Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Ren Series, The Complete Boxed Set

Rate this book
He is the most powerful man to ever live, and therefore doomed to misery.
Ren Lewis was born with the power to control minds, hypnotize others, and read thoughts. Therefore he is certain of one thing.

God made a mistake. No one should be born with so much power.

Sherlock Holmes meets House for a combination that makes for a brilliant anti-hero.

Book 1:
A monster awoke in Ren the same year he received his gifts. At ten years old. A prepubescent boy with the ability to control others might merely abuse this power, but Ren allowed it to corrupt him. And since he can have and do anything he wants, Ren should be happy. However, his journey teaches him that harboring so much power doesn't bring happiness, it steals it. Once this realization sets in, Ren makes up his mind to do the one thing that can bring his tortured soul some peace.

He must kill the monster.

Book 2:
Ren Lewis has the life he’s always wanted: the perfect woman and the perfect job as an agent for the Lucidites, fixing problems before they happen.

And yet, he’s still miserable.

He blames the monster buried inside of him for his problems. But what this redheaded Brit doesn’t realize is his life is about to be intensely transformed. Problems that he never could have fathomed begin to surface one at a time until his life quickly spirals out of control.

Book 3:
Irony wears a disingenuous smile.

Ren Lewis, who has faced every danger known to man, is about to meet a challenge he’s convinced has the power to undo him. When he discovers that his daughter, Adelaide, has been hiding a pregnancy he goes into hiding himself.

Having a daughter was one catastrophe Ren struggled with. But now, being expected to welcome her baby into his home is not something Ren knows how to assimilate into his life.

Book 3.5:
Ren Lewis has seen it all, or so he likes to think. He's encountered every danger known to man. Due to his powers as a Dream Traveler and unstoppable work ethic, he's experienced more than any human alive. But Ren is about to have a brand new experience.

He's being dragged on a family vacation.

Book 4:
Ren Lewis is the most powerful man in the world and he’s about to prove it.

God, Ren believes, has battled him his entire life, trying to use him as a pawn or punish him for his wrong doings. This man, with powers most can’t fathom, has been content to use his skills to help humanity.

However, when God makes a move that will carve out Ren’s heart for the rest of his life, he makes the decision to finally outmaneuver the Almighty Creator. Using technology, philosophy, quantum physics, psychology and spirituality, Ren attempts to do something that millions of people throughout history have only dreamed of.

This 280,000-word collection is nearly 1000 pages of deceit, paranormal, and deadly thrills. This boxed set includes The Man Behind the Monster, God's Little Monster, The Monster Inside the Monster, The Monster's Adventure and The Monster's Death.

**This series contains cursing. If that's a problem then perhaps this tale isn't for you.

1179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2017

26 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Noffke

247 books1,486 followers
Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
28 (77%)
4 stars
5 (13%)
3 stars
2 (5%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book286 followers
December 14, 2017
Ren: The Man Behind the Monster (Book #1)
This was ok. It's perfectly readable, the narrator did a good job and it's part of an interesting world. The thing is that I didn't know that all of Noffke's series are set in the same world when I started this, so I was surprised. That would have been fine though, except that Ren is OBVIOUSLY a character from another series. And since Ren gets mixed up with the Lucidites society, I imagine he's a character in the Lucidites series.

The book does stand alone. But you can still tell it's a spinoff. You can FEEL it. The book is basically the highlights of one man's 45 year life, starting at about 7. As you can imagine, that doesn't leave room for a lot of detailed exploration. It's his first person recount of living his life. Several times he references other occurrences or people, but says he's not telling that story and instructs the reader to find that book.

I've not read any of the Lucidties books, but I'd bet even money that at least some the events that Ren talks about are the events of those books from his perspective, instead of whomever lives them in the other series. This was not enjoyable for me, to just get a bullet point version of something with instruction to go find it elsewhere if I want more.

What's more, I found Ren a seriously unlikable character. I found it hard to spend a whole book with a bitter, narcissistic, unpleasant man. I suspect you're supposed to read this after whatever other books he shows up in and already like him. You're supposed to know him and want his tragic backstory. Because that's what this feels like. It feels like the author decided she liked a character in another book and decided to give him his own backstory. It's readable, but without previously knowing or caring about the character I found him lacking.

I'll be finishing the compilation, because surely the rest can't continue as the first did. But so far, I'm not thrilled with Ren.

Ren: God's Little Monster (Book #2)
I enjoyed this book more than book one. In book one I really felt enjoyment was dependent on having read other series by the author. Ren is an exceedingly arrogant and unpleasant character and I found I couldn't like him. But I expect that those who had read the other series encountered Ren after his redemption and came into the book liking him, but knowing he used to be a little shite. I'd not read another series with Ren in it, so I only knew him as the little shite.

But I have the 4 book compilation, so I took a little break after book one and then came back for book two. And I mostly enjoyed it. Ren is somewhat redeemed and in all his arrogance he really is funny. Pair this with the fact that those around him understand him and aren't hurt by the hurtful things he says, they enjoy the scathing wit, and he becomes a lovable rogue.

So, I enjoyed him. I enjoyed seeing him reflected in the new addition to his life. But I generally thing the reveal at the end was one step too far. We'll see how it works out in book three before I make a final decision on that.

My primary problem with this section of this series, and it's one that will carry over into the next book as it was not concluded here (giving this a SERIOUS middle book syndrome) is that the plot is sooooo common. Question: How many times have you encountered a female villain who is obsessed with plotting world domination with a man who isn't actually with her? The man being the hero. Me? This is the second time I've read this plot this week! It's a plot that simultaneously makes no sense to me but is also painfully common. Plus, can a woman not be a villain, seeks to rule without it involving a man? Do we really need a man as our motivation in every single darned book?

Otherwise, the writing is good and the narrator is doing an excellent job. Onward and upward.

Ren: The Monster Inside the Monster (Book #3)
A third book in a series is hard to review. What do you say that hasn't been said before? The characters are the same. In the case of this series, which is all parts of the same over-arching storyline, the plot is much the same. You're basically left with a review that says, I liked this one more or less than the previous two. And I liked it about the same.

It's holding steady at a 3-star read. I've gotten comfortable enough with Ren to appreciate his sarcasm (though he'd never call it that) and I think it's cute the way everyone else thinks it's cute too. He's like an adorable spikey hedgehog.

Like in the previous book, the problem I had with the book was the mystery plot. I just don't buy the "girl was obsessed with him, planned world domination to be with him, was smart enough to pull it all off, but left the giant back door open for Ren to cancel it all out with ease" plotting. Nope, it was far too easy.

Further, I thought he pushed Dahlia too far in this one and she should have walked. I appreciate that he showed personal growth in knowing he should have felt guilty (where in the past he wouldn't have), but why does Dahlia put up with it?

And the baby plot still has me shaking my head.

Ren: The Monster's Adventure
Amusingly absurd, but a little sappy and with a rushed change in Ren's perspective.

Ren: The Monster's Death (Ren Series #4)
I'm not sure what happened here, in this volume of the Ren Series. But it was a mess, not nearly as put together as the last three books. It felt rushed and barely put together. What's more, I refuse to accept hand-waving, "invent these never before possible things and do it within a week" plot points. And the ending was just ridiculous.

The narrator, however, did a wonderful job with all it.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
November 2, 2017
Ren: The Man Behind the Monster
I'm completely hooked now. This is the first title by Noffke that I've read and it most definitely won't be the last. There's enough here that references other series that have intrigued me to the point that I want to read everything. Ren isn't the easiest character to like. He's been through some very hard things that have left him bitter and forced him to chose to be alone. The whole story is very true to his character which sometimes makes the emotions hard to get through. But the whole story is so compelling I can't wait to dig into the next one.
Ren: God's Little Monster
I enjoyed this, but I didn't really feel like it was a full and complete story in and of itself. Sure Ren solves some puzzles during the course of the book but all the problems he has at the beginning of the story are still there at the end. I couldn't pinpoint a specific story arc in this. By that, I mean that there's no satisfying resolution to a particular challenge. To me, it felt like this book's main function was to teach us more about Ren and introduce several new characters who will be important in future books. Which is all well and good, I guess I just wanted a little more out of it.
Ren: The Monster Inside the Monster
This man causes me the most profound stress while trying to decide whether I love him or hate him. He's sarcastic and bitter and downright cruel, but he's lived a life that's caused him to disconnect from his emotions in order to survive. So my options are to throttle him or hug him I just and can't make up my mind which would be the better choice. Ren undergoes some pretty extensive personal growth during this book. The two previous books hinted that something major was coming but I admit I wasn't expecting this. I consider it a prime example of the author's skills that she can give us such a thoroughly unlikable character that we love anyway.
Ren: The Monster's Adventure
It's hilarious and tragic, which is an unexpected pairing. Ren has been dragged along on the most disastrous family vacation ever. The author's ruthless application of the question "what's the worst that can happen?" liberally spiced with Murphy's Law gives us a road trip that awe inspiring in it's ridiculousness. Add Christmas Carol-like visitations with three wise women, and Ren's forced to confront his fears and shortcomings. With every new book in this series, curmudgeonly Ren becomes more and more human to us.
Ren: The Monster's Death
A stunning conclusion. The awe-inspiring mix of physics and metaphysics, blending theoretical science with Dream Traveler skills more akin to ancient mysticism. I will warn you that tissues will probably be necessary, they were for me. This book brings Ren full circle, and some of the things he discloses, even some of the things he discovers, have the emotional impact of a speeding bullet train. Ren has always believed he was a god among men and perhaps he truly is.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
May 8, 2021
Ren Series, The Complete Boxed Set (Ren #1-5) was a great read by Sarah Noffke. This box set consists of; The Man Behind the Monster, God's Little Monster, The Monster Inside the Monster, The Monster's Adventure, and The Monster's Death. The Man Behind the Monster (Ran #1) was a good read by Sarah Noffke. Ben Lewis was born with the power to control minds, read people's thoughts, and hypnotize others. Ben knows that no one should be born with so much power. At ten years old, he received his gifts and a monster awoke within him. He allowed the powers to corrupt him. Ben knows that in order to find some peace, he must kill the monster. God's Littler Monster (Ren #2) was a good read by Sarah Noffke. Ben has everything he's always wanted but still feels miserable. He blames this on the monster buried inside him. He doesn't know that his life is about to be intensely transformed. With all this change he finds out how flawed and vulnerable he is. The Monster Inside the Monster (Ren #3) was a good read by Sarah Noffke. Ren feels like this next challenge will be the thing that undo's him. He discovers his daughter is hiding that she's pregnant. He avoids family responsibility by throwing himself into his work. The Monster's Adventure (Ran #4) was a good read by Sarah Noffke. A life altering event happens to Dahlia and Ben, and it makes him take a break from work and explore the West Coast with his family. Ben must endure regular traveling in a car since not everyone in his family can dream travel. Ben is visited by three wise women to come to terms with his past, present, and future. The Monster's Death (Ren #5) was a great read by Sarah Noffke. Ren is ready to prove that he's the most powerful man in the world. God makes a move to carve Ren's heart out for the rest of his life. He will do his best to outmaneuver God. The is the final part of Ren's evolution.
Profile Image for Care  Wheeler.
22 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2018
if you are offended by the f-word, this series is not for you!

this is series 3 of the 5 series of the world of dream travelers. (start with the lucidites, then the reverians) ren is a character in the first 2 series, but is complex enough to need his own story told.

ren is the man you want to hate. you want to love. you want to break down his defenses. you want to change him, but you can't. you want him to be less of a dick to the people he loves but can't tell them. its easy to want to be dahlia, but you can't be jealous of the way he treats her, leaves her, and comes back after so long a separation. he is surprised by the grown daughter who comes into his life and you want him to treat her better.

he evolves into someone who does the best he can. those around him respect him, are fascinated by him, and know deep down he's a good person, despite his obvious flaws. he has a brokenness that eventually becomes healed.

this chronicles most of his life from birth to death, with some exceptions. reading the first 2 series gives some of what is missed.

i get emotional at some books, but this series made me really tear up! you wouldn't think a man like ren could do that to you, but he does.

the current covers aren't typical fantasy covers, but these books have cross-genre appeal.

i highly recommend the audiobook, i got it after reading the books, but ren's voice is almost exactly what was in my head. the female voices aren't my favorite, but its worth it!

Profile Image for Christi Fowler.
1,647 reviews16 followers
November 6, 2019
Title: Ren Series: The Complete Boxed Set
Author: Sarah Nofke
Format: Audio
Narrator: Tim Campbell
Genre: Paranormal, thriller, political, humor
Standalone/Part of a Series: This is the complete Ren Series but it's obviously connected to a larger universe which I haven't read but still was able to follow Ren's story
POV: Ren
Steam Level: Clean
4/5

Unlike some stories Ren did not suck me in the from the beginning. It took me a while to get into this story and enjoy the character. Overall I'm glad I listened to this story in the box set rather than individually and I wouldn't be opposed to reading other stories featuring the other dream travelers. I enjoyed how Ren's character evolved while still maintaining his true characteristics. I'm glad I gave the story a chance.

I received this audiobook for free from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jean.
912 reviews39 followers
April 22, 2017

Well Done..

This box set includes:
The Man Behind the Monster, God's Little Monster, The Monster Inside the Monster, The Monster's Adventure, and The Monster's Death.


The author has created a deep, well developed character with Ren who is from the Lucidites Series by the Author.

If you haven't read Lucidites, you may want to check it out.

I'm glad that I have the Ren series box set and it was an overall, entertaining and engaging read.


The narrator, Tim Campbell, did well with the narration as usual.

Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."


Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews17 followers
August 16, 2018
This is a funny, heart wrenching, tension filled series that makes you fall in love with Ren. He is flawed, caustic, sarcastic and absolutely brilliant. He is a character that becomes real to you and once started you will not be able to put this series down. It will have you on the edge of your seat, tear your heart out and make you laugh all at the same time. I can not say enough good things about these books. They are excellent reads.
Profile Image for Lisa.
281 reviews
April 10, 2017
My favorite of all of Sarah Noffke's series (so far); listened to it all on Audible. I don't think I'll ever think of Ren Lewis without associating it with Tim Campbell's voice. Individual reviews written for each book, but all 5 star reviews!
Profile Image for Stephanie Runion.
358 reviews
April 20, 2017
The totality of the amazing Ren series all together for your reading pleasure. Expect the unexpected while expecting it to come in the snarky package of our favorite British redhead. An inspiring series from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Cristal.
331 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2017
"I RECEIVED AN AUDIOBOOK ARC BOXSET FROM THE AUTHOR"
I love this! Ren is such an ass and I dont think I would have loved it as much if he wasnt. the book 3.5 was my favorite it was awesome and I adore baby Lucien. I high recommend this series! Thank you Sarah Noffke for the opportunity.
543 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2019
A great series , well worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. It was much better than I expected .
Profile Image for Diane A. Kordelski.
89 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2021
Abso-fukin-lutely Fantastic

A wildly successful journey into a mindset that Will expand your view of this dimension we exist within !Encore !!
Profile Image for Michelle.
195 reviews
March 23, 2021
You need to read this

The REN series is quite possibly the best series I have ever read. He is an impossible jerk, but his journey is astonishing. Sarah Noffke is a genius.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.