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The Grand Game #5
Wolf in der Leere, Buch 5: Ein Dark Fantasy Abenteuer (Das Große Spiel)
A House established. A Wolf on the run. And with his foes multiplying, can Michael accomplish all that he must?
Michael has taken the Game by the throat. No longer content to lurk in the shadows, he has started down a path that will inevitably bring him into conflict with the Powers.
But the Powers are no easy foes. Nor are they Michael’s only adversaries.
Other enemies stir. Some confront him openly, while others watch patiently from the sidelines. A lone wolf no more, and with many of his own pieces in play, Michael may find himself more exposed than he believes.
The stakes are high. And the schemes of the players convoluted.
Evading entanglement will not be simple. Avoiding the ire of the Powers will be even harder. And escaping the attention of beings beyond his ken may well be impossible. Can Michael trace a delicate balance between obscurity and strength? Or will his dreams for House Wolf end in ashes?
Michael has taken the Game by the throat. No longer content to lurk in the shadows, he has started down a path that will inevitably bring him into conflict with the Powers.
But the Powers are no easy foes. Nor are they Michael’s only adversaries.
Other enemies stir. Some confront him openly, while others watch patiently from the sidelines. A lone wolf no more, and with many of his own pieces in play, Michael may find himself more exposed than he believes.
The stakes are high. And the schemes of the players convoluted.
Evading entanglement will not be simple. Avoiding the ire of the Powers will be even harder. And escaping the attention of beings beyond his ken may well be impossible. Can Michael trace a delicate balance between obscurity and strength? Or will his dreams for House Wolf end in ashes?
511 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2023
873 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Tom Elliot
21 books335 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 74 reviews
September 27, 2024
This latest continuation in the series (which are not to be read as stand-alones), starts at a tremendous clip even overshadowing the prior books' pace (which wasn't not inconsiderable). Micheal has finally managed to muster all his friends and allies and has succeeded in providing them with a dangerous and harsh unknown sector in the Forever Kingdom within which to shelter albeit under decidedly challenging conditions.
Unfortunately for him, he finds himself trapped in an elite dungeon (in which the only upside is him being able to finally level up to an Elite tier level) with unfathomably advanced and vicious foes in a simmering conflict centuries in the making between some exiled and trapped non-players, the 'Possessed', who are apparently immortal, and even some pretty unimaginably eldritch creatures from the depths of the void.
The writing, world-building and plot stays in line with the intriguing and great standards as seen from the first four installments. Arguably the best among the series, I can't wait until the release for the next book to find out how he continues to progress in The Forever Kingdom so that confronting the 'new' Powers becomes feasible.
While all these foes from both within and without the void are intent on battling the trapped inhabitants to claim the sector for the nether as a purported plan against invading the Forever Kingdom, our protagonist nevertheless tries his utmost in laying all their plans to nines with his neverending perseverance and crafty guile. I highly recommend this and all the other books; an example of one the better offerings I've tried within the LitRPG genre.
2023 Read
Unfortunately for him, he finds himself trapped in an elite dungeon (in which the only upside is him being able to finally level up to an Elite tier level) with unfathomably advanced and vicious foes in a simmering conflict centuries in the making between some exiled and trapped non-players, the 'Possessed', who are apparently immortal, and even some pretty unimaginably eldritch creatures from the depths of the void.
The writing, world-building and plot stays in line with the intriguing and great standards as seen from the first four installments. Arguably the best among the series, I can't wait until the release for the next book to find out how he continues to progress in The Forever Kingdom so that confronting the 'new' Powers becomes feasible.
While all these foes from both within and without the void are intent on battling the trapped inhabitants to claim the sector for the nether as a purported plan against invading the Forever Kingdom, our protagonist nevertheless tries his utmost in laying all their plans to nines with his neverending perseverance and crafty guile. I highly recommend this and all the other books; an example of one the better offerings I've tried within the LitRPG genre.
2023 Read
September 27, 2023
This is fifth in a LitRPG series that builds all its elements over time. Read in order.
You know what you're getting with this, mostly. Michael continues to be a voidstalking deception player working to establish his House as a power. I love the continuing presence of Ghost as his companion and them working together makes this story, frankly. Becoming a team and taking on the powerful foes they face in this backwater zone is fantastic.
I'll end by saying that it's back to the five-star standard I've enjoyed for much of the series. It does . I eagerly anticipate the next.
A note about Chaste: There's no new developments on any kind of romance and Michael spends this book pretty isolated. There's no intimacy, romance, steam, or anything of that nature here. So this is extremely chaste.
You know what you're getting with this, mostly. Michael continues to be a voidstalking deception player working to establish his House as a power. I love the continuing presence of Ghost as his companion and them working together makes this story, frankly. Becoming a team and taking on the powerful foes they face in this backwater zone is fantastic.
I'll end by saying that it's back to the five-star standard I've enjoyed for much of the series. It does . I eagerly anticipate the next.
A note about Chaste: There's no new developments on any kind of romance and Michael spends this book pretty isolated. There's no intimacy, romance, steam, or anything of that nature here. So this is extremely chaste.
September 5, 2023
I enjoy this series, but it feels like Michael has stalled
For, at least, the last two books, Michael has merely been reacting to events around him rather than being proactive. Yes, he’s growing in strength and ability. Yes, when he finally does get back to the Kingdom, he’ll be much better equipped to be proactive in developing as a Prime. But this latest installment, and the prior, have felt more like filler to push Michael up to a high enough level to finally get things done.
How will the events of this book shape Michael’s choices, and opportunities, going forward? Do the New Powers know what’s going on? Is Loken allowing Michael to continue because he knows that he, and his peers, don’t have the capability to help the guardians?
For, at least, the last two books, Michael has merely been reacting to events around him rather than being proactive. Yes, he’s growing in strength and ability. Yes, when he finally does get back to the Kingdom, he’ll be much better equipped to be proactive in developing as a Prime. But this latest installment, and the prior, have felt more like filler to push Michael up to a high enough level to finally get things done.
How will the events of this book shape Michael’s choices, and opportunities, going forward? Do the New Powers know what’s going on? Is Loken allowing Michael to continue because he knows that he, and his peers, don’t have the capability to help the guardians?
September 3, 2023
Good story, but the ending was too abrupt
Good story I like the dark mood of the book and it has lots of good fight scenes. The problem is the book just kind of stops after the last fight. There’s still a lot of issues that have to be addressed, but are now going to be like a weird beginning for the next book. It seems like this author was trying so hard to do a cliffhanger ending that he just ended the book. Still, I have to say I enjoyed this book, and enjoyed the rest of the series. I’ll buy the next one.
Good story I like the dark mood of the book and it has lots of good fight scenes. The problem is the book just kind of stops after the last fight. There’s still a lot of issues that have to be addressed, but are now going to be like a weird beginning for the next book. It seems like this author was trying so hard to do a cliffhanger ending that he just ended the book. Still, I have to say I enjoyed this book, and enjoyed the rest of the series. I’ll buy the next one.
September 3, 2023
going sideways
MC continues to develop, but never exactly as he plans. Now he gets to play with Liches. And continue to fight above his rank/tier.
A bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but it may have been the right choice as the next bit likely would have extended the book quite a bit.
Probably will buy the next book.
MC continues to develop, but never exactly as he plans. Now he gets to play with Liches. And continue to fight above his rank/tier.
A bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but it may have been the right choice as the next bit likely would have extended the book quite a bit.
Probably will buy the next book.
May 24, 2024
4.25 stars. I found this book to drag more than the last two books, possibly because the MC is stuck in the one dungeon from beginning to end. Hopefully, the next book will quickly wrap up the few tasks that he still plans to complete in the dungeon before leaving there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2023
Fun and endless adventure
I enjoyed another journey through a dungeon. There are references to the void and its relationship with the previous Primes, which made me suspect that Michael will surpass what has been before. I do wish that he could have his pack together.I am disappointed that the book ended where it did. It ends on a positive, but without finishing the conversation between Michael, Draven, and Adriel.
I enjoyed another journey through a dungeon. There are references to the void and its relationship with the previous Primes, which made me suspect that Michael will surpass what has been before. I do wish that he could have his pack together.I am disappointed that the book ended where it did. It ends on a positive, but without finishing the conversation between Michael, Draven, and Adriel.
October 12, 2024
Oh my God, this book is incredibly drawn out. The characters become less intelligent, and so does the story. In short, any information that could be conveyed in two lines is now spread across multiple dialogues in five different chapters. By the end, I found myself reading just one line per every 5-6 paragraphs. More than half of the book feels like filler. The characters seem as if they are lifted from a storybook, constantly engaging in inane conversations and asking redundant questions solely to ensure the reader comprehends the plot. This overdone approach was quite noticeable throughout. I understand that this book originated from a web novel where chapters are released weekly, but it didn't need to replicate that in a book format. This book is what led me to discontinue the series.
December 2, 2023
4.5 stars. Took me a while to get around to this, but in the end it was a good read. I wasn't sure that I was sufficiently invested in this series to make it through, but it picked up fairly quickly.
It was a long time to spend on essentially one event, but that's my only real complaint. No sure thing that I'll feel the same about book 6 but I guess we'll see.
It was a long time to spend on essentially one event, but that's my only real complaint. No sure thing that I'll feel the same about book 6 but I guess we'll see.
April 20, 2024
📖 Rating based on Immersive Reading 🎧
Story: 3 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
Narration: 5 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
General: 4 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
A Journey of Mixed Impressions: "The Grand Game, Book 5"
-- NO SPOILER SECTION --
Main Points Summary:
-> The interplay between the protagonist and the ghost character introduced engaging dynamics, particularly appreciated in a series that often centers too heavily on the main character.
-> The character development of supporting roles, especially Ghost, felt underexploited, lacking depth beyond their interactions with the protagonist.
-> The book often succumbs to clichéd plot devices, notably the prolonged misunderstanding, which was predictable and detracted from the overall narrative momentum.
A Path of High Hopes with Underwhelming Twists:
The latest installment in "The Grand Game" series delivers a mix of old charms and new frustrations. The initial intrigue of ghostly interactions sets an exciting premise but ultimately, the novel's heavy reliance on the protagonist stifles the richness that a more ensemble-driven narrative could offer. This approach may align with the author's vision but diverges from what I, and perhaps other readers, find most compelling.
Character Dynamics and Plot Pacing Concerns:
While the interaction between the protagonist and Ghost initially promised a fresh twist to the story, it soon became evident that Ghost's character was not utilized to her full potential. Her charming personality was overshadowed by a basic portrayal that did not influence the story's course as significantly as it could have.
Final Thoughts:
While "The Grand Game, Book 5" has its moments, notably in its central and beginning sequences at Draven's Reach, it ultimately falls short of the mark set by its predecessor. The overemphasis on the protagonist and underdeveloped side characters, coupled with a lackluster ending that fails to deliver a compelling hook, makes this a 3-star read. It was enjoyable but not exceptional, lacking the finesse seen in previous entries.
Story: 3 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
Narration: 5 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
General: 4 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
A Journey of Mixed Impressions: "The Grand Game, Book 5"
-- NO SPOILER SECTION --
Main Points Summary:
-> The interplay between the protagonist and the ghost character introduced engaging dynamics, particularly appreciated in a series that often centers too heavily on the main character.
-> The character development of supporting roles, especially Ghost, felt underexploited, lacking depth beyond their interactions with the protagonist.
-> The book often succumbs to clichéd plot devices, notably the prolonged misunderstanding, which was predictable and detracted from the overall narrative momentum.
A Path of High Hopes with Underwhelming Twists:
The latest installment in "The Grand Game" series delivers a mix of old charms and new frustrations. The initial intrigue of ghostly interactions sets an exciting premise but ultimately, the novel's heavy reliance on the protagonist stifles the richness that a more ensemble-driven narrative could offer. This approach may align with the author's vision but diverges from what I, and perhaps other readers, find most compelling.
Character Dynamics and Plot Pacing Concerns:
While the interaction between the protagonist and Ghost initially promised a fresh twist to the story, it soon became evident that Ghost's character was not utilized to her full potential. Her charming personality was overshadowed by a basic portrayal that did not influence the story's course as significantly as it could have.
Final Thoughts:
While "The Grand Game, Book 5" has its moments, notably in its central and beginning sequences at Draven's Reach, it ultimately falls short of the mark set by its predecessor. The overemphasis on the protagonist and underdeveloped side characters, coupled with a lackluster ending that fails to deliver a compelling hook, makes this a 3-star read. It was enjoyable but not exceptional, lacking the finesse seen in previous entries.
August 5, 2025
Up to chapter 358 or so this book is difficult to get through, but then it finally starts to make progress after that and turns out to be much better in the back half. Overall it was annoying, slow, and riddled with idiot plot, but somehow it still works in the end if you can force your way through the first half to the bits when important shit for the series actually happens.
This is the second book in the series where too much of it takes place in a dungeon. In book 3 it was the gardian tower for the second half, and this one the entire book is in another dungeon. It is difficult to get through, and takes away from one of the most enjoyable things of the series...the other characters. These act as training books and it isn't enjoyable to read. I feel there are other ways to incorperate compressed progression and to also advance the series plot other than forcing Michael into these hard to read situations.
Overall it is tedious and not what I was hoping for, but it is sadly what I was expecting. We got introduced to what I thought would be the most interesting new character in sapphire, and then she is taken away and we get a slog through a dungeon where everything is too high level instead.
Of course Michael makes stupid decisions and then we have to read through his consequences for chapters and chapters instead of just getting forward progression and action. It is becoming a pattern that is making me dislike the series. Like The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound it is a good idea and story that is being hurt by the way it is being told.
Also will someone please hold a litRPG convention with a required workshop for all authors on how to end a book? It really shows the difference between a professional writer and someone on a self publishing website.
This is the second book in the series where too much of it takes place in a dungeon. In book 3 it was the gardian tower for the second half, and this one the entire book is in another dungeon. It is difficult to get through, and takes away from one of the most enjoyable things of the series...the other characters. These act as training books and it isn't enjoyable to read. I feel there are other ways to incorperate compressed progression and to also advance the series plot other than forcing Michael into these hard to read situations.
Overall it is tedious and not what I was hoping for, but it is sadly what I was expecting. We got introduced to what I thought would be the most interesting new character in sapphire, and then she is taken away and we get a slog through a dungeon where everything is too high level instead.
Of course Michael makes stupid decisions and then we have to read through his consequences for chapters and chapters instead of just getting forward progression and action. It is becoming a pattern that is making me dislike the series. Like The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound it is a good idea and story that is being hurt by the way it is being told.
Also will someone please hold a litRPG convention with a required workshop for all authors on how to end a book? It really shows the difference between a professional writer and someone on a self publishing website.
March 23, 2024
Rating 4.0 stars
This one seemed like a side quest that took the entire book. One of my main issues with this series is that there are too many things going on at the same time. Michael usually has at least 5 different quests or goals going on at the same time and all of them seem almost impossible at his level. He has multiple enemies and very few allies. That continues and even worsens a little in this one.
This one seemed like a side quest that took the entire book. One of my main issues with this series is that there are too many things going on at the same time. Michael usually has at least 5 different quests or goals going on at the same time and all of them seem almost impossible at his level. He has multiple enemies and very few allies. That continues and even worsens a little in this one.
January 22, 2025
Story and MC took left turn...
This evidently is like a stand-alone book in this series. There's a few items that meld with the previous books, but not much. The following statements might be slight spoilers. The author has turned Michael into an arrogant, overconfident, know-it-all. The book has one basic theme; Michael goes into a dangerous situation and dies or almost dies. He says, "I should not have underestimated (put any name here)," rinse and repeat. Another common occurrence is that Michael sees something he wants to investigate, realizes it's extremely dangerous, and walks into a trap. Michael says, "I won't be foolish like that again," rinse and repeat. Michael makes a plan and decides to change it for no apparent reason and gets a bunch of people in trouble. Michael thinks, "I should not have done that mistake and changed the plan." Yes, you guessed it... rinse and repeat. The MC is different, IMO, than in the first books, and not in a good way.
This evidently is like a stand-alone book in this series. There's a few items that meld with the previous books, but not much. The following statements might be slight spoilers. The author has turned Michael into an arrogant, overconfident, know-it-all. The book has one basic theme; Michael goes into a dangerous situation and dies or almost dies. He says, "I should not have underestimated (put any name here)," rinse and repeat. Another common occurrence is that Michael sees something he wants to investigate, realizes it's extremely dangerous, and walks into a trap. Michael says, "I won't be foolish like that again," rinse and repeat. Michael makes a plan and decides to change it for no apparent reason and gets a bunch of people in trouble. Michael thinks, "I should not have done that mistake and changed the plan." Yes, you guessed it... rinse and repeat. The MC is different, IMO, than in the first books, and not in a good way.
October 8, 2023
Great series! It has been a fantastic story and pleasure to read!
Love the story and after binge reading the first five books, it comes to a screeching halt because I found out the author as interjected a new storyline with a novella and a full novel with the different character?
I hope this wasn't politically motivated with some kind of social identity politics involved!
The first five books have been such a great escape and a pleasure to read. I can't wait to continue reading this story and I hope the author can maintain the level of storytelling in the first five books as he continues this tale in book 6 which my understanding will be out in January of 2024. Outstanding series and I hope, no prey, that the high level of storytelling can continue as this is becoming easily one of my favorite all-time series.
Love the story and after binge reading the first five books, it comes to a screeching halt because I found out the author as interjected a new storyline with a novella and a full novel with the different character?
I hope this wasn't politically motivated with some kind of social identity politics involved!
The first five books have been such a great escape and a pleasure to read. I can't wait to continue reading this story and I hope the author can maintain the level of storytelling in the first five books as he continues this tale in book 6 which my understanding will be out in January of 2024. Outstanding series and I hope, no prey, that the high level of storytelling can continue as this is becoming easily one of my favorite all-time series.
October 6, 2024
Jilted
This was both incredibly interesting and unfathomably boring. It's not often I say that, but here we are. The action sequences, the new characters and the steamroller that is Micheal was kind of fun and pretty interesting to ready, but the endless filler inbetween that's just him rambling inane nonsense to himself and the constant stat updates? Good lord. It was awful. Even during some of the action sequences I was so bored of reading the same drivel again and again, I just flicked through to find the "monster ended" type sentences. Thank goodness they're in bold.
This was both incredibly interesting and unfathomably boring. It's not often I say that, but here we are. The action sequences, the new characters and the steamroller that is Micheal was kind of fun and pretty interesting to ready, but the endless filler inbetween that's just him rambling inane nonsense to himself and the constant stat updates? Good lord. It was awful. Even during some of the action sequences I was so bored of reading the same drivel again and again, I just flicked through to find the "monster ended" type sentences. Thank goodness they're in bold.
March 11, 2025
Michael and Ghost spend the entire book in a dungeon. The plot was mostly intriguing, with Michael finding new ways to get himself out of trouble. I loved how Ghost developed, and I'm eager to see what happens with her in the next book.
My problem here is that Michael seems to be getting more and more enemies, and spends most of his time reacting to their attacks, rather than taking the battle to them. I'd really like to see him come up with a plan to take down at least one of his many enemies.
My problem here is that Michael seems to be getting more and more enemies, and spends most of his time reacting to their attacks, rather than taking the battle to them. I'd really like to see him come up with a plan to take down at least one of his many enemies.
March 8, 2024
Lost to another/ Different Realm
Michael, while saving House Wolf, chases after one of the pack that mistakenly crosses into another realm. Michael takes it upon himself to save the lost pup and is taken to a dungeon much higher in level to his own, but using his skills and brains and the help of the pup beats the challenges.
He makes new friends and even more enemies.
Great story with lots of action and battles.
Read in 5 days
Michael, while saving House Wolf, chases after one of the pack that mistakenly crosses into another realm. Michael takes it upon himself to save the lost pup and is taken to a dungeon much higher in level to his own, but using his skills and brains and the help of the pup beats the challenges.
He makes new friends and even more enemies.
Great story with lots of action and battles.
Read in 5 days
March 29, 2024
Book five
You really can see improvement in the writing. It's still the same style, but there seem to be a lot less plot holes and other mistakes.
You already know that the MC is very overpowered and can win almost any fight.
This is being released on Royalroad before going to KU. So feel free to follow book seven when it starts.
Any mistakes I found will be listed on Goodreads.
7/10
You really can see improvement in the writing. It's still the same style, but there seem to be a lot less plot holes and other mistakes.
You already know that the MC is very overpowered and can win almost any fight.
This is being released on Royalroad before going to KU. So feel free to follow book seven when it starts.
Any mistakes I found will be listed on Goodreads.
7/10
May 12, 2024
I like these books, actually I really like parts of them, but there are some aspects I find irritating. This book starts with Michael again making some idiotic decisions, but the story still develops quite nicely. The main problem for me is I can’t really ‘see’ the author’s vision of where this story is going. Too many bits seem very contrived and I find quite a lot of his ‘world’ doesn’t really make sense.
September 30, 2024
Yet another fantastic installment in one of my, and it should be yours too honestly; favorite LitRPG series.
In this book Michael is dealing with the consequences of plunging headfirst into the hidden dungeon he found at the end of book 4. If you are this far in the series then like me you probably feel like this series is at its best when Michael is maneuvering, and manipulating the "political" dynamics of the Powers landscape of the forever kingdom. Sadly that isn't so much the case with this book.
As we find out pretty early; the dungeon Michael has entered is being taken over by the void. The exit of this dungeon isn't as easily accessible as we hoped. Michael is forced into a series of events by a group of "NPC's[?]" living in the dungeon [kind of like a quest line] in order to gain access to this exit, and get back to his pack.
Granted this book does not allow Michael the freedom we have come to expect, and enjoy with the previous entries, but its still a great read. How will he solve this puzzle, while advancing towards his goals? Read on to find out.
In this book Michael is dealing with the consequences of plunging headfirst into the hidden dungeon he found at the end of book 4. If you are this far in the series then like me you probably feel like this series is at its best when Michael is maneuvering, and manipulating the "political" dynamics of the Powers landscape of the forever kingdom. Sadly that isn't so much the case with this book.
As we find out pretty early; the dungeon Michael has entered is being taken over by the void. The exit of this dungeon isn't as easily accessible as we hoped. Michael is forced into a series of events by a group of "NPC's[?]" living in the dungeon [kind of like a quest line] in order to gain access to this exit, and get back to his pack.
Granted this book does not allow Michael the freedom we have come to expect, and enjoy with the previous entries, but its still a great read. How will he solve this puzzle, while advancing towards his goals? Read on to find out.
September 3, 2023
Continuing a great saga
The grand game continues but this episode is a little bit like a sidebar where Michael spends the entire time in a new dungeon away from any previous friend and pack. It’s still entertaining and I couldn’t put the book down so highly recommend but don’t expect to see any old friends or resolution of other quests/previous plot points.
The grand game continues but this episode is a little bit like a sidebar where Michael spends the entire time in a new dungeon away from any previous friend and pack. It’s still entertaining and I couldn’t put the book down so highly recommend but don’t expect to see any old friends or resolution of other quests/previous plot points.
September 4, 2023
The Grand Game
I stayed up all night to read this latest edition to this series. The game mechanics are fun, the, plot is not easily seen through and you never know what the MC will change or do which I really enjoy. Great fleshed out characters too! I hate writing reviews but some authors you just gotta get in there and show your support. Thanks Mr. Elliot!
I stayed up all night to read this latest edition to this series. The game mechanics are fun, the, plot is not easily seen through and you never know what the MC will change or do which I really enjoy. Great fleshed out characters too! I hate writing reviews but some authors you just gotta get in there and show your support. Thanks Mr. Elliot!
September 16, 2023
Decent Entry
Like all the other books in this series it is nice to have the MC be someone who solves problems more with his brain than just overwhelming force. This one was a bit dryer than some of the other books but still had plenty of periods of action mixed throughout. Looking forward to things moving along come the next.
Like all the other books in this series it is nice to have the MC be someone who solves problems more with his brain than just overwhelming force. This one was a bit dryer than some of the other books but still had plenty of periods of action mixed throughout. Looking forward to things moving along come the next.
November 3, 2023
Another good book!
Enjoying all the twists and turns so far! The nether and their goals arnt really understandable but I enjoyed watching playing two powerful forces against each other. Didn’t really like where this one ended. Right on a cliffhanger, I’d prefer it end a little more in between.
Enjoying all the twists and turns so far! The nether and their goals arnt really understandable but I enjoyed watching playing two powerful forces against each other. Didn’t really like where this one ended. Right on a cliffhanger, I’d prefer it end a little more in between.
March 3, 2024
Started out and ended fine, but....
The middle of this book was a freaking slog. Everything in New haven until the final battle was so overly wordy and just plain boring. An absolute scroll fest. Not sure what the author was going for here, but it was the most boring and pointless part of the entire series so far.
The middle of this book was a freaking slog. Everything in New haven until the final battle was so overly wordy and just plain boring. An absolute scroll fest. Not sure what the author was going for here, but it was the most boring and pointless part of the entire series so far.
May 6, 2024
The book was solid. We learned a bit more about the world, and some fun events. I enjoyed Ghost in this one, and the fights were fairly enjoyable. I disliked that the whole book deviated from the main storyline so hard. All that said, it was still a solid read. I am hoping we get back to the main events soon.
dnf
June 22, 202522% DNF, skipped to book #7
2 books of grinding with only Ghost for company and one might start to contemplate final death. Wonder how Michael didn't. Ghost is one of / the most unlikeable secondary characters in a successful series that I can think of. 50% of her dialogue is an excuse for Michael to explain his actions.
2 books of grinding with only Ghost for company and one might start to contemplate final death. Wonder how Michael didn't. Ghost is one of / the most unlikeable secondary characters in a successful series that I can think of. 50% of her dialogue is an excuse for Michael to explain his actions.
June 23, 2025
Dear readers, you have gotten this far because you're addicted. Like me.
Congratulations Tom, this series is great and mesmerizing and makes you want to finish at 4am even though you know work starts at 7 and you haven't slept in 2 days... Good job... My sleep schedule is ruined because of you and I haven't been happier...
Congratulations Tom, this series is great and mesmerizing and makes you want to finish at 4am even though you know work starts at 7 and you haven't slept in 2 days... Good job... My sleep schedule is ruined because of you and I haven't been happier...
September 14, 2025
Elliot’s writing has improved since the first book, and I am continuing to enjoy the plot in this series. Michael’s rapid levelling has appeared to slow down, and his people skills have improved. He’s no longer winning seemingly impossible fights which makes the danger feel more real. I liked Ghost as a companion and look forward to seeing more of her in future books.
September 2, 2023
massively fun
Love this series and each book is entirely to short. Very addictive and once you finish you will be itching for your next infusion. Absolute must read series, that will be in your top 10 of series read, if not number one overall.
Love this series and each book is entirely to short. Very addictive and once you finish you will be itching for your next infusion. Absolute must read series, that will be in your top 10 of series read, if not number one overall.
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