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Champion of the Gods #5
When Heroes Fall
Champion of the Gods: Book Five
It took the Seven to create the world, each to rule Their own, until Neldin sought to rule it all.
The Six defeated Neldin three millennia ago, but time has no meaning to a god. Before the dust settled from the first conflict, both sides set in motion plans for the next one. As Champion of the Six, Farrell, with Kel’s help, gathers those loyal to the Six to meet Meglar and his army.
But Neldin plotted as well, and like the Six, His plans all lead to the final confrontation between Champions.
Kel teaches Farrell that weapons and power will not be enough—victory requires something from within each Champion. But Neldin also knows this and unleashes a final surprise at a critical moment that claims some of those Farrell loves most.
With the fate of Nendor riding on his actions, Farrell must ignore the pain and find the will to win. If not, his world and everyone he loves will fall to Meglar’s darkness.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2019
12 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Q. Gordon
22 books122 followersAfter a minor in creative writing in college, Andrew Q. Gordon decided to become old and stodgy and went to law school. At the urging of his partner, he returned to creative writing almost two decades later . Still working as a lawyer, he and his husband of seventeen years and their dogs live in the DC area. In 2011 they welcomed their daughter into their family. Andrew still manages to write after the last diaper is changed and he unwraps himself from his daughter's little finger.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 14, 2019
Wow... what can I say... This incredible book is the grand finale of an epic story in an astounding world populated by fascinating people. This is not a short book, yet reading it flew by as I devoured page after page. I hesitate to say this, but nevertheless it is true that Mr. Gordon's world-building and character creation are definitely on par with that of Tolkien. Like the "Lord of the Rings" this book has a cast of thousands, yet focuses on one pivotal character whose journey holds the promise of success or failure for their entire world. The author has woven together all the necessary pieces and story that this should become a classic. The ending is spectacular immensely satisfying! Over all this book and the series as a whole is an experience you will not want to miss!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and have voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and have voluntarily reviewed it.
May 14, 2019
Disclaimer: Although this will not be relevant to many, especially in the future, I read this ARC during the same time period that Avengers: End Game came out. SO many tears 😢.
Once again, I found myself submerged in this beautifully designed world. All of the main characters feel like old friends, but it took me a bit to remember some of the newer faces. However, the story takes off right from the start.
After averting a threat from within their home, and dealing with corrupt politicians, Farrell and Kel set off for Farrell's final training and travels under his grandfather's tutelage. They travel for many days to the Endless Snows where he is introduced to the Bendari, who before this trip, he knew little about. It is during this visit that the Bendari put Farrell through a test; one that infuriated his guardians, but teaches Farrell a valuable lesson.
Next on their travels came Tilerstig, in Erd. It is an isolated country ruled by Kel and Beatrice's descendents. After a cruel betrayal and the ramifications that followed, Farrell learns yet another valuable lesson about his station in this war.
Farrell and Kel travel extensively, making new alliances, fighting new battles, but the entire time, Kel is training Farrell in new skills and honing those he already possesses.
A large scale battle wages near Pelth, and as Prince Peter gathers what forces he can in Dumbarton, Miceral gathers the dwarves, and Horgon gathers the Muchari. It is not until Lenore sends Her avatar, Nordric, that the war council is allowed to contact Farrell and Kel for aid. They bring their own unexpected legions with the aid of Arritisa's Gift that Farrell and Jolella were finally able to recover.
And then, the climactic battle we've all been waiting for begins. It is full of action and suspense, danger and betrayal. It is brutal, both with magic and fighting. The allies work together on every front to defeat Meglar's armies, but the battle comes with a high price, paid too many times over. While everyone else bravely faces Meglar's armies, Farrell must face Meglar alone, as the Six have commanded. During their battle, Farrell is faced with an overwhelming emotion that leaves him completely demoralized. But, he is the Champion of the Six, and he has a duty to all of Nendor.
The gods work in mysterious ways, and compromises are made, not without a price, that bring peace to the hearts of many, but not all. Political change is in the air, and a new beginning for those who remain has come to pass.
Overall, this is a fast paced, action packed, fantastical conclusion to the Champion of the Gods series. Gordon takes our emotions along for this whirlwind of an adventure, so be sure to have a tissue or two handy.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Once again, I found myself submerged in this beautifully designed world. All of the main characters feel like old friends, but it took me a bit to remember some of the newer faces. However, the story takes off right from the start.
After averting a threat from within their home, and dealing with corrupt politicians, Farrell and Kel set off for Farrell's final training and travels under his grandfather's tutelage. They travel for many days to the Endless Snows where he is introduced to the Bendari, who before this trip, he knew little about. It is during this visit that the Bendari put Farrell through a test; one that infuriated his guardians, but teaches Farrell a valuable lesson.
Next on their travels came Tilerstig, in Erd. It is an isolated country ruled by Kel and Beatrice's descendents. After a cruel betrayal and the ramifications that followed, Farrell learns yet another valuable lesson about his station in this war.
Farrell and Kel travel extensively, making new alliances, fighting new battles, but the entire time, Kel is training Farrell in new skills and honing those he already possesses.
A large scale battle wages near Pelth, and as Prince Peter gathers what forces he can in Dumbarton, Miceral gathers the dwarves, and Horgon gathers the Muchari. It is not until Lenore sends Her avatar, Nordric, that the war council is allowed to contact Farrell and Kel for aid. They bring their own unexpected legions with the aid of Arritisa's Gift that Farrell and Jolella were finally able to recover.
And then, the climactic battle we've all been waiting for begins. It is full of action and suspense, danger and betrayal. It is brutal, both with magic and fighting. The allies work together on every front to defeat Meglar's armies, but the battle comes with a high price, paid too many times over. While everyone else bravely faces Meglar's armies, Farrell must face Meglar alone, as the Six have commanded. During their battle, Farrell is faced with an overwhelming emotion that leaves him completely demoralized. But, he is the Champion of the Six, and he has a duty to all of Nendor.
The gods work in mysterious ways, and compromises are made, not without a price, that bring peace to the hearts of many, but not all. Political change is in the air, and a new beginning for those who remain has come to pass.
Overall, this is a fast paced, action packed, fantastical conclusion to the Champion of the Gods series. Gordon takes our emotions along for this whirlwind of an adventure, so be sure to have a tissue or two handy.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
May 1, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author to review and give feedback.
An incredible conclusion to Ferrell's journey!
In When Heroes Fall we finally get to see what Farrell's training, determination, and sacrifice have wrought.
Book 5 picks up right were book 4 stepped off.
This final installment kept me riveted to it's pages even more than any of the previous books in the series. Past mysteries come full circle and you're left with a sense of wonder at the intricacies of the plan the Six put in motion.
When Heroes Fall is well written, edited, and is a pleasure to read.
With the conclusion of the series we get to see a neat bow put on many plot lines and characters.
I am left wanting more details and stories from this incredible universe Andrew Q. Gordon has created. While this may be the conclusion of the Champion of the Gods series, I hope it is not the last we see of the (remaining) characters we have come to know and love.
I have no doubt I will re-read this book as many times as I have the previous 4. (Which is to say MANY!)
An incredible conclusion to Ferrell's journey!
In When Heroes Fall we finally get to see what Farrell's training, determination, and sacrifice have wrought.
Book 5 picks up right were book 4 stepped off.
This final installment kept me riveted to it's pages even more than any of the previous books in the series. Past mysteries come full circle and you're left with a sense of wonder at the intricacies of the plan the Six put in motion.
When Heroes Fall is well written, edited, and is a pleasure to read.
With the conclusion of the series we get to see a neat bow put on many plot lines and characters.
I am left wanting more details and stories from this incredible universe Andrew Q. Gordon has created. While this may be the conclusion of the Champion of the Gods series, I hope it is not the last we see of the (remaining) characters we have come to know and love.
I have no doubt I will re-read this book as many times as I have the previous 4. (Which is to say MANY!)
June 28, 2019
Words cannot begin to describe how this book wrecked me, I cried so many tears. I love unpredictable this finale was. I honestly just don’t have the words for how amazing this book was.
August 17, 2024
I couldn't put it down. A great conclusion to the series. I laughed, I cried, and everything in between. This is now one of my all time favorite series. I can only hope that one day Mr. Gordon will give us more stories from this amazing world.
May 16, 2020
Wow. What an amazing rollercoaster of a conclusion to this series. As it’s a long book I had planned to read it over several nights, then got to the last 200 pages and had to find out what happened next. The author puts his characters—and the reader—through so much turmoil. I was already seriously worried about who would be left standing at the end of this story, and was surprised how it turned out.
Not that my worry was for nothing. You’ll need your tissues for this one.
The world building in this story is fabulous as I’d come to expect from this series. Not only does he build a layered fantasy world, but different societies within that world. I love how not all the characters are human or humanoid, and how they all come together as their combined strengths and weaknesses play out in the final battle. I also liked how, despite Farrell and Kel asking others for help, some are reluctant to give it.
I’ve loved Farrell and Miceral since the beginning. Despite no onscreen love scenes, I was left in no doubt about the strength of their love for each other. The scene they share before Farrell goes to confront Meglar gave me a case of the sniffles, and it got worse from there on in. Although Farrell often gets centre stage with his abilities, I enjoyed seeing Miceral in his element as a warrior in this story too.
Although this story has a large cast, each character feels real. The story itself is very rich and complex, with a few twists along the way. I liked how the gifts the Six give Farrell all have a role to play in the final conflict. Lives are lost, but it’s realistic in a battle and war on this scale. I would have surprised if everyone survived.
This series is high fantasy, and this book, like others in the series, is not a quick read, but it is one I’d highly recommend, and well worth the reading commitment. You also need to read in order, or it won’t make sense. Although there is a detailed ‘previously on’ at the beginning of the book, which is a helpful refresher, don’t be tempted to skip the other books and read that. You’ll miss a lot of the nuances of character and plot.
I’m sad that this is the final book in the series, and will miss Farrell, Miceral, and the other characters who make up this world.
Not that my worry was for nothing. You’ll need your tissues for this one.
The world building in this story is fabulous as I’d come to expect from this series. Not only does he build a layered fantasy world, but different societies within that world. I love how not all the characters are human or humanoid, and how they all come together as their combined strengths and weaknesses play out in the final battle. I also liked how, despite Farrell and Kel asking others for help, some are reluctant to give it.
I’ve loved Farrell and Miceral since the beginning. Despite no onscreen love scenes, I was left in no doubt about the strength of their love for each other. The scene they share before Farrell goes to confront Meglar gave me a case of the sniffles, and it got worse from there on in. Although Farrell often gets centre stage with his abilities, I enjoyed seeing Miceral in his element as a warrior in this story too.
Although this story has a large cast, each character feels real. The story itself is very rich and complex, with a few twists along the way. I liked how the gifts the Six give Farrell all have a role to play in the final conflict. Lives are lost, but it’s realistic in a battle and war on this scale. I would have surprised if everyone survived.
This series is high fantasy, and this book, like others in the series, is not a quick read, but it is one I’d highly recommend, and well worth the reading commitment. You also need to read in order, or it won’t make sense. Although there is a detailed ‘previously on’ at the beginning of the book, which is a helpful refresher, don’t be tempted to skip the other books and read that. You’ll miss a lot of the nuances of character and plot.
I’m sad that this is the final book in the series, and will miss Farrell, Miceral, and the other characters who make up this world.
July 20, 2019
Perfect ending for this series
There's nothing in this book that I would change. This conclusion was absolutely delightful and very satisfying. I will admit to being a bit surprised that Farrell didn't flat out tell his father his name at any point in their confrontation. There were all kinds of hints dropped, and Meglor should have known the rules enough to pick up on it, but it was surprising that it was never acknowledged.
I loved the heroism, valor, and courage that everyone showed in this confrontation. Farrell was key to winning, but as he learned over and over during the course of this story, he was never meant to work in isolation.
There's nothing in this book that I would change. This conclusion was absolutely delightful and very satisfying. I will admit to being a bit surprised that Farrell didn't flat out tell his father his name at any point in their confrontation. There were all kinds of hints dropped, and Meglor should have known the rules enough to pick up on it, but it was surprising that it was never acknowledged.
I loved the heroism, valor, and courage that everyone showed in this confrontation. Farrell was key to winning, but as he learned over and over during the course of this story, he was never meant to work in isolation.
February 18, 2020
the great / best thing about this book is that it did not let you down. it was fantastic. the worse thing about the book is that so ends the series. and the journey I had gone with with both Farrell, Miceral, Kel, the Gods and others was worth it.
there was no damp squid of an ending, my heart nearly broke in the final chapters. Farrell discovers things he needed to discover. do thing he needed to do. new characters arrive, friends and foes, people you did not expect survive and other die.
I could say more about this, but I really do think that you the reading public need to experience it yourself. but be prepared.
thank you Mr Gordon for this set of freebies.
there was no damp squid of an ending, my heart nearly broke in the final chapters. Farrell discovers things he needed to discover. do thing he needed to do. new characters arrive, friends and foes, people you did not expect survive and other die.
I could say more about this, but I really do think that you the reading public need to experience it yourself. but be prepared.
thank you Mr Gordon for this set of freebies.
May 18, 2019
Bittersweet but well worth the wait
The last book in this amazing series was by far the best and most emotional. I laughed, I cried, I cheered and I screamed with my favorite characters from the beginning to the end. Definitely one of my favorite authors and the my all time favorite books.
The last book in this amazing series was by far the best and most emotional. I laughed, I cried, I cheered and I screamed with my favorite characters from the beginning to the end. Definitely one of my favorite authors and the my all time favorite books.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews