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The Gateway Saga #2
Wrath and Ruin
War is a forge that melts the strongest steel.
The saga continues in WRATH AND RUIN, where destinies collide and empires tremble, leading to a breathtaking climax that will change the world forever.
As Bethany steps into her role as house diviner to the powerful Conways, long-buried secrets resurface, threatening not only her new life but the fragile balance of power. She will have to choose—between her growing bond with Xander and her desire to keep her two lives separate, while the backdrop of war thrusts her into the spotlight and a realm of battles and mortal danger.
With Queen Zhuana losing patience at the border, Julian is running out of time to cement his position as his enemies try to bring him down. He will be forced to think the unthinkable, even at the cost of hurting the people he loves most.
And Kendrick Conway, hero of days long gone, is no longer able to avoid being dragged into the perilous world he fears, where alliances are shattered and betrayal leads to ruin.
The saga continues in WRATH AND RUIN, where destinies collide and empires tremble, leading to a breathtaking climax that will change the world forever.
As Bethany steps into her role as house diviner to the powerful Conways, long-buried secrets resurface, threatening not only her new life but the fragile balance of power. She will have to choose—between her growing bond with Xander and her desire to keep her two lives separate, while the backdrop of war thrusts her into the spotlight and a realm of battles and mortal danger.
With Queen Zhuana losing patience at the border, Julian is running out of time to cement his position as his enemies try to bring him down. He will be forced to think the unthinkable, even at the cost of hurting the people he loves most.
And Kendrick Conway, hero of days long gone, is no longer able to avoid being dragged into the perilous world he fears, where alliances are shattered and betrayal leads to ruin.
- GenresFantasy
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
About the author
James Maxwell
27 books1,111 followersJames Maxwell is a British-Australian best-selling author of epic fantasy novels, with millions of copies sold in multiple languages worldwide. With over a dozen acclaimed novels, including Enchantress, Golden Age, and A Girl From Nowhere, he is celebrated for his richly imagined worlds and epic, interwoven plots. His books have received multiple award nominations, including the World Fantasy Award, the Aurealis Awards, and three Arthur C. Clarke Award nominations, as well as garnering tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon.
Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.
Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.
Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.
Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.
Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.
Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 14, 2025
Gripping
An absolute page turner! If I thought Book 1 was a slow start, Book2 is a rocket ride. But not just gripping, it is well written, the characters are 3 dimensional and the plot is excellent. I am really looking forward to Book 3.
An absolute page turner! If I thought Book 1 was a slow start, Book2 is a rocket ride. But not just gripping, it is well written, the characters are 3 dimensional and the plot is excellent. I am really looking forward to Book 3.
May 13, 2025
Dang, this is Amazing
Well, the first book in the Gateway saga was great, and this one was even better (if such a thing is even possible).
Our intrepid Devinef has tested the boundaries of what is possible and in the process, changed the course of the Eternal Empire.
Action, great characters, romance and always my favorite Magic & Mayhem.
I need to read book 3!!
Well, the first book in the Gateway saga was great, and this one was even better (if such a thing is even possible).
Our intrepid Devinef has tested the boundaries of what is possible and in the process, changed the course of the Eternal Empire.
Action, great characters, romance and always my favorite Magic & Mayhem.
I need to read book 3!!
June 25, 2025
A New Favorite Series
I want more. These are the complex characters, the arcs, the systems that I’ve missed in novels for dozens of reads. What a story! Everyone is a hero in their story and it’s a masterful telling of the tale. I feel bad for other books that I gave 5 stars to because they don’t deserve it as much as this series.
I want more. These are the complex characters, the arcs, the systems that I’ve missed in novels for dozens of reads. What a story! Everyone is a hero in their story and it’s a masterful telling of the tale. I feel bad for other books that I gave 5 stars to because they don’t deserve it as much as this series.
June 15, 2025
This is a book of war
I wasn't expecting this 2nd book to be 90% war, death, betrayal and lots of other yuck. The book needed editing to remove repetitive thoughts and phrases and grammar errors.
I wasn't expecting this 2nd book to be 90% war, death, betrayal and lots of other yuck. The book needed editing to remove repetitive thoughts and phrases and grammar errors.
January 16, 2026
Absolutely riveting !
Brilliant storytelling. The weaving of the plot is amazing- it flows so well & the characters ……! Would make a marvellous film- shades of Game of Thrones/ Stranger Things. I wasn’t able to put it down and read it in one night. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next book 😀
Brilliant storytelling. The weaving of the plot is amazing- it flows so well & the characters ……! Would make a marvellous film- shades of Game of Thrones/ Stranger Things. I wasn’t able to put it down and read it in one night. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next book 😀
March 8, 2026
Enthralling
A throughly enchanting continuation of this duplicitous saga. Great plot and character development as usual. Unfortunately, several misspellings and grammatical errors caused distractions that made it difficult to read in places. Not up to par with previous Maxwell products. Compelling nonetheless.
A throughly enchanting continuation of this duplicitous saga. Great plot and character development as usual. Unfortunately, several misspellings and grammatical errors caused distractions that made it difficult to read in places. Not up to par with previous Maxwell products. Compelling nonetheless.
November 28, 2025
One of my fav books I’ve read this year… book 3 needs to be released effective immediately.
December 15, 2025
I enjoyed this. A good pace throughout and lots of double crossing. Starting to feel like it’s written for the screen
January 18, 2026
My disappointment is self inflicted. I was expecting that this series is a duology. I was about above 90% after I search if there is a book 3, and yes, it does. I love how the story progress from "okay" to epic.
February 23, 2026
What a ride!
Could not put it down. Had to finish the book. Made me read it day and night. Was not able to put it down
Could not put it down. Had to finish the book. Made me read it day and night. Was not able to put it down
March 11, 2026
another great one
I never have to wonder if I will like a book written by James Maxwell. And this was no exception. Loved it and I can not wait for the next book in the series
I never have to wonder if I will like a book written by James Maxwell. And this was no exception. Loved it and I can not wait for the next book in the series
March 16, 2026
Unexpected Turn of Events
So often a reader can anticipate where the writer is leading. Not so here. I am highly anticipating the 3rd book in the series.
So often a reader can anticipate where the writer is leading. Not so here. I am highly anticipating the 3rd book in the series.
May 18, 2026
More please. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews