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With old enemies vanquished, new heroes emerge.

Sir Torsten Unger must deal with the aftermath of the Drav Cra's failed occupation of Yarrington. But with so much power up for grabs, old enemies begin to show their faces from the darker corners of the city. 

Desperate to find Sora, Whitney Fierstown joins a traveling troupe of entertainers in order to secure safe passage to Yaolin, where he believes he can find her. What seems like a simple journey, however, grows complicated when Whitney finds himself growing too close to his new companions and must chose between saving them from certain death or continuing on his own. 

In the south, a new warrior rises up to fight in the name of her father, Muskigo Ayerabi. It will take everything she has to prove that the time of the Shesaitju has come as he once taught her.

668 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2019

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153 people want to read

About the author

Rhett C. Bruno

70 books648 followers
Rhett is happy to hear from his fans and can be reached at rcbruno44@outlook.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for exclusive access to updates about his work and the opportunity to receive limited content and ARCs.
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Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.

He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.

While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.

Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.

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123 (36%)
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37 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Paul.
2,830 reviews20 followers
October 24, 2021
Another fun entry into the Buried Goddess saga, with new characters, new plot twists and more scheming and action than you could shake a spear at. I’m looking forward to continuing down this fantastic path with the next volume.
1,174 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2022
I found it fascinating how the plot has developed since the earlier books, and really enjoyed reading this. Of particular note was the way that suddenly, we were seeing the story from different sides, both of these new sides being the 'bad guys' from the previous books. I imagine that this could be unpopular with some readers, but I found it very interesting. A long book, though!
Profile Image for Troy Osgood.
Author 48 books106 followers
October 16, 2019
Another excellent addition to this series. The world building and depth of the series gets stronger each book.
Profile Image for Jas.
1,032 reviews
August 15, 2019
Book 4 is broken up into multiple stories again, as are all the other books, however, this time around, we have a new character, ‘The Daughter’, Mahraveh Ayerahi as well as ‘The Thief’, Whitney Fierstown, ‘The Knight’, Torsten Unger, ‘The Mystic”, Sora, and towards the end, ‘The Deserter’, Rand.
The Daughter, Mahraveh, or ‘Mahi’, is none other than the daughter of Muskigo, the Afhem who led the army of Saujibar against the Glassman previously, only to be defeated by Sir Torsten.
In this book, we find out what has happened to her people as a result of the failed battle, the missing Caleef, and the attacks by the North. We see this through the eyes of The Daughter, as she sees the land ravaged by invading armies, their men having been taken to fight elsewhere, or the rest in the city, fighting to become a new Afhem in place of those that have died. It is a place that sees woman only as tools, not as equals, and yet, we learn that previously, Mahi has had opportunities that most other women will never get. As a result, she takes us on a thrilling path as her journey in this book seeks to see her people have a true leader, not one looking to further just their own gains. This part of the story, ‘The Daughter’ is only the start, and will continue on in the next book.
‘The Thief’, Whitney, is travelling with a troupe of Glintish trying to get to Sora. As usual, his story is full of humour, painful moments (as in No, don’t do that Whitney, as you slap your head when he does something really stupid…), and then amazing moments when he does something incredible you didn’t see coming. We see a real change in Whitney in this book though, as his time the Elsewhere has changed him. There are some brilliant characters in Whitney’s parts of the book, Talwyn, Lucindor, and the rest of the Troupe, especially young Gentry. Aquira, Sora’s Wyvern is again, exceptional, and is also developing into another individual character, as opposed to being Sora’s ‘Aquira’. The changes in these characters is very distinct in this book, showing the superior writing skill of the Authors.
As for ‘The Knight’, Torsten is still reeling from the battle atop the mountain when we join him at the start of this book. Having sustained crippling injuries, the loss of both of his eyes, he is unable to fight anymore, even walk around without the guidance of someone else, so he doesn’t trip and break his neck, or a leg. You get the impression that they have just kept him around in the castle, and dressed as a Knight out of recognition to his previous duties, and for killing Redstar, not because he is still one of the best minds in the castle.
However, Torsten is not done, and when a new snake slithers into the fold, in the form of Valin Tehr, a mobster from the less fortunate parts of the city where the slums are, and the majority of the brothels, which Tehr owns, Torsten knows he has to stop him before there is another ‘Redstar’ incident.
This leads to a fascinating and engaging part of the story, in which we see many of the less Major characters King Pi, Lucas, Rand, Abigail, all take part, as Torsten and Valin go head to head to see who can win the ear to the throne,
This is were we really see the writing skill of Bruno and Castle at their best, with some incredible Character writing, as well as exceptional world building and creative descriptive work, to really bring the story to life. You can read some stories and the Author just fails to provide a comprehensive and intricate portrayal of what is occurring, maybe brushing over the event in a rush to tell the next part of the story. Not so here, with the Authors taking the time to vividly detail and craft their scenes so that you are living each and every moment, making this story so much more extraordinary, and captivating than other books.
As stated, the superior Character work makes this book equally outstanding. Each Character, from the Five Main Titled Characters, to multitude of other Characters, every one gets such an engaging amount of attention.
The Authors have also paid the same amount of detail to their world building, this is a story of Epic proportions, and the world building is set to match it. From the details of the fighting pits of the Afhem, to the city streets of the Kingdom, there is just so much detail on every page, that you really feel like you are in the throne room, or sitting at the camp fire with Whitney, or in the dungeons with Torsten, the writing is just beyond outstanding.
The only character I haven’t mentioned so far is Sora, ‘The Mystic’, and I don’t want to say too much about her particular part of the story, as I really don’t want to give away any spoilers. This part of the story is incredibly powerful, and we learn some really interesting things about Sora, and the story. We are finally introduced to Nesillia in all her glory, which is a fascinating experience, and one well worth being a part of. The Mystic’s story is just outstanding.
Overall, this is probably the best book in the series, again, the Authors have outdone themselves, surpassing the other previous versions, which is saying something. This is an Epic series and one not to be missed, and if you have been following it, you will love part 4, and if you haven’t, now is the time to jump in.
485 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2019
This book picks up the new threads started at the end of the first three books brought about a resolution to that story. As things progress we are seeing new growth in our characters and their motivations. New resolve and new sacrifices to achieve their goals.

While this book is not self contained, it is a good start to the new story line. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

Merged review:

This book picks up the new threads started at the end of the first three books brought about a resolution to that story. As things progress we are seeing new growth in our characters and their motivations. New resolve and new sacrifices to achieve their goals.

While this book is not self contained, it is a good start to the new story line. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
Profile Image for Jamie.
35 reviews2 followers
Read
October 3, 2024
Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle really have a masterpiece with this series. Every book I grow more and more attached to the characters. The character progression through these 4 books has been fun to see. This series is must read/listen to (Luke Daniels is the greatest!). This is a must read for fantasy fans. The world, the characters, the storyline, everything about this series is perfect. Torsten is the ideal knight and proves it again and again especially in this book. Whitney is learning who he is and what is important to him and is quite possibly my favorite character in all literature at this point. The new character Mahraveh was an excellent addition and I’m excited to watch where her story takes us. Akira you are the real MVP!

Recommend this series to everyone!
Profile Image for Tala Gilbert.
200 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2019
OMG!!!

Battles, crazy goddesses, and lots of loss, blood and otherwise. This book was hard to put down! The characters have grown on me to the point that when they cry, I cry, and when they laugh so do I. Now I have to wait to see if everything is going to turn out okay or not! Can't wait for book 5, for sure! Thanks to Bruno and Castle for creating an amazing series that I can't get enough of and am dying for more!
5,630 reviews8 followers
June 25, 2021
I cannot say enough good things about this series.filled with action tremendously interesting world building.characters you both love and despise.a lot of the usual fantasy tropes are completely turned on their heads.each point of view chapter you are riveted following the exploits of each character.many different plot lines weaving into the overall true story arc.everything i love about fantasy is in this series!
Profile Image for Martin Hernandez.
182 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2026
This is a strange book to review.

On the one-hand book 3's ending felt like the end to a trilogy. Albeit if you have read book 3 then you know there are some loose plot threads that needed wrapping up. However, the end of that book with Torsten, Oleander, Pi, and Redstar FELT like an ending to a trilogy. Whitney had his character arc, and Sora did as well. The story arc feels like it finished.

On the other hand, as mentioned that book left some plot lines open to keep the series going. That is where this book comes in. I wouldn't say this is a bad book by any means. Not at all. It is still great, and continues to flesh out the world, and our cast of characters continue to develop. That being said this book FEELS like a set up book for the new story arc.

Where the first arc was very much the plotting of Redstar, and his plan to resurrect his goddess Nesillia; this book is setting the stage for the next "big bad" to threaten peace on Pantego. Our cast of characters grows by adding in "The Daughter" whom is a young lady, and daughter of Muskigo. The rebel from the black sands that Torsten, and Sora dealt with in book 2. Her storyline is good if albeit predictable. She has bore the brunt of ridicule on behalf of her father being defeated by his peers back home. Her story is very much her trying to not only step out of her fathers shadow, but to challenge the social status quo of her country by being the first ahfem. Head of a noble house essentially. Like I said it's good, but it's nothing particularly new.

Torsten's story continues to be my favorite despite some major character deaths, but I know they are for the development of the story, and Torsten himself. Whitney has finally grown on me following his character arc in book 3. He's still a smart mouth, but he has undoubtedly matured. However, the character I fist pumped in the air for was Rand Langley. He may have "disappeared" at the end of book 3, but he was introduced back then as a POV for a reason. I like his character more than Torsten's believe it or not, and much like Torsten's arc in books 1 & 2; Rand is doing his damnedest to retain his honor while trying to advance his own goals. It's that dynamic of him resorting to using connections in the seedy underbelly of society while doing so that's fun to read.

This series continues to be interesting, and I am growing to like the characters more & more. Greatly looking forward to book 5.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,783 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2020
Another book in the series that I found myself reading at 3:00 in the morning. Poor Torsten. He can't seem to escape his bias against those who don't view the world exactly as he does (even though he's actually blind at this point) It's not that Torsten's viewpoint is wrong; I just think he would be more successful if he tempered his beliefs when dealing with others. Once again he fails in his duty to protect a member of the royal family. However, he is blessed by a miracle from Iam.

Muskigo's daughter Mahraveh has never had any desire to follow a traditional woman's life. She wants to be a warrior and has managed to have her father and his men train her in the art of warfare. Her father insists she learn to fight with a spear as her preferred weapon of bow and arrow is useless in close combat. This training stands her in good stead when she masquerades as a man to compete in a tournament to win the al'Tariq afhemate.

Sora continues to fight what seems to be a losing battle to force Nesilia from her body. She comes to realize that Nesilia is toying with her and that Sora isn't able to influence her at all.

Whitney is aided by Lucindur, a lightmancer, in contacting Sora, much to Nesilia's disgust. The performers he has been traveling with are victims of a Drav Cra raid. He is captured by the Drav Cra as he follows them in an attempt to rescue his friends.

I've barely touched on the events that occur to the various characters in this volume. Needless to say there is never a dull moment.
Profile Image for Harmonie.
33 reviews
August 1, 2020
Fantastic world building

It's been awhile since I've read a series with such a well crafted world. Each "country" and it's people are alien but also recognizable as regions in earth. In the first book the story is crafted in such a
way that you know who the good guys are and the bad guys. There is some blurring with one of the characters but as the series continues he becomes one of the solid good guys with sometimes questionable methods. All the characters seem genuine and they all react and evolve realistically to the situations they find themselves in. By the time you get to the fourth book the lines between the good and bad guys have been blurred, with the exception of the Drav Cra. I found myself pulling for the daughter even though her goal is to join her father in his fight against the original good guys. It's not often I find myself relating to each of the main characters and wanting them all to succeed even though they are on opposite sides. I'm hoping the next two books continue this way and perhaps all these characters come together to join forces to fight their common enemy. This story is well crafted and I recommend it to those that enjoy long epic fantasies.
236 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2019
It’s always fun for me to see what Whitney is up to. The lovable scamp returns in the next edition of the Buried Goddess series but not quite the same scoundrel we were used to after his return from elsewhere.All of the characters from previous books continue on their journeys. A new character emerges and add some excitement to the series. The alternating periods of you from chapter to chapter always keep the book moving and exciting. Looking forward to what will happen next as the series continues.
273 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2019
Wow!

Breathless after that, felt like a rollercoaster- shogging marvellous (if you don’t quite get that you need to to book #1). The pace was absolutely incredible, it felt like everything was moving at 100 klicks per since page 1. Really looking forward to the next 2 books, thanks guys - superb writing!!
Profile Image for Robert A Vaughan.
15 reviews
September 22, 2020
Again, this locomotive powered series just keeps on going. New characters are introduced in each book and you really do like them all. Even some of the most despicable characters have their own angles that make you sympathize with them. Some are one dimensional, sure, but I think they were done that way by design and I can appreciate an author that just makes characters that aren't all grandiose.
Profile Image for Nijhia.
63 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2024
This story is an improvement from the last one. The previous book dragged but this one fueled a new character. I dont really like Valan Tear, I was glad to find that this character finally gets what's coming to him. Lol.

I also am so sad for Toursten and Whitney. The love story each character has is both rewarding and each character also shows improvement and development.
Profile Image for Marie.
190 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2019
So much better than I anticipated!

This is a series that has kept me on the edge of my seat! There is some dark elements in it but there is also redemption and good. I am anxiously anticipating the next book.
Profile Image for Joe.
159 reviews
January 31, 2020
4.5 Stars. Well written series that gets better with every book. Narration was great.
Profile Image for Robert Defrank.
Author 6 books15 followers
June 29, 2020
Overall good, but a bit of a step down from the first trilogy in my opinion.

I loved the first three, and the concluding third book had me tearing through the pages to find out the next revelation and how the action would wrap up. Perhaps it was starting the fourth one right after that hit me: understandably, the story slows in pace as new characters are introduced and the build-up to the next conflict begins-

SPOILERS

Torsten had the best plotline: having undergone some serious changes, he has to accustom himself to a new position as the conflict continues.

New character Mahra was another treat, but her arc felt a little curtailed with too much left for the next book.

Whitney was fun, but having reformed he's more Whitney-light, while still in the same role, also his story starts off the slowest and doesn't pick up until later, where he runs into old adversary.

Sora - perhaps the big disappointment for me and defintely not what I'd hoped to see from her, considering the revelations in Book 3.

I also don't like the decision to make the Buried Goddess as a two-dimensional villain. There was always some ambiguity in the background about the god feud and who was really at fault. I'd have preferred her to have better intentions and a little more ambuguity in what she's doing and what her goals are beyond 'conquer everything.'

But I'll read the rest and see where it goes.

Profile Image for Jimmy Donaruma.
24 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2019
No lie: I’ve LOVED this series and this was one of the 1st audio books I’ve ever pre-ordered because I couldn’t wait.

While Luke Daniels continues to slay the narration, the story was tough for book 4.

While each characters stories (& some amazing new ones) kept going... there was little that wrapped up. I came in excited to see at least some closure to some major stories lines, & instead I’m left with lots more questions 19+ hours later.

The writing continues to be top notch and the story is so immersive, but I’m just looking for some character closure before launching 2 new GIANT storylines. I also LOVE the character driven chapters... each leaves me longing to keep going, but never feels scattered.

I’m nervous book 5 is going to be 25+ hrs in order to wrap this up.

If you haven’t jumped into this yet... how’s the time before the 5th book comes out in September.
Profile Image for Jaime Castle.
Author 47 books197 followers
August 25, 2019
Thank you folks for reading and reviewing!

Book four was a pleasure to write. If you've read, you know that this book marks a bit of a new storyline, although it still isn't a "jump-in" point. It was great to introduce new characters that would help to flesh out what will be the final chapter of this book series in books 5 and 6.

Thank you for joining us on this ride. We do it for you.
Profile Image for michael fultz.
132 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2019
Fantastic

Now where getting too the meat of our story after all things Whitney is the only character that has learned yet this is a blast of a ride love it
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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