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Scion's Journey

The Battle of T'ear Mann

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Finn continues to grow his power, both personal, and political. Being the only High Lord has its advantages, but comes with unexpected responsibilities, and demands on his time.

With other Houses plotting against him, and orders from the King to eliminate some troublesome nobles, Finn still finds time to adventure with his newly reformed party of companions. There are new dungeons to explore, battles to fight, and deals to be made.

An unexpected development on his home world forces Finn to take drastic action, in order to retake his throne, and protect his citizens.

545 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

133 people are currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

Dave Willmarth

31 books633 followers
Dave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.

A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.

Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.

The dream of being an author seemed distant.

That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.

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5 stars
303 (72%)
4 stars
80 (19%)
3 stars
27 (6%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews107 followers
November 4, 2025
Finn is moving up even more in the world… or rather, his own world. He takes his place as the rightful King while maintaining his position as a High Lord in the world of Gilea. His people are stronger. They’re loyal and he has the backing of very powerful beings.

I’m seriously loving this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andrew G.
149 reviews10 followers
November 21, 2025
I give up! DNF at 90%. This is amateur trash and I couldn’t read another word.

A sometimes fun book, but somehow even more disjointed and sloppy than the other two books in this series.

This series suffers from an OP MC who never faces any real challenges or makes any mistakes, a total lack of real antagonists, broken world building, and logical inconsistencies.

Though we still manage to have a little mindless fun here and there along the way, this book and series reflect an author who clearly loves the genre, but doesn’t understand the basic structures of storytelling, why people read this genre, or its tropes.

In the end, this will be the last book I read by this author. I cannot recommend this series. Way better stories to spend your reading time on.

This marks the end of my review but I’ve copied some of my notes below on what I did read of this book. Please forgive their disjointed nature, I planed to use these in a more in-depth review, but frankly do not believe this is worth my time for this series anymore.

What I like about the series I’ll cover first:

-I like the basic setup of the series, though how it’s explored doesn’t reach its potential.

-I like the preparation the MC puts into organization, decision making, and planning. It’s nice to see a plan, requiring many complicated layers and avenues of approach, come together for a dominant win. Payoffs don’t always have to be some back and forth battle where good guys always win after some contrived struggle. Sometimes kicking ass works because the protagonists put the work in. But that can’t be the case EVERY TIME. So it’s a strength of this series, but also all the author ever does, so it becomes part of the problem.

-I like many of the characters and some of the aspects of the world building, especially those revealed in this book, being ancient beings, gods, and the like.

-And I like that despite all the many flaws in this series, it’s still sometimes fun, in a mindless manner, cause if you think about it, it annoys you.

What I don’t like:

-The whole bumbling nobles shtick is wearing thin. It’s practically all the author does at this point. What sane person would challenge with violence, a noble, new or not, with the favor of the King, in the King’s own palace? Now the whole wooden sword noble duel thing is potentially a fun way to do the noble trope, but it’s ruined in a number of ways. Same goes for the war on his home world and its bumbling nobles.

-The King asks the nobles accused of slavery to swear they are innocent on the system. This effect makes trials pointless, like the hearing in Woodhome last book that could have been cleared up with a single oath rather than the circus the author wrote. Even schemes themselves, with the threat of being compelled to swear on your innocence if suspected, would be incredibly risky endeavors. Way more so than in the real world. Even later in the book, MC mentions he doesn’t need trials while retaking his kingdom because he can use the system’s oaths to prove guilt or innocence.

-Oaths break the world building. In a world where the system can enforce oaths, why wouldn’t every person of power over another or in business with another, use system oaths for everything? You could have literally no crime, no scheming, no disloyalty, and no drama with these oaths, which is why it breaks the world building. It would be an easy fix to say these oaths had a cost or limits. Many authors find ways to box in the oath aspect without breaking the world. In this series, it’s basically a plot device with no logical consistency in its uses.

-The author mentions his party’s levels are between 15 and 20, but there’s literally only two other members left besides MC. Makes no sense, so one is 15 and the other 20? Oh wait, there’s two new members of the party, I guess I totally missed that happened and was official.

-There’s the hemming and hawing over Patrin’s Darwin Award death. In a world where the MC goads a noble into attacking him to kill that noble, why does he, or anyone else besides Patrin’s family, care that Patrin did something criminal, dangerous and beyond stupid and got himself killed? There’s definitely room for morality and a good-guy keel in most stories in this genre, but it has to be logically consistent!

-Speaking of logical consistency, still none with regard to the system’s protection over Finn’s life because of the settlement stone use and grace period. He literally was stabbed by assassins last book, they didn’t get punished by the system, neither presumably did the men who ordered the attack. And we also saw how the system kills last book with Patrin, which is a warning then instant death. In this book, there’s one duel in the palace and a reference to another both of whom attacked MC with intent to kill. But in the wooden sword duel, his opponents say can’t be killed because he’s protected? Then they try to kill him anyway? Then another noble later tries to kill him… again in front of the King! Make this make sense!

-Won’t people going back and forth between worlds mention the Guardian (system) is also on the home world (still no name)? Wouldn’t then the gods know what has happened? Seems like a BIG plot hole. Oh wait, the author notes this and fixes it with the gods “probably not listening”. And you can rest assured they won’t, because everything works out perfectly in this series.

-If the restriction on ascension is lifted on the home world, wouldn’t that mean eventually individuals could rise to threaten the Guardian? Why would the guardian agree to this?

-Specific skills MC received earlier that would be useful, like Pacify, are never used again and often outright contradicted. Specific aspects of named skills that would be useful, like healing mental trauma, are never used in that manner and often outright contradicted. This is where the author’s stat sheet not containing skills, achievements or titles hurts him. He’s clearly not keeping skill tables to update as he writes, he doesn’t even try to quantify what levels the skills are at. I’m also pretty sure his attribute stats aren’t accurate.

-Why is there literally no romance in this series? I don’t mean just the lack of relationships or sex, that’s not that uncommon in this genre. But the MC literally never even thinks about romance. There’s not a single person in his handsome, tall, titled, powerful, and rich life even flirting with the MC. It’s one thing for an author to feel uncomfortable writing romance, it’s another to avoid it so entirely that it seems weird like this series.

-The armies of three kingdoms totals 4500 people? That’s the size of a brigade, not an army. A college football stadium could hold 20 of these “armies” and have room left over. There’s only so much a force that small can do, being mundane, against an entire, walled capital city. Just one of many little things that don’t make sense in this series. They didn’t even fight so what’s it matter anyway?

Small issues:

-You don’t have to withdraw money to make side bets with people, you only need the money if you lose.

-A capitol is a building; a capital is a city. For example, the capital of the United States is Washington, DC; the capitol of the United States is the big domed building where Congress pretends to govern.

-The commander he showed grace to. I understand he maybe had to go along with things to save his life, but wouldn’t a man in his position, one who admitted to at least gathering info on loyalists, wouldn’t he have likely been involved in the killing of these loyalists? Does that guy deserve amnesty? No. MC never even asked.

-Is there really only a single city in the entire kingdom?

-Quite a few typos, but not an egregious amount, just enough to make it plain this isn’t professionally edited, as if we couldn’t already tell from the sloppiness of everything else.
77 reviews
November 19, 2025
just got bogged down in the details

DNF 86%

I enjoy this author and had been enjoying the series, but this is the end of the for me with Finn. Things got incredibly tedious and the magic system is falling apart. Just not worth it
39 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2026
It is a rare author that writes a character that you get so invested in that you get emotional about what is happening. Reading the affect of the aftermath of the battle against the orcs and how Finn deals with the loss of people he couldn't heal fast enough is heart wrenching. Sure makes it hard to read when you are attacked by the invisible onion cutting ninjas. I love the writing of Dave Willmarth, his stories are exciting and extremely well written. Finishing a book he has written is a double edged sword, you are glad you had a good read and sad at the same time knowing you have to wait for the next in the series. Dave has several series and I have copies of each. I keep an eye for the next in the series to come out. The Battle of T'ear Mann (Scion's Journey Book 3) is another of his masterpieces. You become engaged at the start and can't wait to see the further adventures of Finn, while admiring how he is able to do what most say is impossible. On a scale of 1 to 10 asking if I would recommend this book and series I give it a 15.
18 reviews
November 6, 2025
Magical!

Time and time again Dave writes adventures and stories you get lost into. Once again I have laughed out loud, smiled, felt anger and sadness, and can’t put the book down. I started this book yesterday, read through the night and didn’t go to bed til 6am, I didn’t need sleep, I needed answers !

I look forward to another brilliant adventure Finn gets himself into, and other work Dave wilmarth is writing!

I highly recommend any and all of his work, if this is the first series you’ve stumbled across, then sink your teeth into his battleborn series!
Profile Image for Travis.
2,940 reviews50 followers
November 12, 2025
The Battle of T'ear Mann is the third book in this series, and it adds quite a bit of back history to both sides of the portal, solves several problems on the original portal side, and presents new issues on the other side of the portal, but, what a nice advancement of the story. Want to read the next one now, but it isn't out yet.
790 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2025
Amazing and fun

Another fantastic book of idealism in a fantasy world. Finn is the ideal noble that everyone who isn't a noble wished they could serve. His giant heart and eagerness for justice fills all the right spots in my soul.

The book deserves a five star rating for story and character. But!!! Grammatical mistakes abound enough that it pulls me out of the story when the wrong word is used in a sentence or a word is missing that makes the sentence hurt my brain. I had to remove a star as there are just too many errors to overlook.

Have fun!
1,112 reviews15 followers
November 23, 2025
DNF at 4%

I don't quite remember why i used to like this series but this book was way too naive and infantile for my taste.

This world and its problems makeno sense if there is an always available oath system! The duel scene with the noble was quite ridiculous and was just dull as the MC is that op. Without risk there's no tension. Without tension even exciting events like duels and intrigues become trivial..

I stopped reading when the Mc bragged to the obscenely jovial royal couple about dueling more nobles..
7 reviews
December 19, 2025
pleasant addition to the series

I apologize in advance, but I usually knock down a star per misspelled or grammatical inconsistencies…. There were three in this book, but it was easy enough to overlook.

The characterization of our MC remains on point, and the addition of possible foils to his mostly OP shenanigans is pleasing, especially where the antagonists appear smart enough to use his nature against him. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Andrew Riley.
213 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2025
Eagerly awaited

This book was perhaps one of my most eagerly anticipated book of the year. Love the first two and looking forward to more. You had me worried a couple of times thinking you where ending the book on a trilogy but I'm happy to see there's going to be more, hopefully soon. I'm now going to re-read the greystone chronicles.
41 reviews
November 12, 2025
Thanks Dave for this installment in the Scion Journey. I really like the flow of action, relationship building, and the growth in the MC's development. I figured this addition would have been the last since he was able to exact the revenge he had been preparing for (which was done well I thought). But no - you have begun another thread. Thanks. Looking forward to your next book.
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,601 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2025
Awesome Stuff

This story of the old blacksmith son actually being a prince was fantastic. He goes to a magical world and finds out his ancestors were high lords and he’s now the only one. Great Series
11 reviews
November 8, 2025
Darn it Dave

As usual Dave put out another book that has me aggravated that I have to wait for the next one to come out. I have yet to read a Wilmarth book that doesn't make me want more. Another great read! Now hurry up and finish the next one :)
135 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2025
What a fun series!

This is a great weekend read. I love the characters and the rags to riches premise. The twists and turns keep coming. The only negative is waiting for the next book!
10 reviews
November 13, 2025
Good story, poor editing

Story is very good, however, there are way to many spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. Get a good editor or at least a few good proofreaders to catch and fix mistakes before publishing.
120 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this book

Absolutely loved this book. Dave willmarth has once again hit it out of the park. Characters are developing nicely , the plotline has some new twists and turns. I really like the authors writing .. Overall highly recommend
Profile Image for Thomas.
234 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2025
Willmarth always makes the best stories.

Willmarth always makes the best stories. I can't wait for more. I liked that he wrapped up most of the previous story lines then opened the doors for more.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
3,021 reviews36 followers
November 30, 2025
After a good start to the series, I think the author may have lost his way with this book, although it might be my aversion to over-the-top ‘LitRPG’ books.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
13 reviews
December 18, 2025
great to finish all the arcs

Like I said, it’s great they wrapped everything up from the other two books. My only illusion break is the editing. Out of all the series it was this one but I still enjoyed it.
47 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2026
Good

Love the series. Wish there was an option. To see more of the numbers. Sometimes the characters get a lot of xp all at once, but all the notices get wiped leaving you to wonder what the protecter or ogre lord gave to him.
331 reviews
January 28, 2026
Good book

I enjoyed the book. Great action and loot. The story was okay. The story seemed to be about slaughtering enemies in a brutal fashion. So the story suffered a little bit. Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed the story it just didn't seem to be as good as previous books.
1 review
January 30, 2026
Got to read this series

This is a great series! I can’t wait to read more of Dave Willmarth’s books. Once I started reading this series I could not wait to read the next episode. Thank You Dave.
116 reviews
October 30, 2025
love the series

There's lots of action, both fighting for justice and leveling in dungeons. Very fast paced. Another winner from a master storyteller. 12/10 recommend.
23 reviews
Read
October 31, 2025
Worth the wait

Moves along at a fast pace as there's a lot going on.
A lot more centred on Finn rather than the group of friends.
698 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2025
Great book

Stellar work once again from Dave Willmarth! Lots of action and adventure, magic and monsters. Looking forward to the next one!
419 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2025
Good book

Oh what a hell of a good book, it was exciting start to finish, and a wonderful Rollercoaster. I definitely will be looking for the next in the series 😀
1,131 reviews9 followers
November 3, 2025
Good

More and more reveals on the amazing world and system that the author had created. Lots of civilization building, as well as action. Good read.
78 reviews
November 10, 2025
Great stuff

I love all of Dave Willmarth’s books. This one was as good or better than the rest. Get it and read it.
Profile Image for Susan.
567 reviews4 followers
Read
December 2, 2025
Loved it

Loved the book hated the ending. I really liked the magic system and wished I had some of the spells for myself.
Profile Image for Mark White.
11 reviews
January 6, 2026
Great book

I do not think that I have read 1 of his books that I did not greatly enjoy. Is definitely 1 of my favorite authors. I'm amazed by his creative mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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