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One tribulation down.
To stop the next, he'll battle through blood and frost.

Wes Malcolm has wrested Avalon back from men, monsters, and false gods.
The next step is to bring the battle to his enemy's camp.
The world of the Woadlands is under siege from two cataclysms at once. Fey of the winter courts seek to smother the planet in eternal frost, while an alien cancer gnaws at the ancient trees that power the magic of this world.
Worst of all, his earthly enemies have spent the last fifty years making both threats far more dire, sabotaging the natives' every chance at survival.
Even the planet's godlike Icons believe their world is doomed.
But the Challenger of Avalon is unconvinced.
He has already laid one demigod dead at his feet, and now an army of rescued prisoners and resurrected champions are charging along side of him.
The apocalypse is a lie.
All is not lost.

Epic Portal Fantasy with LITRPG/GameLit elements.
Sequel to Downfall and Rise and Brace for the Wolves.
Still features profanity and adult themes. Still also features a multi-bodied alien nerd-girl with a penchant for wearing ironic Earth t-shirts as a love interest. You have been warned. Again.

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2019

486 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

Nathan A. Thompson

16 books139 followers

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5 stars
887 (70%)
4 stars
289 (23%)
3 stars
61 (4%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Wilhelm Eyrich.
366 reviews28 followers
August 26, 2020
This third installment wasn’t as great as the second one but better than the first, and because it didn’t seem as better I’ve been trying to find faults but even those are lacking.

A wonderful third book which still has been making me “feel” more than the majority of other books in this genre.

The action remains fresh, the trials challenging (although with predictable outcomes), and I quite care for most of the characters, even the new ones. The dialogue is still great and believable between most parties, although some is cheesy and long winded.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is that it explores the universe much more than the previous two and reveals much more to us about what is going on and all the powers at play.

Rating lies between 4 and 5 starts but I think still deserving of 5, looking forward to the next one!
82 reviews
May 8, 2019
Delicious!

Like Wes, I must have some latent Dragon blood because I absolutely devoured this book!

(Waits for boos and eye rolls to subside .)

Woad Children is exceptional. It has multidimensional characters, believable villains, and a unique world. The character progression feels like a function of the physical rules of the universe. Often in LitRPG, progression feels more like a “yes and...” tacked on top. Not here. Raising and Descending feel like extensions of real choices we all make. It’s wonderful.

My one quibble: I don’t think there was one moment where I felt Wes was in any danger. He felt completely unstoppable. However. Given the torment and opposition he faced in the first books, it feels earned rather than shallow. He became unstoppable because of the hardship and terror. So while there was no mortal danger, Wes crushing his enemies felt right and justified. So it didn’t really subtract from my enjoyment.

To summarize: five stars all the way.
7 reviews
April 3, 2019
One of the greatest depictions of a hero's story i have ever read

While all litrpgs have a concept of leveling up or gaining power through effort, the metaphysical concept of lvling by "rising" after overcome difficulties in life and coming out better for it by restoration of the heart and body and love. and how others gain power through "decending" a concept of gain power through exploiting and destroying others instead of lifting them up like risers do and how it becomes an underlying conflict of good and evil, is amazing. If I didn't think movie makers would mess it up I'd love to see a motion picture come from this.
Profile Image for Absurd Nerd.
2 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2019
I find the premise and overarching story of these books interesting. However this book sort of plods along and doesn't really deliver too much of the main plot. Essentially he completes some trials and tumults and that's it.
Also the chapter length in places is ridiculous and he needs to get new proof readers, as having a spelling or grammar error on practically every page makes this even harder to read
Not sure I'm gonna continue with book four if it's more filler like this book.
The ideas are strong but the many questions from the previous books don't get answered enough here.
Profile Image for Dustin New.
5 reviews
April 20, 2019
I need more

A story that pulls you into a world any geek or gamer would want to be in. An amazing job by the author. By this point a lot of another’s don’t know how to keep a plot moving and write a book that has no plot progression. but rather is 300 pages of set up for the new bad guy or new plot or what have you. I can’t tell you how many books I waited years for to have read and felt like I waisted my time and money. But this book had a constant progression of new challenges,new bad guys, new and old allies weave seamlessly in and out of the chapters. If your like me and are afraid to risk the pain of a no plot book feel safe in knowing this is not one of the many “set up” books. It’s worth the time to read and more importantly it’s worth the money.
189 reviews12 followers
May 25, 2019
A terrific read!

Our hero Wes continues to uncover the history of the Expanse and the Council which has kept Avalon and the Earth down.
This is one of the few over powered main characters, in which the author has shaped the world appropriately to match his development. Tons of heroic actions, great characterizations, and enjoyable relationships.My understanding is that this is a combination of portal and cultivation LITRPG. But regardless of how it’s labeled, it’s tons of fun and worth your time.
Profile Image for KAi Kazame.
22 reviews
August 7, 2019
What can i say its a great continuation of the story, we get to see the new world and its danger as well brand new powers, we learn more abt the MC and truth behind his race. i still think the MC is not ruthless enough to the malice members and why is everyone keep telling him that something is impossible coz none can do but they can clearly saw MC do the same thing and they still keep telling him its impossible. another thing what is with all i m too worried abt you, so i m not going to say anything and we'll let both us suffer.
Profile Image for GaiusPrimus.
870 reviews97 followers
March 29, 2019
My oh my, what an awesome story. I really enjoyed the second book, but this one takes the cake.

You can really see how the author is growing in skills by how he's able to maintain the exhilaration of the story pretty continuously throughout the book, and how you start caring even for minor, recently introduced characters.

The worst part of the book is that it's over and the next one is months away.
6 reviews
April 16, 2019
Amazing next step in the series

Amazing next step in the series, giving further character, story plot and back ground plot build. The third book pick up right were the second left off and also answered some questions from the first two books while making more new questions needing answered. Great battle scenes, personal development at every turn. I highly recommended reading all 3 books in the series.
278 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2019
Yet again

Mr. Thompson has again crafted a masterful tale. The litrpg me Janice don't detract at all from the epic nature of the story. I love the development of Wes, the MC, as well as the fleshing out of several of the supporting cast. Can't wait to see where the next volume takes us.
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,183 reviews83 followers
April 13, 2019
Book three

Mistakes: I found three for sure. It was either a word missing from a sentence, or a word used incorrectly.
Plot: The battle moved off Avalon as the MC starts moving forward against his enemies.
Characters: Over powered MC makes for quick battles. I find his true growth to be emotionally instead of physical as he overcomes self-doubt and many wrong done to him.
8/10
Author 3 books3 followers
April 18, 2019
Wes triumphant.

Honestly I didn't think Nathan could have improved on book 2, shows how wrong I was. What a wonderful addition to Wes' story, and the growing of several side characters. I like the sneaky, sorry won't say, part near the end. Truly amazing. Well done Nathan, hurry and write the next one.
65 reviews
April 19, 2019
Another exciting satisfying story

I love everything about this story I especially love how Malcolm and his friends break down what it truly means to be a hero instead of the more traditional kinda conflicting view we normally have on them and their actions this is one of my most beloved series and I truly can't wait for more keep up the amazing work Mr. Thompson
16 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2019
Loved it

Thank you for another great story. I cannot wait for the next. Interesting and the plot kept me excited.
The rest of this review is filled with blah. A specific number of words are required for this to actually post. The first sentences are my review. So are the number of stars. I read the stories, I do not write them.
7 reviews
May 8, 2019
Just when I was getting a good night sleep...

The third book in this series came out. I've been enjoying this series since I stumbled across the first book and it hasn't disappointed me yet. The MC is starting to crack into the OP territory but how he is doing it fits very well with the story.
2 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2019
Great

Great read. I really enjoyed the main character and the values learned. I like the idea of the gaining of levels, and as one finds in gaming, what type of character do I want to play? Wes finds a way to play them all - except archer.
Well done, can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,487 reviews12 followers
January 15, 2021
Worthy Surprise

More excellence and surprises with lots and lots of power ups without the overpowering, as even then there is always a lot more powerful enemies ahead.
Really good development of the associated characters with the main party and relationships intersecting on various storylines blend seamlessly into a fast paced action saga with many a humorous line.
Profile Image for Law Miller.
42 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
Outstandng

I will start with the bad. It's a bit simple. Now for the part that is making me buy his books. This author has taken a damaged soul and gradually built a person. It's through the smallest aid from others. Some help so small They don't even know theyre giving it. It's constantly showing how the smallest acts of kindness can mean so much to someone else.
Law
Profile Image for Unholy Nexus.
35 reviews
March 3, 2024
My one and only complaint is: Wes needs to eat more of his enemies. He has an obvious power advantage that his enemies consistently underestimate. He’s part Dragon and powers up when even getting a bite of a stronger enemy and he only bites occasionally. Seems like a severe oversight especially with his Intelligence, Wisdom, and Battle Senses as high as they are. Any one else feel differently?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
184 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2019
We rage again

This was another great installment in the challengers call series,there are only a few things I would change but that is stuff that's my opinion otherwise it's a wonderful book and again I can't wait for the next one.
6 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2019
Oh yes

The third installation into this masterpiece is just as amazing as the previous two books. It just works so well. Thank you very much, I am looking forward to seeing more Wes in book four. (Thank god for the sexual tension resolution, great job)
Profile Image for Grant Merrifield.
704 reviews14 followers
April 2, 2019
Once again a great book from Nathan Thompson

Book 3 did not disappoint okay it could have been longer I love this series of books I could have just kept breathing this all night it was it was a sufficient length of a book I just wish I could read the next four of them right now.
421 reviews7 followers
April 4, 2019
Amazing third book

I actually liked this book even more than the last one. Fantastic character development, great storyline and pacing. It'd absolutely fantastic, Nathan Thompson is just getting better with each book.
147 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2019
Great addition to the series

I am not sure what exactly it is about this series but I love it. It is very hard to put down and the characters evoke so many emotions that it surprises me again with each book. I truly look forward to the next book and to see where it all ends.
12 reviews
April 12, 2019
Uplifting and Imaginative

I really was looking forward to this next installment in the series, and was not disappointed in the least! Wonderfully thought out and well written. This author has become one of my favorites.
25 reviews
April 12, 2019
Amazing!

This is such a wonderful work. In addition to the fast paced, action packed story, the author presents us with powerful messages of hope, strength, and perseverance. An incredible read. I cannot wait for the next one.
15 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2019
Very Fun Read

This is one of those series you just enjoy reading. A literary masterpiece? Maybe not, but I couldn't put it down nonetheless. Also didn't suffer from the paragraph spacing issues of the prior book in the series.
7 reviews
April 15, 2019
Great book

Love this series. Keep up the good work! It is nice to see a world where those who have been oppressed can overcome their trials and become stronger and honored for it, not looked down upon for being so weak as to be a target of oppression to begin with.
72 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2019
Book 3 is amazing!

Honestly one of the best series I’ve ever read and with each book, it only gets better and better. I hope book 4 comes out soon because I’m going through withdrawals.
Profile Image for Niels Baumgartner.
265 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2019
Fan-flippin-tastic

Must read. Seriously.
Original. Funny. Amazing pace and rhythm. This book series just keep delivering fun, feels, and good old fashioned story telling with every installment.
This needs to be a fantasy favorite.
Happy reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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