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Challenger's Call #2
Brace For the Wolves
Kill the traitor-prince.
The cry for his death has followed Wes Malcolm from Earth all the way to Avalon, and an entire new breed of Hordebeast has taken up the call. Howling wolf-men now hunt him as an escaped convict, a false teacher, and a traitor to a legacy he has rejected. Worse yet, he must fight not only for his own freedom, but for the prisoners he has rescued from the dungeon on this ruined world.
Now all he needs to do is evade the monsters long enough to get the former hostages to safety, before taking on and defeating the hunters. To do so, he’s going to have to delve into ghosts and secrets from another age, including some explosive secrets of his own heritage.
He cannot fall here. Too many worlds have put their hope in him.
The cry for his death has followed Wes Malcolm from Earth all the way to Avalon, and an entire new breed of Hordebeast has taken up the call. Howling wolf-men now hunt him as an escaped convict, a false teacher, and a traitor to a legacy he has rejected. Worse yet, he must fight not only for his own freedom, but for the prisoners he has rescued from the dungeon on this ruined world.
Now all he needs to do is evade the monsters long enough to get the former hostages to safety, before taking on and defeating the hunters. To do so, he’s going to have to delve into ghosts and secrets from another age, including some explosive secrets of his own heritage.
He cannot fall here. Too many worlds have put their hope in him.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2018
669 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 4, 2018
Voices in your head and a million apologies...
That was my takeaway from this book. So many voices in the mc’s head I had trouble keeping up, and a TON of talk, with every third sentence seeming to contain an apology from somebody. I found it repetitive, slow and long.
I’m devo about it as the first book was genius (I feel like the author wanted to replicate the earth based stories, so engaging and critical for the mc’s development in book one, but couldn’t be replaced in book two with anything of substance) and there is still a vast scope for the story to evolve. I’m just not going to be there for it.
That was my takeaway from this book. So many voices in the mc’s head I had trouble keeping up, and a TON of talk, with every third sentence seeming to contain an apology from somebody. I found it repetitive, slow and long.
I’m devo about it as the first book was genius (I feel like the author wanted to replicate the earth based stories, so engaging and critical for the mc’s development in book one, but couldn’t be replaced in book two with anything of substance) and there is still a vast scope for the story to evolve. I’m just not going to be there for it.
October 23, 2018
Better and better
I was really excited about the first book. I was pleasantly surprised with a lot of the choices made by the author when putting together the story.
I'm happy to say that the same is true on the second book.
The story moves along at a decisive pace, with plenty of character development and what I hope is the foundation-laying of my favorite part of this genre, "settlement building"
Keep up the good work.
I was really excited about the first book. I was pleasantly surprised with a lot of the choices made by the author when putting together the story.
I'm happy to say that the same is true on the second book.
The story moves along at a decisive pace, with plenty of character development and what I hope is the foundation-laying of my favorite part of this genre, "settlement building"
Keep up the good work.
November 20, 2018
I really liked the first book in the series, but this one was just terrible. There is too much really long, emotional dialogue. People constantly gush over the hero and tell him how great he is for every little thing he does. Also, the hero has long, pointless conversations with his enemies before almost every fight. This book really drags on. I'm glad I finally finished it so I can move on to something different.
August 6, 2020
I enjoyed this more than the first and that’s seems rare for this genre.
The revelations and inspiration still makes me giddy, even more so in this one. There were multiple parts that made me emotional and I am actively cheering on the MC at every turn. Things can seem a bit cheesy and cliche at times but it’s presented in a novel way that is exceedingly enjoyable.
The book starts off in a dreadful, dreary, painful setting; and there are definitely some adult themes here. Remember that all is not lost.
Very much looking forward to the next book.
October 23, 2018
Great fulfillment of the promise at the end of book one
This story starts immediately where the first book ended, and goes on a race quickly for most of the novel. Our hero has little time to succeed at fixing Avalon, and this book focuses on the mysteries revealed before - and expands on them with interesting answers.
That’s where this story really succeeds, having an interesting mythos building up around it to explain why things are the way they are. I look forward to book 3.
This story starts immediately where the first book ended, and goes on a race quickly for most of the novel. Our hero has little time to succeed at fixing Avalon, and this book focuses on the mysteries revealed before - and expands on them with interesting answers.
That’s where this story really succeeds, having an interesting mythos building up around it to explain why things are the way they are. I look forward to book 3.
October 24, 2018
Can we go for a third?
There is a clear difference between the first and second book. Other than the end of the first book, it was good, wholesome LitRpg character development and world building. Fleshed out our Heroic Wes and his friends, while also building his power and the plot for this book. This sequel is back to back bad assery and OPness, with some top notch good guy-ness. Both books are some of the best that I have ever read, and I am willing to wait for a third, no matter how long it takes. Hurry back, Wes!
There is a clear difference between the first and second book. Other than the end of the first book, it was good, wholesome LitRpg character development and world building. Fleshed out our Heroic Wes and his friends, while also building his power and the plot for this book. This sequel is back to back bad assery and OPness, with some top notch good guy-ness. Both books are some of the best that I have ever read, and I am willing to wait for a third, no matter how long it takes. Hurry back, Wes!
November 7, 2018
Great follow up to the first
I loved the first one and when I saw the second came out it was an instant buy. The third will be as well, if you liked the first you will definitely like the second
I loved the first one and when I saw the second came out it was an instant buy. The third will be as well, if you liked the first you will definitely like the second
December 2, 2018
An Absolute Must Read... with some editing issues
This book is a must read for any fan of fantasy or LitRPG. The story and characters are fantastic. I could scarcely put the book down.
Why three stars: major editing issues, particularly in the white spacing. The last book had a similar issue, missing or duplicate tabs being the worst offender. This book actually expands on the problem, downright dropping tabs for 80% of its length. Certain parts try to use double newlines instead, then drop the experiment entirely. Other sections have vertical alignment errors, having lines actually colliding. It is truly bizarre and highly distracting. Curiously, there’s very few typos or misplaced words. It’s just the newlines that are out of control. Perhaps it’s an issue with translation to the kindle format?
All that said, you must purchase Brace For Wolves. It is beautiful, exciting, and worth every minute of your time.
This book is a must read for any fan of fantasy or LitRPG. The story and characters are fantastic. I could scarcely put the book down.
Why three stars: major editing issues, particularly in the white spacing. The last book had a similar issue, missing or duplicate tabs being the worst offender. This book actually expands on the problem, downright dropping tabs for 80% of its length. Certain parts try to use double newlines instead, then drop the experiment entirely. Other sections have vertical alignment errors, having lines actually colliding. It is truly bizarre and highly distracting. Curiously, there’s very few typos or misplaced words. It’s just the newlines that are out of control. Perhaps it’s an issue with translation to the kindle format?
All that said, you must purchase Brace For Wolves. It is beautiful, exciting, and worth every minute of your time.
March 7, 2021
This was a fun book with a lot of myth and legend being explored and used as tropes in interesting ways. It gets a bit wordy in its explanations at times though. Would be nice to have less words and more action then an explanation afterwards rather than before and after. When a story gets too complicated to tell with storytelling alone it becomes jarring to the immersive experience.
When you explore the vastness of interplanetary intrigue too early and expose the reader to vastly powerful beings in order to make your MC feel like they aren’t developing quite as fast as they are compared to everyone else... it feels like a crutch in my opinion. Lots of potential it the hero is going to need to dial it up a notch because at the moment it’s just fun and exciting with potential... the books aren’t very short though so I’ve got more expectations for this series if it wants to keep my attention.
When you explore the vastness of interplanetary intrigue too early and expose the reader to vastly powerful beings in order to make your MC feel like they aren’t developing quite as fast as they are compared to everyone else... it feels like a crutch in my opinion. Lots of potential it the hero is going to need to dial it up a notch because at the moment it’s just fun and exciting with potential... the books aren’t very short though so I’ve got more expectations for this series if it wants to keep my attention.
January 16, 2019
I love the fact that the heroes emotional trauma isn't just something that he overcomes instantly and that the people around him recognizes the fact that he most certainly isn't alright and will need to heal when time permits and they are ready to help however they can at that time. It's also clear to all that that time isn't now so therefore it is ok, to bottle it all up and hide it deep down. Which I consider a true trait of masculinity, the hero got shit to do and dealing with his own emotional trauma will not benefit his cause atm.
Far too often the male heroes in stories not only overcomes great amounts of emotional damage far too easily, they also have to do it alone and quitely.
Far too often the male heroes in stories not only overcomes great amounts of emotional damage far too easily, they also have to do it alone and quitely.
June 8, 2025
I am loving this series so far. I see there are many that are put off by all the emotional dialogue and talking. For them, I don’t know whether to scoff at them with incredulity or be grateful that they are unable to relate to the necessity of this type of emotional release. As a generation full of people suffering from some form of stress deriving from stacked and/or unprocessed trauma, the inability to see that one of the main takeaways should be seeing how focusing only on post-traumatic stress limits our ability to experience or just notice the post traumatic growth that comes from just merely surviving let alone conquering trauma. To that I say, “your lacking empathy is showing”.
November 19, 2018
Liked it better than the first
Liked it better than the first, really like the storyline and all the possibilities for future books, and the dialogue is well done, but some of the action scenes are kind of terrible, like three page monster descriptions in the middle of a fight, or several pages of explanations between "blows". They are kind of hard to read and keep track of what is actually happening, just a minor gripe, overall an enjoyable read and look forward to the next one.
Liked it better than the first, really like the storyline and all the possibilities for future books, and the dialogue is well done, but some of the action scenes are kind of terrible, like three page monster descriptions in the middle of a fight, or several pages of explanations between "blows". They are kind of hard to read and keep track of what is actually happening, just a minor gripe, overall an enjoyable read and look forward to the next one.
March 25, 2021
This book was OK, but I found myself skimming certain parts and felt like a good copy editor would have really tightened up the story quite a bit. Additionally, the MC is starting to become annoying to me as a "pinnacle of virtue" sort of character that has no flaws and always (and only) does the right thing.
Lastly, there were too many individual plot threads that didn't seem to really mesh very well. Random NPCs getting rescued for no apparent reason...and not as much progress made towards the overall story line.
Will likely drop the series at this point.
Lastly, there were too many individual plot threads that didn't seem to really mesh very well. Random NPCs getting rescued for no apparent reason...and not as much progress made towards the overall story line.
Will likely drop the series at this point.
November 23, 2018
Another terrific entry
A little reminiscent of Steve McHugh's epic mix of science fiction and epic fantasy, Brace continues the LITRPG saga of once-crippled and ostracized Wes as he gains more power in his battle against the evil Hordes and their Masters. Great world building and sympathetic characters carry the story through a gripping and engaging plot. I hope it avoids the hint of Harem creeping in, but still a very satisfactory read
A little reminiscent of Steve McHugh's epic mix of science fiction and epic fantasy, Brace continues the LITRPG saga of once-crippled and ostracized Wes as he gains more power in his battle against the evil Hordes and their Masters. Great world building and sympathetic characters carry the story through a gripping and engaging plot. I hope it avoids the hint of Harem creeping in, but still a very satisfactory read
March 18, 2019
Great world traveling magic fantasy
I give it's 5 star rating because the moral of the story is one of the best I have seen. Because their is love and hope and the will to be better. The romance is subtle and slow, I doubt he'll be having kids of his own with everything going on right now in the story. The book ends on a good note that doesn't feel like a bad cliff hanger but I definitely feel excited to see the next book
I give it's 5 star rating because the moral of the story is one of the best I have seen. Because their is love and hope and the will to be better. The romance is subtle and slow, I doubt he'll be having kids of his own with everything going on right now in the story. The book ends on a good note that doesn't feel like a bad cliff hanger but I definitely feel excited to see the next book
April 1, 2019
Saga continues to intrigue
Wes has physically overcome his tortuous deaths, strives to rid Avalon of its Horde contaminants, evade his hunters and restore Avalon's inhabitants. Complications arise as Wes rescues refugees, lost souls, and animated undead whilst trying to clear dungeons, establish his right to rule and maintain his sanity. Some topics still tough to handle, and incredulous that an 18 year old is handling Atlas' load, but cannot put the book down.
Wes has physically overcome his tortuous deaths, strives to rid Avalon of its Horde contaminants, evade his hunters and restore Avalon's inhabitants. Complications arise as Wes rescues refugees, lost souls, and animated undead whilst trying to clear dungeons, establish his right to rule and maintain his sanity. Some topics still tough to handle, and incredulous that an 18 year old is handling Atlas' load, but cannot put the book down.
May 25, 2020
Awesome
I don’t know how authors do it but ,WOW. Although I get lost once in awhile. Don’t take that as a bad thing. I’ve had brain surgery and take narcotics. So it’s easy for me to get lost. Wait, where and what am I doing? Oh yeah, awesome books. If this is silly, it’s only my 3rd review out of hundreds of books. Only good thing about narcotics is by time I get to end of series, I have forgot most of beginning and can just start reading it liked it’s new.
I don’t know how authors do it but ,WOW. Although I get lost once in awhile. Don’t take that as a bad thing. I’ve had brain surgery and take narcotics. So it’s easy for me to get lost. Wait, where and what am I doing? Oh yeah, awesome books. If this is silly, it’s only my 3rd review out of hundreds of books. Only good thing about narcotics is by time I get to end of series, I have forgot most of beginning and can just start reading it liked it’s new.
April 25, 2022
What would you do, if you could die no more for the one you love? What would you do if you had gained the truth of it all, just to lose it again? Would you wallow in self-pity or finally start to live? There are always limits being thrown at the MC, but he keeps pushing beyond those limits, growing stronger, setting his resolve, and fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. If you like a book about overcoming, then brace for the wolves that hunt you, and PUSH!
November 8, 2018
Excellent
One of the best LitRPG novels i have ever read. Meshes some game mechanics into a brilliant world without them hindering the story of making it more cumbersome. Reminds me of the Chaos Seeds series and would highly recommend this series for fans of the Chaos Seeds series.
One of the best LitRPG novels i have ever read. Meshes some game mechanics into a brilliant world without them hindering the story of making it more cumbersome. Reminds me of the Chaos Seeds series and would highly recommend this series for fans of the Chaos Seeds series.
November 8, 2018
Really Dark LitRpg
This story gets darker and darker to out do the previous dark. A crippled by football high school kid whose dad committed suicide as a pedophile is given a chance to be a champion of Avalon. This story picks up after he is tortured to death for 50 years...Really Dark
This story gets darker and darker to out do the previous dark. A crippled by football high school kid whose dad committed suicide as a pedophile is given a chance to be a champion of Avalon. This story picks up after he is tortured to death for 50 years...Really Dark
November 13, 2018
Great book.
This book really was fantastic the characters are developed well in my opinion, and it’s a great continuation of the storyline started in the previous book. My only issue is that the story ended on a moment of momentous change and that always leaves me wanting more lol.
This book really was fantastic the characters are developed well in my opinion, and it’s a great continuation of the storyline started in the previous book. My only issue is that the story ended on a moment of momentous change and that always leaves me wanting more lol.
November 15, 2018
This was a fantastic read. First i have become frustrated with short books that can be finished in one sittting and this installment filled a huge hole in my appetite. The story flowed smoothly and the characters grew in a natural and beleivable way. The best thing i can say is that i will buy the next book based on the strength of this one.
November 16, 2018
Fantastic Read
I don't normally leave reviews. I am more a reader than a writer. However, I must say the 2 books in this series have been absolutely fantastic to read. The plot is well thought out and delivered, there are enough twists to keep you turning the page without having to feel like you've missed something. I absolutely cannot wait for the 3rd book to come out!!
I don't normally leave reviews. I am more a reader than a writer. However, I must say the 2 books in this series have been absolutely fantastic to read. The plot is well thought out and delivered, there are enough twists to keep you turning the page without having to feel like you've missed something. I absolutely cannot wait for the 3rd book to come out!!
November 25, 2018
Wonderful
I like this series, I like sitting on the protagonist's shoulders and watching him go against the odds. I like watching him go against goes that are just so evil you can't help looking forward to their eventual fall. The plot is solid, the characters are decent, I'd sometimes have liked to stop and take a breather but I accept that this is not that sort of story.
I like this series, I like sitting on the protagonist's shoulders and watching him go against the odds. I like watching him go against goes that are just so evil you can't help looking forward to their eventual fall. The plot is solid, the characters are decent, I'd sometimes have liked to stop and take a breather but I accept that this is not that sort of story.
November 29, 2018
Developing really well
Having read the first in this series I was intrigued to see if the second book could hold my attention as well as the first.
I am glad to say it did! So many possible routes and some I did not think of. Wow where will this go next.
Great characters great environment I cannot wait for more.
Having read the first in this series I was intrigued to see if the second book could hold my attention as well as the first.
I am glad to say it did! So many possible routes and some I did not think of. Wow where will this go next.
Great characters great environment I cannot wait for more.
December 6, 2018
You wont regret it
Great book. Amazing weave of folklore, modern fantasy, and a hero who doesn’t quit.
Not a smut book. Instead, its written with a carefully crafted love of story and full of art and wit.
Thanks to the author, book 3 is too far off! Wish this series was completed so i could continue my binge reading.
Great book. Amazing weave of folklore, modern fantasy, and a hero who doesn’t quit.
Not a smut book. Instead, its written with a carefully crafted love of story and full of art and wit.
Thanks to the author, book 3 is too far off! Wish this series was completed so i could continue my binge reading.
December 20, 2018
A most excellent story
I would have no problem giving this series a 5+ star rating if it had better editing ( changing font size, wandering indents). The story line and characters are first rate and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys LitRPG or fantasy or both. I WILL be looking for the next book in the series.
I would have no problem giving this series a 5+ star rating if it had better editing ( changing font size, wandering indents). The story line and characters are first rate and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys LitRPG or fantasy or both. I WILL be looking for the next book in the series.
January 2, 2019
Book two, just as good as book one
Thank you for these stories, they are great, and I can't wait to read another.
The rest of this review is filled with blah. A specific number of words are required for this to actually post. The first sentence is my concise review. So are the number of stars. I read the stories, I do not write them.
Thank you for these stories, they are great, and I can't wait to read another.
The rest of this review is filled with blah. A specific number of words are required for this to actually post. The first sentence is my concise review. So are the number of stars. I read the stories, I do not write them.
May 9, 2019
Another great book
As with all book, there are ups and downs and I'm sure some nerd waxes poetic about sentence structure and nuancex but in the end all that matters is whether or not the book entertained, sparked the imagination, or maybe even touched the soul. I think it did all three. Thank you.
As with all book, there are ups and downs and I'm sure some nerd waxes poetic about sentence structure and nuancex but in the end all that matters is whether or not the book entertained, sparked the imagination, or maybe even touched the soul. I think it did all three. Thank you.
August 3, 2019
Heroic Fantasy plus LitRPG
Superb bit of storytelling along with mystery and adventure. A human touch prevails even though the fantasy elements abound. Character progression is balanced with telling a edge of the seat story and well developed side cast. Hope to read the next installment of the series.
Superb bit of storytelling along with mystery and adventure. A human touch prevails even though the fantasy elements abound. Character progression is balanced with telling a edge of the seat story and well developed side cast. Hope to read the next installment of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews