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Convergence #5
Desperate Measures
Their leader has been taken by the enemy. Secrets are at risk of being exposed. The enemy offers such a bad deal, it has to be a joke. They must think Kaz is stupid, and he’s not.
But sometimes, a bad deal is the best you can hope for.
But sometimes, a bad deal is the best you can hope for.
540 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
137 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
46 books4,290 followersIf you want to stay up to date on releases, receive promotion alerts and speak to me directly, please join my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 12, 2025
A great addition to the series, with some epic moments, heartfelt moments and funny moments. Mr. Boots and Duke stay my favourites of course. There were a good amount of dragged out parts though.
September 9, 2025
3/5 stars
This series is really failing to grasp me in a meaningful way. I still enjoy it, but it's like watching a sitcom. It's entertaining moment-to-moment, but nothing about it feels truly substantial. It continues having good comedy, but if it weren't for me loving the author's other work I would likely drop it.
This series is really failing to grasp me in a meaningful way. I still enjoy it, but it's like watching a sitcom. It's entertaining moment-to-moment, but nothing about it feels truly substantial. It continues having good comedy, but if it weren't for me loving the author's other work I would likely drop it.
September 7, 2025
These books are kinda silly but they’re really fun, especially to listen to. R.C. Bray does a fantastic job narrating. The story is interesting but it does kind of meander along with occasional plot progressions. Really though, Craig Alanson excels with his banter between characters. I never thought I would enjoy back and forth so much between humans and a talking dog, a talking cat and several other mythical creatures and people. I wish the story would get to the point more often but it’s a fun ride nonetheless.
August 10, 2025
Grammar Issues continue
See my Convergence 4 review, this one has some improvements but word choice and grammar continue. I don't mind mis-spelling but grammar issues...make you stop n try to figure out what is being said, happening.
Love the series plot and characters but it's being trashed with grammar problems that disrupt flow while reading. That's frustrating.
And, at this point, I'd prefer more of this series, in a timely manner, than other works. But it's not happening. I believe mid next year will be when next one will be out. Ouch. Guess more money made elsewhere.
See my Convergence 4 review, this one has some improvements but word choice and grammar continue. I don't mind mis-spelling but grammar issues...make you stop n try to figure out what is being said, happening.
Love the series plot and characters but it's being trashed with grammar problems that disrupt flow while reading. That's frustrating.
And, at this point, I'd prefer more of this series, in a timely manner, than other works. But it's not happening. I believe mid next year will be when next one will be out. Ouch. Guess more money made elsewhere.
August 12, 2025
Once again, Alanson makes a pretty good story. RC Bray is as usual, the best narrator on Audible.
January 25, 2026
Convergence: Desperate Measures as an audiobook is a familiar, comfortable listen for fans of Craig Alanson, even if it doesn’t push the overall story forward as much as some might hope. The standout, once again, is the narration by R.C. Bray. Bray’s performance is polished, energetic, and full of personality; he nails the comedic timing, differentiates characters clearly, and injects just enough attitude and warmth to keep the listening experience engaging even during slower stretches.
Alanson’s trademark humour is very much on display. The banter, dry observations, and absurd situations land well in audio form, often earning genuine laughs thanks to Bray’s delivery. That said, the story itself can feel like it’s treading water at times. There’s a noticeable sense that events are being stretched out, with plot developments that circle rather than surge ahead. Because of this, the book often feels like a side-quest—entertaining and thematically consistent, but not essential to the main narrative arc.
Still, “side-quest” doesn’t mean “bad.” The characters remain fun to spend time with, the world-building continues to charm, and the pacing is smooth enough to make it an easy, enjoyable listen. Overall, Desperate Measures is a broadly positive audiobook experience, elevated significantly by excellent narration, even if it feels more like a detour than a major step forward.
Alanson’s trademark humour is very much on display. The banter, dry observations, and absurd situations land well in audio form, often earning genuine laughs thanks to Bray’s delivery. That said, the story itself can feel like it’s treading water at times. There’s a noticeable sense that events are being stretched out, with plot developments that circle rather than surge ahead. Because of this, the book often feels like a side-quest—entertaining and thematically consistent, but not essential to the main narrative arc.
Still, “side-quest” doesn’t mean “bad.” The characters remain fun to spend time with, the world-building continues to charm, and the pacing is smooth enough to make it an easy, enjoyable listen. Overall, Desperate Measures is a broadly positive audiobook experience, elevated significantly by excellent narration, even if it feels more like a detour than a major step forward.
August 8, 2025
Still fun, but the formula’s wearing thin.
By book five in the Convergence series, the world is well established and the stakes are familiar — but so is the formula. Desperate Measures delivers more of what the series has done well so far: decent pacing, sharp dialogue, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages. But it’s also starting to feel like the plot is treading water.
The story arc follows a now-predictable pattern: Kaz levels up, defeats the current threat, and then the victory is promptly nerfed by a convoluted explanation that ensures those same tactics won't work again. This structure, also seen in Alanson’s other series, is beginning to wear thin. While I’m still invested in the broader mysteries of the universe, there’s a growing sense of circular motion — the characters go on a journey, only to end up almost exactly where they started, just a step or two further along.
That said, it’s still enjoyable. The character dynamics remain strong, and the universe continues to expand in interesting directions. It’s just time for the overarching plot to regain some momentum before the series stalls out entirely.
By book five in the Convergence series, the world is well established and the stakes are familiar — but so is the formula. Desperate Measures delivers more of what the series has done well so far: decent pacing, sharp dialogue, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages. But it’s also starting to feel like the plot is treading water.
The story arc follows a now-predictable pattern: Kaz levels up, defeats the current threat, and then the victory is promptly nerfed by a convoluted explanation that ensures those same tactics won't work again. This structure, also seen in Alanson’s other series, is beginning to wear thin. While I’m still invested in the broader mysteries of the universe, there’s a growing sense of circular motion — the characters go on a journey, only to end up almost exactly where they started, just a step or two further along.
That said, it’s still enjoyable. The character dynamics remain strong, and the universe continues to expand in interesting directions. It’s just time for the overarching plot to regain some momentum before the series stalls out entirely.
August 25, 2025
Desperate Measures delivers Craig Alanson's signature style to problem solving. I found the Convergence series after an A-hole beer can told me to give it a try. I love it. I could read about Duke the talking dog for the rest of eternity. To me he's the real main character. The story telling is fantastic and I love the entire crew. I want to see how they manage to stop the convergence and I hope we have more trips to strange magical lands where gods and myth are real along the way. I don't want to spoil anything but I do recommend this to anyone who likes to have a good time and talks for their dog. Read the whole series.
November 29, 2025
After reading some other reviews, I can only point out that sometimes the journey is far more important than the destination. Yes, Craig Alanson does have some drawn out moments, but by and large this series of books is extremely entertaining, and after all, isn’t that what we read booked for? I have listened to this series in Audible. Although I enjoy reading, I listen to audiobooks almost always now. It certainly tempers the tedium that one sometimes encounters when reading. I’ve listened to this series in its entirety twice already and in a couple of months I may very well listen to again.
Good job Craig!
Good job Craig!
August 9, 2025
I really enjoyed book 5 and have been waiting for it. I like the convergence structure that feels like a couple of smaller arcs over the course of a book
I did re-listen to books 1-4 in prep for it coming out though so I could understand that guy wanting a recap. It also clearly ends too soon.
Craig Alanson once again doing almighty gods work.
I did re-listen to books 1-4 in prep for it coming out though so I could understand that guy wanting a recap. It also clearly ends too soon.
Craig Alanson once again doing almighty gods work.
August 19, 2025
The adventures of Kaz.
Kaz is a magician. At least is seems so. He’s trying his best to save the world and his friends are trying to help. Friends: A talking dog, a cat demigod, a pixie, a jinn, a couple of medieval knights, and two modern operators. With Craig’s signature dialog, they all seen to gel as a team. Start at book one or lost you shall be.
Kaz is a magician. At least is seems so. He’s trying his best to save the world and his friends are trying to help. Friends: A talking dog, a cat demigod, a pixie, a jinn, a couple of medieval knights, and two modern operators. With Craig’s signature dialog, they all seen to gel as a team. Start at book one or lost you shall be.
October 16, 2025
amazing addition to this series highly recommend
In this series Kaz, and the team goes to the nether. The adventures are outstanding as he continues to learn more about his magician powers. I love the blend between ancient gods that we see in marvel tied in with this book. Highly recommend.
In this series Kaz, and the team goes to the nether. The adventures are outstanding as he continues to learn more about his magician powers. I love the blend between ancient gods that we see in marvel tied in with this book. Highly recommend.
November 27, 2025
I enjoy this series, the characters make me laugh and they have given voice to my own dogs. BUT it is the typical Alanson book where it seems like he realizes at some point "crap this story is nowhere near it's conclusion, let's just end the book randomly here and I'll write the next one soon and pick up from here" lol
January 24, 2026
A bit draggy
This is a very good series, but it drags a bit. The same problems crop up over and over again with slightly different spins.
My opinion is that the whole series should have been wrapped up in 3 books.
It is very entertaining, though. If don't think too hard about plot points or repetition, it a good, light, pulpy read for a rainy afternoon.
This is a very good series, but it drags a bit. The same problems crop up over and over again with slightly different spins.
My opinion is that the whole series should have been wrapped up in 3 books.
It is very entertaining, though. If don't think too hard about plot points or repetition, it a good, light, pulpy read for a rainy afternoon.
August 8, 2025
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
December 14, 2025
I love my books - hard copy. But if a book is being read by R.C. Bray, I'm listening! He makes all of the characters come to life so perfectly in this series! The dialog is witty, the characters are engaging , and the story is fantastic. I really loved this one!!! Ready for the next!
January 19, 2026
Good read
Interesting story. Different topics melded together for a captivating read. If the editing & proof readers would learn English or at least have it as their first language it would help. Way to many errors, mixed up sentences, missing words, mis-spelled.
Interesting story. Different topics melded together for a captivating read. If the editing & proof readers would learn English or at least have it as their first language it would help. Way to many errors, mixed up sentences, missing words, mis-spelled.
August 14, 2025
excellent, best of the 5 so far
Excellent read. While one of the twists was foreshadowed, two others were delightful surprises. I won’t spoil the surprise! Enjoy!
Excellent read. While one of the twists was foreshadowed, two others were delightful surprises. I won’t spoil the surprise! Enjoy!
August 14, 2025
Gah! Now I have to wait for #6!!!
August 14, 2025
Convergence 5
I tried to read this slowly so as to make it last a little longer, I really liked this story.
I tried to read this slowly so as to make it last a little longer, I really liked this story.
August 20, 2025
Another outstanding story about Kaz, Duke and friends. Lots of action both on earth and in the neither. A great fun read!
August 27, 2025
Great Read!
The story just make you want to get to the page ! I just wish book six was out now.
The story just make you want to get to the page ! I just wish book six was out now.
August 31, 2025
Cliffhanger????? Book 6 please.
September 6, 2025
I love these characters and this story. Very entertaining. Boots was my favorite this book!
September 8, 2025
Can't wait for book 6!
Epic read. Highs, lows, humour and mayhem behind every page. I'm sure there is plenty more twists and turns ahead in book 6. Cant wait.
Epic read. Highs, lows, humour and mayhem behind every page. I'm sure there is plenty more twists and turns ahead in book 6. Cant wait.
September 9, 2025
Great read!
Well worth the read. The book will let you imagine in your minds eye what it describes that is a sign of a good book in my opinion
Well worth the read. The book will let you imagine in your minds eye what it describes that is a sign of a good book in my opinion
September 12, 2025
Good fun listen, dont stand between a man and his dog when fighting for magical dominion over two worlds.
September 14, 2025
Once again, another great installment of the adventures of Duke the Dog!
September 21, 2025
Fun listen, but seems somehow incomplete as a story ending on a big cliffhanger.
October 7, 2025
Definitely my favorite Convergence book. We get a short Duke POV and I love that!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews