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The Realm of False Gods #5

Damaged but Powerful: The Rise of Anastasia Aaronson: The Realm of False Gods, Book 4

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When she woke up in hospital, they said her military career was over. They were wrong though; it was just starting, only the Army she was in had changed.

Damage to her brain has unleashed incredible powers never seen in a human, but as she flexes her newfound magical muscle, it will draw the attention of creatures the Earth and humanity have forgotten. Now she must overcome not only her own terrible injuries, but also learn to control the power she can wield as a world of magical beings take a sudden interest.

There are secrets buried in the Earth’s past and she may provide the key to uncovering an ancient artifact, one that everyone in the magical world wants and that makes her a target.

None of them realize what she is though, and her hidden ancestry is going to shock both realms.

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Published July 24, 2020

232 people are currently reading
194 people want to read

About the author

Steve Higgs

576 books822 followers
Let's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.

All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...

When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.

At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.

Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.

Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Madam.
224 reviews12 followers
April 28, 2020
Anastasia Aaronson is a tough, no-nonsense, rebellious soldier — so rebellious, in fact, that she’s the longest-serving lieutenant in the British army, having been repeatedly passed over for promotion because “I cannot keep my mouth shut and have a worrying habit of telling my superiors that they are being stupid just because they are.” She and her troops are stationed in the Persian Gulf on a peacekeeping mission and descending into a village ahead of potential mayhem when one of her troops steps on a land mine. Anastasia wakes up in a military hospital, her left foot and left hand missing, the left side of her face horribly scarred, and no memory due to a tiny piece of shrapnel in her brain.

Four months later, with the help of armed forces resettlement services, she finds a research assistant position in a library in Rochester, which offers the quiet and normalcy she craves. She visits a local bar with her new roommate on her first night in town, which is where she first hears the voices. She has no idea whose they are or where they come from, but she recognizes their evil and, like the retired soldier she is, leaves the bar to locate their source.

What she finds are reptilian creatures attacking an elderly homeless man, although they soon turn their attentions to her. From out of nowhere, Anastasia finds herself able to create blue balls of fire, which kill the creatures before she collapses near the first victim.

She awakens battered and bruised in the hospital, where a smarmy police officer, Detective Sergeant Spencer, badgers her for answers she can’t provide. However, in the middle of the night, Anastasia hears the voices again and realizes the creatures are in the children’s ward, preying on tiny patients. She struggles to reach the ward and eventually defeats the creatures, but leaves human and supernatural carnage in her wake, as well as sustaining more injuries. And, of course, Detective Sergeant Spencer shows up to nag her again, absolutely certain of her guilt.

Not far away, wizard Otto Schneider is battling Sean McGuire, an exceptionally powerful familiar who has been sent to the mortal realm to kill all the familiars Otto freed (the extent of which is the focus of a later Realm novel, Familiar Territory). Sean is grateful to have been rescued from Ireland’s potato famine and determined to fulfill Daniel’s order to track down and slaughter every captive human returned to the mortal realm.

He has another mission as well: to capture Ana and deliver her to Daniel in the demon’s never-ending quest to gain status in the immortal realm. He has her in his sights when, much to his eternal astonishment, he’s attacked by a very tall and determined woman with an exceptionally large purse, who turns out to be Ana’s new library colleague, Alex. With BFF Abi, also a library employee, the women turn out to be Ana’s most loyal mortal allies.

Human assaults notwithstanding, Sean tries enticing Ana with promises of immortal rewards, but stunned by her strength and resistance, eventually turns to all-out battle with shilts, ogres, and countless humans dead. He still misjudges Ana, to his eternal peril.

Steve Higgs’ newest character in the Realm universe is a fierce and indomitable warrior, whether in service of her nation or fellow human. The immortals have been duly warned.
Profile Image for R.
360 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2020
This is yet another brilliant read, a book utterly full of magic and action! Excellent!

Our girl Anastasia Aaronson is left as a double amputee after an explosion took off one of her hands and one of her feet; whilst leaving her with a piece of shrapnel in her head.

After being medically discharged by the army, she is out with a friend, relaxing and minding her own business one night when she stumbles upon an attack happening near where she is at a pub. Setting off to help the victim she discovers a truly incredible situation unfolding before her, that leaves her questioning her sanity and the very nature of reality itself! Suddenly everything she ever believed to be fantasy appears to be reality. Magic is real, soul sucking creatures are out attacking people. All of a sudden she can hear the creatures voices in her head, and on top of that, suddenly she can do some crazy s**t.

Anastasia is a kick a*** gal with an 'I don't give damn' attitude. She will always fight for the sake of others and her modus operandi is to go towards trouble rather than away from it!

I loved this story. Anastasia is the underdog turned hero. From cripple to defender of those who can't defend themselves, it seems her army days were well spent, teaching her skills and tactics she can use against an enemy who won't leave her alone.
But the burning question on everyones lips, including her own is; what is she?

I think this book will definitely appeal to a everyone who loves heros and villains and magic all rolled together in a tight ball. There is a lot of action in this story, the dialogue is good and even funny in some places. The rest of the characters in the book are fun and not one of them is boring. And the magic action is well written too.

I really liked this story and I really want to read more stories with this whole cast again.
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
May 1, 2020
The 'Realm of False Gods' series is unusual in that it consists of several threads, each following one or more people which Steve Higgs assures us will all come together for a huge climax, it's a bit of a strange concept but so far it seems to work, with some characters crossing over from one thread to the others.
In this book we are introduced to Anastasia, a wounded ex soldier who is drawn in to the fight against the demons who are threatening earth. She is a great character, severely injured, but with an indomitable spirit. I really enjoyed reading the way that she discovers her powers and uses her experience and skills to fight against the demons crossing over to this realm. I also liked the characters of her new friends Alex and Abi, two women who are physically opposite but who share a great friendship.
This is a very well crafted book, containing some very exciting action passages and also great characters and relationships.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
36 reviews
May 18, 2020
Explosively Powerful New Heroine

Anastasia Aaronson was a soldier leading a UN peacekeeping squad when she was injured by a mine explosion. Evacuated and rehabilitated, losing memory as well as a hand and leg, she returns to the UK to reenter civilian life. She is pulled into a struggle against Immortals, while trying to defend innocent humans. During this, she discovers power that she never knew she had! (But then again shrapnel from the landmine explosion had erased her memory of her prior life!)
Fast moving with wry humor typical of Higgs' other works, it is an excellent introduction of this protagonist. Well written, believable characters and dialog move this novel along. Wanting more as soon as possible!
This review was based on an Advance Reader Copy, which although had a few typos that I expect to be picked up by the proofreader, had no material impact on the work itself. I expect that my review appropriately reflects the final work released. It appears well worth reading and enjoying.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
2,301 reviews100 followers
August 26, 2025
Damaged but Powerful: The Rise of Anastasia Aaronson by Steve Higgs is the 5th book in The Realm of False Gods series. When a land mine explodes while on a combat mission, Anastasia Aaronson loses a foot and a hand and a piece of metal is embedded in her skull, which she realises gives her certain magical abilities and soon she is fighting demons as they start coming after her. A terrific introduction to this unique character in the series. We didn't really get many answers in this book as it mainly focusses on introducing us to Anastasia and how she comes to learn of her powers and the supernatural creatures and demons that exist. Anastasia may be damaged, but she is still a fierce warrior ready to help and battle where she can.
Profile Image for Thomas Pierce.
Author 2 books2 followers
March 30, 2025
A good read and introduction to Anastasia and her unique powers in wielding source energy, as well as how she meets Otto. The only thing that really bothers me is that between herself, Otto, and Zachary, their personalities all bounce between reckless, stubborn, and aggressive. Ironically the werewolf seems to be the calmest of the three. Even before Otto's sudden loss in the previous book.

I kind of hoped for someone calmer, calculated, or more strategic to balance out the dynamic between the three of them. Hopefully a unique "main character" is introduced later on if/when they all meet up. Or at the very least, one of the three take a detour towards that balancing personality themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
193 reviews
December 16, 2025
outstanding unique urban fantasy!

The Realm of False Gods series is an amazing series with tons of surprises! Book 1 started out slow, but there were enough intriguing new ideas about the supernatural that I stayed with it, and damn am I glad I did! The book just continued to pick up and by the climax I was completely hooked! A new concept of how magic is used, yet based on the elements, as so much magic theory is. New races and a new realm, all very unique. Great dialogue, and relatable characters, hey who can't relate to a 2 and half meter tall werewolf, right?!?!? (that's 8 1/4 feet to us Americans...). Highly recommend
74 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2026
Right after opening the book, the question that came up to me after reading Book 4 of The Realm of False Gods is answered. Unlike the Zachary Barnabus "spinoff", this book continues the story forward but told from the perspective of Anastasia Aaronson, a character that's introduced in the epilogue of said spinoff.

Despite moving the story forward, I could categorically say that this is my least favorite of the books so far. Otto Schneider is still in the story despite being reduced to a mere cameo. But the change in his character since the last book is jarring. Yes, there are events in previous book that could be considered "life-changing" but to change one's personality so drastically over a period of just a few months? Unlikely.

And I just can't vibe with the new main character. The author chose to depict the FMC as a loose cannon who does things irrationally and illogically and I don't like it. And unless something change, this doesn't look good because this FMC is going to be around for at least another two books. The only silver lining is that at least the book is short so even if the next two books is as annoying as this, I could at least quickly swallow it. The premise offered in the first four books is too tantalizing to DNF the series now.
Profile Image for Margarita Rose.
1,195 reviews13 followers
April 18, 2020
This book begins fast and full of quick paced action. A young woman is recovering from being severely damaged by a landmine. She's lost her memory and her career in the military is over. As she is discharged she takes a job and moves. When she arrives she begins hearing disconcerting things in her mind. She follows the voices and stops an attack. Something happens and the quiet life she's expecting to begin is anything but. She's a fighter and proves it every step of the way. Can't wait to read the next book. Received ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
771 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2020
A powerful book from start to finish. The main character is thrown from one incident to another with no time to even breathe. Her experience in the military has helped her to keep her mind focused so that the constant barrage of strangeness doesn't paralyze her. I love how strong she is - taking the punches and moving through it rather than constantly caving to the endless pressure - even though she has received horrendous injuries during her service in the military. Loving it! I can't wait to see how it all unfolds as the series moves forward.
Profile Image for Mark.
392 reviews
May 9, 2025
4.25 stars New "damaged" character added to the book series in Anastasia Aaronson. Former U.N. Peacekeeper severely injured in a fictional desert civil war region. The supernatural "baddies" want her for an unknown (to the "good guys") reason. Hilarity ensues...not really, but there are a couple of light humorous moments. Great pace as usual; maybe a downshift when "Anna" makes some new friends. Open ending to be continued, but not before a major problem gets it's resolution. Will be reading more.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,786 reviews71 followers
April 9, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Judi.
285 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2021
I really love this series and this is my favorite so far. Of course I prefer female protagonists! And apparently Anastasia is on the side of the angels. Her powers are not elemental like Otto's and the demons; they resemble the angels' power more as she employs 'source energy'. Unfortunately for her, it's also not lethal so it's less than useful for defence too. Mr. Higgs, I join all your other readers of this series: More! Definitely recommended.
84 reviews
June 11, 2020
Briliant

Fast paced and exciting. New ideas and brilliant characters. I really enjoyed the first books but when this one used Rochester...whet i grew up....things got really exciting for me. It's great reading a book but when he starts travelling streets and places i know....it's brilliant! Hope he doesn't blow up my fav gin bar though! Or the castle....
Profile Image for Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb.
532 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2020
This time the MC is a British Army Lt. who after severe injuries during her tour of duty is now pulled into the Wandless Wizard, Otto fight. This Lt. is hit with attacks one after the other in battles she is not even sure she understands.
Narrator does a nice job but there are places where the recording repeats which is very distracting.
Profile Image for Chili Diane Evance.
387 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2025
Who is Anastasia Aaronsen, or maybe what is she? Daniel wants her badly. She is not a wizard but how can she manipulate the blue light that she can fling at an object or a person? Otto only knows he needs to keep her out of Daniel’s grasp. For now she is safe, but what may happen next is what awaits them all.
Profile Image for Tim Putney.
86 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2020
Another action packed urban fantasy thrill ride

This has been a thrilling and humorous series so far. It has the action, arcane battles and snarky characters I have come to look for good urban fantasy series.
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,860 reviews499 followers
January 10, 2024
This time it’s Anastasia Aaronson British army Lieutenant. She’s special but no one seems to know what she is.
What’s interesting is we see Otto from her POV and it’s less than flattering. Although she’s a very similar character to him in so many ways.
9 reviews
October 27, 2024
Something got lost

The beginning of the book spoke of her working with Daneil and being cornered by the 4 Horseman. Then went backwards to tell how she got there, yet the book never made it there. Good add to the series just maybe needed an opening to match the book.
Profile Image for Kebaklgmail.com.
194 reviews
May 8, 2020
Disabled but hardly helpless

When I started this book I could not believe it involved a woman with prosthetics. What in heck can she do..well a lot. Great read, keep writing!
Profile Image for Geraldine M.
254 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2020
Keeps Getting Better

Love the new characters. Anastasia is a strong female character.and it will be great to see how her powers.develop Brilliant storyline
Profile Image for Lisa.
662 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2020
Great Reading

I don't think this author could write a bad book even if he tried hard.
This one is another exciting story.
Well worth it.
Profile Image for Amy Villarreal.
155 reviews
July 24, 2020
Excellent

Another story that does not disappoint. Mr. Higgs is a master of world building and of character development. I love his concept of the indomitable human spirit.
121 reviews
August 4, 2020
Powerful character and very different to your normal hero and would make a good role model for others in similar circumstances. These are great stories of you love fantasy tales
141 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2021
A great read! Even a supernatural negative like me read it!! It holds you like a good actor can hold you to a mediocre film!! Characters are strong and make you believe in them
Profile Image for David Thomas.
201 reviews
December 10, 2023
New Girl, Better Team

A new girl has come into her powers. Will he allow her to join the team or will Fate force him?
Profile Image for Henry.
58 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2024
Good stuff!

Each book gets better and better! Once you start, you don't want to put the book down! Looking forward to the book!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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