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Der 13. Paladin #13
The Adversary: The 13th Paladin, Book 13
Experience the final chapter of Ahren's epic, PLATIN-awarded adventure.
Ahren's enormous undertaking to unite the thirteen Paladins has, following years of dangerous journeying, come to a successful conclusion. Now there is only one task left for him to complete. He must lead the Champions of the gods, his other friends, and the free peoples of Jorath in an assault on the Obsidian Fortress. Yet the Adversary is intent on foiling his archenemies' plan before they reach his hordes lurking behind the compound walls. The Dark god's scheme is to spring the trap that was set centuries earlier in preparation for just such an event . . .
Ahren's enormous undertaking to unite the thirteen Paladins has, following years of dangerous journeying, come to a successful conclusion. Now there is only one task left for him to complete. He must lead the Champions of the gods, his other friends, and the free peoples of Jorath in an assault on the Obsidian Fortress. Yet the Adversary is intent on foiling his archenemies' plan before they reach his hordes lurking behind the compound walls. The Dark god's scheme is to spring the trap that was set centuries earlier in preparation for just such an event . . .
Audible Audio
Published June 18, 2024
208 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Torsten Weitze
47 books217 followersI was born in Krefeld, Germany in 1976 and still live there under the caring eyes of my wife and two Norwegian Forest cats. Originally a publishing salesman, I couldn't resist the lure of writing, and after over a dozen years of playing the gamemaster in pen-and-paper groups, not to mention reading hundreds of fantasy novels, I decided to finally try to write a story myself that I thought might be worth telling. And so my novel Ahren was published in Germany, the first in the best-selling series The 13th Paladin.
When I am not creating new worlds and stories, I like to relax by playing pen-and-paper and story rich video games, reading or binging on TV series. I also practise Jiu Jitsu and the art of handling ancient Japanese weapons like the Katana or the Bo Staff.
When I am not creating new worlds and stories, I like to relax by playing pen-and-paper and story rich video games, reading or binging on TV series. I also practise Jiu Jitsu and the art of handling ancient Japanese weapons like the Katana or the Bo Staff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 24, 2024
13 books later... I'm going to miss some of these characters. As much as I kept wishing they could get on with their lives and stop being insufferable at times. It's been a long journey but now I'm going to miss returning to it!
Dragons! Sorcery! True Love! Star-crossed lovers! Music! Hope! Trickery! Elves, Dwarves, Giants, and a Roc!
Dragons! Sorcery! True Love! Star-crossed lovers! Music! Hope! Trickery! Elves, Dwarves, Giants, and a Roc!
September 8, 2025
My kids and I (11, 10, and 8 year olds) LOVED this series! So well done.
October 23, 2025
This was an amazing ending to the books and I really loved it. It was sweet and really inspiring.
May 16, 2024
I d0nt remember
I'm frustrated it's been 13 books right? These are complicated books a com0licated story with no reminders. I have not finished reading I may change my mind But my gosh, after all this. Your story has a conclusion that is based on hundreds of years of ebb and flow? Really I am educated, multiple degrees and I am having a very hard time understanding how you are bringing things together. It is a combination of, this is a very long and comp,imaged story with multiple diverse characters. I do not remember all the stories and locations and boats, places, situations and especially the names that are often unique. So I'm at this point or at many points in these books lost. On top of that the story and especially the end isn't written in a way that logically brings the reader to understand where you are going. There aren't enough clues for the reader to follow your train of thought. So now at the end, with a ending that is supposed to bring an explanation of why everything occurred in the first place we have a multi century long plot no one could forsee. With stars and patterns, that correspond to the ebb and flow of life the problem is this book was not plotted out on paper. Just written but not rewritten and revised. I have great respect for people who write it is very hard I do know this, but as an academic I know you can't just get it on paper/whatever/screen to get it right. Or get a passing grade. You have to edit, revise, tie it together or it doesn't make sense. I think these books are wonderful, creative, original and captivating enough that I have read them all. But you published before without editing. I'm guessing without people helping you and giving feed back every inch of the way. Books like this need a team, to be written and rewritten until the whole project holds together. I think this is a fantastic draft, not a finished project. As painful as that I'm sure must feel to you. Forgive me. You are obviously an incredibly talented writer. Who hasn't had a hard ass English or is it German writing teacher busting your back side on structural principles. An A on imagination creativity but it's not done. I have not finished and may change my mind but so far I'm lost . Ending is so convoluted, so far reaching. That it is obvious that you didn't know what the ending would be and that's your biggest problem. That's why the book does make sense in many ways. You do need to know the end before you begin. Thank you and I have huge faith in you. Fantastic first draft. So many people would love to be a part of your pro section for their own reasons, Creating a community around your work would be so easy. Tons of kind and tough honest people would be thrilled to contribute and you wouldn't even have to meet them. Your wonderful vivid characters deserve bravery on your part to bring them to justice
I'm frustrated it's been 13 books right? These are complicated books a com0licated story with no reminders. I have not finished reading I may change my mind But my gosh, after all this. Your story has a conclusion that is based on hundreds of years of ebb and flow? Really I am educated, multiple degrees and I am having a very hard time understanding how you are bringing things together. It is a combination of, this is a very long and comp,imaged story with multiple diverse characters. I do not remember all the stories and locations and boats, places, situations and especially the names that are often unique. So I'm at this point or at many points in these books lost. On top of that the story and especially the end isn't written in a way that logically brings the reader to understand where you are going. There aren't enough clues for the reader to follow your train of thought. So now at the end, with a ending that is supposed to bring an explanation of why everything occurred in the first place we have a multi century long plot no one could forsee. With stars and patterns, that correspond to the ebb and flow of life the problem is this book was not plotted out on paper. Just written but not rewritten and revised. I have great respect for people who write it is very hard I do know this, but as an academic I know you can't just get it on paper/whatever/screen to get it right. Or get a passing grade. You have to edit, revise, tie it together or it doesn't make sense. I think these books are wonderful, creative, original and captivating enough that I have read them all. But you published before without editing. I'm guessing without people helping you and giving feed back every inch of the way. Books like this need a team, to be written and rewritten until the whole project holds together. I think this is a fantastic draft, not a finished project. As painful as that I'm sure must feel to you. Forgive me. You are obviously an incredibly talented writer. Who hasn't had a hard ass English or is it German writing teacher busting your back side on structural principles. An A on imagination creativity but it's not done. I have not finished and may change my mind but so far I'm lost . Ending is so convoluted, so far reaching. That it is obvious that you didn't know what the ending would be and that's your biggest problem. That's why the book does make sense in many ways. You do need to know the end before you begin. Thank you and I have huge faith in you. Fantastic first draft. So many people would love to be a part of your pro section for their own reasons, Creating a community around your work would be so easy. Tons of kind and tough honest people would be thrilled to contribute and you wouldn't even have to meet them. Your wonderful vivid characters deserve bravery on your part to bring them to justice
July 17, 2025
I listened to all thirteen books of this light fantasy series and loved them. All but one of the audiobooks was narrated by Gildart Jackson, and he did an absolutely fabulous job throughout. There are many characters of different species, and his accents and pacing were masterful. It truly added to the enjoyment of the series.
The whole story is the familiar group quest with swords and sorcery, but each book takes the reader to a different part of the country of Jorath, with new characters to meet and new enemies to conquer. Waiting at the end is the Adversary, who is about to take over the country and turn it to ash unless the group can find all thirteen Paladins and bring them together to defeat him.
The first book starts with the MC, Ahren, as a boy, and the rest of the volumes show his growth into a strong leader. The co-stars, a mix of the standard humans, elves, and dwarves, are all entertaining (even the bad guys), and although some of them became irritating after a while, they are unique enough to be fun.
This is not dark fantasy, although there is plenty of violence and lots of frightening creatures. No foul language, no sex. I would highly recommend this for tweens and up, but not younger kids. I look forward to a re-read someday.
The whole story is the familiar group quest with swords and sorcery, but each book takes the reader to a different part of the country of Jorath, with new characters to meet and new enemies to conquer. Waiting at the end is the Adversary, who is about to take over the country and turn it to ash unless the group can find all thirteen Paladins and bring them together to defeat him.
The first book starts with the MC, Ahren, as a boy, and the rest of the volumes show his growth into a strong leader. The co-stars, a mix of the standard humans, elves, and dwarves, are all entertaining (even the bad guys), and although some of them became irritating after a while, they are unique enough to be fun.
This is not dark fantasy, although there is plenty of violence and lots of frightening creatures. No foul language, no sex. I would highly recommend this for tweens and up, but not younger kids. I look forward to a re-read someday.
April 20, 2025
This book was a rich, satisfying end to a very beautiful story. In every war there is pain and loss. It feels senseless and beyond the control of the average person-- and yet we are all subject to arbitrary decisions made out of greed and desire for control by the people who are meant to lead and protect us. This final book, and this story as a whole, have left me feeling hopeful. I feel especially touched by Cara's character, and her role in this final book; I could gush on and on about what this series means to me and how much I love each and every character. I listened to this on audible, and beyond the story, Gildart Jackson truly brought the books to life, especially in their most pivotal scenes. I hope one day I can watch a visual adaptation, but I don't think it could compare to the brilliant voice acting and riveting descriptions. I'm truly sad to move on from this series, but excited to see what Weitze writes next, and eager to reread very soon.
March 11, 2024
Last of a fantastic series.
All the Paladins, and their friends, are gathered and ready. They are on their way to finally confront a self-proclaimed god: the Adversary and his Dark Ones.
But first a quick trip to Kelkor to find Belsarius’s hidden workshop hoping to find something to help them in the coming battle. A battle which achingly goes on for hours and pages as our heroes and their troops try to follow a plan that threatens to all apart.
I love the good ideas that both Arren and Culhen have. And the design of the Heart Hall defenses is perfect and definitely needed.
Footnote: 1) Firewalls? They didn’t have computers.
Fave scenes: the Stasis, meeting the Echo, the Roc commanding Culhen & Muai, killing the Horde Bulls and the dragons.
All the Paladins, and their friends, are gathered and ready. They are on their way to finally confront a self-proclaimed god: the Adversary and his Dark Ones.
But first a quick trip to Kelkor to find Belsarius’s hidden workshop hoping to find something to help them in the coming battle. A battle which achingly goes on for hours and pages as our heroes and their troops try to follow a plan that threatens to all apart.
I love the good ideas that both Arren and Culhen have. And the design of the Heart Hall defenses is perfect and definitely needed.
Footnote: 1) Firewalls? They didn’t have computers.
Fave scenes: the Stasis, meeting the Echo, the Roc commanding Culhen & Muai, killing the Horde Bulls and the dragons.
March 15, 2025
Review for entire series as a whole:
Love the story or I wouldn’t have stuck it out for all 13 books of course.
That being said there are several inconsistencies throughout: Cullen only eating cooked meat then hunting & eating raw, Ahren’s age throughout the books, etc. Some of this may be my memory or even lost in translation.
I listened to all on Audible, so I found it irritating that book 9 had a different narrator that clearly hadn’t listened to the others as he pronounced many names differently. Not saying what way is right or wrong (leave that to the author), but why didn’t they pronounce it the same.
Love the story or I wouldn’t have stuck it out for all 13 books of course.
That being said there are several inconsistencies throughout: Cullen only eating cooked meat then hunting & eating raw, Ahren’s age throughout the books, etc. Some of this may be my memory or even lost in translation.
I listened to all on Audible, so I found it irritating that book 9 had a different narrator that clearly hadn’t listened to the others as he pronounced many names differently. Not saying what way is right or wrong (leave that to the author), but why didn’t they pronounce it the same.
May 6, 2024
A rousing adventure series!
I really enjoyed this series! Full of adventure, suspense, and lighthearted comedic humor. The ending was cleverly crafted and I was delighted to find it so well thought out. With so many different characters and plot lines intersecting at the culmination of a long journey, I was wondering how it would all mesh together. I was not disappointed. The final confrontation was perfect!
I really enjoyed this series! Full of adventure, suspense, and lighthearted comedic humor. The ending was cleverly crafted and I was delighted to find it so well thought out. With so many different characters and plot lines intersecting at the culmination of a long journey, I was wondering how it would all mesh together. I was not disappointed. The final confrontation was perfect!
February 28, 2025
I loved the series, and going back through I realize this was my least favorite. It just felt forced in places to prolong the length of the book, otherwise such a satisfying series. Definitely some epic scenes and love the conclusion, just wish there weren’t scenes the felt stretched for no particular reason.
Having said that this series is still in my top five favorite series, so thank you sir for a phenomenal story.
Having said that this series is still in my top five favorite series, so thank you sir for a phenomenal story.
July 1, 2025
If you enjoy a well rittne fantasy, you will love the Thirteenth Paladin books
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loved the wonderful worlds created by Robert Jordan, Michael J. Sullivan and Terry Mancour. They are superbly written, entertaining, good triumphs over evil stories. Equally important to those of us who cringe when an author butchers the English language, they are well edited
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loved the wonderful worlds created by Robert Jordan, Michael J. Sullivan and Terry Mancour. They are superbly written, entertaining, good triumphs over evil stories. Equally important to those of us who cringe when an author butchers the English language, they are well edited
August 7, 2025
I'm not a reviewer but this is a great series. Found iall hard to put down and cannot wait for the next series. The people became my friends, the scenery peaked my imagination, and the camaraderie of the Paladins and friends felt so real. I stayed up too late but had last night to finish The Adversary and the completely satisfying end. I laughed, teared up many times as the author took me thru the adventure. Highly recommend the whole series.
March 5, 2024
An epic conclusion
A wonderful conclusion to this amazing series. Each character was able to achieve so many things. Each one went through so much and were able to accomplish a great many things. I fell in love with this series, the characters, and the plot since I first discovered book 1.
A wonderful conclusion to this amazing series. Each character was able to achieve so many things. Each one went through so much and were able to accomplish a great many things. I fell in love with this series, the characters, and the plot since I first discovered book 1.
August 27, 2024
WONDERFUL!
This series was simply AMAZING!!!! I will definitely be reading everything I can get my hands on from this author. It’s rare to find someone that can envision such beautiful new world and bring the reader on a constant journey through it. I couldn’t stop wanting to read these books. Page after page of all 13 books are simply works of art.
This series was simply AMAZING!!!! I will definitely be reading everything I can get my hands on from this author. It’s rare to find someone that can envision such beautiful new world and bring the reader on a constant journey through it. I couldn’t stop wanting to read these books. Page after page of all 13 books are simply works of art.
March 5, 2024
A good conclusion to a solid series. The end was a little predictable, the lead up supposedly held some mysteries but they weren’t that surprising, but overall great writing. The translation was really good for this book.
March 6, 2024
another series about Ahren?
This book was so riveting that by the time it ended, I wanted to go over the last few chapters.
I really can’t wait for the next instalment. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this series. Such a good read.
This book was so riveting that by the time it ended, I wanted to go over the last few chapters.
I really can’t wait for the next instalment. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this series. Such a good read.
March 7, 2024
Read all 13 books, great series, keeps you on your toes.
Fantasy, adventure, good against evil, unity in diversity, HOPE! Excellent characters and storyline. Enjoyed the morals to the stories. I read all 13 books enjoyed them all, they do not disappoint.
Fantasy, adventure, good against evil, unity in diversity, HOPE! Excellent characters and storyline. Enjoyed the morals to the stories. I read all 13 books enjoyed them all, they do not disappoint.
March 27, 2024
Thank you for the wonderful tale.
When I think that this wonderful tale and the world we got to be part of, was just waiting to be told from this author…it is unimaginable how stories there are and yet to be if everyone just told one, or their own. What a treasure.
When I think that this wonderful tale and the world we got to be part of, was just waiting to be told from this author…it is unimaginable how stories there are and yet to be if everyone just told one, or their own. What a treasure.
Read
April 12, 2024Worth it
A very well thought out and written story. A perfect balance of light and darkness. Too many writers have gone the way of double R, kill everything and strangle all hope. If I want doom and gloom I will watch the "news". Well done Sir.
A very well thought out and written story. A perfect balance of light and darkness. Too many writers have gone the way of double R, kill everything and strangle all hope. If I want doom and gloom I will watch the "news". Well done Sir.
May 2, 2024
thoroughly enjoyed
This series was so creative and enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your imagination with the world, Mr. Weitze. Looking forward to any new works which sprout from your brain :-)
This series was so creative and enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your imagination with the world, Mr. Weitze. Looking forward to any new works which sprout from your brain :-)
May 9, 2024
Great series
I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters. They felt so real that they would be missed. The ending was written well. I will definitely read more from this author.
I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters. They felt so real that they would be missed. The ending was written well. I will definitely read more from this author.
Read
June 11, 2024Exceptional
One of the very best fantasy series I've ever read! The characters and plotlines are constantly intriguing and evolving, and you can't help but feel their sorrows and their dreams right along with them. Exceptional work - thank you for their story, Torsten Weitze.
One of the very best fantasy series I've ever read! The characters and plotlines are constantly intriguing and evolving, and you can't help but feel their sorrows and their dreams right along with them. Exceptional work - thank you for their story, Torsten Weitze.
June 28, 2024
Its been a couple of years since I picked up the Audio of Ahren. I really enoyed the story and narrator always waiting for the next book to come out. Its been an interesting and fun ride, the ending of which left me a bit melancholy . Happy its completed but also sad that its over.
November 11, 2024
Bereft
I love, love, LOVE this series. I will miss every character (until I read it again). Thank you for your wonderful imagination and for translating it into English. One of the best epics I have read since Lord of the Rings, or Wheel of Time.
I love, love, LOVE this series. I will miss every character (until I read it again). Thank you for your wonderful imagination and for translating it into English. One of the best epics I have read since Lord of the Rings, or Wheel of Time.
December 22, 2024
Its been a while since reading a series to which I would give five stars. This series earned it in every way by my reckoning.
This book was a perfect end to this series and great on its own. I loved it and all the others too.
This book was a perfect end to this series and great on its own. I loved it and all the others too.
May 1, 2025
An amazing tale of Intrigue, Magic and Heroism
The world of the 13th had many races with their own nuances. The story fits into a decent Epic with page turning twists along the way! Loved the subtle humor amongst all the darkness as well!
The world of the 13th had many races with their own nuances. The story fits into a decent Epic with page turning twists along the way! Loved the subtle humor amongst all the darkness as well!
May 4, 2025
The final chapter
Always looking for and eventually finding many plot and character twists…it has been a pleasure reading The 13th Paladin. I truly feel Torsten Weitze is an exemplary storyteller and I hope you hav enjoyed his epic fantasy!
Always looking for and eventually finding many plot and character twists…it has been a pleasure reading The 13th Paladin. I truly feel Torsten Weitze is an exemplary storyteller and I hope you hav enjoyed his epic fantasy!
May 30, 2025
A truly epic adventure
Such an exciting end to a truly epic adventure. I rapidly devoured the rest of the series, then had to wait for some time for the conclusion to come out. It was truly worth the wait!
Such an exciting end to a truly epic adventure. I rapidly devoured the rest of the series, then had to wait for some time for the conclusion to come out. It was truly worth the wait!
March 3, 2024
a must for all fantasy fans
Loved the whole of this series of books. Humour, drama, character led stories. Whole world of adventures. Will miss them all.
Loved the whole of this series of books. Humour, drama, character led stories. Whole world of adventures. Will miss them all.
March 6, 2024
fantastic finale
Sad to see it finish but a fantastic read that I would happily read from start to finish again and again.
Sad to see it finish but a fantastic read that I would happily read from start to finish again and again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews