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Celestine Chronicles #4
Token of the Blessed
It is the mettle to proceed that matters ...
The Labyrinth behind him, Terry and company arrive on the Eastern Steppes in the midst of a carnival, and a fateful decision puts him under a dire curse. Stripped of his bond powers and exiled to the dreamlike Wildervast, he must find and free the ultimate witch, then kill an invincible man.
Meanwhile, those left behind must face the machinations of the tauren herd leaders, whose law allows them to take a template for common use, and the remnants of Theseus' bonds in search of revenge.
Beyond all, there remain the inscrutable machinations of Vlad the Dreamer, and the immortal might of the Twilight Zone's gorgon, Stheno.
Warning: This book does not pan to waving curtains and fade to black. Those uninterested or under the age of eighteen are strongly warned of explicit content.
TITLE has been changed, not the content. This is still book 4 of the Celestine Chronicles.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2019
297 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 4, 2025
Great fantasy
I'm so invested in the plot of this series that i get a bit frustrated when there is a smutty chapter. I just want to know what happens next!
I'm so invested in the plot of this series that i get a bit frustrated when there is a smutty chapter. I just want to know what happens next!
June 28, 2019
I stumbled upon the first book of this series and gave it a shot despite lacklustre cover art. I'm happy that snappy illustration isn't a necessary selection criteria, as this is one of many good books failing to clear that bar that I would miss. Later editions have better art for what it's worth, and I hope it's because the series is doing well enough to spring for a more talented illustrator.
The inclusion of mythical elements gives a huge range of story options. I can see this as probably the apogee of this arc as Terry finally comes to grips with who he needs to be to get the job done. As harem stories go I think that element is handled better here than in many books, and although there are a lot of sexytimes, they serve the plot and aren't the filler I find them to be in a lot of these books. Highly recommended.
The inclusion of mythical elements gives a huge range of story options. I can see this as probably the apogee of this arc as Terry finally comes to grips with who he needs to be to get the job done. As harem stories go I think that element is handled better here than in many books, and although there are a lot of sexytimes, they serve the plot and aren't the filler I find them to be in a lot of these books. Highly recommended.
June 15, 2019
Rating 3.5 stars
This book starts off about a week after the end of the last book. They are still in the Labyrinth resting, recovering and training but then have to leave because someone else has entered. The group is on their way to Eastern Steppes, to help his friends take back there people from the Shaman. They end up at a carnival ( a gathering of minotaur herds) and end up getting into a little bit of trouble once the fact comes out the Terry is a template. The Shaman has known about their coming and prepared
Terry continues to have the same problem as in previous books. He he likes to fight, but only if it is fair. He likes to beat his opponents but he does not like to kill them. He thinks of himself as a murderer, and doesn't take any comfort in the fact that everyone he has killed have all been bad people who would have done him or his harm. He also avoids bonding with other women as much as he can. Half of the women he does bond with he treats very gently and works on their pleasure and the other half it is all business.
I didn't like this book as much as the previous ones but that was mainly because Terry was separated from his bonded. The author is now adding some Russian and Norse mythology into the mix in this one. I do enjoy the eclectic collection of mythologies in this book. I still really enjoy the series and it is very interesting to find out what the bonds get from Terry and how they change. It is also interesting to read about what Terry gets from his bonds.
This book starts off about a week after the end of the last book. They are still in the Labyrinth resting, recovering and training but then have to leave because someone else has entered. The group is on their way to Eastern Steppes, to help his friends take back there people from the Shaman. They end up at a carnival ( a gathering of minotaur herds) and end up getting into a little bit of trouble once the fact comes out the Terry is a template. The Shaman has known about their coming and prepared
Terry continues to have the same problem as in previous books. He he likes to fight, but only if it is fair. He likes to beat his opponents but he does not like to kill them. He thinks of himself as a murderer, and doesn't take any comfort in the fact that everyone he has killed have all been bad people who would have done him or his harm. He also avoids bonding with other women as much as he can. Half of the women he does bond with he treats very gently and works on their pleasure and the other half it is all business.
I didn't like this book as much as the previous ones but that was mainly because Terry was separated from his bonded. The author is now adding some Russian and Norse mythology into the mix in this one. I do enjoy the eclectic collection of mythologies in this book. I still really enjoy the series and it is very interesting to find out what the bonds get from Terry and how they change. It is also interesting to read about what Terry gets from his bonds.
September 4, 2019
A fantastic addition to a great tale
This story, like the three installments before it was entertaining, engaging, intriguing, and well paced. The character development is present and doesn't feel forced nor does it seem like anyone is left out, which isn't easy to do with so many characters.
Again, as with the other stories, the balance of story elements is well done. Never does it feel like there's too much action, too much talking, too much eroticism, nor does it feel like there's too little at any time. However the author achieves this, it is commendable.
Add in great editing and a good flow to the story and we've got a successful forth book with high expectations for the next.
This story, like the three installments before it was entertaining, engaging, intriguing, and well paced. The character development is present and doesn't feel forced nor does it seem like anyone is left out, which isn't easy to do with so many characters.
Again, as with the other stories, the balance of story elements is well done. Never does it feel like there's too much action, too much talking, too much eroticism, nor does it feel like there's too little at any time. However the author achieves this, it is commendable.
Add in great editing and a good flow to the story and we've got a successful forth book with high expectations for the next.
November 9, 2019
I enjoyed this, the Carnival was interesting and it's cool to see non-Greek folklore coming into the story, and the author finally puts in some anal too. The handling of Yuri's story is also very interesting, and the final confrontation with Stheno. However I didn't care for how Baba Yaga is portrayed. Still all quality I've come to expect from this.
April 11, 2020
As always a nice continuation for the series, we get to new discoveries, alliances, and haremates. If you have enjoyed the series so far this book will not dissapoint. Now there is a couple of things that the author either forgot or deliberately left out, like the issue with Theseus bonds it was mentioned that he was in a livel where he could choose the gift his bonds will recieve from him and Prada stated that she would get that knowladge when they killed him. There is no mention of that skill in Terry regard through out the whole book and given how much he and Mila had been worring about it, its weird there is no mention of such an usefull skill. The author also is developing Terry well and in an predictable direction, it won't be nice where he migth end but if he is as special as we think he migth find a way, altough I have to wonder I just hope no other woman of his suffers the same .
March 27, 2022
[Magic] [other world] [Monster girls] [Monster Boys]
Coming back to the world and taking control of the dungeon they found themself among the two different kinds of races of people trying to use him for their own use.
Being cursed and cut off from his wives he went with his friends to find the witch who curse him and the way to break the curse.
By killing/trapping the enemy's right-hand girl and with good news from his friend about his clan's survival they plan to get the one thing that can help them with the fight against evil.
Coming back to the world and taking control of the dungeon they found themself among the two different kinds of races of people trying to use him for their own use.
Being cursed and cut off from his wives he went with his friends to find the witch who curse him and the way to break the curse.
By killing/trapping the enemy's right-hand girl and with good news from his friend about his clan's survival they plan to get the one thing that can help them with the fight against evil.
October 20, 2019
I was really looking forward to this book. The last 2 books have been excellent and I was eagerly waiting to see what bonds Terry would gain in this new novel. While Terry does gain new bonds, I like that the author does not have Terry screwing everything possible. I also like the fact that Terry cares for this with him putting the young wolfen with the tigerman.
The action is great in this book, and I liked how the author did some things you are not supposed to do; such as split the party and sending your armored tank from the rest of the party. Even splitting the party the action was good and easy to follow.
The majority of the book was excellent, however I hated the ending. It almost felt as if the author got tired of the story, zipped Terry off on a solo trek, and dropped the rest of the party. The way that the author left the ending, I have hope that Shy and the rest of the girls do not take this situation laying down but follow Terry.
I admit, that I will be unhappy with the next book if Terry's harem does not follow him. Of course Shy is running out of time, and most of Terry's harem are now pregnant (I wonder if the Medusa is also pregnant?) so the next book could take place more than a year later after Terry's children are born and the women free to pursue their errant husband.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next book, but I really hope that the author has not gotten sick of this story and decided to just end it as quickly as possible. I've seen other indie authors just drop a series they were tired of or have the series commit suicide when they got sick of it.
The action is great in this book, and I liked how the author did some things you are not supposed to do; such as split the party and sending your armored tank from the rest of the party. Even splitting the party the action was good and easy to follow.
The majority of the book was excellent, however I hated the ending. It almost felt as if the author got tired of the story, zipped Terry off on a solo trek, and dropped the rest of the party. The way that the author left the ending, I have hope that Shy and the rest of the girls do not take this situation laying down but follow Terry.
I admit, that I will be unhappy with the next book if Terry's harem does not follow him. Of course Shy is running out of time, and most of Terry's harem are now pregnant (I wonder if the Medusa is also pregnant?) so the next book could take place more than a year later after Terry's children are born and the women free to pursue their errant husband.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next book, but I really hope that the author has not gotten sick of this story and decided to just end it as quickly as possible. I've seen other indie authors just drop a series they were tired of or have the series commit suicide when they got sick of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2019
Another great tale of Celestine
A very enjoyable series and this book is a very good addition to the story. It seems to me that there would only one or two books left in this story or the author will be dragging out the tale to extend the series. I really enjoyed reading this story and I don’t particularly like series I enjoy reading ending, but this story has not been kind to Terry and I would like to read about him being able to relax, be himself, and spend time with his ladies raising tons of his children. The longer the story goes the more painful it seems to be for Terry, having to kill when he doesn’t want to, he can feel himself becoming more evil and I don’t want to read a book with an evil Terry. Waiting patiently for the next book.
A very enjoyable series and this book is a very good addition to the story. It seems to me that there would only one or two books left in this story or the author will be dragging out the tale to extend the series. I really enjoyed reading this story and I don’t particularly like series I enjoy reading ending, but this story has not been kind to Terry and I would like to read about him being able to relax, be himself, and spend time with his ladies raising tons of his children. The longer the story goes the more painful it seems to be for Terry, having to kill when he doesn’t want to, he can feel himself becoming more evil and I don’t want to read a book with an evil Terry. Waiting patiently for the next book.
September 29, 2019
Another well presented volume in the series
If you haven't read the preceding books in this series, you should do so now. The saga of Terrence Mack and his intrepid crew needs to be savored from the beginning. The character development is subtle but also complex and it takes reading the series to understand what that means but it becomes apparent as you read about Tee and the various relationships he has with his bonds. Check out this series. You won't be disappointed.
If you haven't read the preceding books in this series, you should do so now. The saga of Terrence Mack and his intrepid crew needs to be savored from the beginning. The character development is subtle but also complex and it takes reading the series to understand what that means but it becomes apparent as you read about Tee and the various relationships he has with his bonds. Check out this series. You won't be disappointed.
July 9, 2019
Keep 'em coming
This is one of the most satisfying series I have ever read. The plot & character development is brilliant throughout the series and they matured well enough to take responsibilities and face the consequences of their actions. The subtle morality and the concoction of the mythologies is a brilliant idea to write and hard to execute but author did this very smoothly.
Eagerly waiting for the next one, dude, you rock!
This is one of the most satisfying series I have ever read. The plot & character development is brilliant throughout the series and they matured well enough to take responsibilities and face the consequences of their actions. The subtle morality and the concoction of the mythologies is a brilliant idea to write and hard to execute but author did this very smoothly.
Eagerly waiting for the next one, dude, you rock!
June 20, 2019
Consistently Entertaining
A good mish-mash of myth, legend, and tales. Characters consistently grow and evolve outside of expectation and you can clearly see the author has put a great deal of planning into the work. I look forward to the next installment eagerly
A good mish-mash of myth, legend, and tales. Characters consistently grow and evolve outside of expectation and you can clearly see the author has put a great deal of planning into the work. I look forward to the next installment eagerly
June 21, 2019
Another good book.
The story continues to grow and the MC is starting to accept his fate so that he can help those that depend on him. The characters are starting to grow into their roles and power as the story unfolds. Overall it was a good read.
The story continues to grow and the MC is starting to accept his fate so that he can help those that depend on him. The characters are starting to grow into their roles and power as the story unfolds. Overall it was a good read.
November 25, 2020
Terry’s power harem continues to expand; the Spinx, Paula, and ultimately Asteria joined the team. Mela faces her fears of becoming bonded. Shy’s relationship with the Rod of Arc as well as Terry’s connection with the Rod of Heart are ongoing challenges for each of them. As a reward for removing Theseus and conquering the Labyrinth, Terry and crew are ported to the Eastern Steppes, close to Yuri and Mela’s home. Yuri’s revenge against the shaman that sent him and his sister on their no-win quest will not end suitably. The shaman, known as Vlad the Dreamer will cause mind-shattering problems for many of the crew. If that were not enough, the powerful witch Baba Yaga will be the next foe to deal with. Her involvement will send Terry on a deadly rescue mission. Meanwhile, back at camp, revenge seekers for Theseus’ death give Shy and Paula grief. The Carnival, a place that normally brings joy, is nothing of the sort to our crew. Prada handled the situation in her usual delicate way, negating any perceived threat. The next destination in Terry’s journey is a dungeon containing a named weapon that will be extremely useful in the coming battle. There is concern over the mental condition of Terry and I wonder where the tension, grief, and guilt will lead him. There is yet so much more for him to do. Although his will and self-confidence are extremely strong, how much can one human being stand? The story flows on with complexity and brilliance. This is one of my top five series, and I anxiously look forward to the next volume. Tess Irondale is extraordinary!
December 14, 2022
Ok, this volume was pretty cool and I dug the majority of what happened. Good conflict and tension throughout. Shy got some much needed character development and attention; now, if only Laina would get some similar treatment as currently her only function is to be milked. Prada continues to be the standout character amongst the bond women IMO.
I’m not sure how I feel about Asturial’s revealed past and motivations as I can’t make them jive in my head with her original attitude towards Terrence.
Also, typically when I order a monster girl polygamous sex fantasy I ask them to hold the Christianity but there continues to be a focus on the fact that Tee and Thomas are both Christians. This is weird to me on several levels but I guess it is suppose to add moral conflict (and hypocrisy), or something. If budget C.S. Lewis would leave it at that, we’d be cool but this volume added some details in the Wildervast that feel like plot holes. How does Thomas not know about Cephas? He has had a nightmare for 800 years. And if he does, why hasn’t he gone to him if he is so devout? Where does Thomas's mission from God come from? Hopefully this becomes more clear.
I’m not sure how I feel about Asturial’s revealed past and motivations as I can’t make them jive in my head with her original attitude towards Terrence.
Also, typically when I order a monster girl polygamous sex fantasy I ask them to hold the Christianity but there continues to be a focus on the fact that Tee and Thomas are both Christians. This is weird to me on several levels but I guess it is suppose to add moral conflict (and hypocrisy), or something. If budget C.S. Lewis would leave it at that, we’d be cool but this volume added some details in the Wildervast that feel like plot holes. How does Thomas not know about Cephas? He has had a nightmare for 800 years. And if he does, why hasn’t he gone to him if he is so devout? Where does Thomas's mission from God come from? Hopefully this becomes more clear.
February 28, 2021
I didn't like this as much as I did the previous ones (mostly because things didn't go as I suspected they would). I also don't like the limit his magic has.
Also
It is kind of sad seeing the protagonist slowly lose the little joy he had remaining.
3/5 Stars
Also
It is kind of sad seeing the protagonist slowly lose the little joy he had remaining.
3/5 Stars
March 7, 2020
A really good plot
The plot really deserves a 5* rating and the characters are fantastic. But it's a bit too graphic with the sex for my liking. Take the porn out and it's a damb good tale.
The plot really deserves a 5* rating and the characters are fantastic. But it's a bit too graphic with the sex for my liking. Take the porn out and it's a damb good tale.
September 11, 2020
Best harem book
This series in my humble opinion is one of the best I read to date. This one was very nice 😊 I love the battle the guy have to keep is morality and humanity with all that is going on.
This series in my humble opinion is one of the best I read to date. This one was very nice 😊 I love the battle the guy have to keep is morality and humanity with all that is going on.
Read
October 7, 2020Dragons and Nightmares and Blood Devils
Fantasy harem adult situations
More monster girls and more adventures for our Template hero. Keeping my interest, and it's the characters that make the story; they act real and consistent within their own needs and goals. Waiting for book 5.
Fantasy harem adult situations
More monster girls and more adventures for our Template hero. Keeping my interest, and it's the characters that make the story; they act real and consistent within their own needs and goals. Waiting for book 5.
October 18, 2021
Great Series: Good Growth
This book in the series is a turning point for Terry. Not only does he grow in power (and size), but he grows to understand the price of power and of reaching goals — even good ones. Definitely recommended (18+)
This book in the series is a turning point for Terry. Not only does he grow in power (and size), but he grows to understand the price of power and of reaching goals — even good ones. Definitely recommended (18+)
November 14, 2021
Very entertaining harem fantasy
Interesting storyline. Attractive and live characters with dynamics and drama. Good humor.
Everything I expect from a good harem fantasy novel is in the series.
Interesting storyline. Attractive and live characters with dynamics and drama. Good humor.
Everything I expect from a good harem fantasy novel is in the series.
June 7, 2022
So good!
These books should come with a warning because there’s no doubt about them being addictive. Despite more characters being added the quality of the story doesn’t get diluted. On to the next one
These books should come with a warning because there’s no doubt about them being addictive. Despite more characters being added the quality of the story doesn’t get diluted. On to the next one
August 21, 2021
Great story
I am enjoying this fun adventures of Terry an mortal who now has ever increasing his harem though he doesn't want to.
I am enjoying this fun adventures of Terry an mortal who now has ever increasing his harem though he doesn't want to.
April 7, 2025
TEARING UP AT A SMOOT BOOK?!!? What the heck is going on!?
December 7, 2019
Fantasy fiction at it's finest!!! You must read the series to fully understand the subtlety of the prose. Keep up the amazing work Cebelius.
November 17, 2019
The Celestine Chronicles continues
The Celestine Chronicles just keep getting better and continues from were the previous books left off, I whole heartedly recommend reading the whole series of books
The Celestine Chronicles just keep getting better and continues from were the previous books left off, I whole heartedly recommend reading the whole series of books
November 24, 2019
One of the best
As always with novels by Cebelius I was captivated from start to finish. My only complaint being that the book was shorter than I would have liked. I like my books to last me longer than two days.
Granted I am a voracious reader and most novels last me between 3-4 days and the fact that novels by Cebelius are hard to put down and might have contributed to the duration being cut short.
I also feel like compared to previous novels not much happened here. Even the duration in the novel was short covering only a few days. That being said I would have appreciated a longer novel. This is an extremely good series by a very talented writer. I would recommend this series to any lover of fiction 100%.
As always with novels by Cebelius I was captivated from start to finish. My only complaint being that the book was shorter than I would have liked. I like my books to last me longer than two days.
Granted I am a voracious reader and most novels last me between 3-4 days and the fact that novels by Cebelius are hard to put down and might have contributed to the duration being cut short.
I also feel like compared to previous novels not much happened here. Even the duration in the novel was short covering only a few days. That being said I would have appreciated a longer novel. This is an extremely good series by a very talented writer. I would recommend this series to any lover of fiction 100%.
March 9, 2020
The plot has eclipsed erotic content
Book 1 (Mask of the Template) was a super steamy erotic fantasy with a shaky premise that was more than enough to tie together the smutty bits. Here in book 4 there are still sex scenes but the over all plot and character development has exceeded where erotic novels usually go.
I suppose this says more about me the reviewer and where my head is at that I feel more engaged by the larger story and the personal pains and victories of the many characters than I do by the adult content.
Still a solid story about people I've come to care about in a world I want to see saved. Can't wait until Sword of the Tyrant comes out on audio book.
Book 1 (Mask of the Template) was a super steamy erotic fantasy with a shaky premise that was more than enough to tie together the smutty bits. Here in book 4 there are still sex scenes but the over all plot and character development has exceeded where erotic novels usually go.
I suppose this says more about me the reviewer and where my head is at that I feel more engaged by the larger story and the personal pains and victories of the many characters than I do by the adult content.
Still a solid story about people I've come to care about in a world I want to see saved. Can't wait until Sword of the Tyrant comes out on audio book.
June 22, 2019
An end to I'm reluctant hero?
The guilt of killing and hating monster girls is resolved over the course of the book so those dissatisfied will be relieved. The difference in POV chapters were I wanted the others over the protagonist chapters. Felt that less happen but still progress Relatively move forward at the same pace as the other books. Had to Google image a lot of the name drops. Mystery of the world and how it works is deepen and hinted at. I recommend to all to continue the series
The guilt of killing and hating monster girls is resolved over the course of the book so those dissatisfied will be relieved. The difference in POV chapters were I wanted the others over the protagonist chapters. Felt that less happen but still progress Relatively move forward at the same pace as the other books. Had to Google image a lot of the name drops. Mystery of the world and how it works is deepen and hinted at. I recommend to all to continue the series
August 8, 2019
Awesome
An awesome continuation of the story. Several of the characters develop in unexpected ways and it's interesting to follow what happens with the people and their relationships. Speaking of relationships, the more adult side of them are handled expertly, always exciting and well suited to the story. It's expertly blended in with action and adventure. I especially liked how many situations were solved in ways that weren't just straight up combat. Looking forward to the next one.
An awesome continuation of the story. Several of the characters develop in unexpected ways and it's interesting to follow what happens with the people and their relationships. Speaking of relationships, the more adult side of them are handled expertly, always exciting and well suited to the story. It's expertly blended in with action and adventure. I especially liked how many situations were solved in ways that weren't just straight up combat. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews