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The Cycle of Galand #6
What Lies Beyond
The White Lich has conquered Mallon and smashed all resistance to him. Now, he marches on the north. Within weeks, Narashtovik will fall to his armies. Gask will follow.
And after that, there can be no stopping him.
Dante and Blays have a single hope of victory: the Spear of Stars, the long-lost weapon that may be capable of killing the lich. There's just one problem. Though they've learned the spear is real, they've also learned the nine parts of the weapon are guarded by the gods themselves. And they have no intention of handing over their prize.
Alone in a strange realm, with no friends or allies, and a growing list of enemies, Dante and Blays' task looks doomed.
Yet they're the last line standing between the lich and the destruction of their whole world.
And after that, there can be no stopping him.
Dante and Blays have a single hope of victory: the Spear of Stars, the long-lost weapon that may be capable of killing the lich. There's just one problem. Though they've learned the spear is real, they've also learned the nine parts of the weapon are guarded by the gods themselves. And they have no intention of handing over their prize.
Alone in a strange realm, with no friends or allies, and a growing list of enemies, Dante and Blays' task looks doomed.
Yet they're the last line standing between the lich and the destruction of their whole world.
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2019
126 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Edward W. Robertson
73 books1,234 followersEd is the author of the post-apocalyptic Breakers series and the epic fantasy series The Cycle of Arawn. A former New Yorker and Idaho-guy, he currently lives in the LA area. His short fiction has appeared in a whole bunch of magazines and anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 8, 2023
As with much of the series, it’s s just plain fun.
Is it great literature? Nope.
But damn, you really get to love the characters. Dante and Blays are just slightly more cartoonish versions of Royce and Hadrian The Riyria Revelations: Theft of Swords / Rise of Empire / Heir of Novron (Riyria Series by Michael J. Sullivan).
But that doesn't take anything away from how much fun this series is. Especially if you choose to listen to the audiobook.
Fun fact: it's the same incredible narrator http://shorturl.at/chFO9 (Tim Gerard Reynolds) who narrates both series.
This means that the comparisons between the characters are absolutely impossible to avoid.
Is it great literature? Nope.
But damn, you really get to love the characters. Dante and Blays are just slightly more cartoonish versions of Royce and Hadrian The Riyria Revelations: Theft of Swords / Rise of Empire / Heir of Novron (Riyria Series by Michael J. Sullivan).
But that doesn't take anything away from how much fun this series is. Especially if you choose to listen to the audiobook.
Fun fact: it's the same incredible narrator http://shorturl.at/chFO9 (Tim Gerard Reynolds) who narrates both series.
This means that the comparisons between the characters are absolutely impossible to avoid.
February 26, 2020
Dante and Blays, those two masters of political doublespeak, of the type that refers to stealing something as liberating it, are back. They are still on the trail of the Spear of Stars so that they can kill the White Lich who has been threatening for two books to destroy their world. The quest is excruciatingly long; it’s a wonder there’s anything left of Rale (which we just now learn is what the gods call the world where Dante and Blays live) to come back to. But there’s never any lack of excitement along the way.
They now find themselves in the Realm of the Nine Kings. Which, it turns out, is also the realm of the gods.
Evidently there are at least two more books coming in this series. It will be interesting to see what kind of trouble Dante and Blays, and maybe Gladdic, manage to get into next.
They now find themselves in the Realm of the Nine Kings. Which, it turns out, is also the realm of the gods.
Evidently there are at least two more books coming in this series. It will be interesting to see what kind of trouble Dante and Blays, and maybe Gladdic, manage to get into next.
October 27, 2019
Excellent writing, great story and memorable characters...
This whole series has been great entrainment. I thought this book would wrap up the series; nope two more books...YES!!I
This isn't some cheesy magic book with monsters and evil supernatural villains, well all except it has monsters magic and evil villains, but dang it, it's so well written that it's an epic adventure that's totally held my interest the whole journey. You'll love the series.
This whole series has been great entrainment. I thought this book would wrap up the series; nope two more books...YES!!I
This isn't some cheesy magic book with monsters and evil supernatural villains, well all except it has monsters magic and evil villains, but dang it, it's so well written that it's an epic adventure that's totally held my interest the whole journey. You'll love the series.
May 1, 2020
Sometimes I tend to put off starting a book when I realize it is a big one - like noticing that the audio version is over 23 hours. But, then I realized that I have already invested probably over at least 100 hours in this series already and I'm finally just going to have to bite the bullet (yet, even with this reasoning somehow I haven't yet been able to make myself start Oathbringer …….55 hours is just SO daunting...but I digress…)
So.... I started the audio version and right away remembered why I like Tim Gerard Reynolds so much. He is a one of a kind narrator and he really does help to make the story. Honestly though, it took me a little bit to remember what was going on in the story...I mean, we are 6 books in and like I mentioned before, these are BOOKS. Not some silly 300 page story, but each book is more like an atlas! For some reason, especially in the Epic Fantasy genre, it is easier for me to actually begin in the print format. I don't know why, but it is easier for me to comprehend things like locations - especially geography - by reading, and also it seems to cement what is actually happening easier than listening. Weird, but that's just me. Anyway, like I just said, I like to do this, but in this case - I did not have the opportunity to read, so I started in audio. After rewinding for the 5th time though...I was set. :) Things started off with a bang. Not only were they in a different realm, but they were missing one of their gang....it took me a while to adjust, but I did....
Catching on, off we went along with Dante and Blays in the realm of the Gods, off to try to save the world and kill the White Lich...no biggie, right? Well, it was one adventure after another with a ton of humor thrown in. All in all, it was entertaining and action packed, but for some reason, this book tended to seem long. Normally, the adventure keeps you so enthralled that it flies by but this one had moments that seemed to drag. But, there were also moments that swept you up and before you knew it you were caught up in the race for the spear with them.
I will also admit that - silly me - I thought this book was the finale for this series. What ever was I thinking? Some things were wrapped up, yet we now have other things that have been stirred up. Those crazy guys.
All in all it was an entertaining 23 and a half hours.
So.... I started the audio version and right away remembered why I like Tim Gerard Reynolds so much. He is a one of a kind narrator and he really does help to make the story. Honestly though, it took me a little bit to remember what was going on in the story...I mean, we are 6 books in and like I mentioned before, these are BOOKS. Not some silly 300 page story, but each book is more like an atlas! For some reason, especially in the Epic Fantasy genre, it is easier for me to actually begin in the print format. I don't know why, but it is easier for me to comprehend things like locations - especially geography - by reading, and also it seems to cement what is actually happening easier than listening. Weird, but that's just me. Anyway, like I just said, I like to do this, but in this case - I did not have the opportunity to read, so I started in audio. After rewinding for the 5th time though...I was set. :) Things started off with a bang. Not only were they in a different realm, but they were missing one of their gang....it took me a while to adjust, but I did....
Catching on, off we went along with Dante and Blays in the realm of the Gods, off to try to save the world and kill the White Lich...no biggie, right? Well, it was one adventure after another with a ton of humor thrown in. All in all, it was entertaining and action packed, but for some reason, this book tended to seem long. Normally, the adventure keeps you so enthralled that it flies by but this one had moments that seemed to drag. But, there were also moments that swept you up and before you knew it you were caught up in the race for the spear with them.
I will also admit that - silly me - I thought this book was the finale for this series. What ever was I thinking? Some things were wrapped up, yet we now have other things that have been stirred up. Those crazy guys.
All in all it was an entertaining 23 and a half hours.
October 12, 2019
More awesomeness
By now, you know what you're getting with Dante and Blaise, but this is the best book so far. I couldn't put it down.
By now, you know what you're getting with Dante and Blaise, but this is the best book so far. I couldn't put it down.
May 6, 2020
I laughed out loud so many times while listening to this book! I adore the characters and dialog. Tim Gerard Reynolds is masterful as the reader. So glad there will be more to come with this series!
May 17, 2020
Much better than the previous book. Glad the White Lich story has come to a close. And nice to see Blays getting his due. A very action packed and adventurous addition to the Cycle.
August 8, 2024
It's been a year and half of trying to finish this book. I think this is where my journey ends with this series.
May 10, 2020
In my other reviews of this series, I've just been a gushing fangirl, loving everything about the books. Unfortunately, that isn't the case with this volume. Dante has always been smart (that's kind of his main trait), but not in this one. At one point early on, Blays had to remind him that he knows how to find things by using the nether on other parts of the same thing. You know, one of the skills he's been using since very shortly after becoming a nethermancer. Blays has always been the one to come up with out-of-the-box ideas when Dante is stumped, but using a skill he has always had and has used countless times isn't out-of-the-box. Worse, a little later in the book, had to remind him of the same dang skill because apparently he forgot again. Really?
Then there's the final battle with the lich. Everything is dire, and Dante and Blays are down, and
Despite these pretty major flaws, I still enjoyed most of the story. Dante and Blays were as fun as ever, and I love them enough to put up with a little tomfoolery. I really liked their struggles to gather the pieces of the spear and their interactions with the gods. And I LOVE that this isn't the end of the story because I have definitely not had enough Dante and Blays. I just hope Dante doesn't forget he knows how to use the nether in the next one.
Then there's the final battle with the lich. Everything is dire, and Dante and Blays are down, and
Despite these pretty major flaws, I still enjoyed most of the story. Dante and Blays were as fun as ever, and I love them enough to put up with a little tomfoolery. I really liked their struggles to gather the pieces of the spear and their interactions with the gods. And I LOVE that this isn't the end of the story because I have definitely not had enough Dante and Blays. I just hope Dante doesn't forget he knows how to use the nether in the next one.
October 9, 2020
I have to start out by saying that I have been reading Edward W. Robertson's The Cycle series since 2014. I always look forward to each new release, and I am never disappointed. Early on when the series was new, and still through What Lies Beyond, I am continually impressed with the building of characters, the world, and plot. It's a big part of what keeps me interested, and I know that when the series comes to an end, it will be bittersweet. I am very much looking forward to reading The Black Book next, and Book 7 in The Cycle of Galand series!
I won't bog down this review with my typical overview of characters, setting, etc. Everything I have mentioned in past reviews about my appreciation for those aspects of his writing still hold true, and I feel that there has been growth and improvement in these areas over time. In other words, the writing style and building of the world keeps getting better by the book.
One thing that I notice when I read this series, is that when there is a battle ensuing, I read faster. I'm so enthralled and invested, that I can't seem to read fast enough. One minor criticism that I do have, is that I noticed that we aren't hearing some of Dante's thoughts and feelings as much as in the earlier books, and I hope it can come back around to that a bit in book 7.
Overall, this book, like all the others, gets 5 stars. I wish that this series could continue on for years to come, but I also know that at some point it has to end. I only hope that The Cycle Series ending can maybe get a spinoff or inspire another world to be written about when the time comes. Unless, of course, Dante becomes immortal; I'd be okay with that for a while.
I won't bog down this review with my typical overview of characters, setting, etc. Everything I have mentioned in past reviews about my appreciation for those aspects of his writing still hold true, and I feel that there has been growth and improvement in these areas over time. In other words, the writing style and building of the world keeps getting better by the book.
One thing that I notice when I read this series, is that when there is a battle ensuing, I read faster. I'm so enthralled and invested, that I can't seem to read fast enough. One minor criticism that I do have, is that I noticed that we aren't hearing some of Dante's thoughts and feelings as much as in the earlier books, and I hope it can come back around to that a bit in book 7.
Overall, this book, like all the others, gets 5 stars. I wish that this series could continue on for years to come, but I also know that at some point it has to end. I only hope that The Cycle Series ending can maybe get a spinoff or inspire another world to be written about when the time comes. Unless, of course, Dante becomes immortal; I'd be okay with that for a while.
May 24, 2020
If I had to describe this book –– actually, pretty much ALL the books in Cycle of Galand since "The Silver Thief" –– in one word, it would be "relentless." That's not a bad thing. It's also not inherently a good thing. Mostly, it means that instead of reading NORMALLY, I went through these books by reading a whole lot in one sitting and then taking one or two days off to digest and breathe.
I said earlier that I would be completely happy just to watch Dante and Blays do hijinks all day every day. That statement remains true. God, I love the characters in this, and the story CLEVERLY has them in close proximity most of the time, getting themselves deeper into trouble and somehow back out of it, making plans that blow up in their faces and somehow surviving.
The adventures in the Realm are good fun, but like I said: relentless. There's almost never any pause to just talk and breathe and feel about what's going on. The action is nonstop. It means the story never ever drags and is hard to put down, but for me it also meant that I had to take some breaks in between to digest. TOO MUCH STUFF was happening TOO FAST for me to process as I read. Personally, I wish there had been a few more slow moments of reflection and introspection.
But the action really is great fun.
The best part is near the end, the climactic battle. No offense to the mini-adventures along the way, but my favorite thing about this series (besides more generally, Dante and Blays doing hijinks) is the extended and complicated pitched battles where the action is an emotional rollercoaster of things going from great to terrible and back again every few seconds.
I just kinda want to sit down with Blays and co and a bottle after it's over and spend a few hours hugging and crying and drunkenly singing before being flung headlong into the next crisis, that's all.
Once I'm done with that bit, I'll be desperately wanting more.
I said earlier that I would be completely happy just to watch Dante and Blays do hijinks all day every day. That statement remains true. God, I love the characters in this, and the story CLEVERLY has them in close proximity most of the time, getting themselves deeper into trouble and somehow back out of it, making plans that blow up in their faces and somehow surviving.
The adventures in the Realm are good fun, but like I said: relentless. There's almost never any pause to just talk and breathe and feel about what's going on. The action is nonstop. It means the story never ever drags and is hard to put down, but for me it also meant that I had to take some breaks in between to digest. TOO MUCH STUFF was happening TOO FAST for me to process as I read. Personally, I wish there had been a few more slow moments of reflection and introspection.
But the action really is great fun.
The best part is near the end, the climactic battle. No offense to the mini-adventures along the way, but my favorite thing about this series (besides more generally, Dante and Blays doing hijinks) is the extended and complicated pitched battles where the action is an emotional rollercoaster of things going from great to terrible and back again every few seconds.
I just kinda want to sit down with Blays and co and a bottle after it's over and spend a few hours hugging and crying and drunkenly singing before being flung headlong into the next crisis, that's all.
Once I'm done with that bit, I'll be desperately wanting more.
July 5, 2020
This was the first book in the series I had to wait for, and while I thought I'd find myself having forgotten after coming back, that was not the case. In just a few chapters, I found myself back in the middle of things and recalling everything that had any merit on the story at the moment.
The main characters in this book were as great as ever, but what surprised me was the range of the side characters. There were a number of different ones, and I enjoyed and wanted to see more of all of them. They were all a great delight.
The storyline itself wasn't predictible either. Well, not as much as one might think when knowing what is the quest. There were a number of twists and turns when Dante and Blays had to think on their feet or make hard decisions while always keeping their lack of time to achieve their goals in mind.
All in all, I really enjoyed this installment in the series. There are some gripes I could mention, but they did not detract too much from the story, and I still found myself having a great time. I've really come to love this world and the people that inhabit it.
The main characters in this book were as great as ever, but what surprised me was the range of the side characters. There were a number of different ones, and I enjoyed and wanted to see more of all of them. They were all a great delight.
The storyline itself wasn't predictible either. Well, not as much as one might think when knowing what is the quest. There were a number of twists and turns when Dante and Blays had to think on their feet or make hard decisions while always keeping their lack of time to achieve their goals in mind.
All in all, I really enjoyed this installment in the series. There are some gripes I could mention, but they did not detract too much from the story, and I still found myself having a great time. I've really come to love this world and the people that inhabit it.
January 14, 2021
I like this book series. I really do. This book was just so much harder to get through!
Most people I see their reviews that loved it as much as the others seem to have listened to the audiobook. That makes sense to me because Tim Gerard Reynolds is a delight and can really make prose breathe and move.
But I read this book with my eyes and without Reynolds’ help, it reads like a series of unending side quests in an MMORPG that you’re not playing. Your friend is. Even when I could appreciate the additional world building it started to become repetitive.
“We need this to defeat them.”
“We can’t get this without first going here.”
“But how do we get there?”
“We get this other thing that will allow us to gain access to there.”
And so on.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ll continue to read the series and will likely go back and re-read the Cycle of Arawn because I like it so much. This installment just really took it out of me.
Most people I see their reviews that loved it as much as the others seem to have listened to the audiobook. That makes sense to me because Tim Gerard Reynolds is a delight and can really make prose breathe and move.
But I read this book with my eyes and without Reynolds’ help, it reads like a series of unending side quests in an MMORPG that you’re not playing. Your friend is. Even when I could appreciate the additional world building it started to become repetitive.
“We need this to defeat them.”
“We can’t get this without first going here.”
“But how do we get there?”
“We get this other thing that will allow us to gain access to there.”
And so on.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ll continue to read the series and will likely go back and re-read the Cycle of Arawn because I like it so much. This installment just really took it out of me.
September 10, 2020
What I loved about this book was it's creativity and all the novel situations. What puzzeled me was that a couple characters who received lenghty treatment in the previous books where virtually dropped or reduced to minimal added value. I had thought this was the last book in the series but apparently there is at least one and probably 2 more yet to be released. SO perhaps that explains leaving them out of this adventure. But I truly loved this one; the pacing is relentless and I didn't want it to end as much as I wanted the resolution!
July 10, 2020
Loved this
Another great story. I was kept on the edge of my seat too many times to count. New enemies and unlikely friends. So glad for Dante to get to see the wonders he didn't think he ever would. So glad Blays got loads more and great story time. I was so sad then sad for Gladdic. I have grown to really love him and Dante and Blays have been the only true friends he has ever had.
Another great story. I was kept on the edge of my seat too many times to count. New enemies and unlikely friends. So glad for Dante to get to see the wonders he didn't think he ever would. So glad Blays got loads more and great story time. I was so sad then sad for Gladdic. I have grown to really love him and Dante and Blays have been the only true friends he has ever had.
September 14, 2021
A story with Dante and Blays in it is a story worth reading. I will admit that the while I do enjoy the series the middle was a bit of slog and the ending way too fast. The idea of the duo travels to the god lands seemed pretty good at first but I think was stretched out too much. I was happy that that the book ended which isn't the way that I like to finish a book. Regardless, I look forward to the last in the series to enjoy that banter.
July 5, 2022
This is the best book in the series. So far anyways. As usual it's heavy on the characters having to figure things out. You get to meet some new characters that are a lot of fun and add a lot to the story. Definitely worth the read!
April 26, 2020
Good series and I will continue reading books from this author.
May 2, 2020
Well I cannot wait for book 7. This was a good one.
August 2, 2020
Ready for Book 7!!
September 13, 2020
An adequate conclusion, if this is the end for these characters... That would be ok. There probably is more meat on the bone for the story/universe though
October 11, 2020
Listened to on audiobook. A great ending to the series.
January 8, 2021
I've enjoyed this entire series and will continue to read them as they come out.
June 30, 2021
This series needed to end at this one
March 17, 2023
best of the cycle yet
Loved the switch to a new locale. Very engaging entry into the series. I could not put the book down.
Loved the switch to a new locale. Very engaging entry into the series. I could not put the book down.
April 22, 2023
good as always
February 19, 2021
I have always have loved following the path of Dante Galand. Very different from some of the others I have read. Unpredictable, and has taken me through lands and situations that has entertained and fascinated me.
Looking forward with great anticipation for the next book.
Looking forward with great anticipation for the next book.
December 25, 2025
This is not high art, more like a campy action movie, but these books are incredibly fun. Don't take it too seriously. Just sit back and enjoy how these boys bash their heads into every wall that stands between them and their goals.
February 8, 2020
I mean, I'm just a big fan of this series and world. I can't get enough of it (obviously, since this is the...10th...book in this world?) If you had told me after Book 1 or 2 that this whole series would be focused on one major arc, I wouldn't have believed it. But here we are, and I await Book 7 with bated breath.
February 8, 2020
Can’t wait!!!
I’m hooked, trying to come with 15 words on how awesome it is to read about Blays & Dante!!! Onword hooooooeeeeeee!!!!
I’m hooked, trying to come with 15 words on how awesome it is to read about Blays & Dante!!! Onword hooooooeeeeeee!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews