What do you think?
Rate this book
Claus #6
Ronin: The Last Reindeer
WELCOME TO KRINGLETOWN. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HANDS INSIDE THE REALITY SHOW AT ALL TIMES.
Ryder Mack is fifteen. No family. No phone. No clue why a reality-TV millionaire named Billy “Big Game” Sinterklaas has dragged him to a sprawling winter compound: Kringletown. Sounds normal, right? Marketed as a sanctuary for troubled teens, it’s actually a live broadcast, complete with drones, directors, and chipper “nicies” who never, ever break character. Nothing creepy about it.
But while Ryder’s being staged as wholesome holiday content, something else is watching. Not a camera. Not a drone. Something follows him through dreams and drifts of snow. It moves like a shadow. And it’s not alone.
The deeper Ryder gets, the more the glitter peels away. Kringletown isn’t charity. It’s a plan. A brand. A centuries-old scheme rooted in forgotten legends and bloodlines older than Christmas itself. Turns out Ryder isn’t just a misfit dumped on a billionaire’s doorstep. He’s connected to something ancient. Something primal.
With millions watching and secrets closing in, Ryder has to choose who he can trust before Billy Sinterklaas turns him into the centerpiece of his grand design. Because this “Big Game” doesn’t stop at ratings. It wants Christmas itself.
Ronin: The Last Reindeer is The Truman Show meets The Hunger Games with a mythic holiday twist. A dark, thrilling tale of found family, conspiracy, and survival. Not everyone gets a second chance at home. Ryder just might have to fight for his.
Ryder Mack is fifteen. No family. No phone. No clue why a reality-TV millionaire named Billy “Big Game” Sinterklaas has dragged him to a sprawling winter compound: Kringletown. Sounds normal, right? Marketed as a sanctuary for troubled teens, it’s actually a live broadcast, complete with drones, directors, and chipper “nicies” who never, ever break character. Nothing creepy about it.
But while Ryder’s being staged as wholesome holiday content, something else is watching. Not a camera. Not a drone. Something follows him through dreams and drifts of snow. It moves like a shadow. And it’s not alone.
The deeper Ryder gets, the more the glitter peels away. Kringletown isn’t charity. It’s a plan. A brand. A centuries-old scheme rooted in forgotten legends and bloodlines older than Christmas itself. Turns out Ryder isn’t just a misfit dumped on a billionaire’s doorstep. He’s connected to something ancient. Something primal.
With millions watching and secrets closing in, Ryder has to choose who he can trust before Billy Sinterklaas turns him into the centerpiece of his grand design. Because this “Big Game” doesn’t stop at ratings. It wants Christmas itself.
Ronin: The Last Reindeer is The Truman Show meets The Hunger Games with a mythic holiday twist. A dark, thrilling tale of found family, conspiracy, and survival. Not everyone gets a second chance at home. Ryder just might have to fight for his.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2018
About the author
Tony Bertauski
75 books770 followersGet my books FREE. Tell me where to send them at http://bertauski.com
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 8, 2025
I so enjoy these books.
I always feel like I know where these stories are headed once I start them. I am usually wrong. This one is fantastic. I was completely wrong, in every good way possible. Did I mention I love these books? The author weaves the story in such a way that is fantastic. It is sci-fi, yet not about space or aliens. It is fantasy, yet not dungeons and dragons, wolves, or vampires. All the scientific storylines seem impossible. My mind says there’s no way that could ever happen. Yet, it is so well told, I, as the reader, want to believe it is totally (and currently) possible. These stories are good reads from preteens to any level of adulthood. I’m a senior and love them all so far. Not a high school senior either. I’m talking social security senior. 😉 They aren’t really “need to read in order” books, but I have and am glad I did. There are vague references to past books. Nothing given away though. Do yourself a favor and try one today. I’m going to buy the next right now. Happy reading!
I always feel like I know where these stories are headed once I start them. I am usually wrong. This one is fantastic. I was completely wrong, in every good way possible. Did I mention I love these books? The author weaves the story in such a way that is fantastic. It is sci-fi, yet not about space or aliens. It is fantasy, yet not dungeons and dragons, wolves, or vampires. All the scientific storylines seem impossible. My mind says there’s no way that could ever happen. Yet, it is so well told, I, as the reader, want to believe it is totally (and currently) possible. These stories are good reads from preteens to any level of adulthood. I’m a senior and love them all so far. Not a high school senior either. I’m talking social security senior. 😉 They aren’t really “need to read in order” books, but I have and am glad I did. There are vague references to past books. Nothing given away though. Do yourself a favor and try one today. I’m going to buy the next right now. Happy reading!
October 24, 2018
Great story with a unique take on Christmas, Santa Claus and reindeer. I enjoyed this book!
October 27, 2018
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
The Baddest of the Bad
Ronin (The Last Reindeer) is the newest Christmas themed novel by author Tony Bertauski. Having previously retold the tales of several beloved Christmas characters, Ronin follows the story of an orphan named Ryder Mack. After being discovered in the back of a moving van one Christmas Eve, Ryder has been shuttled from one foster home to another as strange instances always seem to follow him wherever he goes. When he finds himself placed in “Kringletown”, a sprawling half-million-acre ranch run by an eccentric man named Billy “Big Game” Sinterklaas which is also home to approximately forty other orphans, Ryder can’t help to wonder how he came to be in this place. It doesn’t take Ryder long to discover that the face Kringletown presents to the worldwide viewing audience is a carefully crafted illusion designed to detract from the true purpose of the compound. Billy is a man obsessed with the North Pole, who believes Santa Claus is real and who is certain that Ryder holds the key to him obtaining his biggest trophy yet.
Ronin is the sixth standalone novel in the Christmas themed novels by Tony Bertauski. I have read four of them to date and I am never disappointed in the way Bertauski can take a beloved, almost legendary, character and reimagine them in a fresh way. Ronin is no exception. Kringletown is a strange place and the stage for one of the biggest streaming shows on the planet where the “Naughties” and the “Nicies” are showcased daily, but the face that is shown is carefully crafted so the true nature and mission of Billy Sinterklaas are hiding in plain sight. Ronin is a take on the Rudolph character that is fresh and fantastic and is probably my favorite in the Christmas series to date. Yet again, Bertauski takes a familiar story, tosses in a dose of science fiction and creates a story rooted in legend but warped into modern times. For fans of this series, there are a few Easter Eggs along the way in the form of references to other novels, but even these are blended seamlessly into the story and become part of the narrative so those new to the series don’t feel like they are missing any important points. For those who are familiar with the series, however, these little nuggets provide the glue that solidifies the Claus world. With this newest offering, Bertauski has reimagined Santa, Frosty, Jack Frost, Ebeneezer Scrooge, the Heat Miser and now Rudolph. I can’t wait to see what other characters show up in future installments.
The Baddest of the Bad
Ronin (The Last Reindeer) is the newest Christmas themed novel by author Tony Bertauski. Having previously retold the tales of several beloved Christmas characters, Ronin follows the story of an orphan named Ryder Mack. After being discovered in the back of a moving van one Christmas Eve, Ryder has been shuttled from one foster home to another as strange instances always seem to follow him wherever he goes. When he finds himself placed in “Kringletown”, a sprawling half-million-acre ranch run by an eccentric man named Billy “Big Game” Sinterklaas which is also home to approximately forty other orphans, Ryder can’t help to wonder how he came to be in this place. It doesn’t take Ryder long to discover that the face Kringletown presents to the worldwide viewing audience is a carefully crafted illusion designed to detract from the true purpose of the compound. Billy is a man obsessed with the North Pole, who believes Santa Claus is real and who is certain that Ryder holds the key to him obtaining his biggest trophy yet.
Ronin is the sixth standalone novel in the Christmas themed novels by Tony Bertauski. I have read four of them to date and I am never disappointed in the way Bertauski can take a beloved, almost legendary, character and reimagine them in a fresh way. Ronin is no exception. Kringletown is a strange place and the stage for one of the biggest streaming shows on the planet where the “Naughties” and the “Nicies” are showcased daily, but the face that is shown is carefully crafted so the true nature and mission of Billy Sinterklaas are hiding in plain sight. Ronin is a take on the Rudolph character that is fresh and fantastic and is probably my favorite in the Christmas series to date. Yet again, Bertauski takes a familiar story, tosses in a dose of science fiction and creates a story rooted in legend but warped into modern times. For fans of this series, there are a few Easter Eggs along the way in the form of references to other novels, but even these are blended seamlessly into the story and become part of the narrative so those new to the series don’t feel like they are missing any important points. For those who are familiar with the series, however, these little nuggets provide the glue that solidifies the Claus world. With this newest offering, Bertauski has reimagined Santa, Frosty, Jack Frost, Ebeneezer Scrooge, the Heat Miser and now Rudolph. I can’t wait to see what other characters show up in future installments.
October 25, 2018
I like the off-the-cuff but well-crafted way that the author is willing to pursue a different take on an age-old cultural mainstay. I'd like to see a bit more depth, a-la Dan Simmons, but he's getting there, and improving with each novel. All of the Claus novels hilariously and bravely challenge the status quo, and you never know where they are going to go, always the sign of a good author. I enjoyed the read. I wish they were a bit longer though :) I also liked the more gritty themes that the author is exploring with this latest novel, 'Ronin'.
May 29, 2025
This is my sixth book by Tony Bertauski, and while I don't usually write many reviews, I feel it’s high time I share my thoughts on his work.
To give a little background, I grew up in a house where TV was a rare privilege. My parents encouraged reading and playing games while they were away, which led me to develop a deep love for books, especially fantasy and sci-fi. But over the years, I’ve made it a point to branch out and explore different genres.
Both of my parents are avid readers, and my dad, in particular, always had the inside scoop on upcoming books, often getting to pre-read them before they were published. This turned into one of our favorite pastimes, sitting at the kitchen table, chatting about books. One day, my dad shared his enthusiasm for Tony Bertauski’s works, particularly Neverland and Claus. I loved hearing him talk about these stories, and I knew I had to pick them up for myself someday.
Unfortunately, not long after our conversation, my dad became seriously ill. I had to fly across the country to help him through his cancer treatments, and during that time, he continued to rave about The Clause Universe. He even showed me his proudest achievement, being mentioned in the foreword of one of the Neverland books. It was clear that Bertauski’s stories meant a lot to him, and it only fueled my desire to read them.
But, sadly, my dad passed away before we could have the conversations I had hoped for. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to read these books without being overwhelmed by the emotions of that time. But after giving myself some distance, I realized it wasn’t just my love for these books that was tied to my dad, it was because they are truly extraordinary stories that resonate on a deep level.
Now, Ronin is the sixth book I’ve read in The Clause Universe and the seventh Bertauski novel overall, and it’s left a lasting impression. The storyline, as with all of Tony’s books, is wonderfully engaging and easy to follow. The raw emotions woven through the narrative make it an unforgettable experience. The new characters, along with the familiar ones who have evolved in such meaningful ways, bring this story to life in a way that feels fresh yet familiar.
I was initially concerned that my emotional attachment to the books was too influenced by the loss of my dad, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not just nostalgia. These are books that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. They tug at your heartstrings, make you reflect on life, and remind you of the importance of connection.
Thank you, Tony Bertauski, for creating stories that matter, stories that readers can relate to and carry with them forever. I’m grateful for the worlds you’ve built and the depth of emotion you’ve poured into them. You’ve created something special that will continue to resonate with me, and I’m sure countless others, for years to come.
To give a little background, I grew up in a house where TV was a rare privilege. My parents encouraged reading and playing games while they were away, which led me to develop a deep love for books, especially fantasy and sci-fi. But over the years, I’ve made it a point to branch out and explore different genres.
Both of my parents are avid readers, and my dad, in particular, always had the inside scoop on upcoming books, often getting to pre-read them before they were published. This turned into one of our favorite pastimes, sitting at the kitchen table, chatting about books. One day, my dad shared his enthusiasm for Tony Bertauski’s works, particularly Neverland and Claus. I loved hearing him talk about these stories, and I knew I had to pick them up for myself someday.
Unfortunately, not long after our conversation, my dad became seriously ill. I had to fly across the country to help him through his cancer treatments, and during that time, he continued to rave about The Clause Universe. He even showed me his proudest achievement, being mentioned in the foreword of one of the Neverland books. It was clear that Bertauski’s stories meant a lot to him, and it only fueled my desire to read them.
But, sadly, my dad passed away before we could have the conversations I had hoped for. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to read these books without being overwhelmed by the emotions of that time. But after giving myself some distance, I realized it wasn’t just my love for these books that was tied to my dad, it was because they are truly extraordinary stories that resonate on a deep level.
Now, Ronin is the sixth book I’ve read in The Clause Universe and the seventh Bertauski novel overall, and it’s left a lasting impression. The storyline, as with all of Tony’s books, is wonderfully engaging and easy to follow. The raw emotions woven through the narrative make it an unforgettable experience. The new characters, along with the familiar ones who have evolved in such meaningful ways, bring this story to life in a way that feels fresh yet familiar.
I was initially concerned that my emotional attachment to the books was too influenced by the loss of my dad, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not just nostalgia. These are books that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. They tug at your heartstrings, make you reflect on life, and remind you of the importance of connection.
Thank you, Tony Bertauski, for creating stories that matter, stories that readers can relate to and carry with them forever. I’m grateful for the worlds you’ve built and the depth of emotion you’ve poured into them. You’ve created something special that will continue to resonate with me, and I’m sure countless others, for years to come.
January 4, 2023
I am absolutely loving this series on books, I started by accident. I saw Claus on Amazon, read the synopsis, thought that sounds a bit different and bought the book. WARNING: This is how authors get you addicted.
I have now finished book six and you know when you get to this stage in a series of 10 books, when you don't know whether to have a break and read a different book or go straight onto book 7, well I was in that predicament. I didn't want to be disloyal and read something else but if I got book 7 that meant I only had three more books before the end of the series and I really don't want to come to the end.
Please, Please. Please Mr Berauski write some more.
All these books are a new take on different Christmas stories, sort of futuristic, but not so as they are set years ago in some cases. A bit dark, yet with so many funny bits in that make you laugh out loud, and a bit steampunk in the technology the Elven have long before humans do.
I am assuming you all know the story of Santa's Reindeers, you know Rudolph being left out and made fun of by the rest of them, but saving the day with his astonishing red nose? Yes? Well now get ready for the biggest, baddest reindeer of all Ronin.
Billy "Big Game"Sinterklass is a very, very rich man, he is a philanthropist and wants to help deprived and abused children. He builds a beautiful big new orphanage, and invites children who are a bit troubled and moved a lot between foster homes to come and live there and enter a type of reality show. Their daily lives are monitored with their personal drones, they do chores and they play games that will eliminate certain players (but where do these eliminated contestants go?)
The latest recruit to the game show is Ryder, who was found abandoned as a baby in the back of a truck. he has been through many foster homes, kicked out of most of them for causing trouble, so why would Billy personally choose him for the show. What does Billy know that Ryder doesn't and why is there a huge deer like animal in the woods surrounding the orphanage?
All these questions and more will be answered and not always in the way you think it will. But to get these answers you need to get the book.
I have now finished book six and you know when you get to this stage in a series of 10 books, when you don't know whether to have a break and read a different book or go straight onto book 7, well I was in that predicament. I didn't want to be disloyal and read something else but if I got book 7 that meant I only had three more books before the end of the series and I really don't want to come to the end.
Please, Please. Please Mr Berauski write some more.
All these books are a new take on different Christmas stories, sort of futuristic, but not so as they are set years ago in some cases. A bit dark, yet with so many funny bits in that make you laugh out loud, and a bit steampunk in the technology the Elven have long before humans do.
I am assuming you all know the story of Santa's Reindeers, you know Rudolph being left out and made fun of by the rest of them, but saving the day with his astonishing red nose? Yes? Well now get ready for the biggest, baddest reindeer of all Ronin.
Billy "Big Game"Sinterklass is a very, very rich man, he is a philanthropist and wants to help deprived and abused children. He builds a beautiful big new orphanage, and invites children who are a bit troubled and moved a lot between foster homes to come and live there and enter a type of reality show. Their daily lives are monitored with their personal drones, they do chores and they play games that will eliminate certain players (but where do these eliminated contestants go?)
The latest recruit to the game show is Ryder, who was found abandoned as a baby in the back of a truck. he has been through many foster homes, kicked out of most of them for causing trouble, so why would Billy personally choose him for the show. What does Billy know that Ryder doesn't and why is there a huge deer like animal in the woods surrounding the orphanage?
All these questions and more will be answered and not always in the way you think it will. But to get these answers you need to get the book.
October 23, 2018
A very good book and a really fun read.
The new orphanage is very strange and different to anything that Ryder Mack has ever experienced before. Everything that happens to anyone in the orphanage is filmed and viewed by millions of viewers on tv because the lives of the children are part of a tv program. They literally have drone cameras following them around. All the time.
For some reason Billy 'Big Game' Sinterklaas, the owner of the orphanage is treating Ryder differently than any of the other orphans living there. Ryder has no idea why.
There is something special about Ryder and the deeper I got into the story, the more intriguing he became. Slowly bits of his past emerge and there is definitely something very different about Ryder. When he feels endangered, something comes to help him but he has trouble remembering his past.
This is a really cool version of the story of Santa Claus...the thing is tho, it is so, so much more. Its about orphans and chemistry labs, and changing, and not knowing who you are, but most of all its about finding the truth and finding ourselves.
This is a
really well written story with a great plot full of great imagination that has weaved this story around a mysterious twisting path into ultimate discovery. Who is Ryder Mack really? What about Billy 'Big Game' Sinterklaas? Who is he and
what are his true motives for bringing these young adults together? What is he after? Why are the children segregated into 'naughties' and 'niceys', for what purpose?
And why do the 'niceys' smell so strange?
What is secretly going on at the orphanage?
Why all the cameras?
Why is everything covered in the live stream?
Who is leaving secret messages for Ryder? And what are his weird dreams truly about?
So much mystery but its all worth waiting to find out, believe me. Although many of the answers will really surprise you!
If you love Christmas and mysteries, then this is the book for you and I believe you will like it.
The new orphanage is very strange and different to anything that Ryder Mack has ever experienced before. Everything that happens to anyone in the orphanage is filmed and viewed by millions of viewers on tv because the lives of the children are part of a tv program. They literally have drone cameras following them around. All the time.
For some reason Billy 'Big Game' Sinterklaas, the owner of the orphanage is treating Ryder differently than any of the other orphans living there. Ryder has no idea why.
There is something special about Ryder and the deeper I got into the story, the more intriguing he became. Slowly bits of his past emerge and there is definitely something very different about Ryder. When he feels endangered, something comes to help him but he has trouble remembering his past.
This is a really cool version of the story of Santa Claus...the thing is tho, it is so, so much more. Its about orphans and chemistry labs, and changing, and not knowing who you are, but most of all its about finding the truth and finding ourselves.
This is a
really well written story with a great plot full of great imagination that has weaved this story around a mysterious twisting path into ultimate discovery. Who is Ryder Mack really? What about Billy 'Big Game' Sinterklaas? Who is he and
what are his true motives for bringing these young adults together? What is he after? Why are the children segregated into 'naughties' and 'niceys', for what purpose?
And why do the 'niceys' smell so strange?
What is secretly going on at the orphanage?
Why all the cameras?
Why is everything covered in the live stream?
Who is leaving secret messages for Ryder? And what are his weird dreams truly about?
So much mystery but its all worth waiting to find out, believe me. Although many of the answers will really surprise you!
If you love Christmas and mysteries, then this is the book for you and I believe you will like it.
October 9, 2018
(Apologies to Gene Autry)
You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen, Comet, and Cupid, and Donder and Blitzen.
But do you recall the leader of them all?
(Yes, I typed “Donder” because that is the reindeer’s actual name – it was changed by Mr. Autry for the song because he wasn’t aware it was incorrect.)
The leader of them all didn’t have a “red-nose”, he was actually the biggest and baddest of them all, and he protects not only the entire herd, but a boy named Ryder; and it’s because of this bond that Ryder finds himself in an unusual “foster home” – so the philanthropist who owns the land can capture Ronin and prove that the North Pole (and Santa) are real.
Tony Bertauski has now written six novels in the Claus universe and every single one is just as good as the next. He has taken beloved legends, and added his own unique twist – that just takes them to a whole new level. With a mixture of steam-punk, fantasy, and a whole lot of science, Tony changes the old Christmas stories into something much more magical.
Put away “The Polar Express”, leave Clement C. Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” for another night. Pick up the Claus series and transform the holiday season into something unbelievable.
You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen, Comet, and Cupid, and Donder and Blitzen.
But do you recall the leader of them all?
(Yes, I typed “Donder” because that is the reindeer’s actual name – it was changed by Mr. Autry for the song because he wasn’t aware it was incorrect.)
The leader of them all didn’t have a “red-nose”, he was actually the biggest and baddest of them all, and he protects not only the entire herd, but a boy named Ryder; and it’s because of this bond that Ryder finds himself in an unusual “foster home” – so the philanthropist who owns the land can capture Ronin and prove that the North Pole (and Santa) are real.
Tony Bertauski has now written six novels in the Claus universe and every single one is just as good as the next. He has taken beloved legends, and added his own unique twist – that just takes them to a whole new level. With a mixture of steam-punk, fantasy, and a whole lot of science, Tony changes the old Christmas stories into something much more magical.
Put away “The Polar Express”, leave Clement C. Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” for another night. Pick up the Claus series and transform the holiday season into something unbelievable.
July 2, 2020
Tony Bertauski’s retelling of the stories of our favourite Christmas characters has been a joy from Claus - Legend Of The Fat Man to this sixth instalment. This book was my personal favourite of the series so far. If you’ve not read the previous books that’s fine as this isn’t a follow on from any of those. I’d advise reading them though as they’re fun entertaining stories too. In Ronin - The Last Reindeer, Ryder finds out early on that his ‘luck’ at being at the huge ranch populated with orphans may not necessarily be of the good variety. There're ‘nice’ and ‘naughty’ kids but which does Ryder want to be? How can the ‘nice’ children be so nice? Who is the mysterious person sending him secret messages? Then there’s the owner and ‘father’ of the ranch and children Billy “Big Game” Sinterklaas who has an obsession with the North Pole. This is a fantastic story with many twists and turns that reveals Ronin, Santa’s lead reindeer, in a much fuller light than we’ve seen before but how does he fit in with Ryder? Recommended.
June 29, 2022
Ronin is Santa’s lead reindeer and this is his story.
Ryder Mack has been moved from foster home to foster home for problems that he’s been blamed for, but were not his fault. Now he’s been brought to live at a weird coed million-acre ranch compound, where the residents are on live camera most of the day and night for an award-winning reality show. Almost from the moment he arrives he’s not sure he wants to stay, but has nowhere else to go. There’s the nicies and the naughties (which he is), the chores and weird gatherings. Plus, he keeps having strange dreams about the North Pole.
The leader/owner of the ranch is Billy Sinderklaas, a wealthy biotech engineer and the estranged husband of deceased Heather Miser.
Footnote: 1) A reality show foster home is just wrong. That would never be approved no matter how rich or important the sponsor is.
Fave scenes: Ryder’s using the blanket on the spy, the little reindeer trying to play, Ryder’s pine tree camping spot and Ryder seeing the North Pole.
Ryder Mack has been moved from foster home to foster home for problems that he’s been blamed for, but were not his fault. Now he’s been brought to live at a weird coed million-acre ranch compound, where the residents are on live camera most of the day and night for an award-winning reality show. Almost from the moment he arrives he’s not sure he wants to stay, but has nowhere else to go. There’s the nicies and the naughties (which he is), the chores and weird gatherings. Plus, he keeps having strange dreams about the North Pole.
The leader/owner of the ranch is Billy Sinderklaas, a wealthy biotech engineer and the estranged husband of deceased Heather Miser.
Footnote: 1) A reality show foster home is just wrong. That would never be approved no matter how rich or important the sponsor is.
Fave scenes: Ryder’s using the blanket on the spy, the little reindeer trying to play, Ryder’s pine tree camping spot and Ryder seeing the North Pole.
October 26, 2018
Christmas is being threatened. What if one man could capture Santa, his elves, and reindeer, and find out the magic of the North Pole? Ryder is a young boy who is some how connected to Ronin, the biggest and baddest reindeer in Santa's team. When Ryder is taken to a new foster group home, he finds that he has been thrown into a reality TV show, watched by millions. Kids are divided into naughty and nice, and everyone is followed by a small drone that watches and records their every move. Is this place an homage to Christmas or something more sinister...Welcome to Kringletown.
This is the 6th book in the Claus series, and I think it is the best one yet. This entire series is a great read for Christmas fans and sci-fi nerds. I definitely fit that description.
I received an ARC of this book. I review books to provide an honest opinion, not because I have to.
This is the 6th book in the Claus series, and I think it is the best one yet. This entire series is a great read for Christmas fans and sci-fi nerds. I definitely fit that description.
I received an ARC of this book. I review books to provide an honest opinion, not because I have to.
May 11, 2025
Another Exceptional Read in the ever amazing "Claus Universe" series!
This series has forever changed the Christmas folklore using drones n clones, robots and amazing "science" that unless you are an elf possessing the explanations thereof you are convinced its magic!; but its not magic, its science!!
Besides totally reins gaining everything pertaining to the greater folklore of all thins Santa, its amazing how it encapsulates twists, turns, and surprises both small and large (for example, this particular volume is primarily about a heretofore unknown reindeer named, Ronin, towards the very end of the book as an interesting backstory of a clones many connections there suddenly was a surprise reinvention of "The Polar Express" as a sub story within this reimagined universe! Wait; that wasn't even on the billing; ... surprise!!! Connections and technology everywhere!!!
This series has forever changed the Christmas folklore using drones n clones, robots and amazing "science" that unless you are an elf possessing the explanations thereof you are convinced its magic!; but its not magic, its science!!
Besides totally reins gaining everything pertaining to the greater folklore of all thins Santa, its amazing how it encapsulates twists, turns, and surprises both small and large (for example, this particular volume is primarily about a heretofore unknown reindeer named, Ronin, towards the very end of the book as an interesting backstory of a clones many connections there suddenly was a surprise reinvention of "The Polar Express" as a sub story within this reimagined universe! Wait; that wasn't even on the billing; ... surprise!!! Connections and technology everywhere!!!
December 6, 2024
Ronin is by far my favorite reindeer. This book just solidified that. While Ronin isn't exactly a main character in his own story, he's a vital part of it, up until the very last page.
Like all of the Claus Universe books, this one has a good and clear message in it. Acceptance seems to be the theme of this one. Accepting who you are, accepting the things you can't change. Forgiving those who wronged you that are trying to do better. And above all else, realizing when something are supposed to be left to the imagination; especially a certain fat man in a red suit that happens to live on the North Pole.
As I close the book on the second omnibus, I am eager to begin the third omnibus, with the 7th story in this amazing series.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws.
Like all of the Claus Universe books, this one has a good and clear message in it. Acceptance seems to be the theme of this one. Accepting who you are, accepting the things you can't change. Forgiving those who wronged you that are trying to do better. And above all else, realizing when something are supposed to be left to the imagination; especially a certain fat man in a red suit that happens to live on the North Pole.
As I close the book on the second omnibus, I am eager to begin the third omnibus, with the 7th story in this amazing series.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws.
July 7, 2025
Another wonderfully crafted installment of the Claus series. These books are fantastic and this one was no exception. This one had a dash of Stepford Wives, a sprinkle of The Prestige (the book not the movie (iykyk)), a handful of 1984, a generous helping of Christmas magic, all wrapped up in Mr. Bertauski's trademark storytelling. It was a thrilling ride to be sure. I must say, one of my favorite aspects of the novel was getting to visit the North Pole again (the first time since Book 1) and seeing the elven friends we made then.
I highly recommend this book. The characters and plot are enticing but the ending warms your heart.
I highly recommend this book. The characters and plot are enticing but the ending warms your heart.
December 1, 2018
It's not magic, it's science! That is how the Elven tell it...and all that science (magic) rubbed off on Tony so that he again gets it so right with this tale. All of his stories about the North Pole are excellent adventures that expand on those memories you have of what you thought the North Pole was all about. It is all true! Well, that is what a good book does...draws you in and has you believing, again.
December 29, 2018
This series is one of my “must read as soon as possible after publication” series. I love the Claus series of books. This most recent was slow to start but did finally develop into the kind of story that I expect when reading this series. The fact that it took so long into the story to develop caused me to give it 4 stars instead of 5. I loved the tie ins to previous books in the series and will always look forward to the next one.
August 5, 2022
A captivating story!
A famous celebrity takes in orphans and generates a hefty fortune by creating a reality show of their progress. The community he creates has been divided into "Naughties" and "Nicies". I love how this plays into modern day television shows as well as pondering the lack of privacy for the orphans. Nothing is really as it seems, though, and things start to get interesting very quickly. Great story telling!
A famous celebrity takes in orphans and generates a hefty fortune by creating a reality show of their progress. The community he creates has been divided into "Naughties" and "Nicies". I love how this plays into modern day television shows as well as pondering the lack of privacy for the orphans. Nothing is really as it seems, though, and things start to get interesting very quickly. Great story telling!
April 2, 2025
Another wonderful Christmas tale!
Very fun, fast paced, full of thrill and excitement! A magical feeling as you read. The book makes you wish there was a real life Ronin!!I wasn't crazy about the ending, though. It felt like it just dopped off, somewhat leaving us hanging with no real description as to what happens for sure. Otherwise, this book was a fantastic as the ones before it! I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Very fun, fast paced, full of thrill and excitement! A magical feeling as you read. The book makes you wish there was a real life Ronin!!I wasn't crazy about the ending, though. It felt like it just dopped off, somewhat leaving us hanging with no real description as to what happens for sure. Otherwise, this book was a fantastic as the ones before it! I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 22, 2018
The best story in the Claus series! Dozens of teenagers, some naughty, some nice live on a huge ranch. The owner wants to prove that Santa Claus exists, will this finally be the year? Ronin just wants to lead the reindeer on the trip around the world to deliver presents to good boys and girls. This is an epic tale that will become a classic Christmas story.
November 15, 2018
Live it
Another fine tale in the Claus series. Once more it stands on its own. Reading the first book may help in seeing the world scene but not critical to the story.
I dislike reviews that go on detail about a story so i will summarize with: Reindeer rescues boy and watches over him from afar. Orphans, clones, Elven, and one big angry reindeer.
Another fine tale in the Claus series. Once more it stands on its own. Reading the first book may help in seeing the world scene but not critical to the story.
I dislike reviews that go on detail about a story so i will summarize with: Reindeer rescues boy and watches over him from afar. Orphans, clones, Elven, and one big angry reindeer.
January 13, 2019
Very interesting
The thought of clones and flying reindeer is quite amazing. Great job with this one, Ryder and Cherry are great. I like their tenacity. They were willing to takes risks to find out the truth to help those they cared for. Really liked it, a little slow going. I didn’t really understand where the story was going until close to the end, however I did enjoy it.
The thought of clones and flying reindeer is quite amazing. Great job with this one, Ryder and Cherry are great. I like their tenacity. They were willing to takes risks to find out the truth to help those they cared for. Really liked it, a little slow going. I didn’t really understand where the story was going until close to the end, however I did enjoy it.
December 1, 2020
Amazing!
Not the Christmas stories you heard as a child! Each one of these Christmas adventures is packed full of plot twists. Tony delivers again with a great story about the lead reindeer, Ronin. When Big Billy Game tries to prove to the world that the Christmas stories are based on facts, he soon discovers that some secrets are meant to stay hidden.
Not the Christmas stories you heard as a child! Each one of these Christmas adventures is packed full of plot twists. Tony delivers again with a great story about the lead reindeer, Ronin. When Big Billy Game tries to prove to the world that the Christmas stories are based on facts, he soon discovers that some secrets are meant to stay hidden.
January 21, 2024
Ronin: The last Reindeer Book 6
There are plenty of sad moments in this story, but they do work out if you can tough it through. I hate to give up any of the storyline because it is worth your time and effort to understand how you get there. The nicies aren't very and neither are the naughties. Guess they are just like the rest of us. Thanx for another great story.
There are plenty of sad moments in this story, but they do work out if you can tough it through. I hate to give up any of the storyline because it is worth your time and effort to understand how you get there. The nicies aren't very and neither are the naughties. Guess they are just like the rest of us. Thanx for another great story.
January 14, 2026
Initially I had a hard time getting into this book. Like some of his others, it tends to be a bit confusing at the start. Then you dig deeper and things start making sense. This one sucked me in the further I got into it. If you like Sci-fi, these books are really interesting. Cool world building within our world.
October 22, 2018
Another great entry in the Claus series. Great sci-fi series. I highly recommend anyone to give it a try. Forget Rudolph...Ronin the Reindeer is the best! So much I want to add but won't due to spoilers. Just give this series a try...or no presents for you!
October 24, 2018
Another AMAZING addition to the Claus series, one of the best in my opinion. Tony knows how to spin the stories we all know and make them new and fun! I always feel like I'm a part of the Claus Universe when I read one of these books and I'm always sad when I finish one!
November 17, 2018
Very good book. I love Bertauski's spin on our Christmas mythology. I definitely recommend this book as well as the rest of the Claus books. Start with CLAUS Legend of the Fat Man and be prepared for a fun and eye opening ride.
December 28, 2018
Awwww!
This is a very sweet story. Ronin is a joy to read from start to finish! If you are looking for a wonderful Christmas Tale, Ronin is the story for you. It's full of adventure, fun, mystery and suspense. Well worth the price of admission!
This is a very sweet story. Ronin is a joy to read from start to finish! If you are looking for a wonderful Christmas Tale, Ronin is the story for you. It's full of adventure, fun, mystery and suspense. Well worth the price of admission!
January 1, 2019
Absorbing characters, intriguing plot and a sideways look at Christmas. Loved it! The same high standard as the other books in this series. I loved the characters and actually didn't guess why the nice children were so nice. A real page turner. Ronin is now my favourite reindeer.
December 26, 2019
A great tale to read before a crackling fire in the fireplace.
This is an awesome addition to the Clause stories. I really enjoyed the plot and characters. I re read the entire series every year at Christmas. Thanks for sharing these great stories with us.
This is an awesome addition to the Clause stories. I really enjoyed the plot and characters. I re read the entire series every year at Christmas. Thanks for sharing these great stories with us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews