The Dark Warden

Frostborn #6

by Jonathan Moeller

RIDMARK ARBAN is the Gray Knight, questing to stop the return of the terrible Frostborn to the High King’s realm. For years he has sought the secret of the Frostborn, and now the answer is at hand within the walls of the cursed citadel of Urd Morlemoch.

For the Warden of Urd Morlemoch knows the secret.

CALLIANDE seeks for her past, her memory lost in fog. She seeks to stop the return of the Frostborn, but the secret of their defeat is trapped within her damaged memory. The truth of her past awaits within the walls of Urd Morlemoch.

For the Warden of Urd Morlemoch knows who she really is.

THE WARDEN has been imprisoned within Urd Morlemoch for centuries beyond count, his potent magic chained behind its walls.

But his final game is almost complete.

And worlds beyond count shall tremble before his power…

Genres: Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Epic Fantasy

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2014

About the author

Standing over six feet tall, USA Today bestselling author Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.

He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this incredibly difficult to put down, and I was pleasantly surprised at just how much exposition was packed into the plot twists, as well as the lovely link in the drawn out climax. I think a piece of the story perhaps was forgotten, but I suspect the author has other plans. There was a fairly good resolution, but I would have preferred more. I can't wait to continue with the series.

[John Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Moeller with lots of action and adventure. Not to mention a lot of times where I was not sure whether or not the friends and companions would have made it out alive. But now one of the companions has gained dark magic and will it lead to them being killed is the question. Also they've now got another addition to the group; and 2 in the group that are able to use to powerful swords. Now they know where they need to go next which it almost cost them their lives to find out the information so they are headed to obtain two Items of power which is easier said than done. Ridmark gave them all a chance to leave the party and everyone decided to continue on to the ancient Dwarven ruins.

[Lanzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novel ke-6 dalam siri Frostborn, bergenre high fantasy (sword & sorcery), di mana world building mengambil inspirasi daripada Tolkien lore dan Arthurian legend. Seperti buku2 sebelumnya, buku ni juga padat dengan aksi2 pertarungan, pengembaraan, serta konflik. Best dilayan untuk peminat2 genre ini.

Buku kali ni menyambung kisah pengembaraan Ridmark Arban dan rakan-rakannya; Calliande (Magistrius), Kharlacht (orc warrior), Caius (dwarf), Gavin (squire), Morigna (sorceress), Jager (halfling thief), dan Mara (half-elf assassin). Selepas 5 buku, akhirnya mereka sampai ke destinasi yg mereka tuju, iaitu Urd Morlemoch. Di sana, mereka telah disertai oleh Arandar, seorang Swordbearer yg mempunyai misi tersendiri. Mereka terpaksa menempuh pelbagai halangan serta helah The Warden bagi mendapatkan jawapan tentang kemunculan semula frostborn...

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am just devouring this series, it is so good. Basically non stop action around a great story. This book is followed by a short story - The Traitors Tale - which give the background story of a new character and also gives the first glimpse of the Frostborn. It is not necessary to read the short stories in this series, they are just character backgrounds

[Salvatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this story is getting better and better as time goes on. There were some grammar and spelling errors even I could spot, but that doesn't matter as the book was GREAT.

The Warden and his plots and plots within plots was excellent, the love triangle is getting really interesting and Ridmark, man, what a guy - legendary :)

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great books!

I love the flow as the story unfolds. The storyline is not drawn out and keeps you turning the page wanting to see what happens next. I also love the unexpected twists every now and then. I got into this series with The Sevenfold Sword but had to go back to the first book Frostborn because I wanted to see where the characters originated. Loved all the books so far.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At long last.

In Frostborn #6 our merry band of travelers finally has their own encounter with the Warden, a dark elf bent on escaping his self imposed prison. As usual, they win out against impossible odds. Still enjoyable!

[john durante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never a dull moment

The books are actually getting easier to read. I am reading the the story faster now than I did on the previous books. The characters are well thought out and developed.

[Sedna Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good at answering questions, yet doing it in a way that still keeps the mystery going. Although we do learn about Calliande her past, she still does not get her memories back. This'd followed by a very shocking moment just helped keep you hooked in.

[Russell Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, the best in the series. Lots of answers to questions that have been asked throughout the series are kept in this book!

[sandra mae zendrosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridmark Conquers

I enjoyed this book very much. It was another great adventure with Ridmark's group conquering orcs, wardens and other creatures to get to their goal.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, one of the most enjoyable of the series so far. Finally confront the Warden and many questions answered.

[Nick Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series pros and cons continue. On the plus side it's an easy read, which ticks the band of adventurers/DnD theme in a solid fantasy world well. On the negative side the other constants in the series, the main hero being far too good/skilled and the heroes overcoming what should be impossible odds also remain.

That said this one I think is one of the strongest in the series. For starters there is one point where there looks to be a genuine bit of uncertainty as to whether the heroes will make it, as the focus slips off the protagonist. There's also some stronger character building and depth, as all the heroes get a nod to backstory and history, with a couple featuring more prominently in the character development stakes. Best of all you see a bit of long term planning - as elements from the earlier novels actually come into play and fit into the story well.

So whilst it's never going to be an epic, the series is heading on an upwards trajectory and brilliantly fulfils that easy heroes on a quest itch that you may have. If you aren't expecting a classic, then you'll be pleased with what is a strong read in the easy fantasy section. 4 stars.

[BJ ODonovan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I enjoyed this one as with the others and I do want to know what happens but it’s getting a bit samey. Stop frost born coming creatures in the way. Kill the creatures last minute save by an event or other person, I have enjoyed Gavin’s progression more than ridmark’s I think I will take a break and read something else and come back to adomhaim another time. The grammar is bad, and repeated story details are tough to read over and over again but might not be so bad if you were to read them as they were released. Jäger’s humour is a welcome relief. I despise the character morigna, and I am not sure I am supposed to, she just reminds me of a really nasty girl friend I had once This relationship should by all rights turn sour fast and I am sure it will. Oh and does any one wish someone would die in this story. All the good guys are practically immortal, you think the warden would have at least managed to bump off one of them. But no we continually add to an ever growing group of protagonists( sigh) any way it’s been fun like I said I will come back later.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m done. As much as I might like to see how this series ends, I simply can’t continue to support an author who cares so little for the quality of his work. The story potential is there, but it is overshadowed by the persistent grammatical errors that could be easily fixed if the author bothered to use a competent proofreader. Instead he tosses out book after book with the same careless mistakes. Now he’s taken to unnecessarily dragging out the plot as if it’s his goal to write more books rather than better ones.
I can almost....almost!...put up with the overdone plot points repeated ad nauseum in each book, but it’s becoming annoying now. Too many similar fight scenes; too many repeated explanations for events already covered. Anyone who’s made it this far into the series knows that Ridmark feels guilty for his wife’s death and doesn’t care if he lives or dies, yet this fact is driven home over and over and over.
We get it; we remember it; move on.

[Suki Rickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 6

Book 6 still had errors and repeated information. The plot is still more or less the same with enimies and trials in the path of the characters main goal.

[Yoggiebear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Each book gets better and better. The characters grow in depth each time and the story lines more intense. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Jonathan G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension & suspense building...

Amazing writing! Did not want to put it down. Everything you want & more! I think Jonathan Moeller is a genius!

[Spencer Kanen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This almost felt like the climax of the series when the Dark Warden is defeated. However another picks up his mantle and now the story continues

[Richard Gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book 6

This is a good long series, well written and with a pleasant depth to the world built for it, it's nice to know where Arthur and his folks went and how they did

[Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book so far in the series, with better character development etc. I just don't understand why the history of each and every character needs to be explained over and over again throughout the series.

[Shaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel utterly betrayed. Calliande seemed to take Ridmark's choice with grace and dignity but I am livid. Why, oh why? Poor Calliande!

[Teryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many similar battles for me. I am struggling to decide whether to finish the series or not. I like the characters and the story line, but feel it could have been condensed.