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Vesik #4
This Broken World
Vesik, Book 4
An ocean of darkness lives in the journal of Philip Pinkerton. Ancient things with no place in our world are rising from the Abyss. Ezekiel, the arrogant, mad god has called us into battle. Does he think we can't touch him, or does he know we can't? I wish I knew. The world’s only hope lies in a forgotten weapon, the strength of our allies, and one necromancer of questionable ancestry. Yeah, this is going to end well.
An ocean of darkness lives in the journal of Philip Pinkerton. Ancient things with no place in our world are rising from the Abyss. Ezekiel, the arrogant, mad god has called us into battle. Does he think we can't touch him, or does he know we can't? I wish I knew. The world’s only hope lies in a forgotten weapon, the strength of our allies, and one necromancer of questionable ancestry. Yeah, this is going to end well.
301 pages, ebook
First published December 17, 2014
96 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Eric R. Asher
58 books668 followersEric R. Asher is the author of over 30 titles, including the Vesik urban fantasy series and the YA steampunk series, Steamborn. Look for his upcoming cozy fantasy, The Theme Park at the End of the World, in 2024. He is currently living in St. Louis, Missouri, where the local folklore often finds its way into his Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter rural fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 24, 2020
Damian is a necromancer who has been fighting Philip and while he may have saved the world, the landscape has changed. The magical world is exposed and the Watchers can’t contain and hide it fast enough from the humans and Ezekiel is only making it worse.
Then there is Vicki. The more time she spends in the shadow realm, the more she changes. She is aging and becoming more corporeal. Eep!
He has become pack, gathered many friends and has a girlfriend who is a water creature. Are you with me? He is also the son of a god, but not in the biblical sense. You’ll have to grab your earbuds and discover that for yourself.
In This Broken World, Damian trains with the old man Zeus. I enjoyed the training and lessons which were a mix of humor, Mr. Miyagi, and tests so many tests. We soon learn the danger and battles are far from over and I can assure the ride will be crazy but they will feed you!
The biscuits, battle scenes and time-melds were fantastic. Asher offered some twists I didn’t see coming and one involving Zola that made my jaw drop. While there is plenty of kickassery and complications now that the military is involved, there was also plenty of humor and camaraderie.
The characters are all unique and bring different personalities to the table. I find I am growing quite fond of them all. The world-building, lore, mythology and the way Asher weaves them into the story offers an addictive tale.
William Dufris, narrates the stories and has become the voice of these characters. With some many of them, the unique voices enhance my enjoyment and allow the story to unfold before me. My only complaint, and not Dufris’s fault, is the overuse of attributives. That awkward, “he said.” I wish Asher would either write them different, perhaps in the middle of sentences or use them less in his writing. Another option would be to alter the audios. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Then there is Vicki. The more time she spends in the shadow realm, the more she changes. She is aging and becoming more corporeal. Eep!
He has become pack, gathered many friends and has a girlfriend who is a water creature. Are you with me? He is also the son of a god, but not in the biblical sense. You’ll have to grab your earbuds and discover that for yourself.
In This Broken World, Damian trains with the old man Zeus. I enjoyed the training and lessons which were a mix of humor, Mr. Miyagi, and tests so many tests. We soon learn the danger and battles are far from over and I can assure the ride will be crazy but they will feed you!
The biscuits, battle scenes and time-melds were fantastic. Asher offered some twists I didn’t see coming and one involving Zola that made my jaw drop. While there is plenty of kickassery and complications now that the military is involved, there was also plenty of humor and camaraderie.
The characters are all unique and bring different personalities to the table. I find I am growing quite fond of them all. The world-building, lore, mythology and the way Asher weaves them into the story offers an addictive tale.
William Dufris, narrates the stories and has become the voice of these characters. With some many of them, the unique voices enhance my enjoyment and allow the story to unfold before me. My only complaint, and not Dufris’s fault, is the overuse of attributives. That awkward, “he said.” I wish Asher would either write them different, perhaps in the middle of sentences or use them less in his writing. Another option would be to alter the audios. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 20, 2020
This Broken World by Eric R Asher
Book 4 of the Vesik series. Urban fantasy necromancer adventures. Best to read this as part of the series as characters, friendships and powers all change and evolve.
Epic storytelling with vivid battles, heroics, and powers that change worlds.
Humor and camaraderie are key features in this series as are war, fighting, and devastating kills.
Enthralling and epic.
Book 4 of the Vesik series. Urban fantasy necromancer adventures. Best to read this as part of the series as characters, friendships and powers all change and evolve.
Epic storytelling with vivid battles, heroics, and powers that change worlds.
Humor and camaraderie are key features in this series as are war, fighting, and devastating kills.
Enthralling and epic.
January 3, 2021
Returning to this series was very much like returning to a favorite tv show. The characters and their friendships had me smiling in no time. This is book 4 in the Vesik series and I am enjoying the story overall - going to dive right into book 5 now!
July 29, 2024
"This Broken World" by Eric R. Asher is book four in the " Vesik" series. If you want an action-packed book about werewolves, vampires, gods, a necromancer, and other paranormal things, then this is the book for you. Eric R. Asher knows how to keep you invested in this series by giving you a book that you just can't put down. I enjoy Damian's character and his sister Sam. Damian sure does keep busy and never has a boring moment. I will be moving on to the next book in the series to see what happens next.
June 25, 2020
love this series each book gets better and better
January 23, 2017
The Death's Door gang does it again!!
This book does a fantastic job in putting together a few of the strings that were left as teasers in books 1-3. Which I absolutely LOVED!!! it was like opening a bunch of gifts at Christmas when your theories were confirmed or there was a total plot twist you weren't expecting.
The author, Eric Asher, does an incredible job of bringing it together seamlessly, and again one of my favorite things is that he does not repeat himself in hte sense of retelling you who all the players are. which by book 4 as a reader we are all engaged and know full well who the main and secondary characters are and how they have all become part of what I like to call "The Death's Door Gang"
Now about the character development, I feel that Eric does a phenomenal job at growing the character form book to book making them more intricate and interesting. He slowly an seamlessly integrates parts of their past into the story line.
Book 4 also leaves you hanging in anticipation of book 5. Makes you NEED to read to know what happens next.
VESSIK ADDICT - yes that is me!!!
This book does a fantastic job in putting together a few of the strings that were left as teasers in books 1-3. Which I absolutely LOVED!!! it was like opening a bunch of gifts at Christmas when your theories were confirmed or there was a total plot twist you weren't expecting.
The author, Eric Asher, does an incredible job of bringing it together seamlessly, and again one of my favorite things is that he does not repeat himself in hte sense of retelling you who all the players are. which by book 4 as a reader we are all engaged and know full well who the main and secondary characters are and how they have all become part of what I like to call "The Death's Door Gang"
Now about the character development, I feel that Eric does a phenomenal job at growing the character form book to book making them more intricate and interesting. He slowly an seamlessly integrates parts of their past into the story line.
Book 4 also leaves you hanging in anticipation of book 5. Makes you NEED to read to know what happens next.
VESSIK ADDICT - yes that is me!!!
December 11, 2017
3.5 for Story, 3 for Narrator William Dufris
Mini-Review:
I really liked Dufris as the narrator when I listened to the first three books of the Vesik series, but that was earlier this year and what I want from a narrator has changed subtly since then. Dufris is a good narrator but the voice he uses for the main character Vesik is a bit "old" for the character. The conflict of what I visualize in my head and the voice he uses for him make the listening experience not as fun.
All the important pieces are in place and a ton of action explodes into being. I still really like Vesik and the world that Asher has created. Not sure if I care about the pacing for this book. It's a bit unwieldy. Several tasty bits of info was given and there is sure to be more action to come. A fun urban fantasy.
Mini-Review:
I really liked Dufris as the narrator when I listened to the first three books of the Vesik series, but that was earlier this year and what I want from a narrator has changed subtly since then. Dufris is a good narrator but the voice he uses for the main character Vesik is a bit "old" for the character. The conflict of what I visualize in my head and the voice he uses for him make the listening experience not as fun.
All the important pieces are in place and a ton of action explodes into being. I still really like Vesik and the world that Asher has created. Not sure if I care about the pacing for this book. It's a bit unwieldy. Several tasty bits of info was given and there is sure to be more action to come. A fun urban fantasy.
October 1, 2021
Outstanding. But it ended too soon. Can't wait to see what happens next!
July 17, 2018
Vesik is back and dealing with what his newly learned parentage means…
The actions of Phillip and Ezekiel have overworked the Watchers, who used to ‘clean up’ magic acts from the human world. Targetting them means less of them left to wipe the slate, and eventually magic is filmed or remembered or destroyed things can’t be repaired fast enough.
The old Double D shop was featured in a YouTube video and when Ezekiel starts pulling giant tentacle monsters from other realms to pull down bridges… people get killed.
The more time Vicki (the risen shade of the murdered girl) spends in the shadow realm, the more demonic she becomes. She’s ageing and that shouldn’t be happening.
This brings together a few threads from earlier books, and expands a few more. It’s getting complicated… which is exactly how it should be with this melting pot of worlds, races and gods. Each time they defeat an enemy it’s to find there is a larger one behind them.
Things that make me go… hmmm
And TG for Asher putting the boxed set on Audible - three books for one credit *fist pumps*
By the final chapters, the things that have happened have not only ramped up the existing war, but brought in a whole new player - humanity.
4 stars
The actions of Phillip and Ezekiel have overworked the Watchers, who used to ‘clean up’ magic acts from the human world. Targetting them means less of them left to wipe the slate, and eventually magic is filmed or remembered or destroyed things can’t be repaired fast enough.
The old Double D shop was featured in a YouTube video and when Ezekiel starts pulling giant tentacle monsters from other realms to pull down bridges… people get killed.
The more time Vicki (the risen shade of the murdered girl) spends in the shadow realm, the more demonic she becomes. She’s ageing and that shouldn’t be happening.
This brings together a few threads from earlier books, and expands a few more. It’s getting complicated… which is exactly how it should be with this melting pot of worlds, races and gods. Each time they defeat an enemy it’s to find there is a larger one behind them.
Things that make me go… hmmm
And TG for Asher putting the boxed set on Audible - three books for one credit *fist pumps*
By the final chapters, the things that have happened have not only ramped up the existing war, but brought in a whole new player - humanity.
4 stars
July 13, 2018
The more I read this series the more I like it.
It's always full of action. I'm starting to like the side characters more and more.
I had a hard time connecting to them at first, only because there are so many of them.
I still have a hard time when a name comes up that hasn't been mentioned recently, and trying to remember who that character is. I have to stop and think a moment. But the story is far enough in that there are some good details on some of them.
I love Vicki.
Yeah, the dogs kind of remind me of Mouse from the Dresden files.
I'm still not feeling the love interest. I just can't bring myself to really like her.
Perhaps it has something to do with her not being present a lot. But I don't care that much about her when she is on page.
As a whole, I find the entire series entertaining. I think the big arch of the series is stronger than the smaller arch of each book. That's good though. It keeps me wanting the next book.
It's always full of action. I'm starting to like the side characters more and more.
I had a hard time connecting to them at first, only because there are so many of them.
I still have a hard time when a name comes up that hasn't been mentioned recently, and trying to remember who that character is. I have to stop and think a moment. But the story is far enough in that there are some good details on some of them.
I love Vicki.
Yeah, the dogs kind of remind me of Mouse from the Dresden files.
I'm still not feeling the love interest. I just can't bring myself to really like her.
Perhaps it has something to do with her not being present a lot. But I don't care that much about her when she is on page.
As a whole, I find the entire series entertaining. I think the big arch of the series is stronger than the smaller arch of each book. That's good though. It keeps me wanting the next book.
November 6, 2018
Audiobook Review
I cannot get enough of the Vesik Series! Damien Vesik is sarcastic, witty, and a total bad a**! It's everything I love in a character. The supporting cast is phenomenal as well.
While normally the books are fast paced and action packed, book 4 This Broken World, started off much slower. Vesik continues his training with The Old Man and the reader gets a look into the backstory of several players. While this slowed the paced it was necessary and lead to the power of the overall tale. In other words, trust me, it is worth your time.
The ending epic battle spans several chapters and is reminiscent of something out of a Tolkien story (LOTR). Asher just keeps getting better!
William Dufris is a fantastic narrator. He is Damien Vesik. With the character list growing with each new installment, Dufris still finds unique voices and mannerisms to give each their own personality.
I highly recommend the Vesik Series and narrator William Dufris.
I cannot get enough of the Vesik Series! Damien Vesik is sarcastic, witty, and a total bad a**! It's everything I love in a character. The supporting cast is phenomenal as well.
While normally the books are fast paced and action packed, book 4 This Broken World, started off much slower. Vesik continues his training with The Old Man and the reader gets a look into the backstory of several players. While this slowed the paced it was necessary and lead to the power of the overall tale. In other words, trust me, it is worth your time.
The ending epic battle spans several chapters and is reminiscent of something out of a Tolkien story (LOTR). Asher just keeps getting better!
William Dufris is a fantastic narrator. He is Damien Vesik. With the character list growing with each new installment, Dufris still finds unique voices and mannerisms to give each their own personality.
I highly recommend the Vesik Series and narrator William Dufris.
January 28, 2022
This Broken World.. kind of ironic if your reading/listening to this anytime in the early 2020’s, but that’s just me. Book 4 finds our heroes from Death’s Doors or the Double D having to deal with a semi new set of issues. If it’s not the Unseelie Court Fairies, even more Zombies, or a certain portion of the local Wolfpack’s not trusting Damian due to who he is, it’s Zola’s former lover trying to take over the world. I guess it’s all in a days work for a Necromancer, a couple of fairies & a old southern women from back during slavery times.
December 20, 2021
This series is .... BIG. There is a lot going on. I find it very difficult to listen to large chunks at one time. There is not as much snark or humor as I might have preferred. Also, I generally believe that some authors (frequently men) ought not to include steamy scenes in their writing. Fortunately, the love interest pair in this series have spent most of this book separated. I really wasn't expecting where the story went.
December 9, 2018
Excellent well written story! Damian and friends are trying to stop Ezekiel from destroying the world. So much action, many surprises , bits of humor and romance. So many friends and even betrayals on a couple of fronts. It is a thoughtful book but I enjoyed it and hope you do!
September 1, 2017
This Broken World just blew me away. It's well written, fast paced, action packed, full of suspense and laced with snarky humor. Not a single boring page in the whole book. Epic read.
For those who want to know: This one has language, violence and a sex scene.
For those who want to know: This one has language, violence and a sex scene.
June 19, 2018
Great job Mr. Asher! This is a great and humorous read. The author has grown or I'm getting used to it but the series seems to be maturing. The first books seemed like every one was laughing at everything. Now the humor seems to be placed better.
September 25, 2018
Well that stepped things up a couple of notches. Still really enjoying the series, looking forward to the next one.
Only criticism would be that there are just too many characters to keep track of, I lose track. They are all good characters, just a lot of them.
Only criticism would be that there are just too many characters to keep track of, I lose track. They are all good characters, just a lot of them.
January 28, 2019
I like that Asher didn't make Vesik the end all be all. There are people more powerful than he and others must help Vesik. The story has kept my attention. Glad I stuck with it after the first book when it seemed like a Dresdan knock off. Asher definitely found his own story to tell.
August 1, 2017
I guess I am tired of this narrator. Good thing they raised the prices of the whispersync audio books, I won't be tempted to buy any more of them.
August 12, 2017
What a boring story plot, blah.
April 10, 2018
series is getting better and better. characters are all filling out nicely. and as one problem goes down the new ones it leaves get better and better.
May 9, 2018
By far my favorite of the series so far.
August 13, 2019
A great book filled with all the mind benders of Eric. I did get lost at the end, wasn't sure how the story took the turn of time and when it came back.
March 14, 2017
Well, this book does need the other three to have been read before it. That being said, it pulls together a whole bunch of loose ends and ties them together. The characters are great and so is the suspense. Well done, Mr. Asher!
February 1, 2015
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Damian is a Necromancer and a son of Anubis. He has been fighting battle after battle with his master Zola's ex-boyfriend that has been around for many, many years. Damian has fought all these battles but he has not won the war yet. Damian is a very soft hearted man but mess with someone he loves or cares about and he will at least show you that he has been there even if it gets his butt beat. But when it comes to his family and the people he cares about he will give it is all and it is going to take a lot for anyone to go up against him and will a battle.
Damian being a son of Anubis then he is going to have to keep fight these battles until he wins the war. If he does not win the war then the world will be destroyed along with all of the people. But Damian has no intentions of ever letting this happen so he will fight until the end no matter what it takes.
Damian has been training with The Old man Zeus and both of them are mighty powerful men or gods. They are not only teaching Damian how to throw punches but that he always must have a backup plan. He has to always watch his opponent for his weaknesses so that he can hopefully always have his next move planned out a heard of time. The Old Man has been teaching him that he can never let anyone get inside his guard that he always has to try and get inside their guard first. Weather he manages to get inside their guard or he could die. Damian is also being taught muscle memory as well so that when he fights all of his moves will be second nature to him. He will be able to make his moves and never give it a second thought. To be a good fighter you cannot fight with your hands alone.
I have read all of the Vesik books and loved them all. If you love zombie books like I do then you need to read the Vesik series. Each and every book in the series have all been just fantastic. If you have not read them then I sugest that start with Days Gone Bad the first book in the Vesik series.
Damian is a Necromancer and a son of Anubis. He has been fighting battle after battle with his master Zola's ex-boyfriend that has been around for many, many years. Damian has fought all these battles but he has not won the war yet. Damian is a very soft hearted man but mess with someone he loves or cares about and he will at least show you that he has been there even if it gets his butt beat. But when it comes to his family and the people he cares about he will give it is all and it is going to take a lot for anyone to go up against him and will a battle.
Damian being a son of Anubis then he is going to have to keep fight these battles until he wins the war. If he does not win the war then the world will be destroyed along with all of the people. But Damian has no intentions of ever letting this happen so he will fight until the end no matter what it takes.
Damian has been training with The Old man Zeus and both of them are mighty powerful men or gods. They are not only teaching Damian how to throw punches but that he always must have a backup plan. He has to always watch his opponent for his weaknesses so that he can hopefully always have his next move planned out a heard of time. The Old Man has been teaching him that he can never let anyone get inside his guard that he always has to try and get inside their guard first. Weather he manages to get inside their guard or he could die. Damian is also being taught muscle memory as well so that when he fights all of his moves will be second nature to him. He will be able to make his moves and never give it a second thought. To be a good fighter you cannot fight with your hands alone.
I have read all of the Vesik books and loved them all. If you love zombie books like I do then you need to read the Vesik series. Each and every book in the series have all been just fantastic. If you have not read them then I sugest that start with Days Gone Bad the first book in the Vesik series.
July 6, 2020
My Thoughts:
In the last instalment in this series, the entire book is about our group of protagonists running around from one fight to another. This book is more of the same. Having said that, this series is starting to feel like "same old, same old". Being book 4, I hope that the author has more tricks up his sleeve to keep this series alive.
In this book, the story arc embarks on to a, "coming of age" theme. The entire world is no longer the same. So from urban fantasy, this book is taking on a post-apocalyptic genre cross-over. Thus the title " This Broken World ". The world is permanently changed and expecting chaos. It would be fun to see how Eric Asher spins this story arc into. For now, we see the birth of a new world. And its broken. Meaning we will see more fighting like we have been seeing for the last few books. But I still like the idea of Vesik so I will continue following this series until I've had enough...
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4
Story itself = 3
Writing Style = 3.5
Ending = 3.5
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 1.5
Plot = 3
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 cherries
http://www.cherrymischievous.com/2019...
In the last instalment in this series, the entire book is about our group of protagonists running around from one fight to another. This book is more of the same. Having said that, this series is starting to feel like "same old, same old". Being book 4, I hope that the author has more tricks up his sleeve to keep this series alive.
In this book, the story arc embarks on to a, "coming of age" theme. The entire world is no longer the same. So from urban fantasy, this book is taking on a post-apocalyptic genre cross-over. Thus the title " This Broken World ". The world is permanently changed and expecting chaos. It would be fun to see how Eric Asher spins this story arc into. For now, we see the birth of a new world. And its broken. Meaning we will see more fighting like we have been seeing for the last few books. But I still like the idea of Vesik so I will continue following this series until I've had enough...
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4
Story itself = 3
Writing Style = 3.5
Ending = 3.5
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 1.5
Plot = 3
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 cherries
http://www.cherrymischievous.com/2019...
February 12, 2017
The Vesik series is quickly rising in my list of favorite book series!!
Great story full of fantastic creatures of Legend, stunning acts of heroism, spooks galore, and a few vanilla humans as well! Light and Dark, intricately woven together in the struggles for triumph.
Well done Eric!!
Also sparking an interest in driving over towards St. Louis and St. Charles, where my mom's side of the family comes from. Maybe even see if I can find the ones buried in Calvary Cemetery..
Great story full of fantastic creatures of Legend, stunning acts of heroism, spooks galore, and a few vanilla humans as well! Light and Dark, intricately woven together in the struggles for triumph.
Well done Eric!!
Also sparking an interest in driving over towards St. Louis and St. Charles, where my mom's side of the family comes from. Maybe even see if I can find the ones buried in Calvary Cemetery..
May 30, 2019
This broken world
Another stunning book in this series. I truly enjoyed this book.
The storyline is packed with action very detailed, the author has a fantastic way to pull you in.
I love the characters and more secrets will be revealed. The storyline has a strong plot with twist and turns. It is truly a broken world now with everything revealed, faeries are now been seen as well the monsters. The military gets involved there is no going back now. Ezekiel is gone for now but what else will come to make it difficult for Damian, Zola and all the friends who fighting for the good in this broken world. Not to forget Foster, LOL love his humour. I looking forward for the next story.
Definitely worth the money for such fantastic book series.
Another stunning book in this series. I truly enjoyed this book.
The storyline is packed with action very detailed, the author has a fantastic way to pull you in.
I love the characters and more secrets will be revealed. The storyline has a strong plot with twist and turns. It is truly a broken world now with everything revealed, faeries are now been seen as well the monsters. The military gets involved there is no going back now. Ezekiel is gone for now but what else will come to make it difficult for Damian, Zola and all the friends who fighting for the good in this broken world. Not to forget Foster, LOL love his humour. I looking forward for the next story.
Definitely worth the money for such fantastic book series.
December 28, 2019
This book in the series had a slower start, but it was still as awesome as the rest. I have come to really enjoy seeing the characters in this series grow and change. I love how this world is developing and it all flows together so well. I love how even though so much is changing and there's the chances to go evil and yet Damian stays true to himself and he only really wants to protect the people he loves from anyone who would want to hurt them. There were somethings that I didn't see coming, but it just made the story more awesome. I'm coming to find that William is an awesome narrator and he's going on my list of favorites.
November 6, 2017
In the coming to the end of an arc, it was worrisome that the end of a series might come about as well. But as this book goes forward, it is clear that that there is more than just the arc that we have seen - and that there is much more to come in the world of Vesik and his crew. And we are still being introduced to more characters and even as the cast grows, there isn't the worry of losing track of anyone. No one is forgotten, room is made at the table, the new folks are welcomed, and I can't wait to see what they bring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews