What do you think?
Rate this book
The Greystone Chronicles #4
Defenders of the Realm
The kingdom is expanding! More land, more resources, and surprising new allies. Fibble gains some interesting stats, a new set of skills, and a patron deity of his own. Elysia is prospering. But Alexander and his Elysians are forced to defend their lands against an invading orc horde from the north, and the dark army of demons and undead that has escaped from the caverns where Alexander imprisoned them. At the same time, the Dark One is somehow still working with the drow wizards to subjugate more lands and expand their evil influence. Join the Greystone Guild and their Elysians as they battle armies to defend their lands and their people. They fight for freedom and their very survival, facing a ruthless enemy bent on destroying the world. But is the cost too high for Alexander to endure?
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2018
323 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Dave Willmarth
31 books630 followersDave 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 9, 2018
I find this book like the previous ones frustrating. I want to really like it but I cannot. I think because there are no game mechanics in these books. Yes there are levels but there is no talk of skills, items and their stats, spells, and the progression of any of them. Examples of all of these and this is consistent in all of the books in this series: 1) nothing tells you the levels of skills but you will see Alexander increases his enchanting skill +1 but the author never explains what that means. Has he increased to a new level what are the benefits and what level was he before and what are the different skill levels. 2) They get loot, but what is found is rarely talked about. Yes the author does talk about this some but still very infrequent. 3) When was the last time Alexander got new spells besides the devine one in this book which is never explained. When he hurts himself from over doing it with levitate he is said to move to the next level and gains more knowledge but this is never explained what that mean or what was gained.
I think the author does great job developing characters and the story and creating good plot lines. There are just way too many game mechanics holes in this series.
minor thing when Alexander levels his unallocated points stays at 20 for several levels without any mention of allocation.
I think the author does great job developing characters and the story and creating good plot lines. There are just way too many game mechanics holes in this series.
minor thing when Alexander levels his unallocated points stays at 20 for several levels without any mention of allocation.
March 15, 2020
I am pleased to be back with one of my favorite litRPGs. Greystone Chronicles is such a great series; truly creative writing, wonderful characters, and it just gets better and better as time goes on. Elysia continues to expand and improve, just as Alexander. Alexander is now identified as Warrior King. So much has happened since the prior volume. The Dark One is still the major threat, not only to Elysia but the whole of IO Online as well. While investigating a new dungeon, Alexander came upon an Ancient One. A magical being older than the dragons, a being that helped create IO Online. The being, known as Geb, is the guardian of one of the Nodes of Power located throughout IO Online. Geb will have a positive impact on Elysia in general and Alexander specifically. The romance between Jules and Alexander is truly heart-warming. If anything happened to Jules, I would be physically upset. Such a great story and the performance by Sound Design is excellent.
September 13, 2020
Another incredible book!
I love this series. I usually read each book in one to two settings. Since I read books like this I usually find inconsistencies in the story and series. Especially for really involved stories where the author males up so much of the storyline. On these stories, most I find end up being resolved later. For instance, at one point a truth spell is cast on a player by a powerful wizard who's not a player. How could this work? Its later answered by explaining the tech used to access the game.
The storyline takes many expected and unexpected twists and turns as does character development. I can't wait to read the next book yet at the same time I am disappointed that there is only two books left in the series.
I have also read the other series by the author as well as Battleborn. Its interesting to see the similarities and the differences.
I love this series. I usually read each book in one to two settings. Since I read books like this I usually find inconsistencies in the story and series. Especially for really involved stories where the author males up so much of the storyline. On these stories, most I find end up being resolved later. For instance, at one point a truth spell is cast on a player by a powerful wizard who's not a player. How could this work? Its later answered by explaining the tech used to access the game.
The storyline takes many expected and unexpected twists and turns as does character development. I can't wait to read the next book yet at the same time I am disappointed that there is only two books left in the series.
I have also read the other series by the author as well as Battleborn. Its interesting to see the similarities and the differences.
August 15, 2020
Yum! Cookies and Pancakes again.
Well done Mr. Willmarth! This fourth book has met and exceeded expectations for a series.
The writing is strong with very few edit issues (some forgotten letters on words, tense usage, etc.) and none that detract from the storyline.
Still gratuitous foul language. Adds nothing to the story and disrupts as one reads.
I love the ethical and moral struggle the lead character goes through during war. Anyone who has truly fought and lost understands. Mr. Willmarth does a good job capturing it.
Another great read.
Well done Mr. Willmarth! This fourth book has met and exceeded expectations for a series.
The writing is strong with very few edit issues (some forgotten letters on words, tense usage, etc.) and none that detract from the storyline.
Still gratuitous foul language. Adds nothing to the story and disrupts as one reads.
I love the ethical and moral struggle the lead character goes through during war. Anyone who has truly fought and lost understands. Mr. Willmarth does a good job capturing it.
Another great read.
August 1, 2018
It's a good read
I enjoyed the story. I like that the forces arrayed against the characters are growing in scope and power as well. I dislike that the main character is so trusting of people who pass an fbi background check. Also the bad guy seems to think that by destroying the game world no one will ever want to play but could the company not just store back up character data and import that data into a hard server reset?
I enjoyed the story. I like that the forces arrayed against the characters are growing in scope and power as well. I dislike that the main character is so trusting of people who pass an fbi background check. Also the bad guy seems to think that by destroying the game world no one will ever want to play but could the company not just store back up character data and import that data into a hard server reset?
June 2, 2018
The story just keeps on getting better. I've continued to have a vested interest in all of the characters and really want to know whats next. This book (and series) reminds me of my small gaming group in how the characters interact with one another and that elevates my enjoyment even more. If you haven't read the series I whole heatedly recommend it.
July 13, 2018
Never disappointed
I am never disappointed with Dave Willmarth's books. Book four continues to impress and entertain. More character development, and more characters. The main crew is still there, but the additional names feel like they belong as well.
The world building continues to impress, it's a world you just want to step into. And let us not forget... Fibble rules.
I am never disappointed with Dave Willmarth's books. Book four continues to impress and entertain. More character development, and more characters. The main crew is still there, but the additional names feel like they belong as well.
The world building continues to impress, it's a world you just want to step into. And let us not forget... Fibble rules.
November 14, 2019
Alexander and co have a kingdom to run, which means dealing with invaders, more trouble with drow and demons, and the occaisonal real-world issue.
This one was fun - I continue to enjoy Fibble, though Fibble the lush is a bit off-putting. I think there's only one more currently published in this series, so I'll likely start that tonight.
This one was fun - I continue to enjoy Fibble, though Fibble the lush is a bit off-putting. I think there's only one more currently published in this series, so I'll likely start that tonight.
January 16, 2020
Superb best yet
Wow what a ride that was excellent storytelling and great to no there’s more to come.
Characters are well written and the main ones feel like they’ve filled out nicely. Great to see Alexander continue to grow his kingdom and I look forward to watching it develop.
On to the next one now 😁
Wow what a ride that was excellent storytelling and great to no there’s more to come.
Characters are well written and the main ones feel like they’ve filled out nicely. Great to see Alexander continue to grow his kingdom and I look forward to watching it develop.
On to the next one now 😁
July 25, 2020
Excellent
This is one of those books where I'm almost watching the progress bar as much as I'm reading. I'm enjoying the story that much. But once again my biggest complaint is surfacing in unexpected and annoying places, Jules' jealous streak. It does not add anything to the storyline and in fact distract and diminish a strong woman character. Totally unnecessary.
This is one of those books where I'm almost watching the progress bar as much as I'm reading. I'm enjoying the story that much. But once again my biggest complaint is surfacing in unexpected and annoying places, Jules' jealous streak. It does not add anything to the storyline and in fact distract and diminish a strong woman character. Totally unnecessary.
January 26, 2021
Hell Fire and New Friends
Our New King ... is learning to become a KING. The Hardest of ways ... a war in two worlds with an enemy that wants to destroy him and his in BOTH.
FANTASTIC storyline and Character development ... one of the best author's I have read in over 50 years ... keep them coming.
Our New King ... is learning to become a KING. The Hardest of ways ... a war in two worlds with an enemy that wants to destroy him and his in BOTH.
FANTASTIC storyline and Character development ... one of the best author's I have read in over 50 years ... keep them coming.
June 9, 2018
Another gem
Fun packed book following from the previous instalments. This book will give you more of the same from previous books, therefore you know you’re getting the good stuff. 10/10
Fun packed book following from the previous instalments. This book will give you more of the same from previous books, therefore you know you’re getting the good stuff. 10/10
June 25, 2018
Book isn’t perfect but I enjoyed it
I’m not sure why I continue on, but I do. Still the same overpowered characters, plot points that just don’t work, and game mechanics that confuse me.
I’m not sure why I continue on, but I do. Still the same overpowered characters, plot points that just don’t work, and game mechanics that confuse me.
June 25, 2018
Great Read.
A LitRPG story. Continues from the previous book. Battles for protection of their kingdom. Expansion of the kingdom. And a villain out for revenge. Great read. Looking forward to the next book.
A LitRPG story. Continues from the previous book. Battles for protection of their kingdom. Expansion of the kingdom. And a villain out for revenge. Great read. Looking forward to the next book.
October 8, 2018
Another Outstanding Book in the Series
I enjoyed this book just as much as the others in the series. There's the mix between dark and light, town building, character leveling, even the mascot is getting buffed out. Looking forward to the next installment!
I enjoyed this book just as much as the others in the series. There's the mix between dark and light, town building, character leveling, even the mascot is getting buffed out. Looking forward to the next installment!
October 10, 2018
Very amusing instlalment. Even the goblin gets involved, and except for the grammar errors (of which there were many) it was a pretty good story, and one that definitely does justice to the series as a whole. I'm keeping this series on my to read list as new ones are released.
April 28, 2019
Excellent chapter in a great saga
Ready for the next book. I can't put the series down! There are quite a few editing errors. They aren't so nunerous as to take away from the story telling but a little more care from the editing team is in order.
Ready for the next book. I can't put the series down! There are quite a few editing errors. They aren't so nunerous as to take away from the story telling but a little more care from the editing team is in order.
May 3, 2019
Massive Battles and Fun Within
Book 4 finally reached the potenetial realised in the earlier books as Alex faces his mettle as a warrior and a king when the Dark One sends his minions.
Some great moments and a good chuckle involved which makes me read all the more.
Book 4 finally reached the potenetial realised in the earlier books as Alex faces his mettle as a warrior and a king when the Dark One sends his minions.
Some great moments and a good chuckle involved which makes me read all the more.
May 20, 2019
Continues to be worth reading
Story line advances characters are fleshing out . Good vs evil , quest for revenge at all costs
I hope this story has an ending i do so dislike neverending middle
Story line advances characters are fleshing out . Good vs evil , quest for revenge at all costs
I hope this story has an ending i do so dislike neverending middle
November 27, 2019
Great series!
You ever get so engrossed in a series that you tell yourself you're going to rate a book after you finish the next one? That's what happened to me with this series. Next thing I knew, I had finished it and hadn't left a single review. That's how good this series is!
You ever get so engrossed in a series that you tell yourself you're going to rate a book after you finish the next one? That's what happened to me with this series. Next thing I knew, I had finished it and hadn't left a single review. That's how good this series is!
January 17, 2025
War!
What could be better than a war with demons, undead and orcs! I played WOW for 10 years and never had such fun. Where is the VR for me before I get too old? On to the next great book!
What could be better than a war with demons, undead and orcs! I played WOW for 10 years and never had such fun. Where is the VR for me before I get too old? On to the next great book!
May 30, 2018
Very good
I really enjoyed this book and the series, looking forward to the next one . Keep up the good work.
I really enjoyed this book and the series, looking forward to the next one . Keep up the good work.
June 4, 2018
Thoroughly good read.
Compelling characters with good character development. The story pulls you in for quite the enjoyable journey. I'm left eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Compelling characters with good character development. The story pulls you in for quite the enjoyable journey. I'm left eagerly awaiting the next installment.
June 1, 2018
Another solid piece of work
Damn good book and only 3 noticeable typos. Can't wait for the next book if you haven't picked it up your missing out
Damn good book and only 3 noticeable typos. Can't wait for the next book if you haven't picked it up your missing out
June 5, 2018
Great book
It was awesome to spend time with the members of Greystone again. I can hardly wait for the next book of this series
It was awesome to spend time with the members of Greystone again. I can hardly wait for the next book of this series
June 6, 2018
Book four
This series just keeps getting better and better!
I look forward to book five.
I highly recommend this entire series.
This series just keeps getting better and better!
I look forward to book five.
I highly recommend this entire series.
June 8, 2018
Great book
Very good read ! Can’t wait for the next book! Good character development and fighting ! Would like more loot shown and stats of said loot
Very good read ! Can’t wait for the next book! Good character development and fighting ! Would like more loot shown and stats of said loot
June 9, 2018
Love the series
June 10, 2018
Couldn’t put it down!
The story continued and I enjoyed it as much as the first 3! I feel like I know the characters and am right there with them on their adventures!
The story continued and I enjoyed it as much as the first 3! I feel like I know the characters and am right there with them on their adventures!
June 17, 2018
Great read.
Great read. Had some secrets come out in this book which was cool. I really enjoy the strategic approach to battles. I look forward to seeing what is next.
Great read. Had some secrets come out in this book which was cool. I really enjoy the strategic approach to battles. I look forward to seeing what is next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews