but it does seem side quests are more important and have better action then the current quest. Can’t wait to get the next book in 2026
November 7, 2025
These books are too short
This is an excellent series. Well written. Could be proof read a little better. And each book is too short. Oh well, now to wait for the next installment. It reminds me of the movie shorts that were played before the full length matinee. Always ended with a bit of a cliffhanger so you would come to the movie theater each week to see thenext installment.
This is an excellent series. Well written. Could be proof read a little better. And each book is too short. Oh well, now to wait for the next installment. It reminds me of the movie shorts that were played before the full length matinee. Always ended with a bit of a cliffhanger so you would come to the movie theater each week to see thenext installment.
November 18, 2025
Exactly what I wanted and expected.
Crazy to think this is book nine. I still remember the first moment of Michael entering the dungeon.
The book is exactly what you hope it would be. Picking right off where it ended and seeing story lines come to past.
I will say the books are pretty easy to foreshadow, but the ending of this one gave me pause. Well done.
Ps.. stop ending in cliff hangers please.
Crazy to think this is book nine. I still remember the first moment of Michael entering the dungeon.
The book is exactly what you hope it would be. Picking right off where it ended and seeing story lines come to past.
I will say the books are pretty easy to foreshadow, but the ending of this one gave me pause. Well done.
Ps.. stop ending in cliff hangers please.
December 28, 2025
can’t teach a wolf new tricks
So when I get a new toy or skill or ability I want to play with it constantly. I would believe that is normal behavior yet not so much with the mc. Rift sense? Nah, why try it out every place I go. A new astral simulacrum? Why try it out right away on an elite who detected you and imprisoned you. Nah, new toys are stupid says the mc as the readers scream to see the new stuff in action.
So when I get a new toy or skill or ability I want to play with it constantly. I would believe that is normal behavior yet not so much with the mc. Rift sense? Nah, why try it out every place I go. A new astral simulacrum? Why try it out right away on an elite who detected you and imprisoned you. Nah, new toys are stupid says the mc as the readers scream to see the new stuff in action.
November 5, 2025
Book 9 did not disappoint
Michael continues his adventures being bad ass and deceitful in all the ways you know and love. He continues to overcome great odds and enemies in new and exciting ways. I love these books, action packed, an interesting world and well paced. I love reading the Grand Game books. I can’t wait for the next one
Michael continues his adventures being bad ass and deceitful in all the ways you know and love. He continues to overcome great odds and enemies in new and exciting ways. I love these books, action packed, an interesting world and well paced. I love reading the Grand Game books. I can’t wait for the next one
November 9, 2025
Loving this series
Devoured the book in days! One of those that you can't stop reading, don't want it to end, want to find out what happens at the end and then leaves you wanting more! Bu*#er, now i have to wait a year for the next one.... oh, i could read the series again...... hehe that's a plan!
Devoured the book in days! One of those that you can't stop reading, don't want it to end, want to find out what happens at the end and then leaves you wanting more! Bu*#er, now i have to wait a year for the next one.... oh, i could read the series again...... hehe that's a plan!
December 8, 2025
While there were some grammatical errors, this was a good book. Much like the other books in the series it suffers a bit from not having a defined beginning and ending point, but the story it contained was a good length. Michael still beats impossible odds and feels overpowered but I enjoyed the story so far.
December 24, 2025
too reactive
I like the main character and the book overall was solid. I subtracted a star because 9 books in the MC is still stuck reacting as opposed to having the opportunity to be the protagonist in his own story. The series is well past the point where this should have changed. Other than that, great read.
I like the main character and the book overall was solid. I subtracted a star because 9 books in the MC is still stuck reacting as opposed to having the opportunity to be the protagonist in his own story. The series is well past the point where this should have changed. Other than that, great read.
October 31, 2025
A LOT of stuff goes on in this book. First we finish the battle against the young tree then it's back to find Saya. I won't spoil the ending but holy hell! I can't wait until the next book, hopefully it isn't 10/20206 like Amazon has it listed.
Great book!
Great book!
November 3, 2025
Another brilliant sojourn
Another beautiful story with compelling characters and intricately woven plotting.. The most someone and dragon inspired litrpg in the genre
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, Nocturne and Warborn
Another beautiful story with compelling characters and intricately woven plotting.. The most someone and dragon inspired litrpg in the genre
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, Nocturne and Warborn
November 9, 2025
Power and cost
I love that Michael is able to find ways to make allies everywhere. I am not surprised by the ending, but it was both exciting and disheartening. I wonder what will become of some players going forward.
I love that Michael is able to find ways to make allies everywhere. I am not surprised by the ending, but it was both exciting and disheartening. I wonder what will become of some players going forward.
November 10, 2025
Always a good read this series
Great continuation of the series! Hope to see the next one soon! I hope to see more story progression though. This book really just seemed like tying up loose ends of the previous book.
Great continuation of the series! Hope to see the next one soon! I hope to see more story progression though. This book really just seemed like tying up loose ends of the previous book.
November 12, 2025
Another phenomenal entry
This series keeps you on the edge from chapter to chapter and this latest entry is no different. The storytelling and progression are both thoughtful and exciting. I cannot wait for more!
This series keeps you on the edge from chapter to chapter and this latest entry is no different. The storytelling and progression are both thoughtful and exciting. I cannot wait for more!
November 18, 2025
Holy unstable chaos! I adamantly hate how good this series has gotten and how much I crave more and more. Tom, please dear power, send me more... Also Dragon mage, send those too. okay thanks. byeeeeee.
December 29, 2025
Great read as always!
The pace of action was great, especially with the ending, I can't wait till book ten. I really do like the flow of action and building suspense Elliot keeps writing in his Grand Game books.
The pace of action was great, especially with the ending, I can't wait till book ten. I really do like the flow of action and building suspense Elliot keeps writing in his Grand Game books.
November 2, 2025
Wish it were longer
Great story, wrapping up a big event from the previous book, but now leaving another cliff hanger... I wish it were longer or that the books came out faster
Great story, wrapping up a big event from the previous book, but now leaving another cliff hanger... I wish it were longer or that the books came out faster
Read
November 2, 2025This series is super addictive! I am looking forward to the next one!
November 6, 2025
Another great book
It’s a fun reading LITRPG. The only downside is the immediate need for the next book. The wait seems forever!
It’s a fun reading LITRPG. The only downside is the immediate need for the next book. The wait seems forever!
November 6, 2025
Another good one in this series. Looking forward to the next one!
November 6, 2025
WOHOOO
Yeah. Go Michale. Best Story Ending ever. Love this series so much. 8 more words are required to post review
Yeah. Go Michale. Best Story Ending ever. Love this series so much. 8 more words are required to post review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews