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The Seven Swords #7
The Infernus Gate: The Seven Swords, Book 7
Valkeris–most ancient of cities and seat of the fallen empire that once ruled the vastness of the five seas. Here the Infernus Gate will rise and unleash destruction upon the world, unless the bearers of the demon cursed blades can stop it...
Guyime, undying bearer of the Nameless Blade, leads his band of misfit heroes into the dark, haunted ruins beneath ancient Valkeris. There they must survive the deadly traps set for them by the arch demon Kalthraxis as he races to open the Infernus Gate and set its monstrous legions loose. Love, loyalty, and courage will be tested to the extreme and a terrible price demanded for the world’s salvation. But is Guyime willing to pay it?
The Infernus Gate is the thrilling conclusion to the epic saga of The Seven Swords from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and The Covenant of Steel trilogies.
Guyime, undying bearer of the Nameless Blade, leads his band of misfit heroes into the dark, haunted ruins beneath ancient Valkeris. There they must survive the deadly traps set for them by the arch demon Kalthraxis as he races to open the Infernus Gate and set its monstrous legions loose. Love, loyalty, and courage will be tested to the extreme and a terrible price demanded for the world’s salvation. But is Guyime willing to pay it?
The Infernus Gate is the thrilling conclusion to the epic saga of The Seven Swords from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and The Covenant of Steel trilogies.
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First published August 2, 2025
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About the author
Anthony Ryan
89 books9,965 followersAnthony Ryan was born in Scotland in 1970 but spent much of his adult life living and working in London. After a long career in the British Civil Service he took up writing full time after the success of his first novel Blood Song, Book One of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy. He has a degree in history, and his interests include art, science and the unending quest for the perfect pint of real ale.
For news and general wittering about stuff he likes, check out Anthony's blog at: http://anthonystuff.wordpress.com
For news and general wittering about stuff he likes, check out Anthony's blog at: http://anthonystuff.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 29, 2025
Final novella in this series, and I'm sorry to say, a little disappointing. It felt too stretched, and feels like we are on the other side of the Infernus Gate in terms of number of demons... It does not live up to its predecessors. And despite having a solid closure, it leaves open an enormous "gate" to a sequel.
It could have easily been a standalone novel instead of 7 novellas, and I recommend reading one after the other, no pause in between.
However, with all my complaints, I still liked it, and overall, it's a very good series.
It could have easily been a standalone novel instead of 7 novellas, and I recommend reading one after the other, no pause in between.
However, with all my complaints, I still liked it, and overall, it's a very good series.
December 13, 2025
“All the empires become dust in the end. Give it another millenia or two, that’s all you’ll find down here : dust. Your kind remain such a frustrating mistery for me, my liege”.
Nota de la saga completa.
Entre tres años y medio o cuatro para terminar esta saga. Qué rápido pasa el tiempo, la verdad. Encima este ha sido uno de los libros que más apuro me daba leer este año porque sentía que me iba a destrozar por dentro como por fuera.
“Wasting your butterfly-like exitence crafting what you imagine to be great Works whilst suffering the trrible knowledge of your own inevitable end”.
Afortunadamente no ha sido así. Este desenlace me ha gustado, no era lo que me esperaba, pero tampoco es el peor. Siento que hay libros mejores que este.
Nada más lo saque en físico voy a ser la primera que se compre la versión completa. Sería una pena que dejase echar a perder una tan magnifica obra.
“Why you don’t spend your days subsumed in debauchery is beyond me”.
Nota de la saga completa.
Entre tres años y medio o cuatro para terminar esta saga. Qué rápido pasa el tiempo, la verdad. Encima este ha sido uno de los libros que más apuro me daba leer este año porque sentía que me iba a destrozar por dentro como por fuera.
“Wasting your butterfly-like exitence crafting what you imagine to be great Works whilst suffering the trrible knowledge of your own inevitable end”.
Afortunadamente no ha sido así. Este desenlace me ha gustado, no era lo que me esperaba, pero tampoco es el peor. Siento que hay libros mejores que este.
Nada más lo saque en físico voy a ser la primera que se compre la versión completa. Sería una pena que dejase echar a perder una tan magnifica obra.
“Why you don’t spend your days subsumed in debauchery is beyond me”.
August 18, 2025
7.5 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Wrapping up a series is always difficult. Saying goodbye to a cast of characters, a particular setting, an overarching plot. For authors that put years or decades into one particular series, I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to shelve them. The Seven Swords only totals about 1000 pages, but spans over seven years. While the tales surrounding our cast were but brief glimpses into such a vibrant and immersive world, they created a mosaic that shone so much more brilliantly than each pinprick of light.
It’s fair to say that I’ve been a big fan of the series since its inception, and though there’ve been ups and downs, my enthusiasm hasn’t much waned over the years. And now that we’re at the culmination of seven years of storytelling—while there was more to explore and do and see—it’s unlikely I’ll ever forget just how deep this world ran.
And lo, we’ve reached the close.
—
‘ All empires become dust in the end. Give it another millennia or two, that’s all you’ll find down here: dust. Your kind remain such a frustrating mystery to me. Wasting your butterfly-like existence creating what you imagine to be great works whilst suffering the terrible knowledge of your own inevitable end. Why you don’t spend your days subsumed in debauchery is beyond me. ‘
—
Guyime, ancient king and ravager, has succeeding in uniting six of the seven demon blades. The only one that remains is in the hands of his great adversary, Kalthraxis, the Desecrator, that even the other immortal demons fear. And this demon is finally within the party’s sights.
Now all they have to do is reach him.
Preferably before he opens the Infernus Gate, a portal between our world and the next, in doing so summoning an endless legion of hellbeasts that will be at his beck and call.
Guyime has already lost his world once—he won’t allow it happen again.
—
Unlike the others, the Infernus Gate takes place immediately following the events of the Road of Storms, and in doing so… weirdly takes a minute to get going. It’s a departure from the general theme of the series—a new, individualized setup—and so kind of feels like a mistake. But soon enough the party’s on the move again, and this hiccup is forgotten.
Soon enough we’re on to the exploration that has made this series the joy that it has been. Only… it feels a little more shallow this time. Don’t get me know, it’s still interesting, and we’ve bumped the action up to make up for it, but it still had me missing the slow, intricate setup from books gone by.
The author takes some time here to fill in the gaps with his character building, though sometimes it felt forced. Like, he’d written a particular backstory but couldn’t find a natural way to spring it, and so just shoved it in wherever. Only happens once, though. And for a long-running character that was severely lacking in depth. As always, the character interactions are on point, and their development—particularly that of Orsena—proved greater than I expected.
When at last we reach the conclusion, it’s… well, it’s epic, but at the same time a bit predictable. That said, the epilogue and post-scripts were a nice touch. And the door is cracked open upon completion, just in case the author fancies a revival somewhere down the line.
TL;DR
All in all, the Infernus Gate gives a fitting conclusion to what has been an epic series. Yes, it could have been better, but these hiccups were predominantly down to the departures from the series’ norms, such as picking up directly after the last entry, and running almost directly to the end-goal, without much exploration along the way. Still, with all threads being tied up nicely (and even a door left cracked for a future revisit), the Infernus Gate provides both a satisfying and entertaining conclusion, while falling slightly short of a truly herculean one. Still, it has been an epic series, and I’m sad to see it go.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Wrapping up a series is always difficult. Saying goodbye to a cast of characters, a particular setting, an overarching plot. For authors that put years or decades into one particular series, I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to shelve them. The Seven Swords only totals about 1000 pages, but spans over seven years. While the tales surrounding our cast were but brief glimpses into such a vibrant and immersive world, they created a mosaic that shone so much more brilliantly than each pinprick of light.
It’s fair to say that I’ve been a big fan of the series since its inception, and though there’ve been ups and downs, my enthusiasm hasn’t much waned over the years. And now that we’re at the culmination of seven years of storytelling—while there was more to explore and do and see—it’s unlikely I’ll ever forget just how deep this world ran.
And lo, we’ve reached the close.
—
‘ All empires become dust in the end. Give it another millennia or two, that’s all you’ll find down here: dust. Your kind remain such a frustrating mystery to me. Wasting your butterfly-like existence creating what you imagine to be great works whilst suffering the terrible knowledge of your own inevitable end. Why you don’t spend your days subsumed in debauchery is beyond me. ‘
—
Guyime, ancient king and ravager, has succeeding in uniting six of the seven demon blades. The only one that remains is in the hands of his great adversary, Kalthraxis, the Desecrator, that even the other immortal demons fear. And this demon is finally within the party’s sights.
Now all they have to do is reach him.
Preferably before he opens the Infernus Gate, a portal between our world and the next, in doing so summoning an endless legion of hellbeasts that will be at his beck and call.
Guyime has already lost his world once—he won’t allow it happen again.
—
Unlike the others, the Infernus Gate takes place immediately following the events of the Road of Storms, and in doing so… weirdly takes a minute to get going. It’s a departure from the general theme of the series—a new, individualized setup—and so kind of feels like a mistake. But soon enough the party’s on the move again, and this hiccup is forgotten.
Soon enough we’re on to the exploration that has made this series the joy that it has been. Only… it feels a little more shallow this time. Don’t get me know, it’s still interesting, and we’ve bumped the action up to make up for it, but it still had me missing the slow, intricate setup from books gone by.
The author takes some time here to fill in the gaps with his character building, though sometimes it felt forced. Like, he’d written a particular backstory but couldn’t find a natural way to spring it, and so just shoved it in wherever. Only happens once, though. And for a long-running character that was severely lacking in depth. As always, the character interactions are on point, and their development—particularly that of Orsena—proved greater than I expected.
When at last we reach the conclusion, it’s… well, it’s epic, but at the same time a bit predictable. That said, the epilogue and post-scripts were a nice touch. And the door is cracked open upon completion, just in case the author fancies a revival somewhere down the line.
TL;DR
All in all, the Infernus Gate gives a fitting conclusion to what has been an epic series. Yes, it could have been better, but these hiccups were predominantly down to the departures from the series’ norms, such as picking up directly after the last entry, and running almost directly to the end-goal, without much exploration along the way. Still, with all threads being tied up nicely (and even a door left cracked for a future revisit), the Infernus Gate provides both a satisfying and entertaining conclusion, while falling slightly short of a truly herculean one. Still, it has been an epic series, and I’m sad to see it go.
Want to read
May 13, 2025I really wish I could find an affordable set of this series in physical format. The covers are unbelievable and from what I've heard, the series is great!
November 4, 2025
This is the conclusion to a pretty good collection of novellas. I like the adventure style to the series, and it was a well built world, with a great concept. I really like the end and I could see more stories being told in this universe. But I like where it's at now, and kinda of hope it stays finished.
September 24, 2025
You know that feeling of sadness you get when you finish an amazing series and realize you will never spend another moment in that world you’ve lived in for so long? That is the worst and best feeling. If you love fantasy, read this series and thank me later.
August 3, 2025
7 Swords, 7 Books…
Wonderful conclusion to a series of short books that I throughly enjoyed. Danger and traps lie in every corner as Guyime and crew seek to stop the opening of the Infernus Gate and fulfill Pilgrim’s promise to Seeker. I enjoyed this book so much I had a hard time not completing it in one sitting, though I’m happy I took a little more time to spend in Guyime’s world instead of powering though.
Anthony Ryan proves why he’s one of my favorite authors in this book. He is able to create incredibly compelling characters that I found myself sad to see their stories comping to an end. Though I found myself sad this series was coming to a conclusion I had no issues at all with how the main characters arcs came together in the end. The Infernus Gate was a very satisfying end to Anthony Ryan’s series.
Wonderful conclusion to a series of short books that I throughly enjoyed. Danger and traps lie in every corner as Guyime and crew seek to stop the opening of the Infernus Gate and fulfill Pilgrim’s promise to Seeker. I enjoyed this book so much I had a hard time not completing it in one sitting, though I’m happy I took a little more time to spend in Guyime’s world instead of powering though.
Anthony Ryan proves why he’s one of my favorite authors in this book. He is able to create incredibly compelling characters that I found myself sad to see their stories comping to an end. Though I found myself sad this series was coming to a conclusion I had no issues at all with how the main characters arcs came together in the end. The Infernus Gate was a very satisfying end to Anthony Ryan’s series.
November 29, 2025
7 / 10
The Infernus Gate is the final installment of the 7-novella series called The Seven Swords, written by Ryan Anthony. It is a good conclusion for a very exciting and interesting series. This could have been a really great and amazing book if not for a few missteps according my humble opinion.
For one, I was really hoping, or rather expecting, to have a lot more drama, suffering and loss in this final book but such was not the case. The characters go through terrible troubles and personal trials but the agony-meter stays relatively low.
Secondly, it felt as most things happening were a bit expected. I didn't really get any shockers or big surprises. I was also expecting the ending to be more epic and it wasn't.
Still, it's a really good book and good conclusion for the series. Maybe it didn't surpass my expectations but I enjoyed this book and the whole series very much and greatly recommend it to any fantasy fan!
7 / 10
The Infernus Gate is the final installment of the 7-novella series called The Seven Swords, written by Ryan Anthony. It is a good conclusion for a very exciting and interesting series. This could have been a really great and amazing book if not for a few missteps according my humble opinion.
For one, I was really hoping, or rather expecting, to have a lot more drama, suffering and loss in this final book but such was not the case. The characters go through terrible troubles and personal trials but the agony-meter stays relatively low.
Secondly, it felt as most things happening were a bit expected. I didn't really get any shockers or big surprises. I was also expecting the ending to be more epic and it wasn't.
Still, it's a really good book and good conclusion for the series. Maybe it didn't surpass my expectations but I enjoyed this book and the whole series very much and greatly recommend it to any fantasy fan!
7 / 10
October 3, 2025
a competent ending to an interesting collection of novellas, paying homage to different styles and sub genres of fantasy. this one does overstayed its welcome a little bit, almost like a short story on high heels, but it doesn't retread past paths, and had but one place to go: into the mouth of hell itself. Guyime's journey might have ended but... i dont think we've seen the last of this world just yet.
book score = 7.5/10
average = 7.35/10
series total = 7.5/10
book score = 7.5/10
average = 7.35/10
series total = 7.5/10
September 16, 2025
What a series Anthony Ryan has given us with The Seven Swords. How the author manages to squeeze so many events, so much bloodshed, dread and excitement, into such a short story is astounding.
I'm genuinely sad to close the final page on The Seven Swords. But what an ending it is!
I'm genuinely sad to close the final page on The Seven Swords. But what an ending it is!
November 26, 2025
2.5 Stars★★✯☆☆ - this novella series loses steam in the climactic final chapter despite the ending featuring a solid conclusion
The hardest part about a final act not living up to the potential of previous entries is just how close they usually come to being satisfying. I've read 3+ series where the beginning strength just can't be continued all the way through and The Infernus Gate simply doesn't know what it should do for the majority of its pages. There is a lack of tension and the plot scrambles to find footing while borrowing from the dungeon crawl of the superior Kraken's Tooth from before.
There are glimpses of greatness in the character work, but they're clipped and mostly told and not shown (I appreciated Lorweth, Lexius, and Seeker's bits most). The ending works well, but the entirety of the 100 pages should've entailed this final struggle and thus it limps to a close rather than fight strongly like in previously bombastic Road of Storms. Guyime and the cast's conclusions are all fitting but I just wished for a little more refinement in getting there.
All in all, a wonderful series with highs and lows worth going through despite a consistency that confuses more than anything. I'd love more stories in this world but these are wonderful by themselves.
The hardest part about a final act not living up to the potential of previous entries is just how close they usually come to being satisfying. I've read 3+ series where the beginning strength just can't be continued all the way through and The Infernus Gate simply doesn't know what it should do for the majority of its pages. There is a lack of tension and the plot scrambles to find footing while borrowing from the dungeon crawl of the superior Kraken's Tooth from before.
There are glimpses of greatness in the character work, but they're clipped and mostly told and not shown (I appreciated Lorweth, Lexius, and Seeker's bits most). The ending works well, but the entirety of the 100 pages should've entailed this final struggle and thus it limps to a close rather than fight strongly like in previously bombastic Road of Storms. Guyime and the cast's conclusions are all fitting but I just wished for a little more refinement in getting there.
All in all, a wonderful series with highs and lows worth going through despite a consistency that confuses more than anything. I'd love more stories in this world but these are wonderful by themselves.
August 3, 2025
It was short but satisfying. The ending was somewhat predictable, and I had hoped for a different outcome for some of the characters. But there were no ugly loose ends left hanging.
November 16, 2025
Solo digo que me he pasado la última media hora llorando.
Como siempre es un placer volver a este mundo y seguir a Guyime, pero con este libro ya sabía que iba a pasarlo mal y, efectivamente, ha cumplido. La primera parte de la novela, aunque me ha parecido que se desarrollaba con demasiada rapidez, me ha parecido un muy buen reflejo de todas las novelas anteriores y me ha gustado ver qué trampa les había preparado Kalthraxis a cada uno, a pesar de que, en ocasiones, me parecía que caían demasiado fácilmente. En especial, me ha parecido muy interesante el hecho de ver a Orsena convertida en mortal y la derrota de Anselm frente al Necromancer. Lo que más me ha decepcionado, sin embargo, ha sido Ekiri, que no ha pintado absolutamente nada jajajaj
Peor no quiero centrarme en lo que no me ha gustado, sino en lo que sí, que ha sido, de lejos, la segunda parte de la novela. El enfrentamiento entre Guyime y Kalthraxis me ha dejado muy buen sabor de boca a pesar de lo breve que ha sido. El demonio tampoco me ha parecido nada del otro mundo, pero las reflexiones de Guyime me han emocionado y el trozo final, cuando se sacrifica para cerrar la puerta del Infernus me ha dejado absolutamente satisfecha. Ah, y el reencuentro con Lakorath, mi niños, cómo me ha hecho llorar.
Para acabar, el epílogo de Orsena también me ha gustado mucho y poder ver cómo acaban los personajes ha sido un final agridulce que le pegaba mucho a la historia.
En resumen: ¿es el mejor libro de la saga? No. Ahora, ¿me parece un buen final? Sí.
Como siempre es un placer volver a este mundo y seguir a Guyime, pero con este libro ya sabía que iba a pasarlo mal y, efectivamente, ha cumplido. La primera parte de la novela, aunque me ha parecido que se desarrollaba con demasiada rapidez, me ha parecido un muy buen reflejo de todas las novelas anteriores y me ha gustado ver qué trampa les había preparado Kalthraxis a cada uno, a pesar de que, en ocasiones, me parecía que caían demasiado fácilmente. En especial, me ha parecido muy interesante el hecho de ver a Orsena convertida en mortal y la derrota de Anselm frente al Necromancer. Lo que más me ha decepcionado, sin embargo, ha sido Ekiri, que no ha pintado absolutamente nada jajajaj
Peor no quiero centrarme en lo que no me ha gustado, sino en lo que sí, que ha sido, de lejos, la segunda parte de la novela. El enfrentamiento entre Guyime y Kalthraxis me ha dejado muy buen sabor de boca a pesar de lo breve que ha sido. El demonio tampoco me ha parecido nada del otro mundo, pero las reflexiones de Guyime me han emocionado y el trozo final, cuando se sacrifica para cerrar la puerta del Infernus me ha dejado absolutamente satisfecha. Ah, y el reencuentro con Lakorath, mi niños, cómo me ha hecho llorar.
Para acabar, el epílogo de Orsena también me ha gustado mucho y poder ver cómo acaban los personajes ha sido un final agridulce que le pegaba mucho a la historia.
En resumen: ¿es el mejor libro de la saga? No. Ahora, ¿me parece un buen final? Sí.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
you speak like a king and have a king's heart, though callused by time and scarred by hatred. your travails with these lost and damaged souls have begun to heal it. you know the end of your journey will sunder this strange family, perhaps cost their lives, and your own. but you have no thought of turning aside.
'he gave all for us. and we gave nothing for him.'
so. anthony ryan. i'm gonna need a whole other series giving guyime a happy ending please and thank you.
this was so good. was it objectively the best fantasy series ever? no, but the story was constantly entertaining, the characters were all memorable, the found family vibes were immaculate, and i had fun!(and finished my goodreads goal) and in the end that's all that matters.
'he gave all for us. and we gave nothing for him.'
so. anthony ryan. i'm gonna need a whole other series giving guyime a happy ending please and thank you.
this was so good. was it objectively the best fantasy series ever? no, but the story was constantly entertaining, the characters were all memorable, the found family vibes were immaculate, and i had fun!
September 7, 2025
Could have been 4 Stars
The infernus Gate was an excellent read, if a bit short, except for one small detail. The epilogue.
The Infernus Gate is supposed to be the final entry in a 7 book series. And yet, the epilogue acts as a set up for another series. Now I’d love the chance to explore more of the world of the Seven Swords, but not sure the epilogue of the concluding book is the right place to set up that the story is unfinished.
Despite this gripe, I did enjoy the series as whole, and would happily recommend it.
The infernus Gate was an excellent read, if a bit short, except for one small detail. The epilogue.
The Infernus Gate is supposed to be the final entry in a 7 book series. And yet, the epilogue acts as a set up for another series. Now I’d love the chance to explore more of the world of the Seven Swords, but not sure the epilogue of the concluding book is the right place to set up that the story is unfinished.
Despite this gripe, I did enjoy the series as whole, and would happily recommend it.
December 30, 2025
The final novella is one of the better in the series - a wondeful little series with multiple inspirations. Ryan built a beautiful world with lots of depth and I grew to love the characters. I've said it in multiple of the other books' reviews, but I wish we had more time with the characters and the world. The ending left the door open for more tales from this world and I would definitely read them.
August 20, 2025
Thus ends one of the best fantasy series I have read, and definitely one of the top two short story series within fantasy (only Penric comes close).
A wonderful set of books and while the progression may be a tad predictable, the change of setting and constant acquisition of new and interesting party members keeps things fresh.
It deserves far more love and attention than it gets.
A wonderful set of books and while the progression may be a tad predictable, the change of setting and constant acquisition of new and interesting party members keeps things fresh.
It deserves far more love and attention than it gets.
August 19, 2025
Got to love a novella series that creates a quest based on seven swords, each inhabited by a demon which talks to its new owner. Each novella is nicely priced and evenly paced. This was the ending of the series as each sword is needed to close the Infernus Gate.
October 1, 2025
What a find ending
Well I loved all seven books. And this one did not disappoint. I hold out hope that she finds a way in then finds him and they either work together in the infernious or she finds d's a way for them both to get out.
Well I loved all seven books. And this one did not disappoint. I hold out hope that she finds a way in then finds him and they either work together in the infernious or she finds d's a way for them both to get out.
August 9, 2025
short and to the point
This books are short and full of action. Very enjoyable reads. I hope we hear more from the characters in future books
This books are short and full of action. Very enjoyable reads. I hope we hear more from the characters in future books
August 10, 2025
Fantastic series oh short reads.
Hope we get another series following the Ultria. Such an interesting world spun with so little exploring. We definitely need more.
Hope we get another series following the Ultria. Such an interesting world spun with so little exploring. We definitely need more.
September 5, 2025
You knew what was going to happen, but it still caught me off guard. Well written!
September 20, 2025
Great way to end the series and highlight the stories of the main characters. Loved how the author hinted there may be more to come...possibly a spin-off series, perhaps?
September 23, 2025
Fantastic conclusion to the series
September 25, 2025
Fantastic
A great short story. Had me hanging on every word. Can’t wait to see if there is more to come
A great short story. Had me hanging on every word. Can’t wait to see if there is more to come
November 1, 2025
great series
Anthony Ryan once again does it! These are great books that take the reader on a great adventure. I highly recommend reading them
Anthony Ryan once again does it! These are great books that take the reader on a great adventure. I highly recommend reading them
December 20, 2025
What do authors, nowadays, have against finishing a story? why must there always be a teaser for sequels or spin offs?
October 21, 2025
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Steven Brand
Rating: 4.5
Thoroughly enjoyed this ending to the series. Hoping there may be more in this world in the future. Marked down half a mark due to Brand's narration being a bit bland in places.
Narrator: Steven Brand
Rating: 4.5
Thoroughly enjoyed this ending to the series. Hoping there may be more in this world in the future. Marked down half a mark due to Brand's narration being a bit bland in places.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews