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Ancient Dreams #3
Halls of Power
Having rocked the world via high magic that was believed lost, the dungeon Sistina has shown her power at last, as she has done everything in her power to protect those that she loves. Crowned queen of the new city of Beacon, Phynis Constella is searching for allies as full-scale war erupts between her homeland of Sifaren and the fell nation of Kelvanis.
Each side must use everything in their power to defeat the other, but with the threat of the goddess Tyria looming, there can be only one victor. Long-waiting plans at last are rising to a head, and even Sistina is uncertain of whether or not she can survive them. But for her beloved Queen, she is willing to risk anything.
This is the final chapter of the Ancient Dreams Trilogy.
Each side must use everything in their power to defeat the other, but with the threat of the goddess Tyria looming, there can be only one victor. Long-waiting plans at last are rising to a head, and even Sistina is uncertain of whether or not she can survive them. But for her beloved Queen, she is willing to risk anything.
This is the final chapter of the Ancient Dreams Trilogy.
Audiobook
First published July 22, 2017
256 people are currently reading
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About the author
Benjamin Medrano
47 books308 followersI was born in October, 1985. Not much of my history would likely be of interest, but I grew up primarily in Utah, a land of ultra-conservative people, and yet oddly open to Science Fiction and Fantasy.
I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.
My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.
Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.
I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.
My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.
Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 14, 2019
This series is a traditional old school fantasy for the most part but it does have a few tiny hints of the sort of stuff that is found within the typical LitRPG style fantasy worlds. It had LitRPG style Dungeon Cores mixed into an old school fantasy world of humans, dwarves, orcs, elves, and demons. The story actually blended and balanced both aspects of the tale really well.
This third and final book in the Ancient Dreams trilogy focused on the conclusion of all the major story arcs of the earlier books. The Elven nations of Sifaren and Yeara had to deal with the attacks of the powerful human nation of Kelvanis. Sistina and Phynis also had to deal with the threat of Kelvanis as the construction of the city of Beacon has caught the attention of the Arcon of Kelvanis himself. He will not let a rouge power rise to thwart his plans! This instalment also seen the conclusion of the Tyria story arc.
I found this a little tough to get into in the early stages of the story but I think that had less to do with the story itself and was more a result of the fact that around 18 months had passed since I read the first two books in the series. There is a lot of minor characters in the series and it took me a bit of time to get up to speed with who they all were again!
I felt the story was decent enough. It was a mix of intrigue, action, and fun magical happenings. The first book had a heavy focus on Sistina and Phynis and was more of a Dungeon Core style with a tad of romance than a regular fantasy story. The second book was a mix of Dungeon Core action and political intrigue as we got more and more focus on new characters and the war and Tyria story arcs. This third book was pretty heavily focused on the war and Tyria arcs and so both Sistina and Phynis were just two of many character POV's on the go and they probably played less of a role than the likes of Diane and the others who were deep in the happenings in Kelvanis. I'm not really complaining as I felt like the switch in focus and the deepening of the POV cast actually helped give the story more depth and helped keep it fresh.
All in all this was a decent fantasy story and I definitely enjoyed the way things were wrapped up by Medrano.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: Gabriella Cavallero did a great job with the audio of all the books in this series!
This third and final book in the Ancient Dreams trilogy focused on the conclusion of all the major story arcs of the earlier books. The Elven nations of Sifaren and Yeara had to deal with the attacks of the powerful human nation of Kelvanis. Sistina and Phynis also had to deal with the threat of Kelvanis as the construction of the city of Beacon has caught the attention of the Arcon of Kelvanis himself. He will not let a rouge power rise to thwart his plans! This instalment also seen the conclusion of the Tyria story arc.
I found this a little tough to get into in the early stages of the story but I think that had less to do with the story itself and was more a result of the fact that around 18 months had passed since I read the first two books in the series. There is a lot of minor characters in the series and it took me a bit of time to get up to speed with who they all were again!
I felt the story was decent enough. It was a mix of intrigue, action, and fun magical happenings. The first book had a heavy focus on Sistina and Phynis and was more of a Dungeon Core style with a tad of romance than a regular fantasy story. The second book was a mix of Dungeon Core action and political intrigue as we got more and more focus on new characters and the war and Tyria story arcs. This third book was pretty heavily focused on the war and Tyria arcs and so both Sistina and Phynis were just two of many character POV's on the go and they probably played less of a role than the likes of Diane and the others who were deep in the happenings in Kelvanis. I'm not really complaining as I felt like the switch in focus and the deepening of the POV cast actually helped give the story more depth and helped keep it fresh.
All in all this was a decent fantasy story and I definitely enjoyed the way things were wrapped up by Medrano.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: Gabriella Cavallero did a great job with the audio of all the books in this series!
September 2, 2017
This is one of those books that I find frustrating to read, it is so close to being absolutely brilliant but there is always something that goes slightly awry. The best part of the book are the excellent characters, I think Sistina is one of the best fantasy characters I have ever come across. The whole concept is also very good, but my problems come with the detail and way the author has constructed the story.
My problems begin with the author starting too many storylines right at the opening of the book, I would have preferred him to concentrate on just a few and then bring in the others once those are firmly established. If you read this book straight after the previous one, then keeping track of all the characters might be easier, but after a six month break I found it very difficult to catch up with all the characters and plots.
My other minor problem is I feel that some of the elements of the story didn’t really fit and others were started then just disappeared. At times I found myself skip reading sections because I felt they were irrelevant to the main story and basically boring. Fortunately the story ended well and didn’t leave many lose ends.
Overall I liked this trilogy and will certainly looking at future books from this author.
My problems begin with the author starting too many storylines right at the opening of the book, I would have preferred him to concentrate on just a few and then bring in the others once those are firmly established. If you read this book straight after the previous one, then keeping track of all the characters might be easier, but after a six month break I found it very difficult to catch up with all the characters and plots.
My other minor problem is I feel that some of the elements of the story didn’t really fit and others were started then just disappeared. At times I found myself skip reading sections because I felt they were irrelevant to the main story and basically boring. Fortunately the story ended well and didn’t leave many lose ends.
Overall I liked this trilogy and will certainly looking at future books from this author.
October 28, 2018
3.5 stars
Pretty much the same as the previous book.. It was okay.. And I love the ending...
Pretty much the same as the previous book.. It was okay.. And I love the ending...
October 27, 2017
Pretty much the same as the other 2 books. It was okay but I did have some problems with it but I did stick with it so it was not all bad.
August 20, 2017
The final book in the "Ancient Dreams" series is GREAT. I read it in one day (had afterwards 30 minutes to sleep before I went to work - simply didnt sleep at all ^^)
Honestly people: This is fantasy and while many people enjoy George Martin bloody style I prefer a book where to good guys win (this series started rather dark...). The bad get what they deserve because... lets not take the fun of finding out yourself.
I loved this series and cant wait for new books from Benjamin Medrano!
Honestly people: This is fantasy and while many people enjoy George Martin bloody style I prefer a book where to good guys win (this series started rather dark...). The bad get what they deserve because... lets not take the fun of finding out yourself.
I loved this series and cant wait for new books from Benjamin Medrano!
September 22, 2019
Consistently good
One of the things I liked about this series is that it reads like a single story. It's engaging from beginning to end and maintains a consistent level of excitement.
All three books were hard to but down.
One of the things I liked about this series is that it reads like a single story. It's engaging from beginning to end and maintains a consistent level of excitement.
All three books were hard to but down.
November 16, 2018
This book was not as enjoyable as the first. The multiple POVs and, less to nonexistent dungeon tinkering aside, there is too much focus on the "harem". I want a sentient dungeon that creates devices, not a tree with a bunch of groupie tree hugger priestesses.
Okay, logic time.
Well didn't enjoy this as I though I would. Looking at the author's other books I see he loves his female protagonist and femme in distress. Wouldn't be touching his other books. If this series is any indication he will start strong, then give me things I do not want.
He wrote a good series, it's just that what I got in book one didn't continue to books two and three. Me disliking this has nothing to do with the author. I should have realised that he focused on the relationships. This is practically a romance novel. "Love Conquers All" and all that dross.
2.5/5 Stars
Okay, logic time.
Well didn't enjoy this as I though I would. Looking at the author's other books I see he loves his female protagonist and femme in distress. Wouldn't be touching his other books. If this series is any indication he will start strong, then give me things I do not want.
He wrote a good series, it's just that what I got in book one didn't continue to books two and three. Me disliking this has nothing to do with the author. I should have realised that he focused on the relationships. This is practically a romance novel. "Love Conquers All" and all that dross.
2.5/5 Stars
July 31, 2023
This whole series was above average and really fun. Its a high fantasy with a genius loci.
I came into the series looking for a dungeon core series and didn't quite get it – sure it 'counts' and the "Main character" does in fact create a dungeon part way through book three...but there’s barely any focus on it. There’s no described building or experiments, very few mentions of the adventurers delving the series. Instead this series goes the high fantasy route of showing off the world and politics and ways of dealing with the world. Its very much a dark fantasy but doesn't quite hit a grim dark tone.
I’ve read dungeon core stories that attempt to do what this story is doing and cringed before. All the other DC series with multiple characters and a focus on the politics and worldbuilding flop. This on the other hand…stands alone and makes for a good story.
To reiterate this is a bad dungeon core series...but a good fantasy story. The politics are actually good, the darkness of the world feels real – the horrors are everywhere without being too explicit. And they are horrors. The magic slavery is given enough detail to be horrifying without shifting to fetishized. The adversaries are realistically evil. That means while they are doing abhorrent things and are selfish or purposefully ignorant…they feel human. Instead of filling the world with cartoonish villains this series makes each and every person a monster you can imagine existing.
That realism extends to the worldbuilding and decision making and thought process of every POV.
Everyone from the villains to the heroes to the random soldiers make realistic decisions. The world is not info dumped. The antagonists have plans that sometimes fall through due to a lack of perfect knowledge they sometimes succeed leading to deeper depths of darkness. Everyone makes plans and decisions and its all satisfying to see come about.
I came to the series hoping for another divine dungeon and left feeling like I read game of thrones again.
I came into the series looking for a dungeon core series and didn't quite get it – sure it 'counts' and the "Main character" does in fact create a dungeon part way through book three...but there’s barely any focus on it. There’s no described building or experiments, very few mentions of the adventurers delving the series. Instead this series goes the high fantasy route of showing off the world and politics and ways of dealing with the world. Its very much a dark fantasy but doesn't quite hit a grim dark tone.
I’ve read dungeon core stories that attempt to do what this story is doing and cringed before. All the other DC series with multiple characters and a focus on the politics and worldbuilding flop. This on the other hand…stands alone and makes for a good story.
To reiterate this is a bad dungeon core series...but a good fantasy story. The politics are actually good, the darkness of the world feels real – the horrors are everywhere without being too explicit. And they are horrors. The magic slavery is given enough detail to be horrifying without shifting to fetishized. The adversaries are realistically evil. That means while they are doing abhorrent things and are selfish or purposefully ignorant…they feel human. Instead of filling the world with cartoonish villains this series makes each and every person a monster you can imagine existing.
That realism extends to the worldbuilding and decision making and thought process of every POV.
Everyone from the villains to the heroes to the random soldiers make realistic decisions. The world is not info dumped. The antagonists have plans that sometimes fall through due to a lack of perfect knowledge they sometimes succeed leading to deeper depths of darkness. Everyone makes plans and decisions and its all satisfying to see come about.
I came to the series hoping for another divine dungeon and left feeling like I read game of thrones again.
July 23, 2017
When I finished Spells of Old, I was like this: 
.
Beacon seemed really cool to me, so I really wanted the next book.
And what a book! Such a satisfying end to the trilogy. The threads are tied up neatly (at least the ones I care about) and I'm so happy. My favorite character in this book is probably the goddess (you'll see why when you read it). I am looking forward to Marin's Codex so that we can learn more about Marin's life. I've also been reading Into the Eternal Wood about the original Sistina as it has rolled out, and I've liked it so far.
If you want to read the Halls of Power prologue, it's available on the author's website.
https://benjaminmedrano.com/new-begin...
I'm really looking forward to Born a Queen, sample available here: https://benjaminmedrano.com/new-begin...
. Beacon seemed really cool to me, so I really wanted the next book.
And what a book! Such a satisfying end to the trilogy. The threads are tied up neatly (at least the ones I care about) and I'm so happy. My favorite character in this book is probably the goddess (you'll see why when you read it). I am looking forward to Marin's Codex so that we can learn more about Marin's life. I've also been reading Into the Eternal Wood about the original Sistina as it has rolled out, and I've liked it so far.
If you want to read the Halls of Power prologue, it's available on the author's website.
https://benjaminmedrano.com/new-begin...
I'm really looking forward to Born a Queen, sample available here: https://benjaminmedrano.com/new-begin...
September 14, 2017
After reading the entire series, because I'm a completionist and couldn't stop, I feel like I need to review this. As a whole, the series held a lot of potential, but it just couldn't live up to it. It always felt like it was on the verge of being an alright read, but it never could quite break in to that level. Generally speaking, the writing just wasn't that great. The book had the feel of a college student wanting to write a scifi/fantasy lesbian novel, but didn't know anything about women. The characters all felt underdeveloped and shallow. Admittedly, by the time he got to book three the characters finally started feeling rounded out, but there were always new characters being added in short vignettes that didn't add anything to the story. In fact, some of the main point of view characters felt completely frivolous to the story as a whole and could have never been mentioned.
Also, "giggled." I didn't do a count, but if a female character was mentioned on a page, she "giggled". Someone please find this man a thesaurus.
Also, "giggled." I didn't do a count, but if a female character was mentioned on a page, she "giggled". Someone please find this man a thesaurus.
February 14, 2018
I discarded all the notes I made while reading this book. Simply, this book is not perfect, but it is better than average. In essence the author’s weakness is in plotting out the overall story of his books and focus. I’ve complained enough about the stupid story choices made in book 1, but now having completed the trilogy, I have a better understanding of the “focus issue”. There is a big difference between writing a book on WW2 and then focusing 90% on Pearl Harbor and writing a book on Pearl Harbor. Books 1 and 2 had that issue but it is essentially impossible to have that issue in the last book of a trilogy. As a result, this book is quite good, but given the problems of the first two books in this series and the fact that the last book cannot really be read as a stand alone, I cannot recommend this book or series as a whole.
Bottom line: Good book but cannot recommend the series.
Bottom line: Good book but cannot recommend the series.
November 7, 2017
I figured, to not clutter my feed with book reviews, I’d just give my thoughts on the series in general. I haven’t read a lot of dungeon based fantasy novels and so, it was unique to my experience. While it did have a bit of a fetish feel to it, which was a bit off putting, I really enjoyed the premise of the dungeon being sentient and whose main form was a willow tree. I’ll be honest, in the beginning of the book when they enslaved of the goddess, I almost stopped reading because, it just felt so wrong. I’m glad I didn’t, however.It took me a bit to get into because, I had to build the landscape and characters in my head. That’s typical with a lot of the fantasy with good world building. The characters were pretty likable, even the bad ones to an extent have some likeability. So, while there was clearly a good and evil side, I didn’t outright hate the slaver nation’s leader. He was pretty awful, but it’s rare to see a villain to have such charisma and affability. Well written.
January 11, 2018
Such an amazing ending to a great series I loved it. There was nothing that felt rushed or unplanned about this ending it was just right. The pacing was great the relationships where perfect, world building and drawing it all in together here was done in a great way. My one complaint which isn't really a complaint at all is that I want more Sestina. Will be reading the prequel marnins codex as soon as possible. This entire story has really captured me and I need more. I will be on the lookout for more books written by Benjamin Medrano. Big thanks and praise to Benjamin Medrano for the creation of a great world, that I could get lost in.
January 22, 2019
Enjoyable to the end
With the author's admitted love of succubi, there are aspects of this book that are almost "trashy romance" novel levels. This book is probably not a life-changing event for people, either.
That said, I truly enjoyed reading this series. After the first,.I wanted to find out what happened next, and the feeling was even stronger going into the final Book 3.
Nothing about this was a let down. I enjoyed reading the entire thing, and even getting to know the minor characters that might not have needed to be there, but definitely filled in the world.
Easily 4/5 and probably 9/10.
With the author's admitted love of succubi, there are aspects of this book that are almost "trashy romance" novel levels. This book is probably not a life-changing event for people, either.
That said, I truly enjoyed reading this series. After the first,.I wanted to find out what happened next, and the feeling was even stronger going into the final Book 3.
Nothing about this was a let down. I enjoyed reading the entire thing, and even getting to know the minor characters that might not have needed to be there, but definitely filled in the world.
Easily 4/5 and probably 9/10.
August 13, 2017
A smashing success
A fascinating and intriguing book. A very satisfying end to this trilogy. I know the author must have found it difficult to tie up the enormous amount of loose end left by book 2 ; but it didn't show here. The storyline flowed intriguingly with fascinating twists and turns that at times have left me on the edge of my seat. A truly talented author and a smashingly successful book.
A fascinating and intriguing book. A very satisfying end to this trilogy. I know the author must have found it difficult to tie up the enormous amount of loose end left by book 2 ; but it didn't show here. The storyline flowed intriguingly with fascinating twists and turns that at times have left me on the edge of my seat. A truly talented author and a smashingly successful book.
August 13, 2017
Incredible ending to this trilogy!
I was afraid to read this book knowing it was the last one in the series and I normally prefer ongoing series. I shouldn't have, this is everything I could have hoped for and more in a last book!
Three great books to read for every fantasy lovers!
I was afraid to read this book knowing it was the last one in the series and I normally prefer ongoing series. I shouldn't have, this is everything I could have hoped for and more in a last book!
Three great books to read for every fantasy lovers!
August 14, 2017
Rivals "Lord of the Rings"
I just finished the third book in the series and I must say I am impressed. It's a wonderfully crafted world with great characters. While it may not feel as epic as lord of the rings it is the best comparison I can make it is a trilogy that rivals Terry Brooks among others.
I just finished the third book in the series and I must say I am impressed. It's a wonderfully crafted world with great characters. While it may not feel as epic as lord of the rings it is the best comparison I can make it is a trilogy that rivals Terry Brooks among others.
August 21, 2017
Brilliant
Villains that are more than straw dolls for your mc to knock down are both wonderful and terrible. Stakes that are high and feel like they're high are a cause for nailbiting...I just have to say this whole series was wonderful and stressful in just the right doses...and I enjoyed it immensely.
Villains that are more than straw dolls for your mc to knock down are both wonderful and terrible. Stakes that are high and feel like they're high are a cause for nailbiting...I just have to say this whole series was wonderful and stressful in just the right doses...and I enjoyed it immensely.
August 26, 2017
Good ending
I found a few mistakes, but nothing that really threw off the story.
This was a good ending that tied up loose ends nicely.
I didn't have that rushed, I don't care feel that a lot of last books in a series have.
I recommend this book and look forward to this author's next project.
I found a few mistakes, but nothing that really threw off the story.
This was a good ending that tied up loose ends nicely.
I didn't have that rushed, I don't care feel that a lot of last books in a series have.
I recommend this book and look forward to this author's next project.
July 12, 2019
Great read!!
I loved this trilogy!! I have not picked up a book and just read since my time in the military.
I loved the characters, the story line and the way it just flowed.
You helped me regain my passion for reading, and distract my mind from my life in the military.
I suffer from PTSD and I needed a hobby to get me back on track and staying positive.
Thanks!
I loved this trilogy!! I have not picked up a book and just read since my time in the military.
I loved the characters, the story line and the way it just flowed.
You helped me regain my passion for reading, and distract my mind from my life in the military.
I suffer from PTSD and I needed a hobby to get me back on track and staying positive.
Thanks!
May 14, 2023
IN-CRE-DI-BLE!!!
I swear, this series gets better with every book I read!! Its a unique & interesting storyline that makes this a very entertaining & captivating book. It was enjoyable with nice flow & effortless progression to its engaging narrative & easily relatable & likeable characters made it an easy read. Thank goddess 😉 there's more to enjoy!
I swear, this series gets better with every book I read!! Its a unique & interesting storyline that makes this a very entertaining & captivating book. It was enjoyable with nice flow & effortless progression to its engaging narrative & easily relatable & likeable characters made it an easy read. Thank goddess 😉 there's more to enjoy!
August 11, 2017
Great conclusion
Fantastic cpnclusion. Loved the way thr villains plans just slipped thru his fingers. I do miss the whole dingeon aspect. I enjoyed the trilogy but I wpuld have been cpntent with more about being a dungeon.
Fantastic cpnclusion. Loved the way thr villains plans just slipped thru his fingers. I do miss the whole dingeon aspect. I enjoyed the trilogy but I wpuld have been cpntent with more about being a dungeon.
August 14, 2017
An almost perfectly satisfying end.
An excellent capstone to a great series. No ends left loose, no conclusions unsatisfactory. My own preferences tend towards wanting to know about the more distant future consequences, but that's just me. Thank you for all your hard work!
An excellent capstone to a great series. No ends left loose, no conclusions unsatisfactory. My own preferences tend towards wanting to know about the more distant future consequences, but that's just me. Thank you for all your hard work!
August 15, 2017
Fantastic story great end to a series
Such a great read and a great way to end the series, it's going to be tough all I want to know is what happens best in the universe. I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole
Such a great read and a great way to end the series, it's going to be tough all I want to know is what happens best in the universe. I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole
September 19, 2017
Great finale
I really enjoy this trilogy. I love the mixture of high fantasy and epic fantasy . I really liked all of the characters and I love the eight way polyamorous relationship that the queen is in .
I really enjoy this trilogy. I love the mixture of high fantasy and epic fantasy . I really liked all of the characters and I love the eight way polyamorous relationship that the queen is in .
October 9, 2019
The Story,
I loved your ending! You very nicely tied up all the loose ends. Everyone was present and accounted for. Yeah! I hope to read more of you stories but I don't think that the hero ones are going to interest me but that's ok. Just keep writing. Sincerely, Nancy
I loved your ending! You very nicely tied up all the loose ends. Everyone was present and accounted for. Yeah! I hope to read more of you stories but I don't think that the hero ones are going to interest me but that's ok. Just keep writing. Sincerely, Nancy
July 19, 2021
A brilliant but sad ending
The book was great as was the end. I call it was because it feels like there was a lot more potential to carry on the story and certainly felt like there were a lot of things I'd have liked to be fully resolved
The book was great as was the end. I call it was because it feels like there was a lot more potential to carry on the story and certainly felt like there were a lot of things I'd have liked to be fully resolved
August 11, 2017
Amazing!
A great end to the trilogy while leaving enough questions to answer for another set of books if he wants. All in all really good
A great end to the trilogy while leaving enough questions to answer for another set of books if he wants. All in all really good
August 12, 2017
Woke up at 2 did stuff started reading around 7 finished around noon, all in all was worth the 22 hour day but probably could have read faster if I started earlier.
August 17, 2017
3.5
Most of the book was slow moving to me and then the last 20% went too fast. I still liked the ending and hope this series gets more book later with new characters.
Most of the book was slow moving to me and then the last 20% went too fast. I still liked the ending and hope this series gets more book later with new characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews