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Challenger's Call #4
Lighting Distant Shores
He was too late to stop the darkness from falling.
But there's still time to raise up a light.
Wes Malcolm has arrived to the world of the Sun-Jeweled Seas, but the cataclysm of this world has already passed. Darkness covers the waters. All but a handful of people have vanished without a trace. And something dark and burning hunts the survivors hiding in their islands.
But the Challenger-Lord of Avalon refuses to believe that all is lost.
He is no longer the damaged teenaged orphan that stumbled into the mists of Avalon. He has rescued two worlds, seen the dead resurrected, unearthed forgotten magics, and received the power of two cosmic dragons. Every impossibility thrown at him so far has proven to be a lie.
He will not accept defeat here, either. Not until he drives back the darkness hiding every shore.
But there's still time to raise up a light.
Wes Malcolm has arrived to the world of the Sun-Jeweled Seas, but the cataclysm of this world has already passed. Darkness covers the waters. All but a handful of people have vanished without a trace. And something dark and burning hunts the survivors hiding in their islands.
But the Challenger-Lord of Avalon refuses to believe that all is lost.
He is no longer the damaged teenaged orphan that stumbled into the mists of Avalon. He has rescued two worlds, seen the dead resurrected, unearthed forgotten magics, and received the power of two cosmic dragons. Every impossibility thrown at him so far has proven to be a lie.
He will not accept defeat here, either. Not until he drives back the darkness hiding every shore.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2019
402 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 19, 2021
It's decent, although I definitely liked the previous ones more, and I think the series will continue to be decent but I doubt it'll get better than three stars (from me, at least) from here on out.
The overwhelmingly most negative part is that each following book becomes less of a fantasy novel and more of a weird, crappy self-help book. The constant comments and sickly sweet conversations about every character overcoming their traumas is extremely repetitive and it's a real chore to read. Not to mention every major battle apparently has to resolve in the exact same way: one character tells another that they can overcome their most recently surfaced TRAUMA (basically a weak pep talk that the last 2-10 chapters have been, very obviously, building up to) at which point they -- gain the power of self-respect -- and then use that one silvery attack that can beat anyone.
I also think the conversations are pretty disappointing, purely for the fact that they're always so sickly sweet and/or predictable. Either everyone makes the same jokes over and over or they constantly compliment each other in cliche ways and it always resolves the same way, i.e.:
character 1 - you're so tough and brave, how could you ever doubt yourself?
C2 - my brokenness and my TRAUMA told me I'm awful for helping people.
C1 - There's nothing I can tell you to help you, only to let you know that you're strong enough to not need my help.
Ghost voice in C1's head- CROWN THEM AND WRITE MIND-NUMBINGLY REPETITIVE LOVE ON THEIR ARMS
C1: *does nothing* aaaaaanyway...
(note: this exact thing, with very slightly different wording happens at least 10 times throughout this book)
To the same end, the same romantic tension has been built on since book 1 with almost no progression which is just silly at this point. Especially given that the main character has the same conversations with LITERALLY THE SAME PERSON multiple times in every book. Granted, "the same person" A.K.A. the starsown character is technically several different people, but it's a moot point since they all respond in almost exactly the same way in every one of these conversations.
In summary, 3/5.
The overwhelmingly most negative part is that each following book becomes less of a fantasy novel and more of a weird, crappy self-help book. The constant comments and sickly sweet conversations about every character overcoming their traumas is extremely repetitive and it's a real chore to read. Not to mention every major battle apparently has to resolve in the exact same way: one character tells another that they can overcome their most recently surfaced TRAUMA (basically a weak pep talk that the last 2-10 chapters have been, very obviously, building up to) at which point they -- gain the power of self-respect -- and then use that one silvery attack that can beat anyone.
I also think the conversations are pretty disappointing, purely for the fact that they're always so sickly sweet and/or predictable. Either everyone makes the same jokes over and over or they constantly compliment each other in cliche ways and it always resolves the same way, i.e.:
character 1 - you're so tough and brave, how could you ever doubt yourself?
C2 - my brokenness and my TRAUMA told me I'm awful for helping people.
C1 - There's nothing I can tell you to help you, only to let you know that you're strong enough to not need my help.
Ghost voice in C1's head- CROWN THEM AND WRITE MIND-NUMBINGLY REPETITIVE LOVE ON THEIR ARMS
C1: *does nothing* aaaaaanyway...
(note: this exact thing, with very slightly different wording happens at least 10 times throughout this book)
To the same end, the same romantic tension has been built on since book 1 with almost no progression which is just silly at this point. Especially given that the main character has the same conversations with LITERALLY THE SAME PERSON multiple times in every book. Granted, "the same person" A.K.A. the starsown character is technically several different people, but it's a moot point since they all respond in almost exactly the same way in every one of these conversations.
In summary, 3/5.
July 11, 2019
Another solid offering
While this book was awesome, entertaining and fulfilling, as it's usually the case when I finish the most recently released story, the thing that has me most excited is the setup for book #5.
Props to Mr. Thompson for consistently delivering enjoyable romps through his literary world.
While this book was awesome, entertaining and fulfilling, as it's usually the case when I finish the most recently released story, the thing that has me most excited is the setup for book #5.
Props to Mr. Thompson for consistently delivering enjoyable romps through his literary world.
October 14, 2021
I've no clue where this series is going, but for me, it's getting a bit too weird. I am likely to continue reading it, but if the next book is as off the wall as this one was, it's likely I won't continue past that next book. I honestly just can't be bothered to care enough about the characters. Plus, harem type books don't interest me, and this series seems to be heading in that direction. Add that to the complete lack of actual story in this one, and I have to say I'm not excited for the next book in the series.
Guess it's just not my kind of thing.
Guess it's just not my kind of thing.
June 5, 2020
This series is through and is very epic
This is book has some solid christianity in it, but i wouldnt rely on that by it self... it blends alot of mythology into it as well but mainly this is the ascension of someone who start on earth with physical disabilities and transforms into a supernatural Dragon wargod. Multi world with a little bit of kingdom building!!!! Goodread
This is book has some solid christianity in it, but i wouldnt rely on that by it self... it blends alot of mythology into it as well but mainly this is the ascension of someone who start on earth with physical disabilities and transforms into a supernatural Dragon wargod. Multi world with a little bit of kingdom building!!!! Goodread
April 4, 2020
Again!
Another triumph for Nathan Thompson. The combination of mythical worlds with everyday ideals and real life problems are blended seamlessly here in the continuing saga of the Challengers Call.
Another triumph for Nathan Thompson. The combination of mythical worlds with everyday ideals and real life problems are blended seamlessly here in the continuing saga of the Challengers Call.
August 9, 2020
A strong addition
A strong addition to the series, and a fine volume. I found it less compelling than the predecessor, though quite enjoyable. The ending left me excited for the next volume.
A strong addition to the series, and a fine volume. I found it less compelling than the predecessor, though quite enjoyable. The ending left me excited for the next volume.
January 19, 2021
Raising the Level
This story just keeps getting better as Wes raises hinself so does the enjoyment of the characters and the bond that forms between the reader and the series.
Really looking forward to the next one.
This story just keeps getting better as Wes raises hinself so does the enjoyment of the characters and the bond that forms between the reader and the series.
Really looking forward to the next one.
February 5, 2021
Good Book
It's a good book but it has a lot of profanity in it. The profanity does not do anything for the novel. In fact it distracts from the story. That's why it has 4 stars instead of 5.
It's a good book but it has a lot of profanity in it. The profanity does not do anything for the novel. In fact it distracts from the story. That's why it has 4 stars instead of 5.
May 26, 2021
A tale about conquering one's fears
This book tries and succeeds to show you character growth and success that comes from fighting the big boss by conquering your own insecurities. Much enjoyed
This book tries and succeeds to show you character growth and success that comes from fighting the big boss by conquering your own insecurities. Much enjoyed
April 11, 2022
Good story, has some grammatical and punctuation issues.
The e-book needs to go back to, or ran through, whichever is applicable. But otherwise I enjoy the storyline and plot of them all so far.
The e-book needs to go back to, or ran through, whichever is applicable. But otherwise I enjoy the storyline and plot of them all so far.
March 2, 2023
Good book
Hell of a good book and a wonderful series, it will definitely keep you on your toes with the non stop action. I look forward to reading more of the series and the author 😀
Hell of a good book and a wonderful series, it will definitely keep you on your toes with the non stop action. I look forward to reading more of the series and the author 😀
June 18, 2020
WOW!!!😂
And now only one more to go. So far, so good.I have to confess, the more I read the more YA it seems to get, but the last couple parts were the best in the book.🤓
And now only one more to go. So far, so good.I have to confess, the more I read the more YA it seems to get, but the last couple parts were the best in the book.🤓
July 24, 2020
Why stop now
Another great installment in a great series. This series has yet to disappoint. If you have yet to start it then you really should.
Another great installment in a great series. This series has yet to disappoint. If you have yet to start it then you really should.
September 6, 2021
Again outstanding
You don't know whether he is telling the story of Wes's recovery or an actual fantasy world or even the story of Stella's recovery. All of it ties together.
Law
You don't know whether he is telling the story of Wes's recovery or an actual fantasy world or even the story of Stella's recovery. All of it ties together.
Law
October 26, 2021
Awesome Internal Discussions
I enjoy the way the author helps to better develop the story with his creative internal dialogue of the MC.
I enjoy the way the author helps to better develop the story with his creative internal dialogue of the MC.
November 12, 2022
great book
Yet another great book in the challengers call series, showing that even in our own brokenness we can still rise.
Yet another great book in the challengers call series, showing that even in our own brokenness we can still rise.
February 18, 2020
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❗❗❗❕❕❕‼‼❕
I LOVED this book so much! AUTHOR, if you are listening, hurry up on finishing the next book now, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVED this book so much! AUTHOR, if you are listening, hurry up on finishing the next book now, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 26, 2019
Great
Listen if you're here room reading this review you're either one of three people you either loved the other books and want to make sure the authors still as good as usual in which case don't worry.
Or you sent and I'll read all through books and you not sure if you like this series yet so I'd highly recommend it.
lastly you don't like this series and want to see if anyone shares your opinion. Which first fall I do not and second of all I don't see how you feel that way but okay.
This is an easy pick for my top 5 book series of all times. I fell in love with this series because of it going into people's morality, how people think, how people are taught to think, inter-person relationships, uetc.and I still got my dose of that in this one.
the majority of my time with this was either spent with a big dumb smile on my face, chills running down my spine and happy and or sad tears and honestly I could not recommend this book series enough
Listen if you're here room reading this review you're either one of three people you either loved the other books and want to make sure the authors still as good as usual in which case don't worry.
Or you sent and I'll read all through books and you not sure if you like this series yet so I'd highly recommend it.
lastly you don't like this series and want to see if anyone shares your opinion. Which first fall I do not and second of all I don't see how you feel that way but okay.
This is an easy pick for my top 5 book series of all times. I fell in love with this series because of it going into people's morality, how people think, how people are taught to think, inter-person relationships, uetc.and I still got my dose of that in this one.
the majority of my time with this was either spent with a big dumb smile on my face, chills running down my spine and happy and or sad tears and honestly I could not recommend this book series enough
August 10, 2019
Just like last 2 books Wes is still conquering his past demons emotionally and physically. We got to see the next world and its natives as well as new stell which i liked a lot but again the Main stell n Wes needs to sorts things out because it's holding all the other part back because of the main stells and MC's stupid rules.
I mean if u wanna get together get on with it or just don't because u meet the new stell we spend time together with her but she can't even express her feeling coz of the main stell its was very frustrating I end up skimming most of the time they spent together coz it was just frustrating and MC need to grow a pair and tell her how he feels and if she doesn't feel the same just say it so he can move on and focus on other things.
I hate it when auther drag romance too much wid some forced sheet.
I mean if u wanna get together get on with it or just don't because u meet the new stell we spend time together with her but she can't even express her feeling coz of the main stell its was very frustrating I end up skimming most of the time they spent together coz it was just frustrating and MC need to grow a pair and tell her how he feels and if she doesn't feel the same just say it so he can move on and focus on other things.
I hate it when auther drag romance too much wid some forced sheet.
August 2, 2019
The most Epic of LITRPG
If you’re reading this, you probably been along for the ride. Wes Malcolm, a handicapped and bullied young man from earth, discovers a legacy that might ultimately end up saving the multi-verse.
The majority of this book concerns Wes’s trip to the water world of Atlantis. And in striving to save this world from itself and from the monsters that threaten it, he continues to learn more about his own internal struggles and how to overcome some.
Nobody in the genre writes more thrilling epic adventure than Thompson.At the same time, his characters are incredible funny and awesome. If you’re looking for a retinue of Gemmell or Simon Green like characters, you’ll find them here.
A terrific series. Fun, funny and moving.
If you’re reading this, you probably been along for the ride. Wes Malcolm, a handicapped and bullied young man from earth, discovers a legacy that might ultimately end up saving the multi-verse.
The majority of this book concerns Wes’s trip to the water world of Atlantis. And in striving to save this world from itself and from the monsters that threaten it, he continues to learn more about his own internal struggles and how to overcome some.
Nobody in the genre writes more thrilling epic adventure than Thompson.At the same time, his characters are incredible funny and awesome. If you’re looking for a retinue of Gemmell or Simon Green like characters, you’ll find them here.
A terrific series. Fun, funny and moving.
February 10, 2020
Uplifting, affirmative, good
As the series progresses, the LitRPG elements slightly diminish in favour of the the strong underlying theme of kindness. For this genre it’s perhaps peculiar to find something to be an emotionally positive and uplifting read! Alas, sometimes my patience lapses and I skipped through a few pages now and then, but overall the storyline kept good pace without overwhelming with detail, new characters or plot tangents. Author has done good again — thank you :-)
As the series progresses, the LitRPG elements slightly diminish in favour of the the strong underlying theme of kindness. For this genre it’s perhaps peculiar to find something to be an emotionally positive and uplifting read! Alas, sometimes my patience lapses and I skipped through a few pages now and then, but overall the storyline kept good pace without overwhelming with detail, new characters or plot tangents. Author has done good again — thank you :-)
July 23, 2019
A Class Of Its Own
I love this series and loved this book. Every entry is heartfelt, beautiful, horrible, exciting and so many other amazing things. It’s so good, in fact, that I think the LitRPG elements actually pull you out of the experience somewhat. You can feel Wes and his friends becoming more powerful. You experience and see them becoming more. The number assigned to strength simply does not matter. In my opinion, the statistical elements are no longer necessary (though I still very much enjoy the status updates from the worlds themselves). That’s really my only criticism.
It will be a painful wait for book 5.
I love this series and loved this book. Every entry is heartfelt, beautiful, horrible, exciting and so many other amazing things. It’s so good, in fact, that I think the LitRPG elements actually pull you out of the experience somewhat. You can feel Wes and his friends becoming more powerful. You experience and see them becoming more. The number assigned to strength simply does not matter. In my opinion, the statistical elements are no longer necessary (though I still very much enjoy the status updates from the worlds themselves). That’s really my only criticism.
It will be a painful wait for book 5.
July 27, 2019
[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
July 13, 2019
Another fantastic continuation of the story!
Thank you for writing these books, they have helped more than you can know. It is inspiring to read about characters that have trial and tribulations to overcome. More importantly that they are not all overcome while alone or even whole in mind or body. These stories have helped me greatly when things seemed very bleak indeed. Please keep up the good work and continue to spread the message that all is not lost, failure is non-permanent, and greater things are yet to come.
Thank you for writing these books, they have helped more than you can know. It is inspiring to read about characters that have trial and tribulations to overcome. More importantly that they are not all overcome while alone or even whole in mind or body. These stories have helped me greatly when things seemed very bleak indeed. Please keep up the good work and continue to spread the message that all is not lost, failure is non-permanent, and greater things are yet to come.
July 14, 2019
Ten stars
I'd rate this book higher than five if I could. For a beginning author Mr. Thompson has taken of at a gallop. The story is briskly paced, the characters and dialog perfectly written and the length is just enough to satisfy yet leave you yearning for more. Wes is developing into a great MC, and his relationship with Stell is one of the deepest romances I've ever read about. Great work. I need MORE!!!
I'd rate this book higher than five if I could. For a beginning author Mr. Thompson has taken of at a gallop. The story is briskly paced, the characters and dialog perfectly written and the length is just enough to satisfy yet leave you yearning for more. Wes is developing into a great MC, and his relationship with Stell is one of the deepest romances I've ever read about. Great work. I need MORE!!!
August 20, 2019
Great story.
Not only is it a great story. Full of action and adventure but it is also positive and inspiring. I highly recommend this series not only are they great books but they are full of entertaining immersive content. It’s not like some authors who turn what should be 1book into ten to make an extra buck these are long enjoyable stories that have actual conclusions and are just designed to try and manipulate you into buying the next book.
Not only is it a great story. Full of action and adventure but it is also positive and inspiring. I highly recommend this series not only are they great books but they are full of entertaining immersive content. It’s not like some authors who turn what should be 1book into ten to make an extra buck these are long enjoyable stories that have actual conclusions and are just designed to try and manipulate you into buying the next book.
September 6, 2019
Awesome hero story.
Good epic fantasy with good vs evil and handles the metaphysical conflicts better than almost any story I've read. Definitely worth reading even if the more vague conceptual non physical enemies aren't your thing. Also great internal conflict and character development. Sometimes I struggled to see the hero as bring so heroic and broken inside but at the same time it makes it feel like life and that anyone can be someone's hero
Good epic fantasy with good vs evil and handles the metaphysical conflicts better than almost any story I've read. Definitely worth reading even if the more vague conceptual non physical enemies aren't your thing. Also great internal conflict and character development. Sometimes I struggled to see the hero as bring so heroic and broken inside but at the same time it makes it feel like life and that anyone can be someone's hero
September 22, 2019
Best Gamelit Series Ever
I have been reading many fantasy and Camelot series; this is the best by far. Characters are noble yet flawed. Heroes strive to do better against overwhelming odds. Main character is never sure of victory, but he never gives up. And, somehow, despite his own physical and emotional scars, he inspires others to do the same. Can't wait to read the next book.
I have been reading many fantasy and Camelot series; this is the best by far. Characters are noble yet flawed. Heroes strive to do better against overwhelming odds. Main character is never sure of victory, but he never gives up. And, somehow, despite his own physical and emotional scars, he inspires others to do the same. Can't wait to read the next book.
February 12, 2020
No words, didn’t put it down, read all 4 books in a week
I have no words.... Just read it I mean that’s why you’re here right, to read a book so do it
I have no words.... Just read it I mean that’s why you’re here right, to read a book so do it
July 13, 2019
Book four
Mistakes: I found six in this book. Half of them are just words needing a space placed between them.
Plot: More planet saving and monster killing.
Characters: The MC has been through a lot, but he has a crew of loyal friends to help him deal with it and grow stronger from it all.
8/10
Mistakes: I found six in this book. Half of them are just words needing a space placed between them.
Plot: More planet saving and monster killing.
Characters: The MC has been through a lot, but he has a crew of loyal friends to help him deal with it and grow stronger from it all.
8/10
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews