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A Dead Wizard's Dream: An Epic Fantasy Novel
An afterlife under threat. A reborn Prophet in peril.
A ragtag band of faithful Knights, grumpy Nomads, mad Wizards and corrupt Corsairs on a death-defying quest to rescue him. Will swords and sorcery prove enough?
A Dwarvic city buried in the desert, the site of an ancient tyranny. Mutants and Demons abound.
The dead walk again.
And the God of the Nether waits patiently for all the souls to be his …
The year is 311 AC. Welcome to Maradoum.
A ragtag band of faithful Knights, grumpy Nomads, mad Wizards and corrupt Corsairs on a death-defying quest to rescue him. Will swords and sorcery prove enough?
A Dwarvic city buried in the desert, the site of an ancient tyranny. Mutants and Demons abound.
The dead walk again.
And the God of the Nether waits patiently for all the souls to be his …
The year is 311 AC. Welcome to Maradoum.
- GenresFantasy
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2019
108 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 18, 2019
A Dead Wizard's Dream is absolutely an epic fantasy novel that I am looking forward to reading more from this author. But I almost threw in the towel after two chapters. The first chapter (the Prologue) sets the story up and hooks my attention immediately. I'm eager to dive into the story and see where this is going to go. Then the author hit with me the first REAL chapter in this book and I was like...what is going on here?! There was so much detail and unnecessary information in that chapter! I was literally slogging through it just in the hopes that it got better because all the detail and unnecessary information of what was going on bogged the story down. Thankfully, the story improves otherwise I'd have had to call it quits and I hate doing that because this book sounded so promising.
There is a lot going on in this story. An evil demon - summoned and let loose, those who accidentally loosed him - dead and out of power, dwarves, their pet monsters of the deep, wizards, knights, princes, desert dwellers, elves, etc. This book is packed to the gills and there is a lot going on. It's engaging in the right moments and it does get bogged down from time to time, but just hang in there because it gets better.
I do have some complaints about this book though...at times there is just too much description. Now, yes there are times when I want more but some of it is literally unnecessary and needs to be taken out. It adds nothing to the story and only drags it down. The author switches between characters, locations often. I wanted the author to identify these shifts because it got confusing at times. Some chapters do give you a clue when it's a shift, but most don't. Also, there are some places where characters...show up where they really aren't. Oops!
All in all, this book is really good! With a few tweaks and some editing to remove unnecessary pieces, this book could be truly amazing! For now, though I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. For those who enjoy epic fantasy novels, this is a good book to pick up. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is a lot going on in this story. An evil demon - summoned and let loose, those who accidentally loosed him - dead and out of power, dwarves, their pet monsters of the deep, wizards, knights, princes, desert dwellers, elves, etc. This book is packed to the gills and there is a lot going on. It's engaging in the right moments and it does get bogged down from time to time, but just hang in there because it gets better.
I do have some complaints about this book though...at times there is just too much description. Now, yes there are times when I want more but some of it is literally unnecessary and needs to be taken out. It adds nothing to the story and only drags it down. The author switches between characters, locations often. I wanted the author to identify these shifts because it got confusing at times. Some chapters do give you a clue when it's a shift, but most don't. Also, there are some places where characters...show up where they really aren't. Oops!
All in all, this book is really good! With a few tweaks and some editing to remove unnecessary pieces, this book could be truly amazing! For now, though I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. For those who enjoy epic fantasy novels, this is a good book to pick up. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
There is a lot going on in this action-packed swords and sorcery fantasy, packed with dwarves, monster rats, zombies, demons, knights, wizards, nomads, pirates and elves.
The early chapters read similarly to an RPG fantasy game, as the brave team of miscellaneous adventurers fight their way down through layer after layer of increasingly tough enemies in search of their mythical prize.
Meanwhile, alternating chapters tell a different story, of Prince Saul and his journey to manhood, and kinghood, through various lessons and trials. Then there is also an Aladdin-esque storyline about a young Prince and Princess sent into the dangers of the slums by their Sultan father, under the influence of a snakelike adviser, but aided by a ‘street-rat’ urchin.
Finally there is the thread that follows Nighan Witchson, unfortunate enough to be born with magic in an ignorant backwater where he is persecuted for his differences and becomes the perfect example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The story flicks between these multiple, separate plots, in a way that is a little confusing at first, but once you get to grips with the characters you begin to see the places where the threads run parallel, or begin to converge, and the story becomes more complex but clearer to follow.
In an interesting twist on the good vs. evil struggle, the ‘hell’ in this storyworld is god-made (the Nethers), but the ‘heaven’ is man- (or elf-) made, Citta Pacia, and so the classic fight to claim virtuous souls is muddied by the potential for human error and the corruption of power and influence on the human psyche.
There is plenty of action, gore and magic splashing around between the myriad characters and diverging plot threads, making this a fast-paced read. It is also the first in a series, and therefore ends on a semi-cliffhanger ready to lead into the next instalment.
This is not a quick, easy read, but one for fans of epic sword-and-sorcery sagas to really get their teeth into!
She did not know why there was such opposition to the Sisterhood’s rule; the system had always treated her well. Although there were occasional food shortages, executions, imprisonments and disappearances, the Sisterhood – called Witches by the irreverent – kept the population safe from disease and outside harm. Best of all, they promised that, as long as the people followed their rules to the letter in life, the Sisters would welcome them with open arms when they died into the afterlife that Convent had created, the paradise named Citta Pacia, where they could live in bliss forever.
– Ross Hughes, A Dead Wizard’s Dream
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
There is a lot going on in this action-packed swords and sorcery fantasy, packed with dwarves, monster rats, zombies, demons, knights, wizards, nomads, pirates and elves.
The early chapters read similarly to an RPG fantasy game, as the brave team of miscellaneous adventurers fight their way down through layer after layer of increasingly tough enemies in search of their mythical prize.
Meanwhile, alternating chapters tell a different story, of Prince Saul and his journey to manhood, and kinghood, through various lessons and trials. Then there is also an Aladdin-esque storyline about a young Prince and Princess sent into the dangers of the slums by their Sultan father, under the influence of a snakelike adviser, but aided by a ‘street-rat’ urchin.
Finally there is the thread that follows Nighan Witchson, unfortunate enough to be born with magic in an ignorant backwater where he is persecuted for his differences and becomes the perfect example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The story flicks between these multiple, separate plots, in a way that is a little confusing at first, but once you get to grips with the characters you begin to see the places where the threads run parallel, or begin to converge, and the story becomes more complex but clearer to follow.
In an interesting twist on the good vs. evil struggle, the ‘hell’ in this storyworld is god-made (the Nethers), but the ‘heaven’ is man- (or elf-) made, Citta Pacia, and so the classic fight to claim virtuous souls is muddied by the potential for human error and the corruption of power and influence on the human psyche.
There is plenty of action, gore and magic splashing around between the myriad characters and diverging plot threads, making this a fast-paced read. It is also the first in a series, and therefore ends on a semi-cliffhanger ready to lead into the next instalment.
This is not a quick, easy read, but one for fans of epic sword-and-sorcery sagas to really get their teeth into!
She did not know why there was such opposition to the Sisterhood’s rule; the system had always treated her well. Although there were occasional food shortages, executions, imprisonments and disappearances, the Sisterhood – called Witches by the irreverent – kept the population safe from disease and outside harm. Best of all, they promised that, as long as the people followed their rules to the letter in life, the Sisters would welcome them with open arms when they died into the afterlife that Convent had created, the paradise named Citta Pacia, where they could live in bliss forever.
– Ross Hughes, A Dead Wizard’s Dream
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
August 9, 2020
I have never read any of Ross Hughes' books before and was unsure what to expect. After an initial chapter about a group of female magicians who run the world attempting to raise an all powerful god-like figure, it moves on to a series of separate stories running in parallel, with the action moving from one to another, usually at a cliffhanger. While there is an ending of sorts to each story there does not appear to be any relationship between them. Presumably there will be a connection appearing in future books. Although it was difficult to 'suspend your disbelief' while reading, it was an interesting and sometimes exciting read but rather long not to reach more of a conclusion.
July 4, 2020
This started off a little spotty, but the story started to take shape and the characters got more interesting as it went. Looking forward to the next book.
December 22, 2019
At the beginning of this book, we meet a band of mercenaries set out on a quest 'to rescue a dead elf from a hole in the ground so he can save the world.' But very little further info is given, even the why is vague. When we meet them, they're fighting their way down a dwarf-made maze, constructed from underground tunnels, a city, mines, workplaces and other excavations.
We also meet Gastar, God of the Nether, set out to not only devour the souls of those bad people that deserve to suffer eternal torture, but also those on earth and in 'Citta Pacia' (heaven of eternal peace, made by the dead elf). So he sends his 'Thaksir', a sort of brain dead zombies, after the rescuers.
There are also 2 secondary stories. The first is about a boy-witch who's persecuted by his village and turns eventually into an evil warlock. The other one is about a highland prince who turns 18 and in sent on a tour to learn about the lay of the land, the different people occupying it and about his responsibilities. The first one, I can see where it will fit in with the main story, but where the young highlander will lead us, I don't know yet.
Despite the mysterious start and the many unanswered questions, I did enjoy the book. Maradoum is an interesting world, just different enough to be recognisable and yet interesting as well. It is a long read and -luckily- there's more to come, so I'll have to wait patiently for the next volume. There was a little bit too much fighting for my liking, as it seems they never have a moment's rest with this ever-growing band of zombies after them. Also, be prepared to say goodbye to some of the (at the start of the book) main characters as all this fighting also leads to death (at least that's realistic), even if they escape most of the time and they pick up some new characters along the way.
I received a free ARC through StoryOrigins and amvoluntarily leaving an honest review.
We also meet Gastar, God of the Nether, set out to not only devour the souls of those bad people that deserve to suffer eternal torture, but also those on earth and in 'Citta Pacia' (heaven of eternal peace, made by the dead elf). So he sends his 'Thaksir', a sort of brain dead zombies, after the rescuers.
There are also 2 secondary stories. The first is about a boy-witch who's persecuted by his village and turns eventually into an evil warlock. The other one is about a highland prince who turns 18 and in sent on a tour to learn about the lay of the land, the different people occupying it and about his responsibilities. The first one, I can see where it will fit in with the main story, but where the young highlander will lead us, I don't know yet.
Despite the mysterious start and the many unanswered questions, I did enjoy the book. Maradoum is an interesting world, just different enough to be recognisable and yet interesting as well. It is a long read and -luckily- there's more to come, so I'll have to wait patiently for the next volume. There was a little bit too much fighting for my liking, as it seems they never have a moment's rest with this ever-growing band of zombies after them. Also, be prepared to say goodbye to some of the (at the start of the book) main characters as all this fighting also leads to death (at least that's realistic), even if they escape most of the time and they pick up some new characters along the way.
I received a free ARC through StoryOrigins and amvoluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 10, 2020
Ultimate Epic Fantasy!
An intriguing action packed tale of wizards, knights, royalty, pirates, sorcery, demons, and zombies set in an exotic fantasy world. The prologue sets the stage for series 'The Convent' storyline, then the author wove three separate adventures into a single tale. A great cast of characters and beautifully described scenes built his fantasy world. It was a slow start but once the action started it just didn't stop. I can't wait to read the next book. I received this book as a gift and am happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!
An intriguing action packed tale of wizards, knights, royalty, pirates, sorcery, demons, and zombies set in an exotic fantasy world. The prologue sets the stage for series 'The Convent' storyline, then the author wove three separate adventures into a single tale. A great cast of characters and beautifully described scenes built his fantasy world. It was a slow start but once the action started it just didn't stop. I can't wait to read the next book. I received this book as a gift and am happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!
November 6, 2019
If you like big, action packed fight scenes then this book is for you. Some parts went so fast but there were a few parts that were slow going. The main story line was great, filled with evil monsters and heroic characters alike. Some bit were a bit weighty. There was a part at the end of a chapter that had a character in one spot where he is supposed to be and then the next paragraph he suddenly is with different people and in on their conversation when he isn’t supposed to be there. As I read an ARC I hope this is fixed by now. The two side stories currently feel a little disjointed since they haven’t had any impact on the main part so far. Since it is feeling so wrong to have them kind of floating in the middle of the story, it bothers me. Though that also makes me want to read the next book when it comes out. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2020
Amazing book, kept me reading!
August 17, 2019
If you like fantasy hero books you will enjoy this, does take a bit to get into and leaves you with many questions but you have alot of action throughout the book. You have nether which is like any evil enemy, who wants to take everyone's soul control everything and of course you get your group of heroes that does everything to try and save the day. Yes the basic fantasy plot but with alot more action and craziness. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
December 11, 2019
A Dead Wizard's Dream is Book 1 in the Convent series by Ross Hughes. This is a well written story even though at times I skimmed over some parts of the descriptions. There are lots of well developed and interesting characters -- it also has zombies. There is lots of action which is nicely paced. I enjoyed this fantasy adventure and recommend it to epic fantasy fans. Received a copy from StoryOrigin as well as a free copy on Amazon and this is my voluntary review.
August 25, 2019
Got an ARC copy from #StoryOrigin. The main storyline was quite enjoyable. Wizards, zombies and demons make for a great adventure. I'm not really sure how the side stories àbout the witch's son and the Prince from the north fits in. I guess the second book will tie them in some how.
December 1, 2025
A surprisingly bold and immersive fantasy
A Dead Wizard’s Dream caught me off guard in the best way. I went in expecting a straightforward epic fantasy, but Ross Hughes builds a world that feels lived-in, unpredictable, and full of tension. What really stood out to me is how the story balances darker moments with sharp humor and emotional beats that land exactly when they need to.
The characters are the strongest part. They aren’t clean, perfect heroes, they make mistakes, argue, fail, and keep pushing anyway. That made them feel real and easy to root for. I also enjoyed how the plot keeps widening, chapter after chapter, almost like the author is slowly pulling back curtains to reveal how big the conflict really is.
The pacing is steady, with enough action and twists to keep you moving, but it never feels rushed. And the magic, while not over-explained, has this gritty, mysterious quality that fits the world perfectly.
If you like fantasy with messy, human characters, political tension, and a touch of chaos, this is a solid pick. It’s the kind of book where you can feel the author having fun with the genre while still delivering something meaningful.
A Dead Wizard’s Dream caught me off guard in the best way. I went in expecting a straightforward epic fantasy, but Ross Hughes builds a world that feels lived-in, unpredictable, and full of tension. What really stood out to me is how the story balances darker moments with sharp humor and emotional beats that land exactly when they need to.
The characters are the strongest part. They aren’t clean, perfect heroes, they make mistakes, argue, fail, and keep pushing anyway. That made them feel real and easy to root for. I also enjoyed how the plot keeps widening, chapter after chapter, almost like the author is slowly pulling back curtains to reveal how big the conflict really is.
The pacing is steady, with enough action and twists to keep you moving, but it never feels rushed. And the magic, while not over-explained, has this gritty, mysterious quality that fits the world perfectly.
If you like fantasy with messy, human characters, political tension, and a touch of chaos, this is a solid pick. It’s the kind of book where you can feel the author having fun with the genre while still delivering something meaningful.
December 1, 2025
Maradoum is the kind of fantasy book that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place. From the moment the Prophet is thrust into danger, the story launches into a breathtaking adventure filled with gritty battles, sharply drawn characters, and a world so richly imagined it practically breathes.
The blend of sword and sorcery, political tension, ancient horrors, and mystical lore is masterful. The ragtag group of Knights, Nomads, Wizards, and Corsairs is as chaotic as they are compelling, making every chapter feel alive with personality and purpose. The Dwarvic ruins beneath the desert are haunting, atmospheric, and unforgettable one of those settings that stays with you long after reading.
The stakes never stop rising: mutants, demons, the undead, and the chilling presence of the God of the Nether create a constant sense of dread and wonder. And through it all, the world building remains sharp, vivid, and deeply immersive.
If you’re craving a fresh fantasy series with depth, danger, and a world worth getting lost in, Maradoum absolutely delivers. A phenomenal start, I can’t wait for more!
The blend of sword and sorcery, political tension, ancient horrors, and mystical lore is masterful. The ragtag group of Knights, Nomads, Wizards, and Corsairs is as chaotic as they are compelling, making every chapter feel alive with personality and purpose. The Dwarvic ruins beneath the desert are haunting, atmospheric, and unforgettable one of those settings that stays with you long after reading.
The stakes never stop rising: mutants, demons, the undead, and the chilling presence of the God of the Nether create a constant sense of dread and wonder. And through it all, the world building remains sharp, vivid, and deeply immersive.
If you’re craving a fresh fantasy series with depth, danger, and a world worth getting lost in, Maradoum absolutely delivers. A phenomenal start, I can’t wait for more!
September 21, 2022
This was my first experience with Ross Hughes' work, and on the whole, it was entertaining. There was a lot going on in this dark fantasy. There were many characters and many events happening at the same time. What I had trouble with was that the narrative would jump from one event to something entirely different at awkward moments. This led to confusion and dissatisfaction for me. I was invested in what was happening, and before that event came to a conclusion, the narrative would jump to something completely different, and then would return back to where the story had left off before. In spite of that, I am interested enough that I will seek out the next book in the series. The Voice of Nick's narration was awesome, and his performance enhanced this story's entertainment. It was a joy to listen to his performance and I'll look forward to more audiobooks performed by him. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this rev
October 2, 2022
Dark Fantasy for YA to Adult Readers
Parents- PG13-R- more appropriate for +17 readers
Language- PG13 - Moderately heavy
Violence- PG13-R - Heavy in dark action fighting scenes that are a bit gory and more visually descriptive, if squeamish maybe look elsewhere
Sexual Content- PG13- Starts in the first chapter- sweaty sexual romping described in moderate detail
I'm glad I previewed this one before my teens! I do think an older reader will enjoy the story. I did find it to be a bit confusing with the number of characters and overlapping plots, but it did keep the speed of events pushing the story forward and also made it difficult to find a good stopping point. Overall a fun epic fantasy adventure for the adult reader.
Narrator- 4⭐ does a great job with the voice differentiation, my main issue was that he was very slow. I found the problem fixed if listened at 1.35x speed.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents- PG13-R- more appropriate for +17 readers
Language- PG13 - Moderately heavy
Violence- PG13-R - Heavy in dark action fighting scenes that are a bit gory and more visually descriptive, if squeamish maybe look elsewhere
Sexual Content- PG13- Starts in the first chapter- sweaty sexual romping described in moderate detail
I'm glad I previewed this one before my teens! I do think an older reader will enjoy the story. I did find it to be a bit confusing with the number of characters and overlapping plots, but it did keep the speed of events pushing the story forward and also made it difficult to find a good stopping point. Overall a fun epic fantasy adventure for the adult reader.
Narrator- 4⭐ does a great job with the voice differentiation, my main issue was that he was very slow. I found the problem fixed if listened at 1.35x speed.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 11, 2022
I had read none of Ross Hughes' books before and was unsure what to expect.
After the initial chapter about a group of female magicians who run the world attempting to raise an all-powerful god-like figure, it moves on to a series of separate stories running in parallel, with the action moving from one to another, usually at a cliffhanger. While there is an ending of sorts to each story, there does not appear to be any relationship between them. Presumably, there will be a connection appearing in future books. Although it was difficult to 'suspend your disbelief' while reading, it was an interesting and sometimes exciting read, but long not to reach more of a conclusion.
I listened to the audio version, and the narrator did a great job and I had no problem following the story.
Thank you to StoryOrigin for the audiobook for my review.
After the initial chapter about a group of female magicians who run the world attempting to raise an all-powerful god-like figure, it moves on to a series of separate stories running in parallel, with the action moving from one to another, usually at a cliffhanger. While there is an ending of sorts to each story, there does not appear to be any relationship between them. Presumably, there will be a connection appearing in future books. Although it was difficult to 'suspend your disbelief' while reading, it was an interesting and sometimes exciting read, but long not to reach more of a conclusion.
I listened to the audio version, and the narrator did a great job and I had no problem following the story.
Thank you to StoryOrigin for the audiobook for my review.
May 15, 2022
The story is filled with exciting and dynamic twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and the investment that Ross manages to create draws us into the emotional stakes of the story as well as the danger. The excellent prose was constantly a treat to read and the message that carries about the importance of learning about yourself and overcoming the things that hold you back makes it an impactful story that I hope many readers get the opportunity to enjoy. This is a thrilling and lively story which is a fast-paced narrative focused on the growth and development of an accessible protagonist. I highly recommend this novel.
December 18, 2025
A Dark World That Pulls You In
This felt like stepping straight into a brutal, high-stakes fantasy world and barely having time to breathe. From cursed deserts and buried cities to reborn prophets and relentless gods, Maradoum throws danger at you from every side. I loved how gritty and unforgiving the world feels, nothing is safe, not even death itself. The mix of knights, wizards, and corrupted powers gives the story a raw, old-school fantasy edge, while the looming threat of the Nether keeps the tension high. Dark, chaotic, and intense, this is a journey that stays with you long after the final page.
This felt like stepping straight into a brutal, high-stakes fantasy world and barely having time to breathe. From cursed deserts and buried cities to reborn prophets and relentless gods, Maradoum throws danger at you from every side. I loved how gritty and unforgiving the world feels, nothing is safe, not even death itself. The mix of knights, wizards, and corrupted powers gives the story a raw, old-school fantasy edge, while the looming threat of the Nether keeps the tension high. Dark, chaotic, and intense, this is a journey that stays with you long after the final page.
December 13, 2020
A Dead Wizard's Dream (Convent Series), my first read from author Ross C. Hughes, caught my attention in the opening pages. I was given a review copy of Secrets of the Ashlands (Convent Series Book 2) & since I'd gotten this book back in November of 2019 I wanted to read it first, I'm glad I did. 360 pages but reads longer due to the detail & development of the story. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 10, 2021
Tony
What an amazing and awesome story. How the apocalypse apparently will come to a fantasy land of magic and knights.
What an amazing and awesome story. How the apocalypse apparently will come to a fantasy land of magic and knights.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews