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Buried Goddess Saga #5
War of Men
As men squabble amongst themselves, the Buried Goddess makes her move.
Torsten Unger marches east in the name of the Glass Kingdom to put an end to Drad Mak, eliminating the Drav Cra threat once and for all. But can it be that simple—or is he just another pawn in the Buried Goddess' game?
After discovering that Nesilia has possessed Sora's body, Whitney Fierstown has a plan to get her back. All he needs to do is find a way to contact his old friend Kazimir, who as an upyr, knows the secrets of existence between worlds. It won't be easy, but when has it ever been?
Having won the Tal’du Dromesh, Mahraveh is now an afhem, and with her new fleet, she has the power to save her father. Muskigo has been cut off and surrounded by the Glass Army, but the time has come to bring the fight to them and for her to win this war between men.
Grab Book 5 in the Buried Goddess Saga today and continue the adventure! The end is near...
Torsten Unger marches east in the name of the Glass Kingdom to put an end to Drad Mak, eliminating the Drav Cra threat once and for all. But can it be that simple—or is he just another pawn in the Buried Goddess' game?
After discovering that Nesilia has possessed Sora's body, Whitney Fierstown has a plan to get her back. All he needs to do is find a way to contact his old friend Kazimir, who as an upyr, knows the secrets of existence between worlds. It won't be easy, but when has it ever been?
Having won the Tal’du Dromesh, Mahraveh is now an afhem, and with her new fleet, she has the power to save her father. Muskigo has been cut off and surrounded by the Glass Army, but the time has come to bring the fight to them and for her to win this war between men.
Grab Book 5 in the Buried Goddess Saga today and continue the adventure! The end is near...
610 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2019
92 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Rhett C. Bruno
70 books648 followersRhett is happy to hear from his fans and can be reached at rcbruno44@outlook.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for exclusive access to updates about his work and the opportunity to receive limited content and ARCs.
http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter/. Or join his facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rhett...
Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.
He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.
While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.
Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.
http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter/. Or join his facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rhett...
Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.
He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.
While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.
Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 9, 2021
This series is really cooking by this point. The various plots are starting to converge with serious ramifications and heaps of tension for our multiple protagonists. This is leaps and bounds more gripping than the series’ comparatively humbler beginnings.
My main problem with the book is that every time somebody says Nesilia’s name my brain immediately goes ‘you’re breaking my heart, you’re shaking my confidence daily..’
My main problem with the book is that every time somebody says Nesilia’s name my brain immediately goes ‘you’re breaking my heart, you’re shaking my confidence daily..’
July 10, 2022
Wow. Where do I begin? Definitely the best book of the series so far! I absolutely loved reading this, and feel the world has evolved into a completely different creation to the more simple plot of the first book.
The previous world of goodies and baddies has become so complex, with everything shades of grey, yet so dark. I particularly enjoyed the story of Mahraveh, and find it captivating how her story has transformed that of her people from 'bad' to fascinating. And Sora... what happens to her... I can't even begin to describe it as there would be too many spoilers, which I won't do to you.
This is definitely part of a series, and you really do need to have read the previous ones, but you won't regret buying this! It is long, definitely, but such a lot happens that you will be entranced.
The previous world of goodies and baddies has become so complex, with everything shades of grey, yet so dark. I particularly enjoyed the story of Mahraveh, and find it captivating how her story has transformed that of her people from 'bad' to fascinating. And Sora... what happens to her... I can't even begin to describe it as there would be too many spoilers, which I won't do to you.
This is definitely part of a series, and you really do need to have read the previous ones, but you won't regret buying this! It is long, definitely, but such a lot happens that you will be entranced.
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October 3, 2024If you are this far along in the series you should know that it is truly one of the best fantasy series ever. Every character is so well written with my favorites continuing to be Torsten and Whitney. Jaime Castle and Rhett Bruno are masters of storytelling in this world of Pantigo and I just can’t get enough. Luke Daniels masterfully narrates the book and he brings the characters to life in a way I don’t think anyone else could. If you have started the Buried Goddess saga do yourself a favor and read this book. That ending though. Mind blow!
January 27, 2020
Best book in the series yet. Everything changes and is setting up for an epic finish. Lots of surprises.
October 25, 2021
Book 5 War of Men in the Buried Goddess Saga is another awesome continuation in this series. This book did take a bit longer for me to get into, but once it got going, it more than made up for the slow beginning. Bruno and Castle weave a story of love, betrayal, hardship, faith, wars, gods, insanity, monsters, magic, and hate that threatens to consume the entire world. Men are on the losing side, even if they can come together and forget their bitter feuding, all seems lost. We won't know until book 6. I am really looking forward to the next (and last I believe) installment in this series. This is an honest review even though I was lucky enough to score this book for free with no obligation as an ARC.
October 13, 2019
One of the best Stories (books 1-5) I’ve read
This Saga has just constantly got better, and it started very well, it’s a long time since I’ve read something that has just completely grabbed hold and not let go (some of Fels books, actually all I think and Terry Goodkind, George Martin) this feels like it’s up there with the best - time will tell. Whatever, I love the series and look forward with anticipation and sadness (it means the end of this cycle- I think) to book #6.
This Saga has just constantly got better, and it started very well, it’s a long time since I’ve read something that has just completely grabbed hold and not let go (some of Fels books, actually all I think and Terry Goodkind, George Martin) this feels like it’s up there with the best - time will tell. Whatever, I love the series and look forward with anticipation and sadness (it means the end of this cycle- I think) to book #6.
September 19, 2019
Big Improvement
I was impressed with how this world and characters have progressed over the series and now that i inow Redstar is away im finding the complex weave if plots a lot better as well.
I also like how the will to fight is portrayed and how the action works out. A solid 5 stars and a happy reader
I was impressed with how this world and characters have progressed over the series and now that i inow Redstar is away im finding the complex weave if plots a lot better as well.
I also like how the will to fight is portrayed and how the action works out. A solid 5 stars and a happy reader
September 26, 2019
Fantastic story
Shog in a Barrel!! How will I make it until the next book is available!!! This story is fantastic and this was far and away the best book so far. So much action with both redemption and loss! I am on my seats edge waiting for the next book!!!
Shog in a Barrel!! How will I make it until the next book is available!!! This story is fantastic and this was far and away the best book so far. So much action with both redemption and loss! I am on my seats edge waiting for the next book!!!
July 10, 2020
War of Men is the extraordinary 5th evolution of the Buried Goddess Saga, following on from ‘Way of Gods’.
War of Men does not disappoint, with a fast-paced book full of action, powerful, emotive characters, and a gripping storyline that not only leaves you wanting more, but takes you on a rollercoaster ride through a full spectrum of emotions.
As with each of the other books, the story is told from the point of view of the various characters: ‘The Goddess’ (Nesilia – the Buried Goddess Herself), ‘The Thief’ – Whitney Fierstown, ‘The Knight’ – Torsten Unger, ‘The Rebel’ – Muskigo, ‘The Daughter’ – Mahraveh Ayerahi, ‘The Immortal’ - Kazimir. and finally, ‘The Redeemer’ – Sir Rand Langley.
This book sees Nesilia really come into her own as she seems to fully grasp the power that Sora is able to give her. It is fascinating watching a deity walk the land, and having those that believe fall to their knees, whilst those that don’t foolishly try to stand up to her, only to feel her wrath. Nesilia truly has returned, and the world is in a lot of trouble for it. One of the really fun things in this book is that there are all these little clues to her return, various creatures that no one has seen forever and things like this, all rising, or coming together as they know their God has returned, but no one else understands what it means. It is these little extras that show the depth of thought that has gone into this story, the world building surrounding the characters, it is just brilliant.
Meanwhile, Whitney continues his desperate mission to find Sora, with the help of Kazimir and what is left of the Troupe, but he will not relent as he knows that she is alive, and that her soul is within her body. Worse still, he knows that it is Nesilia that inhabits her, and he knows he has to do everything in his power to stop her.
On the Black Sands, Muskigo battles with Babrak for control in the absence of the Caleef. Muskigo is also fueled by grief and anger, thinking that his sand mouse is dead. Of course, she is not, Mahi is happily crushing Glassman wherever she goes, as well as any of her own people stupid enough to oppose her.
The sheer scale of the story, the world building, the culture and history that has gone into those of the Black Sands is just amazing, and makes for a fascinating part of this series. Each of the characters, from Babrak, to Muskigo, to the beautiful but deadly Mahi, and even all the minor characters, are just fascinating. This is one of the truly exceptional parts of this series.
One of the truly outstanding characters in this series has been Torsten Unger, who has gone from being the Wearer of White, and leader of the Knights, he has been a prisoner at times and never given up, he has lost his sight, and with it, his position, his ability to fight, and to a large extent, his entire ‘Self’, but he has continued, and even through it all, he has been true to Iam. As a reward, he is gifted with a cloth of sight from a Priest of Iam, someone who you would not expect to bestow such an honour, but none the less, he does, and when the cloth is tied around Torstens eyes, he can see again. For those that have played any DnD there is the Character of a Paladin, a Holy Knight who earns the favour of a God through their acts of virtue, honour, courage, and fighting evil, everything that Torsten is.
This series is only getting better with each book as we move towards the conclusion, in which the forces of good will bring down Nesilia (or the body she inhabits, casting her back to the divine realm), or Nesilia will conquer all of Pantego, and do as she sees fit.
If you are looking for a brilliant fantasy series that has some real depth, not just in its characters, but in its world building and story-telling, this is the series to get into. One thing I really love about this series is that it has direction, the Authors, Bruno and Castle, both know what is going to happen, they have obviously since book 1, and have had it all planned out. Too often in Epic series we see the series fold in on itself as plot lines cross over or get forgotten entirely. But with the Buried Goddess Saga, this is not the case, plot lines are clean, they close off everything they start, and no characters are forgotten, it makes for outstanding reading.
This is one of the best fantasy series out there.
War of Men does not disappoint, with a fast-paced book full of action, powerful, emotive characters, and a gripping storyline that not only leaves you wanting more, but takes you on a rollercoaster ride through a full spectrum of emotions.
As with each of the other books, the story is told from the point of view of the various characters: ‘The Goddess’ (Nesilia – the Buried Goddess Herself), ‘The Thief’ – Whitney Fierstown, ‘The Knight’ – Torsten Unger, ‘The Rebel’ – Muskigo, ‘The Daughter’ – Mahraveh Ayerahi, ‘The Immortal’ - Kazimir. and finally, ‘The Redeemer’ – Sir Rand Langley.
This book sees Nesilia really come into her own as she seems to fully grasp the power that Sora is able to give her. It is fascinating watching a deity walk the land, and having those that believe fall to their knees, whilst those that don’t foolishly try to stand up to her, only to feel her wrath. Nesilia truly has returned, and the world is in a lot of trouble for it. One of the really fun things in this book is that there are all these little clues to her return, various creatures that no one has seen forever and things like this, all rising, or coming together as they know their God has returned, but no one else understands what it means. It is these little extras that show the depth of thought that has gone into this story, the world building surrounding the characters, it is just brilliant.
Meanwhile, Whitney continues his desperate mission to find Sora, with the help of Kazimir and what is left of the Troupe, but he will not relent as he knows that she is alive, and that her soul is within her body. Worse still, he knows that it is Nesilia that inhabits her, and he knows he has to do everything in his power to stop her.
On the Black Sands, Muskigo battles with Babrak for control in the absence of the Caleef. Muskigo is also fueled by grief and anger, thinking that his sand mouse is dead. Of course, she is not, Mahi is happily crushing Glassman wherever she goes, as well as any of her own people stupid enough to oppose her.
The sheer scale of the story, the world building, the culture and history that has gone into those of the Black Sands is just amazing, and makes for a fascinating part of this series. Each of the characters, from Babrak, to Muskigo, to the beautiful but deadly Mahi, and even all the minor characters, are just fascinating. This is one of the truly exceptional parts of this series.
One of the truly outstanding characters in this series has been Torsten Unger, who has gone from being the Wearer of White, and leader of the Knights, he has been a prisoner at times and never given up, he has lost his sight, and with it, his position, his ability to fight, and to a large extent, his entire ‘Self’, but he has continued, and even through it all, he has been true to Iam. As a reward, he is gifted with a cloth of sight from a Priest of Iam, someone who you would not expect to bestow such an honour, but none the less, he does, and when the cloth is tied around Torstens eyes, he can see again. For those that have played any DnD there is the Character of a Paladin, a Holy Knight who earns the favour of a God through their acts of virtue, honour, courage, and fighting evil, everything that Torsten is.
This series is only getting better with each book as we move towards the conclusion, in which the forces of good will bring down Nesilia (or the body she inhabits, casting her back to the divine realm), or Nesilia will conquer all of Pantego, and do as she sees fit.
If you are looking for a brilliant fantasy series that has some real depth, not just in its characters, but in its world building and story-telling, this is the series to get into. One thing I really love about this series is that it has direction, the Authors, Bruno and Castle, both know what is going to happen, they have obviously since book 1, and have had it all planned out. Too often in Epic series we see the series fold in on itself as plot lines cross over or get forgotten entirely. But with the Buried Goddess Saga, this is not the case, plot lines are clean, they close off everything they start, and no characters are forgotten, it makes for outstanding reading.
This is one of the best fantasy series out there.
May 30, 2020
Each chapter is named for its featured character. I wish the table of contents would note this as it would make going back for clarification a lot easier. Right now it's a lot harder than it needs to be when trying to locate a particular passage. It wasn't as big a deal at book one as there weren't as many characters or situations.
Mahi transforms from being a rebellious young woman to a leader of her people that no one could have foreseen, except for perhaps Yuri Darkings. He seems to have uncanny insight into her future.
Whitney and Kazimir enlist the aid of the Dom Nohzi and Sanguine Lords in rescuing Sora from Nesilia's possession.
Torsten's faith is again validated when Iam makes an appearance and confronts Nesilia.
Rand loses any sense of reason when he finds out that his sister has been turned into an undead. He will move heaven and earth to find her, even though he's been told she is not the same girl he remembers.
Mahi transforms from being a rebellious young woman to a leader of her people that no one could have foreseen, except for perhaps Yuri Darkings. He seems to have uncanny insight into her future.
Whitney and Kazimir enlist the aid of the Dom Nohzi and Sanguine Lords in rescuing Sora from Nesilia's possession.
Torsten's faith is again validated when Iam makes an appearance and confronts Nesilia.
Rand loses any sense of reason when he finds out that his sister has been turned into an undead. He will move heaven and earth to find her, even though he's been told she is not the same girl he remembers.
March 12, 2021
I don't know why this series isn't more popular! I've been listening to the audiobook for the past two weeks and have loved the development of this series. Thank you authors for a wonderful fantasy experience and I hope your popularity picks up so you can continue writing more fantasy books.
May 4, 2021
A superb 5th entry in the series.each book just continues to impress.the depth of the characters is fantastic.the creativity of the world and the plot twists and surprises simply spectacular.it is now onto the final book in the series.im both excited and sad to be heading towards the finish line.
February 11, 2020
4.5 Stars, great series.
September 22, 2020
This is the most recent that I've finished (yesterday) and I have to say, the momentum of this series... just amazing. The characters and the rich world are so incredible.
October 22, 2022
Intense moments in this one, as expected. I love the pov switches and how we can see from so many points of view for this epic war. One of my favorite plots in this one was the father and his daughter, but there is also a brother and sister plot line with emotional hooks. Great job line by line and overall!
June 19, 2023
Best of the series, so far! Some characters (no spoilers!) learned that actions do have consequences, others learned to trust their instincts. Can't wait to read the final book!
January 19, 2025
A new and interesting book, I love seeing how the characters develop and new motivations. I loved the vampire lol and Whitney obviouslyyyy
September 16, 2025
I really loved this series and my favorite character was Whitney! I have to say I cried so much at the end…I expected him to pop up after cutting his way out of the beast…regardless that my heart was broken it was a good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2019
Thanks everyone for reading book five! Who'd have thought Whitney and Torsten would have such crazy adventures? One book left and we can't wait for you to see the conclusion.
October 16, 2019
Not my genre so I sent it back
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews