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The Rhenwars Saga #0–4 omnibus
The Complete Rhenwars Saga
Includes all five books of The Rhenwars Saga!
There Is No Mercy for the Merciless.
The Well of Tears was created to harness the power of the Netherworld to prevent a magical apocalypse. Now Darien Lauchlin is the last surviving mage capable of reversing the destruction the Well unleashed. Darien will be forced to sacrifice everything of himself and everyone around him—all to preserve a nation of people who despise him.
The Rhenwars Saga is a sprawling epic set in a morally gray world where there is no clear distinction between hero and villain.
There Is No Mercy for the Merciless.
The Well of Tears was created to harness the power of the Netherworld to prevent a magical apocalypse. Now Darien Lauchlin is the last surviving mage capable of reversing the destruction the Well unleashed. Darien will be forced to sacrifice everything of himself and everyone around him—all to preserve a nation of people who despise him.
The Rhenwars Saga is a sprawling epic set in a morally gray world where there is no clear distinction between hero and villain.
2021 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2018
2169 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Spencer
22 books716 followersM.L. Spencer is an epic fantasy author. Her debut novel Darkmage won the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Award for Fantasy, and her novel Dragon Mage won the 2021 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 23, 2018
THE RHENWARS SAGA is dark fantasy at its finest. It is a collection of stories which begins with the premise of, "what if a ragtag band of heroes failed to save the world?" The planet is suitably screwed up by their mistake and the subsequent generation devleop into what initially seems like a high fantasy collection of nations: There's the "good" heroes protected by the mages and "bad" evil horde which live in lands always covered in night.
M.L. Spencer tears these preconceptions apart as Darien, our anti-hero protagonist, must deal with the duel facts of becoming nearly all-powerful but misusing that power until he's "woke" to the fact neither side has a moral high ground....and the bodies number in the millions. It's a surprisingly interesting takedown of a lot of traditional high fantasy assumptions and reminds me a bit of DRAGON AGE where the conflicts usually have a large amount of ambiguity. Even if your side isn't the moral high ground, it's often your friends and family. I think anyone who is looking for a great and contained story with lots of complex questions but "clean" to read then this is the one to get.
10/10
M.L. Spencer tears these preconceptions apart as Darien, our anti-hero protagonist, must deal with the duel facts of becoming nearly all-powerful but misusing that power until he's "woke" to the fact neither side has a moral high ground....and the bodies number in the millions. It's a surprisingly interesting takedown of a lot of traditional high fantasy assumptions and reminds me a bit of DRAGON AGE where the conflicts usually have a large amount of ambiguity. Even if your side isn't the moral high ground, it's often your friends and family. I think anyone who is looking for a great and contained story with lots of complex questions but "clean" to read then this is the one to get.
10/10
November 21, 2018
This is such an exciting series! It's unputdownable! Full review to come when I survive the holidays!
April 17, 2019
What a Fantastic series ....
There are series that everyone should read .... This is one of those series . M.L.Spencer writes a story that draws you in and never let's go . She takes you the lucky reader on a fantastic journey fraught with sword and sorcery and intrigue and Happy and heartbreak , every emotion is checked off and you are drawed along on this roller coaster ride that you can't get enough of . The main characters are fantastic you will find yourself cheering and crying for them , before you even knew it you care about these characters and you want only the best for them and you stay up late reading until you know what has happened to them . When a writer makes you care about the characters she created she has far surpassed just writing a story . So my review is that this is a fantastic story that will cause you to break all your emotions on the rocks and make you so glad you decided to read this series . So get ready to enjoy a fantastic series . 😁😁😁😁😁
There are series that everyone should read .... This is one of those series . M.L.Spencer writes a story that draws you in and never let's go . She takes you the lucky reader on a fantastic journey fraught with sword and sorcery and intrigue and Happy and heartbreak , every emotion is checked off and you are drawed along on this roller coaster ride that you can't get enough of . The main characters are fantastic you will find yourself cheering and crying for them , before you even knew it you care about these characters and you want only the best for them and you stay up late reading until you know what has happened to them . When a writer makes you care about the characters she created she has far surpassed just writing a story . So my review is that this is a fantastic story that will cause you to break all your emotions on the rocks and make you so glad you decided to read this series . So get ready to enjoy a fantastic series . 😁😁😁😁😁
April 6, 2019
This is a sweeping saga involving several characters and two lands enhanced or devastated by magic, under attack by a powerful, evil master mage. At first, I thought, okay, this isn't bad; then, as I continued to get more into the story, I realized this is great writing, great character development, and a story that drew me in until I was invested in the outcome. The author creates numerous characters that gradually become fully fleshed, and frequently there is no clear delineation between good and evil - only the understanding of their actions. I worried about them, laughed with them, cried with them and for them. I put off reading the last part of the book for 3 days, because I didn't know what was going to happen to characters I loved and because I didn't want the book to end.
May 18, 2019
Epic journey of magic, mages, love, loss and human drama.
Five stars for several reasons. The quality of writing is top notch and a real pleasure to read. This is not one of those 200 page Kindle novelettes that soaks you for $8. It is LONG, but a wonderful kind of long. I did not want it to end. The author delivered a full plate and then two deserts. The moral struggles of the well defined characters, the epic battles, the tantalizing mysteries all combine for a true masterpiece. Rhenwars is a fine read for fantasy readers of all ages.
Five stars for several reasons. The quality of writing is top notch and a real pleasure to read. This is not one of those 200 page Kindle novelettes that soaks you for $8. It is LONG, but a wonderful kind of long. I did not want it to end. The author delivered a full plate and then two deserts. The moral struggles of the well defined characters, the epic battles, the tantalizing mysteries all combine for a true masterpiece. Rhenwars is a fine read for fantasy readers of all ages.
March 27, 2019
Gave up on it. Not for me.
May 13, 2019
ML Spencer is an amazing author that I would compare to Mercedes Lackey and George RR Martin. I found this series utterly engrossing and highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys epic tales of fantasy.
A main character that was embroiled in a conflict, and he didn’t agree with either side. Leads to an epic tale of sorrow and adventure. lessons abound as you travel through and amazingly developed world. Characters you will love and love to hate guide you on adventures and leas you through wars.
The plot is developed around Impetuous choices in youth that lead to life long circumstances. However, learning to see the world through others eyes can grant those circumstances to be fulfilling to one’s soul.
A main character that was embroiled in a conflict, and he didn’t agree with either side. Leads to an epic tale of sorrow and adventure. lessons abound as you travel through and amazingly developed world. Characters you will love and love to hate guide you on adventures and leas you through wars.
The plot is developed around Impetuous choices in youth that lead to life long circumstances. However, learning to see the world through others eyes can grant those circumstances to be fulfilling to one’s soul.
December 22, 2018
Enjoyable read with a very dark nature of magic and how it can be warped to either good or ill.
Truly appreciate the story and the twists of fate the characters endured in their struggle with light and dark. Characters were flawed yet believable with surprising fluxes of fun in the face of disasters all around them. Recommended reading for the not so faint of heart who enjoy a series with some meat to it. Looking forward to more from this author.
Truly appreciate the story and the twists of fate the characters endured in their struggle with light and dark. Characters were flawed yet believable with surprising fluxes of fun in the face of disasters all around them. Recommended reading for the not so faint of heart who enjoy a series with some meat to it. Looking forward to more from this author.
February 7, 2019
Hell on Earth?
Nonstop screwed from the beginning to end. This is one hell of a saga. Please send me to some other planet. These mages are brutal. You never know from one page to the next what is going to happen. If you like nonstop action you are in for a treat. The writer is a genius.
Nonstop screwed from the beginning to end. This is one hell of a saga. Please send me to some other planet. These mages are brutal. You never know from one page to the next what is going to happen. If you like nonstop action you are in for a treat. The writer is a genius.
May 29, 2019
WOW!
This collection of stories is an excellent plot, with plenty twists and turns to keep one wondering what will be next. The reading does tend to big down occasionally. Do not despair; keep reading and rewards Wii be worth your time!
This collection of stories is an excellent plot, with plenty twists and turns to keep one wondering what will be next. The reading does tend to big down occasionally. Do not despair; keep reading and rewards Wii be worth your time!
November 3, 2022
Started with Dragon Mage, loved it, so am working my way backwards. ML Spencer is very talented and I really enjoyed listening to this series on audio, with its fantastic narration.
Great characters that kept my interest.
Great characters that kept my interest.
February 23, 2019
Great story
A great story. Fell in love with Darian right from the start. 2nd love was Quinlan Reis. Both bad boys with heart! A must read for any Fantasy reader.
A great story. Fell in love with Darian right from the start. 2nd love was Quinlan Reis. Both bad boys with heart! A must read for any Fantasy reader.
August 4, 2019
If I cry, what does that mean?
Maybe I am a softy that cries easily, and I guess that true to some extent. I certainly go get emotional when a book or movie evokes that response, that feeling, like Notebook for example. This series did also. A hero, torn apart by love and hate, at the end, had no options left. Total sacrifice, for that, which one believes is is right, can hurt the body and the soul.
Maybe I am a softy that cries easily, and I guess that true to some extent. I certainly go get emotional when a book or movie evokes that response, that feeling, like Notebook for example. This series did also. A hero, torn apart by love and hate, at the end, had no options left. Total sacrifice, for that, which one believes is is right, can hurt the body and the soul.
January 17, 2019
Great read
I enjoyed reading this series! Held my interest right up till the end. I'd recommend it for sure! Also loved the fact either was a complete set.
I enjoyed reading this series! Held my interest right up till the end. I'd recommend it for sure! Also loved the fact either was a complete set.
May 18, 2019
Easy read, enjoyed the story line , encouraged other fantasy readers to read this series.
May 6, 2019
So hard to put down.
A beautiful sprawling epic fantasy. Very engaging characters, and a strong captivating plot. Very well written. Very entertaining. And very hard to put down.
A beautiful sprawling epic fantasy. Very engaging characters, and a strong captivating plot. Very well written. Very entertaining. And very hard to put down.
November 17, 2018
This series was one of the most amazing series I have read. M.L. Spencer turns things in a way that is totally unexpected. The demons are really good and the good guys not so much. Each character has so much depth to them that comes through. As for the story it develops easily over time and with three to four mini stories coming together for one finish. Please do yourself a favor and read these books.
December 13, 2018
know thyself
Darien was a Sentinel, meant to protect Rhen from the Enemy from the Black Land. love intervened and to save the woman he loved, he became the very demon he cursed. now his acolyte, Kyel, must step in, take his place and plan his destruction. but there are always those twists that leave enemies on the same side.
well written with characters who had hearts and minds and plans. nice subtle plot twists. a series i will happily read again
Darien was a Sentinel, meant to protect Rhen from the Enemy from the Black Land. love intervened and to save the woman he loved, he became the very demon he cursed. now his acolyte, Kyel, must step in, take his place and plan his destruction. but there are always those twists that leave enemies on the same side.
well written with characters who had hearts and minds and plans. nice subtle plot twists. a series i will happily read again
January 20, 2019
An epic adventure
A epic storey that draws you in and keeps you wanting more.
Great characters matched with a great story equals an epic adventure.
I would be happy to recommend this series to any fantasy fan.
A epic storey that draws you in and keeps you wanting more.
Great characters matched with a great story equals an epic adventure.
I would be happy to recommend this series to any fantasy fan.
March 14, 2019
Took over my life
What a great book. Such a wonderful storyteller and full of such detailed and alive characters. Of course it helps that it’s full of magic and mystery.
Life needs more mystery, not less
Kevin xx
What a great book. Such a wonderful storyteller and full of such detailed and alive characters. Of course it helps that it’s full of magic and mystery.
Life needs more mystery, not less
Kevin xx
May 31, 2019
Really enjoyed this series
Very enjoyable, thought provoking, characters were well crafted, storyline was engaging. I was sorry to finish the books. I would have liked the prequel first. Thanks to the authir.
Very enjoyable, thought provoking, characters were well crafted, storyline was engaging. I was sorry to finish the books. I would have liked the prequel first. Thanks to the authir.
December 13, 2018
A Must Read
Be sure to read the entire series. I can't reveal much to not spoil your adventure with this series. Just finished the last book. I'm emotionally spent.
Be sure to read the entire series. I can't reveal much to not spoil your adventure with this series. Just finished the last book. I'm emotionally spent.
February 8, 2019
Most Enjoyable Read.
Loved these novel,s.Couldnt put them down once i started .Great characters and plots ,what a mind twisting saga.loved it.Great .xxx
Loved these novel,s.Couldnt put them down once i started .Great characters and plots ,what a mind twisting saga.loved it.Great .xxx
July 4, 2019
Great read
This series is exciting and different if you enjoy fantasy this a read for you. I'm going to read more
This series is exciting and different if you enjoy fantasy this a read for you. I'm going to read more
December 28, 2020
The best series of my reading experience. Loved everyone of the books. Stayed up alot of nights, so enthralled I couldn't put it down. M.L is my best writer, I recommend you won't be disappointed.
May 7, 2019
Darkstorm - 4/7/19 - 4 stars - Prequel
Darkmage - 4/21/19 - 5 stars - Bk. 1
Darklands- 4/28/19 - 4 star - Bk. 2
Darkrise - 5/5/19 - 4 stars - Bk. 3
Darkfall - 5/7/19 - 5 stars - Bk. 4
Wow! What an emotional ride! I started with the prequel and went through the series. The books were fantastic, and the right amount of ups and downs, twists and turns, but the ending on Darkfall was intense, and made it hard to read for the tears in my eyes. I'm very glad I wasn't out in public reading this.
As I mentioned before, really enjoyable read. You had the bad guys and the good guys, but the nuances in between had one swinging back and forth in understanding and support. You grew to like most of the "bad", because the reasons were solid. And the "good" weren't always good. Thoroughly enjoyed this series.
Darkmage - 4/21/19 - 5 stars - Bk. 1
Darklands- 4/28/19 - 4 star - Bk. 2
Darkrise - 5/5/19 - 4 stars - Bk. 3
Darkfall - 5/7/19 - 5 stars - Bk. 4
Wow! What an emotional ride! I started with the prequel and went through the series. The books were fantastic, and the right amount of ups and downs, twists and turns, but the ending on Darkfall was intense, and made it hard to read for the tears in my eyes. I'm very glad I wasn't out in public reading this.
As I mentioned before, really enjoyable read. You had the bad guys and the good guys, but the nuances in between had one swinging back and forth in understanding and support. You grew to like most of the "bad", because the reasons were solid. And the "good" weren't always good. Thoroughly enjoyed this series.
April 2, 2023
He has made my top ten authors over my 47 years of reading!
Fantastic. Rich. Deep. Emotive. Engrossing. Real. This pentalogy is one of the top series I have read since I began at the age of five. My only regret is it was kindle and I won’t have physical copies on my library shelf. The story was rich, inventive, captivating; just plain fantastic. The characters real. The world well visualized. The characters real; both virtuous and flawed. I look forward to what comes next. Well done!
Fantastic. Rich. Deep. Emotive. Engrossing. Real. This pentalogy is one of the top series I have read since I began at the age of five. My only regret is it was kindle and I won’t have physical copies on my library shelf. The story was rich, inventive, captivating; just plain fantastic. The characters real. The world well visualized. The characters real; both virtuous and flawed. I look forward to what comes next. Well done!
May 30, 2022
Rhenwars! What a journey that was. I began reading this epic tome back in January and just finished it the other night. Here is my spoiler free review and scores for every book within this collection.
Darkmage ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darklands ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkrise ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkfall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Darkstorm ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall I would give the series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 or 9/10.
Rhenwars saga had a very Wheel of Time feel to it, while also feeling fresh and original. We follow Darien Lauchlin who becomes the last surviving mage in the order of Sentinels. These mages take an Oath of Harmony to use their magic strictly for peace. As a foreign enemy encroaches upon the Rhen, Darien balances the weight of his oath, with the stress of needing to protect his homeland.
Darien is a compelling and tormented character and his story is the heart of the narrative. His struggles with his oath and his desire to protect those he loves leads to some interesting twists and reveals throughout the series. Darien is joined by a strong supporting cast, and villainous darkmages who oppose him and his crew at every turn. Nearly every character you meet in Rhenwars is morally grey and fighting for their survival or for the survival of their homeland, leading to some tense moments and situations.
Overall if you’re looking for a world/book series filled to the brim with magic/magical factions, morally grey characters, politics, and unexpected twists, then The Rhenwars Saga by M.L. Spencer is right up your alley.
Darkmage ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darklands ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkrise ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkfall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Darkstorm ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall I would give the series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 or 9/10.
Rhenwars saga had a very Wheel of Time feel to it, while also feeling fresh and original. We follow Darien Lauchlin who becomes the last surviving mage in the order of Sentinels. These mages take an Oath of Harmony to use their magic strictly for peace. As a foreign enemy encroaches upon the Rhen, Darien balances the weight of his oath, with the stress of needing to protect his homeland.
Darien is a compelling and tormented character and his story is the heart of the narrative. His struggles with his oath and his desire to protect those he loves leads to some interesting twists and reveals throughout the series. Darien is joined by a strong supporting cast, and villainous darkmages who oppose him and his crew at every turn. Nearly every character you meet in Rhenwars is morally grey and fighting for their survival or for the survival of their homeland, leading to some tense moments and situations.
Overall if you’re looking for a world/book series filled to the brim with magic/magical factions, morally grey characters, politics, and unexpected twists, then The Rhenwars Saga by M.L. Spencer is right up your alley.
April 12, 2025
Hier tue ich mir mit einer Bewertung schwer - man merkt, dass der erste Teil der Geschichte auch das erste Buch der Autorin war. Es ist mMn wirklich schwer zu lesen und auch wirklich eher "depressing" - nicht, weil es schlecht geschrieben wäre, ganz und gar nicht, sondern weil die Welt und die Charaktere darin kein "escape potential" für mich haben. Es ist mir definitiv zu düster gewesen insgesamt. So richtig interessant wird es erst ab Band 2 - und ich bin froh, es doch durchgezogen zu haben, weil es doch zumindest einen interessanten Charakter hat und die Welt vor dem Hintergrund einer interessanten Prämisse konsequent durchgedacht wurde. Dennoch: Es ist mir persönlich am Ende des Tages zu düster, sodass ich (zumindest erstmal) auch keine Lust habe, die Fortsetzungsreihe zu lesen. Ich glaube aber, es gibt durchaus Menschen, die diese Story zu schätzen wissen - und gut schreiben kann die Autorin allemal.
December 5, 2018
Great series
The story had compelling characters with enormous depth in personalities. A main focus of the book to me was the character development, being able to follow along the story as they changed according to the circumstances they faced. I highly recommend!
The story had compelling characters with enormous depth in personalities. A main focus of the book to me was the character development, being able to follow along the story as they changed according to the circumstances they faced. I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews