What do you think?
Rate this book
The Firebrand #3
Viridian Gate Online: Path of the Blood Phoenix
Can a single promise change the world?
Even with the Crimson Alliance formed, Rowanheath taken, and Carrera dispatched, the onslaught never ends for Abby Hollander. Keeping the Spider Queen in check and handling water provisions was never what Abby wanted to do with her life, but it’s what the war demands of her.
To add to that never-ending list of demands, suddenly Naitee Mungal has need of Abby as well, and unfortunately, Abby already promised she would answer if Naitee called. Now Abby will have to go where no Traveler has ever been allowed before, face a series of grueling trials, and battle the gods themselves, risking everything to return balance and save her sorceric brethren.
If she fails, the realm of Gaia could once again be overrun by the power of the elements. If she succeeds, she'll become the greatest Firebrand in all of Eldgard.
From James A. Hunter—author of Viridian Gate Online, Rogue Dungeon, Bibliomancer, and the Yancy Lazarus Series—and bestselling author J.D. Astra, comes an epic new entry into the Expanded Universe of Viridian Gate Online that you won't want to put down!
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2019
141 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 27, 2024
I'm currently near the beginning of book six (of seven). But so far, The Lich Priest is my favorite of the series.
The AI Overminds basically take the protagonist and the antagonist (who absolutely hate each other) and slapped them in one of those "this is our get along t-shirt(s)" that I would put my son and daughter in when they have been arguing for too long. The AI Overminds explain, "Guess what kids? Not only do you have to get along, you have to work together, and what happens to one will happen to another. By the way, did I mention there is a quest you need to do together and that you will most likely not survive"?
I did expected to see a little touchy feely growth by one or the other as the story went along. It did happen, but to be honest, it was done well. Both learned from the experience and you start to see that things are not so black and white, but more grey - especially when you are a leader. This was done well without shoving a lesson down your throat, glossing over it, or making it so warm and fuzzy that you want to vomit.
I also love that series challenges what is good and evil. In this world, something white and holy does not necessarily mean "good" where something dark and from the shadows does not mean something is "bad". That is explored subtly over the last few books which threw me off a bit. I had to adjust my thinking and assumptions because of it. This book really dives into this concept by asking some thought provoking questions at the end.
Finally, it's becoming really hard to figure out my favorite side character is because they are so unique and creative. Cutter, the honorable thief, will always be one of the top. But seriously its hard to choose between a ex-Marine good 'ol boy, an embodiment of death itself (with a high school kids high pitched voice), and a freaking cute pixie who is a blood raging bezerker.
Best of the series. Can't wait to finish the next two books.
The AI Overminds basically take the protagonist and the antagonist (who absolutely hate each other) and slapped them in one of those "this is our get along t-shirt(s)" that I would put my son and daughter in when they have been arguing for too long. The AI Overminds explain, "Guess what kids? Not only do you have to get along, you have to work together, and what happens to one will happen to another. By the way, did I mention there is a quest you need to do together and that you will most likely not survive"?
I did expected to see a little touchy feely growth by one or the other as the story went along. It did happen, but to be honest, it was done well. Both learned from the experience and you start to see that things are not so black and white, but more grey - especially when you are a leader. This was done well without shoving a lesson down your throat, glossing over it, or making it so warm and fuzzy that you want to vomit.
I also love that series challenges what is good and evil. In this world, something white and holy does not necessarily mean "good" where something dark and from the shadows does not mean something is "bad". That is explored subtly over the last few books which threw me off a bit. I had to adjust my thinking and assumptions because of it. This book really dives into this concept by asking some thought provoking questions at the end.
Finally, it's becoming really hard to figure out my favorite side character is because they are so unique and creative. Cutter, the honorable thief, will always be one of the top. But seriously its hard to choose between a ex-Marine good 'ol boy, an embodiment of death itself (with a high school kids high pitched voice), and a freaking cute pixie who is a blood raging bezerker.
Best of the series. Can't wait to finish the next two books.
November 29, 2021
This was a really fun end to Abby's story-arc! I quite enjoyed getting Abby's point-of-view, as she finds Otto (her NPC partner) and later, as she teams up with Grimjack to form the Crimson Alliance faction... all the while she's finding her own path and powers as a Firebrand! In this book she has a final debt to pay as Naitee calls in her IOU! A quest that will take Abby to a place and a sacred path where players have never been allowed before!
So grab this audiobook, and let Emily Woo Zeller relate Abby's story for your enjoyment 😉!
So grab this audiobook, and let Emily Woo Zeller relate Abby's story for your enjoyment 😉!
September 23, 2022
I just couldn't really get into the character. She's just too selfish and anxious, and her inner monologue is just so... talkative. A bit too much time is spent in her head. Something will happen around her in the middle of battle, and she'll run through this extensive thought process that disconnects you from the physical moment.
Narrative-wise, it's a series of cool boss fights from a video game. This instalment doesn't add very much to the overall world building IMO. Cool to learn more about the aspects and how they fit in with the gods, but not much about the characters themselves.
Narrative-wise, it's a series of cool boss fights from a video game. This instalment doesn't add very much to the overall world building IMO. Cool to learn more about the aspects and how they fit in with the gods, but not much about the characters themselves.
June 13, 2020
Not at the same level as the origjnals
It was enjoyable to be able to follow the firebrand story line. I really enjoy her companion Otto. I felt the explanation for why darkness over came the ported was weak. As a result my enjoyment of the latter portion of the book was less than. Regardless, thank you for the story.
It was enjoyable to be able to follow the firebrand story line. I really enjoy her companion Otto. I felt the explanation for why darkness over came the ported was weak. As a result my enjoyment of the latter portion of the book was less than. Regardless, thank you for the story.
May 2, 2021
Great addition to expand this awesome universe! It is really fun to have some of these details filled in and moreover it is fun to give the spotlight to one of the most interesting characters in this universe once again. The story was very entertaining.
January 15, 2024
Love this series, and this addition is no exception.
August 13, 2019
I can guarantee that all readers who, like me, are fans of the VGO multiverse and those who have been following our amazing Firebrand, Abby Hollander herself, are going to flip over this awesome 3rd book in the Firebrand series. Abby has been called by Naitee, to honour her vow to be there when she needed her, and seems Naitee does. She and Otto are taken from their posts in the Crimson Alliance and the war they are waging with Osmark to be taken through a portal to the Temple of Atmorja Mandir where she was introduced to the council of sorcerers. The Temple of the Four, nourished the children of ice, flame, stone and water and Asima had recognised Abby as a Firebrand and wanted her to wear his mark. Naitee wanted Abby to take her place on the council to replace the fire Exarch who had died, but in order to do so she had to gain her place by winning the five trials set before her, these would challenge her both internally and externally, and she was to overcome them in order to succeed. She had to deliver the drakes, to fight the elements themselves, then to destroy the Aspects to return the balance, if she failed the corrupt would walk in Gaia's realm once more. They were to fight these in the shattered realm, a place of chaos and confusion, part of Enyo's domain. The trials are very demanding and this book is one of the most exciting so far in this amazing series. I just love Abby and Otto; they are such a great team and work so well together. Seeing Abby confront her inner demons who have been hounding her mind since day one is awesome in itself. Enjoy, I really did.
August 19, 2019
When Abby had Jack form the Crimson Alliance, she never imagined how much work would go into running an actual faction. Determined to make the most of the cards VGO has dealt her, she throws herself head-first into the task at hand. When Naitee Mungal decides to call in her special favor, she's not sure what to make of it. Unwilling to upset her mentor, however, she soon embarks on a journey that tests her mettle in more ways than one.
The Firebrand series keeps getting better and better. I love how much Abby has grown from the moment I first 'met' her in VGO: Cataclysm written by James himself. This is a character who's had to make the most uncanniest of choices. Choices that not only affect the world around her, but that of the friends she's made every step away of the way.
In this book, we get to see Abby grow into her role as a Firebrand. Despite the fact that she's unsure, at times, of who and what she is, she still immerses herself in the tasks that have been set before her. She'll do anything for those she loves, including making sure that no harm comes to them in the long run. Whether or not she'll make good on the promises she's made remains to be seen, but I know she'll find an end to her own means once all is said and done.
The Firebrand series keeps getting better and better. I love how much Abby has grown from the moment I first 'met' her in VGO: Cataclysm written by James himself. This is a character who's had to make the most uncanniest of choices. Choices that not only affect the world around her, but that of the friends she's made every step away of the way.
In this book, we get to see Abby grow into her role as a Firebrand. Despite the fact that she's unsure, at times, of who and what she is, she still immerses herself in the tasks that have been set before her. She'll do anything for those she loves, including making sure that no harm comes to them in the long run. Whether or not she'll make good on the promises she's made remains to be seen, but I know she'll find an end to her own means once all is said and done.
January 4, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
August 30, 2019
A book that matches the cover quality
For those familiar with VGO Abby is such a main character its hard to see what other adventures we could have missed as she fought alongside Jack.
Astra and Hunter have been very clever and i love how they have brought us so closely into her own stories whilst still keeping her Abby. A wonderful addition to my collection and one im waiting in expanding even more.
For those familiar with VGO Abby is such a main character its hard to see what other adventures we could have missed as she fought alongside Jack.
Astra and Hunter have been very clever and i love how they have brought us so closely into her own stories whilst still keeping her Abby. A wonderful addition to my collection and one im waiting in expanding even more.
December 17, 2019
Just my opinion, but how does a side quest character end up doing literally bigger and more epic quests on the side and then having to slide back into the side kick role from J. A Hunter's main story line. Doesn't fit well in the series due to the author's lack of scope. The first and second story were better, this one just feels like it is out of place. Found myself looking for other things to read while in the middle of this one.
September 25, 2019
And that is a cover. Worthy of 5 stars this time!
Thank god the book lives up to my rating.
Shame it's the end of the trilogy. There's more room in that character for some other adventures....J.D?
Thank god the book lives up to my rating.
Shame it's the end of the trilogy. There's more room in that character for some other adventures....J.D?
October 2, 2019
Sophomoric at best
I have enjoyed previous works by this author but this endeavor was hardly worth my time to read. Abby curses and has feelings of a teenager. This story was poorly developed and lacked realism. Hopefully future work from this author will improve.
I have enjoyed previous works by this author but this endeavor was hardly worth my time to read. Abby curses and has feelings of a teenager. This story was poorly developed and lacked realism. Hopefully future work from this author will improve.
September 2, 2019
One more in a line of greats
Another great book in the VGO world. Love the writing still and story flow. JD Astras’s work always becomes a one day read for me.
Another great book in the VGO world. Love the writing still and story flow. JD Astras’s work always becomes a one day read for me.
September 30, 2019
Hmm
Intense and it was great to learn more of the background lore of the world. Nice to see how she has done while Jack does everything
Intense and it was great to learn more of the background lore of the world. Nice to see how she has done while Jack does everything
October 15, 2019
Viridian gate is a great universe. She is not my favorite of the series protagonists but the world she’s in just might be.
November 26, 2019
Never disappointing
Another great book in a compelling universe. The push to drive depth into each character is appreciated, and the story development is on-point.
Another great book in a compelling universe. The push to drive depth into each character is appreciated, and the story development is on-point.
August 28, 2020
A very good spin off to the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews