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Sevenfold Sword #1
Sevenfold Sword: Champion
Ridmark Arban is the Shield Knight, the defender of the realm of Andomhaim. The realm is at peace after a long and terrible war, but dark powers threaten other lands. And when a mad elven wizard comes to the High King's court, Ridmark finds himself fighting not only for his own life, but for the lives of his family. For the quest of the Seven Swords has begun...
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2017
614 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Moeller
404 books669 followersStanding over six feet tall, USA Today bestselling author Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 13, 2020
This very obviously bought to mind the previous series by this author, and while I had some reticence at the start -- namely if I would find out the 'happily ever after' turned out to be neither of those things, but then the action exploded, and kept up until the delicious climax. I will admit I could figure out how the climax started based on the previous series and the title, and I was not disappointed. I'm interested by the overarching story and can't wait to continue with this series.
July 2, 2021
In this gripping tale, a pair of heroes along with their children are abruptly swept into a part of the world they are completely unfamiliar with. In addition to saving their own family, they find themselves trying save the entire planet. Action, magic, and clashes between good and evil abound! The characters seem believable despite the powers they have at their disposal, and the settings and storyline richly imagined. I could not set the book down until I finished it!
May 12, 2020
This is a beautifully created fantasy, but I struggled. I almost gave up at 25%, and again a bit further, and while I am glad that I didn't, my frustration was legitimate. I constantly felt like I was coming into a story halfway through, like I had picked up the last book in a trilogy instead of the first. When I found out that this was book 16 in a well established universe, I understood, but was annoyed even further. Advertised as the first book in a new series, even in a well established universe, this book needed to be able to engage a new reader wholly and completely. It fell far short of that. Unnecessary mentions of previous battles fought, and foes conquered only served to jar me out of the immersion, back to simply words on a page. I understand the intention was to build Ridmark and Calliande up to appear a formidable duo, but really, the Watcher, and the Sovereign and whatever other named jumble of letters had no bearing on this story that I could see, and just muddied the storyline enough to be irritating. Furthermore, mentions to actual ancient history, such as the Greeks and the Romans, and the main spoken language being Latin, without any concept of how the fantasy world developed from that was an additional jarring moment. Is this a kind of parallel world, where magic developed instead of science? Did our current civilisation fall, making this story set thousands of years in the future? If so, how on earth did Latin come to be the dominant language? Is this explained in previous books? High fantasy doesn't mix with ancient history without a legitimate reason, and none was ever given.
I won't be reading any more in this series, which is a shame, because it was a beautifully written, well crafted story, that sucked me in hard, before spitting me back out with inconsistencies.
I won't be reading any more in this series, which is a shame, because it was a beautifully written, well crafted story, that sucked me in hard, before spitting me back out with inconsistencies.
September 1, 2023
Great book. Now that the Frostborn have been defeated Ridmark and Calliande have been transported away for more epic battles. The first book does not disappoint. Looking forward to more
April 12, 2024
Well now Moeller continues to prove why he's such an excellent writer with this series here. So far there is excellent world building, characters, enemies, as well as for allies. Ridmark, Callandae, and their tw0 kids are sitting at event for the kingdom. where one of the knights are being awarded lands and a title. During this time a visitor comes in and interrupts the procedure and all of a sudden Ridmark his wife and kids are whisked away and when they wake. they are in a whole new land they don't know nothing about and never knew existed And to top it all off there is a war going on. Now Ridmark has to find the one that brought them there and try to get back to their homeland. But I think that will be easier said than done.
December 31, 2019
I liked this book and will continue reading the series. It is about people relationships and struggles and strength of the characters. And it is my ideal mix of magic, swords, dark, grey and light elves and castles. Traditional like story in that respect. Fantasy that I like the most :)
August 21, 2017
I am so glad that Mr. Moeller is continuing this series. He is picking up the story about eight years from where the last book ended. Once again the protagonists are dealing with people and creatures who have been consumed by evil. Ridmark and Calliande are transported thousands of miles to where those who had fled Andomhaim's imminent destruction many years ago had settled. There are similarities to their homeland but plenty of differences that need to be assimilated. They initially end up in different locations and both encounter adversities whilst trying to locate the other. Their two sons were also transported and almost immediately are snatched by orcs. Ridmark, Calliande and their new allies join forces to free all who have been imprisoned to enhance the necromancer's upcoming spell.
April 11, 2020
Kalussa, Kalussa, Kalussa...
Kalussa was so annoying in this story. The only thing that seemed to be going through her head was that she was royal, so everyone should worship her, and how much she wanted to bed Ridmark.
I wonder if Owyllain will be getting their own version of swordbearers and magistri later on in the story.
I loved how Ridmark and Calliande fought to reach each other, and stay faithful to each other, and protect their sons. I have read stories that are chronologically after the Sevenfold Sword series, so I figured now was as good a time as any to start. It’ll be fun to continue with Ridmark’s tale.
Kalussa was so annoying in this story. The only thing that seemed to be going through her head was that she was royal, so everyone should worship her, and how much she wanted to bed Ridmark.
I wonder if Owyllain will be getting their own version of swordbearers and magistri later on in the story.
I loved how Ridmark and Calliande fought to reach each other, and stay faithful to each other, and protect their sons. I have read stories that are chronologically after the Sevenfold Sword series, so I figured now was as good a time as any to start. It’ll be fun to continue with Ridmark’s tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2019
The Sevenfold Sword by Jonathan Moeller is the most recent series of books I’ve been enjoying. While the story is slow at times, overall it is an enjoyable read (or listen).
I really enjoy the relationship between the husband and wife. Their fidelity to each other is not a common trait seen in media these days. I also enjoy the internal conflict of the two supporting characters as they endeavor to find themselves and/or heal from past trauma.
To read my full review, visit my blog: https://rpbooklist.wordpress.com/2019...
I really enjoy the relationship between the husband and wife. Their fidelity to each other is not a common trait seen in media these days. I also enjoy the internal conflict of the two supporting characters as they endeavor to find themselves and/or heal from past trauma.
To read my full review, visit my blog: https://rpbooklist.wordpress.com/2019...
October 22, 2017
Sevenfold Sword: Champion Review
Dear Jonathan, I absolutely loved reading this book.Your Christian faith and morality stood out very promise in this wonderful story. The high moral ground of the main characters stand far above other story characters that I have read about in most other stories I have read. Kudos to you. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone interested in a great story. 😇 Thanks so much for the wonderful entertainment.
Dear Jonathan, I absolutely loved reading this book.Your Christian faith and morality stood out very promise in this wonderful story. The high moral ground of the main characters stand far above other story characters that I have read about in most other stories I have read. Kudos to you. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone interested in a great story. 😇 Thanks so much for the wonderful entertainment.
July 19, 2020
Enjoyable sword and sorcerous storytelling
Strong beginning to a series I wish to continue. Numerous characters I look forward to learning more about and exploring their motivations, powers, and achievements. Some first-book writing and editing issues that don't detract too much from the telling of a tale seemingly deep with multiple plots and plenty of well-rendered characters. More epic in scale and promises, yet filled with great battles of blade and magicks.
Strong beginning to a series I wish to continue. Numerous characters I look forward to learning more about and exploring their motivations, powers, and achievements. Some first-book writing and editing issues that don't detract too much from the telling of a tale seemingly deep with multiple plots and plenty of well-rendered characters. More epic in scale and promises, yet filled with great battles of blade and magicks.
May 27, 2021
Summary: A dark book, very little joy to be found, but interesting characters, a comprehensive premise and a plot that moves on nicely. Despite the 4 stars I nearly didn't move on to book 2 as this is just too joyless.
Plotline: Well thought out and moves along pretty quickly
Premise: Interesting magic and magical artifacts
Writing: Pretty good, good descriptions
Ending: One feels this will go on for ever, but a nivce victory
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Well thought out and moves along pretty quickly
Premise: Interesting magic and magical artifacts
Writing: Pretty good, good descriptions
Ending: One feels this will go on for ever, but a nivce victory
Pace: Never a dull moment!
April 27, 2020
As usual, Mr. Moeller has written another book full of magic and desperation. Ridmark Arban, the Shield knight, once again battles evil, but this time in a faraway place and in a desperate bid to save his wife and children. Another fine addition to add to the legend.
October 3, 2017
I loved this story. I am soooo glad that we continue on a journey with Ridmark and Calliande. I even like the new supporting cast.
November 17, 2019
New series- great start
I had greatly enjoyed the first series. I felt some trepidation starting this fearing it might not be as good. Cracking start.
I had greatly enjoyed the first series. I felt some trepidation starting this fearing it might not be as good. Cracking start.
August 18, 2020
Well written, great world building, looking forward to the next books in this series
June 24, 2021
I could not get past the first chapter. There's just too much wrong with this. In the first 20 pages or so (of the ebook, at least):
- A three year old is about as eloquent as the average adult. I understand some children are advanced for their age, but this was just too much.
- Everything is done to make you understand this is medieval fantasy. It's just too over the top.
- The prose already gets repetitive ('she tried to smile' twice within a few sentences of each other)
- Simple grammar mistakes were made
- The phrasing is standard at best, awkward at worst.
- Paragraphs are structured very strangely and do not help with a comfortable reading process.
- There are so many infodumps. And none of the information seems actually important to the story. It's more like boasts about how awesome the (main) character is.
- An extremely powerful mage lady, the protagonist's wife, lost a child half a year ago. Even though she's specialised in healing magic. Very sad, but she apparently has barely left her room all this time, the husband does not go into detail about anything he might have done to help her. We know of nothing he might've done, but later he mentions offhandedly something like "grief has a strange logic of its own", as a sort of excuse to not attempt to comfort his wife. Any sympathy for this guy just flew out of the window.
So because I haven't read all of it, I can't give it 1 star. I'll stick with 2 because I cannot give it any more than that for what I've read.
- A three year old is about as eloquent as the average adult. I understand some children are advanced for their age, but this was just too much.
- Everything is done to make you understand this is medieval fantasy. It's just too over the top.
- The prose already gets repetitive ('she tried to smile' twice within a few sentences of each other)
- Simple grammar mistakes were made
- The phrasing is standard at best, awkward at worst.
- Paragraphs are structured very strangely and do not help with a comfortable reading process.
- There are so many infodumps. And none of the information seems actually important to the story. It's more like boasts about how awesome the (main) character is.
- An extremely powerful mage lady, the protagonist's wife, lost a child half a year ago. Even though she's specialised in healing magic. Very sad, but she apparently has barely left her room all this time, the husband does not go into detail about anything he might have done to help her. We know of nothing he might've done, but later he mentions offhandedly something like "grief has a strange logic of its own", as a sort of excuse to not attempt to comfort his wife. Any sympathy for this guy just flew out of the window.
So because I haven't read all of it, I can't give it 1 star. I'll stick with 2 because I cannot give it any more than that for what I've read.
Read
July 15, 2024Not going to rate it because it was free so it wasn’t like I was harmed by the experience, but this was notable for being the wildest name soup I’ve ever encountered in fiction.
In the first short chapter we are introduced (in passing, obviously) to the following characters: Ridmark; The high king; Leogrance; Gareth; Ridmark’s mother; Joachim; Calliande; A different Gareth; Brother Octavius; The dux of calvus; Dieter; Joachim’s mother (Calliande? Not immediately clear); Joanna; Dagma; Antenora; Master vesilius; Arandar; The dragon knight; A maid; Tindra; Sir Gavin; Cortin lamorus; Corbanic lamorus; The master at arms; prince pendragon; Tarrabus carhaine; Prince jaeger; The cloaked man.
Some get a line of description (hair and eye colour for example), but otherwise it’s just a landslide of proper nouns.
The following locations are also named: Andomhain; Dun culpurnia; The kings court; Duke Gareth’s court; The Roman domus; River moradel; Tarlion; Southern sea; The tower of the keeper; Kithluusk; Qazaluusk; Anathgrimm; Three baptised kingdoms; Black mountain; Cathair solas; Urd morelemoch; Durandis; The citadel; The great cathedral; The castra; The tower of the magister; Casta andrius.
When people talk about “character overload” as a problem in writing, refer them here as a practical example.
In the first short chapter we are introduced (in passing, obviously) to the following characters: Ridmark; The high king; Leogrance; Gareth; Ridmark’s mother; Joachim; Calliande; A different Gareth; Brother Octavius; The dux of calvus; Dieter; Joachim’s mother (Calliande? Not immediately clear); Joanna; Dagma; Antenora; Master vesilius; Arandar; The dragon knight; A maid; Tindra; Sir Gavin; Cortin lamorus; Corbanic lamorus; The master at arms; prince pendragon; Tarrabus carhaine; Prince jaeger; The cloaked man.
Some get a line of description (hair and eye colour for example), but otherwise it’s just a landslide of proper nouns.
The following locations are also named: Andomhain; Dun culpurnia; The kings court; Duke Gareth’s court; The Roman domus; River moradel; Tarlion; Southern sea; The tower of the keeper; Kithluusk; Qazaluusk; Anathgrimm; Three baptised kingdoms; Black mountain; Cathair solas; Urd morelemoch; Durandis; The citadel; The great cathedral; The castra; The tower of the magister; Casta andrius.
When people talk about “character overload” as a problem in writing, refer them here as a practical example.
July 21, 2025
What an interesting story. I guess that means it was mediocre. Not in a bad way. My first negative would be the names of the characters. They were all mostly original names. By original names I mean hard to remember names. Especially the bad guy's names or the mysterious characters ones. The plot is mysterious in a good way. It was a simple plot and journey to reach Ridmark's kids. Along the way we meet Tamlin and Kalussa. Each has good backstories and even flirted with the two main characters Ridmark and Calliande. Ridmark and Calliande were honorable characters with strong beliefs and cool magical powers. Having a bad guy have a Champion monster was good too. The New God mystery and the Masked One character revealed in epilogue is good enough to read future books.
Overall, it was a good start. I don't know if I'll continue this book series right away as it feels like another book series I've read recently, and I don't want similar book series to overlap each other. Though for sure book 2 will be read.
Overall, it was a good start. I don't know if I'll continue this book series right away as it feels like another book series I've read recently, and I don't want similar book series to overlap each other. Though for sure book 2 will be read.
March 1, 2025
The story is interesting. There isn't swearing, so that's good. But... I stopped 3/4 of the through the book because I got so tired of the heavily discussed theme of whether or not having a concubine is okay, if you move to a place where having a concubine is normal.
It felt like I was stuck in a huge political discussion, and every time I thought the discussion was finally over, it was brought up again.
This is a situation where I'd rather just hear what the characters are doing than having the author explain why it might be a morally acceptable idea, over and over and over.
It felt like I was stuck in a huge political discussion, and every time I thought the discussion was finally over, it was brought up again.
This is a situation where I'd rather just hear what the characters are doing than having the author explain why it might be a morally acceptable idea, over and over and over.
May 11, 2025
This is a good book. Well worth the read.
.
.
.
But Johnathan Moeller is now so successful that no one’s going to tell him to shorten a story.
It took 350 pages to tell a 300 page story. There is no doubting that it’s a great story, but it needed to be tightened up to engage people a little earlier instead of people persisting because ‘we know he’s good’.
Sevenfold Sword: Champion by Johnathan Moeller 3/5
…
Key: bad 1/5, ok 2/5, good 3/5, great 4/5, unusually outstanding 5/5
.
.
.
But Johnathan Moeller is now so successful that no one’s going to tell him to shorten a story.
It took 350 pages to tell a 300 page story. There is no doubting that it’s a great story, but it needed to be tightened up to engage people a little earlier instead of people persisting because ‘we know he’s good’.
Sevenfold Sword: Champion by Johnathan Moeller 3/5
…
Key: bad 1/5, ok 2/5, good 3/5, great 4/5, unusually outstanding 5/5
February 2, 2018
Great New Adventure
Ridmark, Calliande and there 2 sons have been transported to another continent were the descendants of another branch of the Pendragon's are fighting a great evil. This first book it what promises to be another epic series the same as the frostborn has gotten off to a great start. Would definitely recommend. Now onto book 2
Ridmark, Calliande and there 2 sons have been transported to another continent were the descendants of another branch of the Pendragon's are fighting a great evil. This first book it what promises to be another epic series the same as the frostborn has gotten off to a great start. Would definitely recommend. Now onto book 2
April 15, 2019
This my first book by By the Author and I really enjoyed it. It’s an easy quick read that has well established fantasy troupes. Love a quest. Ridmark and family get thrown onto another continent. Here he has to start again. But with a kick arse sword it’s all possible.
November 25, 2019
Spectacular, Great Fantasy And I Say BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
I LOVED THIS STORY, IT WAS VERY WELL WRITTEN. I SO SUGGEST IF YOU ENJOY GREAT BOOKS, GET THIS BOOK NOW.BUY IT, BUT IT!😍
I LOVED THIS STORY, IT WAS VERY WELL WRITTEN. I SO SUGGEST IF YOU ENJOY GREAT BOOKS, GET THIS BOOK NOW.BUY IT, BUT IT!😍
July 4, 2024
I first met Ridmark Ardman in the Frostborn saga. I enjoyed the action and adventure of those novels and this book did not disappoint me either. The author has written a good first novel of the series with new characters and locations for the further adventures of Ridmark and his family.
November 26, 2019
Loved the story and characters.
August 16, 2020
Free book on Apple and very enjoyable! First of his that I read, more to follow.
August 5, 2021
Here we go again. Fight, win repeat... All for a moral cause.
January 4, 2024
Pretty good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews