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Unbound #12
Ruin
Moons fall. Chains creak. Ruin descends.
Felix survived the assault on Amaranth, rescued the Unbound, and escaped the cataclysmic destruction of Noctis’ fallen moon. He won.
But victory has left the north broken.
The Hierocracy has shattered beneath the weight of moonfall, and its fragments have become a feast for enemies eager to claim the fallen empire’s mantle. Gods stir. Monsters rage. Across the Territories, old powers and new horrors rage within the Territories.
Felix cannot afford to falter. He must settle his rule, sharpen his allies, and become something greater than the man who defied the impossible. Raise the banner of the Blue Eyed Fiend. Sing the Lost songs. The final battle is upon us.
Ruin has come.
Felix survived the assault on Amaranth, rescued the Unbound, and escaped the cataclysmic destruction of Noctis’ fallen moon. He won.
But victory has left the north broken.
The Hierocracy has shattered beneath the weight of moonfall, and its fragments have become a feast for enemies eager to claim the fallen empire’s mantle. Gods stir. Monsters rage. Across the Territories, old powers and new horrors rage within the Territories.
Felix cannot afford to falter. He must settle his rule, sharpen his allies, and become something greater than the man who defied the impossible. Raise the banner of the Blue Eyed Fiend. Sing the Lost songs. The final battle is upon us.
Ruin has come.
1390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 9, 2026
Cramped and hurried
Even with a book listed with over 1,000 pages, I cannot help but to feel that too much was left out. Primarily due extremely excessive "fight scenes" that felt like they were the results of hardcore stimulant driven sessions (they do not make your writing better, they only make you write a lot).
The first 30% (~300 pages) could EASILY be shortened to 100 pages and nothing of substance would be missed. But with a formula primarly consisting of:
- fight
- all is lost moment
- overcome
- some sort of reverse dues ex machina BS happens to extend fight
- another all is lost moment
- more BS happens
- several more steps of needless crap
- end of fight (sometimes)
And all of that for very little progression for Felix or resolution to issues that have been built up (well over a book's worth of importance of Core Manifestation, only for it to come "magically" and, of course, at a "all is lost moment".....smh...that "formula"...).
Artificial difficulty (an item to make everything harder, really? And forget about it? And for it to really do nothing except for inorganically inflate page number).
Paragon tier? Nope. That was cast to the side and was worth all of something like 2 pages (maybe?). And what about the one like mention of the tier after Paragon (not spoiling that so the reason this is not posted is not due to that)? Even though it does not make sense and there was not much (if at all) ever mentioned about the tier, it is just quickly cast to the side (again....very strong vibes of excessive stimulant usage).
Im going to end the critique here because I could write another 1,000 words easily. Only reasons I do not give it a 1 star:
- my 1 star reviews has a "surprising" tendancy to not be posted
- about 20% of the book was actually worth reading and had some solid lore information.
Depressing finish to the series, but not too surprising.
Even with a book listed with over 1,000 pages, I cannot help but to feel that too much was left out. Primarily due extremely excessive "fight scenes" that felt like they were the results of hardcore stimulant driven sessions (they do not make your writing better, they only make you write a lot).
The first 30% (~300 pages) could EASILY be shortened to 100 pages and nothing of substance would be missed. But with a formula primarly consisting of:
- fight
- all is lost moment
- overcome
- some sort of reverse dues ex machina BS happens to extend fight
- another all is lost moment
- more BS happens
- several more steps of needless crap
- end of fight (sometimes)
And all of that for very little progression for Felix or resolution to issues that have been built up (well over a book's worth of importance of Core Manifestation, only for it to come "magically" and, of course, at a "all is lost moment".....smh...that "formula"...).
Artificial difficulty (an item to make everything harder, really? And forget about it? And for it to really do nothing except for inorganically inflate page number).
Paragon tier? Nope. That was cast to the side and was worth all of something like 2 pages (maybe?). And what about the one like mention of the tier after Paragon (not spoiling that so the reason this is not posted is not due to that)? Even though it does not make sense and there was not much (if at all) ever mentioned about the tier, it is just quickly cast to the side (again....very strong vibes of excessive stimulant usage).
Im going to end the critique here because I could write another 1,000 words easily. Only reasons I do not give it a 1 star:
- my 1 star reviews has a "surprising" tendancy to not be posted
- about 20% of the book was actually worth reading and had some solid lore information.
Depressing finish to the series, but not too surprising.
July 9, 2026
The ending we all needed
I think its better that it ended here. I feel the world would have become lesser if it kept on. I am happy the romance aspects resolved before the end. I'm looking forward to whatever stories come from this author next.
I think its better that it ended here. I feel the world would have become lesser if it kept on. I am happy the romance aspects resolved before the end. I'm looking forward to whatever stories come from this author next.
July 23, 2026
The Never ending Book
First let me say that I really enjoyed the series. Unfortunately, the final installment left much to be desired. The book was entirely too long and could have benefited from an editor. Ideally the book would have been 40% shorter. The author spent too much time focusing on the other unbound and not enough on the 5 original main characters. There was way too much focus on abilities. At times the book read like an RPG strategy guide. The final battle dragged on and on. In short, this book would have been much better if it was much shorter.
First let me say that I really enjoyed the series. Unfortunately, the final installment left much to be desired. The book was entirely too long and could have benefited from an editor. Ideally the book would have been 40% shorter. The author spent too much time focusing on the other unbound and not enough on the 5 original main characters. There was way too much focus on abilities. At times the book read like an RPG strategy guide. The final battle dragged on and on. In short, this book would have been much better if it was much shorter.
July 28, 2026
Speechless!
It's hard to come up with the words to describe how I feel, this has been one of my all-time favorite series and its hard to see it finally end. The journey from seeing Felix enter the Continent to becoming a (spoiler), its been one hell of a ride. Nicoli created something amazing with this series, a Magic System that I haven't seen anywhere else, a Skill System that makes the brain run around with ideas, and Lore that just drops the jaw in "Celestial Feces I did not see that coming". All of it has been a ride that I'm happy to have had the pleasure to be along, book after book, months after months waiting for the next one to drop, perfection.
Mountain Dale Press and Dakota as a whole where smart in snagging Nicoli, his writing and imagination for a world of power and struggle was genius. I can't wait to read his future works, and here's to hoping one day we'll return to the Continent, be it of the past, present, or future.
Thank you for bringing us along in your mad dash!!
It's hard to come up with the words to describe how I feel, this has been one of my all-time favorite series and its hard to see it finally end. The journey from seeing Felix enter the Continent to becoming a (spoiler), its been one hell of a ride. Nicoli created something amazing with this series, a Magic System that I haven't seen anywhere else, a Skill System that makes the brain run around with ideas, and Lore that just drops the jaw in "Celestial Feces I did not see that coming". All of it has been a ride that I'm happy to have had the pleasure to be along, book after book, months after months waiting for the next one to drop, perfection.
Mountain Dale Press and Dakota as a whole where smart in snagging Nicoli, his writing and imagination for a world of power and struggle was genius. I can't wait to read his future works, and here's to hoping one day we'll return to the Continent, be it of the past, present, or future.
Thank you for bringing us along in your mad dash!!
June 30, 2026
I didn't think I'd cry, but lo and behold.
Unbound was a great series. I didn't think that I'd enjoy it as much as I did when I first picked it up, but it was a delight from beginning to end. While there are nitpicks that could be made, this felt like the one-in-a-million Completed LitRPG series - This was narrated very nicely by Travis Baldree, the systems in place were interesting*, the plot lines made good sense and the side characters made everything better. Delving into ancient ruins and finding sick loot was a great time, and while it did seem like an appropriate point to end the series at I am sad that there won't be a deeper dive into kingdom management, more exploration and seeing the rest of the Continent.
Unbound was a great series. I didn't think that I'd enjoy it as much as I did when I first picked it up, but it was a delight from beginning to end. While there are nitpicks that could be made, this felt like the one-in-a-million Completed LitRPG series - This was narrated very nicely by Travis Baldree, the systems in place were interesting*, the plot lines made good sense and the side characters made everything better. Delving into ancient ruins and finding sick loot was a great time, and while it did seem like an appropriate point to end the series at I am sad that there won't be a deeper dive into kingdom management, more exploration and seeing the rest of the Continent.
July 21, 2026
Probably the worst book in the series.
I see what the author was going for with the epic fight scenes all over the place. Very movie-like. Unfortunately, it doesn't show up well in the book. I think I skipped 50%-75% of the fight scenes because it was just so many words that meant nothing.
The book suffered from a weakness of the LitRPG genre. By the time you are past book 5 in any series, no one really cares about levels. It's about the story and characters. He should have max leveled the character at the beginning of the book and then proceeded with the ending growth arc. I know it would have reduced the word count...
The ending was 'meh'. I gave it an extra star because at least the series ended which is rare.
I see what the author was going for with the epic fight scenes all over the place. Very movie-like. Unfortunately, it doesn't show up well in the book. I think I skipped 50%-75% of the fight scenes because it was just so many words that meant nothing.
The book suffered from a weakness of the LitRPG genre. By the time you are past book 5 in any series, no one really cares about levels. It's about the story and characters. He should have max leveled the character at the beginning of the book and then proceeded with the ending growth arc. I know it would have reduced the word count...
The ending was 'meh'. I gave it an extra star because at least the series ended which is rare.
July 1, 2026
Go grab the book quick! As Gods are on the menu...
Best Book Evarrr! Best Series Evarrr! As Felix and the rest of the Unbound are still reeling over their surprising win against the Hierocracy, and the fallen moon of Noctus, it's hard to celebrate when so many of their allies lost their lives. But when Felix actually thought about everything that happened Felix realized Vess his love, might actually be alive!!! She had to be... escaping death by walking the Omen path! They had to go back to Amaranth and rescue her. This is a no-holds-barred Finale! To the... Best! Series! Evarrr!
And the audiobook? Get it! Travis Baldree is AwesomeSauce!
Best Book Evarrr! Best Series Evarrr! As Felix and the rest of the Unbound are still reeling over their surprising win against the Hierocracy, and the fallen moon of Noctus, it's hard to celebrate when so many of their allies lost their lives. But when Felix actually thought about everything that happened Felix realized Vess his love, might actually be alive!!! She had to be... escaping death by walking the Omen path! They had to go back to Amaranth and rescue her. This is a no-holds-barred Finale! To the... Best! Series! Evarrr!
And the audiobook? Get it! Travis Baldree is AwesomeSauce!
July 15, 2026
Unbound 12: Ruin
The assault on the Hierocracy to rescue the Unbound was a success, but not a complete one. The Ruin was summoned and it will hit soon. To top that, the gods are almost free from their chains. Felix will need to lead his empire to war. If he fails, the world will fall to Ruin.
This entire Isekai litrpg series is nonstop action and the final book is no different! The stakes are intense and the action is amazing. It is well worth the credit, this book is almost 35 hours long! It was a satisfying ending and I’m glad to have read this series. Travis Baldree does a great job with the narration.
Content warning: language
The assault on the Hierocracy to rescue the Unbound was a success, but not a complete one. The Ruin was summoned and it will hit soon. To top that, the gods are almost free from their chains. Felix will need to lead his empire to war. If he fails, the world will fall to Ruin.
This entire Isekai litrpg series is nonstop action and the final book is no different! The stakes are intense and the action is amazing. It is well worth the credit, this book is almost 35 hours long! It was a satisfying ending and I’m glad to have read this series. Travis Baldree does a great job with the narration.
Content warning: language
July 24, 2026
For a finale, it's a great combination of blistering big action, ginormous stakes, big appetites, and ass-pulls that are enormous ass-pulls even for a series that basically defines itself on ass-pullery.
Don't mind me much. I've actually grown rather fond of this particular ass-pullery. For one, it always keeps the plot moving forward. For another, it gives the reader a sense that it could never really end because the plot armor is infinite.
But then it ends. Satisfyingly so, even. I like the turn it took and I feel no remorse for all those gods. None. It just goes to show, it doesn't pay to be a dick. If you do, expect to have a whale show up to a god-fight.
Don't mind me much. I've actually grown rather fond of this particular ass-pullery. For one, it always keeps the plot moving forward. For another, it gives the reader a sense that it could never really end because the plot armor is infinite.
But then it ends. Satisfyingly so, even. I like the turn it took and I feel no remorse for all those gods. None. It just goes to show, it doesn't pay to be a dick. If you do, expect to have a whale show up to a god-fight.
July 3, 2026
Well worth the investment!
I can’t say enough good things about this series. I’ve loved every addition to Felix’s life on the Continent and seeing how he’s grown in power as well as simply as a good person. I loved how so many of the hints and foreshadowing that we’ve seen throughout the series have been tied up so wonderfully with this conclusion.
The only bad thing that I can think of is that I won’t get to anticipate the next book. But Sovereign Sight does sound intriguing!
I can’t say enough good things about this series. I’ve loved every addition to Felix’s life on the Continent and seeing how he’s grown in power as well as simply as a good person. I loved how so many of the hints and foreshadowing that we’ve seen throughout the series have been tied up so wonderfully with this conclusion.
The only bad thing that I can think of is that I won’t get to anticipate the next book. But Sovereign Sight does sound intriguing!
July 31, 2026
Went in blind, not knowing it was the finale of the story. On one hand I can respect a litrpg author that knows when to end his series, but on the other this made the first half of the book worse retrospectively. That first half is very meandering, introduce brand new elements that could have grown further but instead goes nowhere and for what? Just end up the usual threat scaling going "nuh uh, I chose the power of being good and caring, so now i'm obviously stronger!". Not a bad book in the end, just unfocused.
July 1, 2026
A good and solid read.
This books finishes the story. The author's writing is as good as we've come to expect from him. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because the pacing is off in this book. There were some places where flushing put some of the back story to parts that were being searched for, would have helped the continuity and the overall plot line. I recommend reading this book.
This books finishes the story. The author's writing is as good as we've come to expect from him. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because the pacing is off in this book. There were some places where flushing put some of the back story to parts that were being searched for, would have helped the continuity and the overall plot line. I recommend reading this book.
July 2, 2026
A bittersweet thing.
It's always bittersweet when a series ends, you've grown attached to the characters and world. But they can't go on forever, that doesn't work either. This was a pretty solid ending. All the loose ends pretty well wrapped up, my only complaint is we don't get a final stat breakdown for everyone.
It's always bittersweet when a series ends, you've grown attached to the characters and world. But they can't go on forever, that doesn't work either. This was a pretty solid ending. All the loose ends pretty well wrapped up, my only complaint is we don't get a final stat breakdown for everyone.
July 3, 2026
Brilliant
I've been reading this nearly from the start and can't believe it's ended. It's been a brilliant series and one of the best I've read in a while. Really hope you come back to more adventures with Felix, as he's been a brilliant MC and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he gets up to next. I'm also looking forward to other stories by you.
I've been reading this nearly from the start and can't believe it's ended. It's been a brilliant series and one of the best I've read in a while. Really hope you come back to more adventures with Felix, as he's been a brilliant MC and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he gets up to next. I'm also looking forward to other stories by you.
July 8, 2026
A Good Book…
Which could have been great…. I love long in-depth books. However, this is a story that could have been shortened by at least 300 pages. It seemed the author threw everything into this and tried to tie up all the loose ends. In doing so, it made the book drag a bit towards the end. However, I will continue reading the follow-on series.
Which could have been great…. I love long in-depth books. However, this is a story that could have been shortened by at least 300 pages. It seemed the author threw everything into this and tried to tie up all the loose ends. In doing so, it made the book drag a bit towards the end. However, I will continue reading the follow-on series.
July 12, 2026
Very nice
This was/is one series that did not drag, it kept peace until the very last book and what a good one it is also. Ruin capped off a wild ride and I'm glad I was able to enjoy it. Do yourself a favor and read the whole series if possible read it one book after the other. I didn't have that luxury so I may need to go reread it from the beginning.
This was/is one series that did not drag, it kept peace until the very last book and what a good one it is also. Ruin capped off a wild ride and I'm glad I was able to enjoy it. Do yourself a favor and read the whole series if possible read it one book after the other. I didn't have that luxury so I may need to go reread it from the beginning.
July 13, 2026
While the ending was a bit rough, overall this book was a fun finale for the series. Decent battles, which make up much of the book, and a final battle that ends with a bit of a surprise. I'll miss the characters and am looking forward to the next book. And, sadly, it made me want a pet dragon badly. Nice job!
August 16, 2026
wonderful
This entire series of books has really been great. I have enjoyed every book! I think it is a great series and that was. Wonderful ending. I kinda ant more books but I don’t really know where to go from here except more on quest and war. But that wouldn’t be bad. Start at bookone and read all the way through!
This entire series of books has really been great. I have enjoyed every book! I think it is a great series and that was. Wonderful ending. I kinda ant more books but I don’t really know where to go from here except more on quest and war. But that wouldn’t be bad. Start at bookone and read all the way through!
July 1, 2026
A fantastic end to the series. I enjoyed every second of all 12 books. I have reread the series a few times now and love it just the same on each reading.
Thank you for the fun and exciting adventure!!!
Thank you for the fun and exciting adventure!!!
July 7, 2026
Good, needs more proofreading
Solid ending to a series, tied everything together. As mentioned needs more proofreading, there are grammar and spelling mistakes throughout that interrupt the flow.
Solid ending to a series, tied everything together. As mentioned needs more proofreading, there are grammar and spelling mistakes throughout that interrupt the flow.
July 12, 2026
I found such enjoyment from this series
Every book made me smile, thank you for creating something special, it’s truly wonderful. I’ll of course be waiting for another treasure in the future.
Every book made me smile, thank you for creating something special, it’s truly wonderful. I’ll of course be waiting for another treasure in the future.
July 30, 2026
Disappointed
The writer did a wonderful job getting the reader invested in the characters and the adventures they had. The ending left me a little mad and confused. I am very happy that the writer did give us a true ending unlike so many other writers.
The writer did a wonderful job getting the reader invested in the characters and the adventures they had. The ending left me a little mad and confused. I am very happy that the writer did give us a true ending unlike so many other writers.
July 1, 2026
Excellent ending to the series
July 9, 2026
What an incredible ending to an outstanding series. I'm genuinely sad that it's over and there's no more empire-building and conquering to look forward to. I highly recommend this series!
July 9, 2026
highly recommend
A Great series, very nice, I enjoyed it, even though some of the complicated aspects were in the author head.
A Great series, very nice, I enjoyed it, even though some of the complicated aspects were in the author head.
July 17, 2026
A satisfying conclusion
This series has been impressive from the start, but Gonnella hit the ending out of the park. Thank you for an amazing story.
This series has been impressive from the start, but Gonnella hit the ending out of the park. Thank you for an amazing story.
July 17, 2026
Wow
Satisfying end to the story I loved it. Worth the wait. Looking forward to your next series. I was wondering if that last 200 pages was enough to wrap everything up and it was.
Satisfying end to the story I loved it. Worth the wait. Looking forward to your next series. I was wondering if that last 200 pages was enough to wrap everything up and it was.
July 18, 2026
Loved this series
The plot line and characters had the depth and entire series was beautifully written. Thank you for the many years of dedication, Nicoli!
The plot line and characters had the depth and entire series was beautifully written. Thank you for the many years of dedication, Nicoli!
August 11, 2026
great series sad it’s over
Thanks Nicole Gonnella!! I’m sad it’s over and look forward to reading more you’ve written! Could have made it even longer!
Thanks Nicole Gonnella!! I’m sad it’s over and look forward to reading more you’ve written! Could have made it even longer!
August 16, 2026
good ending
Satisfying completion of this long story. I enjoyed finding out some of the last mysteries and the story remained true to its beginning.
Satisfying completion of this long story. I enjoyed finding out some of the last mysteries and the story remained true to its beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews