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Gretel #6
The Killing of Orphism
It has been two years since The Book of the Crippling was destroyed, and the quest to find the last remaining copies of Orphism is nearing an end. But the journey has not been without cost, both physically and financially, and the quartet of hunters—Gretel, Anika, Hansel and Petr—now find themselves on the last continent of the Village of the Elders' list.
And it is here where the real danger begins.
This final land of darkness presents a new type of Orphic magic, volatile and coveted, more powerful and perilous than Gretel ever could have imagined.
But Gretel is committed to erase from the planet the scourge of her dark heritage, and despite the evils in front of her, nothing will stop her from that goal, even if it costs her the lives of her family.
And it is here where the real danger begins.
This final land of darkness presents a new type of Orphic magic, volatile and coveted, more powerful and perilous than Gretel ever could have imagined.
But Gretel is committed to erase from the planet the scourge of her dark heritage, and despite the evils in front of her, nothing will stop her from that goal, even if it costs her the lives of her family.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2021
52 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Coleman
23 books143 followersChristopher Coleman lives in Maryland with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in English Literature. A fan of classic and modern horror and thriller movies, his favorite movies are Rosemary's Baby and The Ring. When he's not writing fiction, you can find him reading, taking his kids to and from various sporting activities or watching horror movies with his wife who shares his affinity for the horror genre. His books will creep you out and leave you scared to turn off the lights and go to sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
dnf
April 14, 2021Nope. Got to about 18% and gave up. Honestly, I should have given up a while ago. I loved the first two books but the series just went downhill from there. I'm done with it. It really does suck that the series got to this point as it started out so amazing. But I suppose it does happen.
April 10, 2021
I loved the first few books, but now I wish the series would end. I thought this would be the last so I pushed through, but now there’s going to be one more. I’ll still read to finish the series, but I’m ready for it to be over. This book had multiple “villians” that didn’t last long, instead of having a build up covering the whole book. It seems like they are just pushing for more books and more money, when it should just end.
February 21, 2021
Great series so far
I'm loving these books of orphism. The whole Gretel series so far has been full of non stop action, adventure and witch binding spells. This along with the amazing characters that you feel in tune with and can feel there happiness and sadness as it happens to them. Each chapter has a life of its own and you can never tell what is going to happen next, as there are so many exciting twists throughout the tales. Descriptions of towns and villages that you can envision, such as they are portrayed in great length without taking away from the story.I've loved every character and can't wait to find out what happens next in the final book. A really excellent exciting series. I would definitely recommend.
I'm loving these books of orphism. The whole Gretel series so far has been full of non stop action, adventure and witch binding spells. This along with the amazing characters that you feel in tune with and can feel there happiness and sadness as it happens to them. Each chapter has a life of its own and you can never tell what is going to happen next, as there are so many exciting twists throughout the tales. Descriptions of towns and villages that you can envision, such as they are portrayed in great length without taking away from the story.I've loved every character and can't wait to find out what happens next in the final book. A really excellent exciting series. I would definitely recommend.
February 24, 2021
I found this book disappointing. It seems that the author didn’t have a clear idea of certain things (for example some of the monsters for lack of a better word), which in turn caused them to not be well described and able to be visualized. I really just wanted to be done with this book. I enjoyed the first four books of this series. However, it just seems to have spread and become less focused and enjoyable as the books went on.
May 25, 2025
Reading The Killing of Orphism felt like the final chapter of a long, dark journey, and I found myself feeling the weight of Gretel’s decisions more than ever. From the beginning of the Gretel series, the characters have been thrown into relentless danger, impossible choices, and terrifying encounters, but this book brings an emotional depth and urgency that makes it truly unforgettable.
What struck me most was how Gretel never loses sight of her mission, even as the odds stack against her. She has evolved into someone unrecognizable from where she started, hardened by the horrors she’s faced but still deeply driven by purpose. It’s rare to find a protagonist who maintains such unwavering resolve, especially when confronting a darkness that has plagued the world for generations.
There’s something deeply unsettling about the idea of Orphism itself—the power to bend reality, to control fate, to wield destruction unlike anything else. As I read, I kept wondering: Where does responsibility end and power begin? Gretel fights to erase Orphism, but the knowledge that it exists—lurking, waiting—creates a constant tension that lingers even after the final page.
The atmosphere of this book is claustrophobic, ominous, and full of dread—it feels like a race against time, like every shadow holds a secret, like something unseen is always creeping closer. Coleman does an incredible job of making the reader feel trapped inside the story, unable to escape the growing sense of unease and inevitability.
Finishing The Killing of Orphism was bittersweet. After following this series through its chilling twists and unforgettable characters, it felt like closing the door on a world I wasn’t quite ready to leave. But that’s the power of a great book—it sticks with you, lingering in your thoughts, making you question, reflect, and imagine what happens beyond the last chapter.
What struck me most was how Gretel never loses sight of her mission, even as the odds stack against her. She has evolved into someone unrecognizable from where she started, hardened by the horrors she’s faced but still deeply driven by purpose. It’s rare to find a protagonist who maintains such unwavering resolve, especially when confronting a darkness that has plagued the world for generations.
There’s something deeply unsettling about the idea of Orphism itself—the power to bend reality, to control fate, to wield destruction unlike anything else. As I read, I kept wondering: Where does responsibility end and power begin? Gretel fights to erase Orphism, but the knowledge that it exists—lurking, waiting—creates a constant tension that lingers even after the final page.
The atmosphere of this book is claustrophobic, ominous, and full of dread—it feels like a race against time, like every shadow holds a secret, like something unseen is always creeping closer. Coleman does an incredible job of making the reader feel trapped inside the story, unable to escape the growing sense of unease and inevitability.
Finishing The Killing of Orphism was bittersweet. After following this series through its chilling twists and unforgettable characters, it felt like closing the door on a world I wasn’t quite ready to leave. But that’s the power of a great book—it sticks with you, lingering in your thoughts, making you question, reflect, and imagine what happens beyond the last chapter.
August 27, 2023
Holy Crap … maybe my fav from this series! Takes hold of the reader from the first page & does not let go!! I must say, I am glad I read it directly on the heals of ‘The Crippling’ … giving me the ability to connect the works & continue the saga seamlessly! It is noted by the author that there will be a finale … book 7 … but I can not find any mention of this on social media or via web searches!?! I’d love to see how Gretel, Hansel, & Anika finish their quests!
March 3, 2021
Still not over
I didn't do as much skimming as the last couple in this series. And I found myself sorry to see the end. I don't usually like series of books but I find I'm looking forward to the next chapter for the Morgans.
I didn't do as much skimming as the last couple in this series. And I found myself sorry to see the end. I don't usually like series of books but I find I'm looking forward to the next chapter for the Morgans.
February 17, 2021
Great Finish to a GREAT series!
February 25, 2021
A double WOW
This again did not fail to be an excellent book. I truly recommend this series to be read. Superior wrk indeed.
This again did not fail to be an excellent book. I truly recommend this series to be read. Superior wrk indeed.
December 2, 2021
The Killing of Orphism is the sixth book in the Gretel series. Excellent book. Very creative. And another book next year!
December 17, 2025
Loved the series. Apparently there is a book 7 I’ll have to try and find
September 10, 2021
Done! Waiting for the next.
I read the earlier books two years ago. Eagerly awaited the next. It did not disappoint. Now I see there is another possible book. Cannot wait.
I read the earlier books two years ago. Eagerly awaited the next. It did not disappoint. Now I see there is another possible book. Cannot wait.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews