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Chronicles of Cain #2
Enter Oblivion
OBLIVION AND BEYOND
Breaking a bargain with a god is impossible, or so they say.
Which means Hannah is Cthulhu's forever. But she still hasn't learned to use her powers at will and old Tentacle Face isn't happy about it. His minions drop Hannah at Cain's doorstep with orders—make her useful in a month, or she dies.
Cain isn't sure what's worse—damning her to an eternity serving Cthulhu, or letting her die. No matter what he does, he'll lose her.
But a wizard and a dwarf have a proposition: Trade Cthulhu something of greater power than a demigoddess. It just so happens they know exactly where to find such a thing—on a dead world the gods abandoned eons ago.
The world of Oblivion was created before Gaia. A war between the gods destroyed most life and left it a desolate, dangerous wasteland. Hidden somewhere on that world is the lost armory of Hephaestus. It is said to contain super weapons created by the blacksmith of the gods. If Cain can locate it and procure such a weapon, Cthulhu might be willing to make a trade.
There are others also looking for the armory. Among them are the mechanists, a faction that despises magic and wants to destroy the gods with their own super weapons. Their clockwork devices are unlike anything Cain has faced before, and they're the least of his worries.
But Hannah saved Cain by trading her freedom for his life, and he'll enter Oblivion itself if it means saving her.
Breaking a bargain with a god is impossible, or so they say.
Which means Hannah is Cthulhu's forever. But she still hasn't learned to use her powers at will and old Tentacle Face isn't happy about it. His minions drop Hannah at Cain's doorstep with orders—make her useful in a month, or she dies.
Cain isn't sure what's worse—damning her to an eternity serving Cthulhu, or letting her die. No matter what he does, he'll lose her.
But a wizard and a dwarf have a proposition: Trade Cthulhu something of greater power than a demigoddess. It just so happens they know exactly where to find such a thing—on a dead world the gods abandoned eons ago.
The world of Oblivion was created before Gaia. A war between the gods destroyed most life and left it a desolate, dangerous wasteland. Hidden somewhere on that world is the lost armory of Hephaestus. It is said to contain super weapons created by the blacksmith of the gods. If Cain can locate it and procure such a weapon, Cthulhu might be willing to make a trade.
There are others also looking for the armory. Among them are the mechanists, a faction that despises magic and wants to destroy the gods with their own super weapons. Their clockwork devices are unlike anything Cain has faced before, and they're the least of his worries.
But Hannah saved Cain by trading her freedom for his life, and he'll enter Oblivion itself if it means saving her.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2020
225 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
John Corwin
81 books553 followersJohn Corwin is the bestselling author of the Overworld Chronicles.
He enjoys long walks on the beach and is a firm believer in puppies and kittens.
After years of getting into trouble thanks to his overactive imagination, John abandoned his male modeling career to write books.
He resides in Atlanta.
He enjoys long walks on the beach and is a firm believer in puppies and kittens.
After years of getting into trouble thanks to his overactive imagination, John abandoned his male modeling career to write books.
He resides in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 16, 2020
Brilliant Writing (Read the Series) it’s worth the lack of Sleep :)
This is a very enjoyable series. Memorable too. I say memorable because I have a habit of going on reading and writing binges and sometimes by the time it takes for a new release to come out I’ve forgotten the previous book relating to it.
Last night after I realized I’d written myself to the point song birds were singing in tune with my dogs snores and it was dawn, I figured it was time for chamomile tea and begin winding down reading some epic fantasy. Sun is up time to close my laptop and settle down with a book. Usually when it’s time to wind down, I read what’s on my Kindle App on iPad not usually remembering anything other than the characters of whatever Novel I’m working on in my head most of my day and night. Needless to say I hadn’t read part one in a long time. My brain was taxed yet Book one made such an impact that I was excited to read part two and recalled it well. That’s an accomplishment for my muddied ptsd brain. It proves how much i enjoyed the first book in this series.
From the first chapter of Enter Oblivion I recalled everyone from the first book in Cain series. I read half of this novel from around 5am when I stopped writing till just after 9am. Then took my six hours of napping, wrote some more then decidedly wondered this time before the bird songs of dawn, ‘what were Lalay, Cain, and Hanna or even the gods’ up to? So I took some time off and read the rest. It was an epic read. Loved the ending and how brilliantly true to their personalities every character was. I’m glad my mind got to adventure, explore and connect with the characters in this book. I needed the escape. I highly recommend this series. It never lacks in action, contains some good humor and the characters are fun getting to know.
Anyways onward to the next book. I might actually read the rest of the morning and take a break from writing. Forgive my caffeinated and long post. Point is read the Chronicles of Cain. You won’t be disappointed:)
This is a very enjoyable series. Memorable too. I say memorable because I have a habit of going on reading and writing binges and sometimes by the time it takes for a new release to come out I’ve forgotten the previous book relating to it.
Last night after I realized I’d written myself to the point song birds were singing in tune with my dogs snores and it was dawn, I figured it was time for chamomile tea and begin winding down reading some epic fantasy. Sun is up time to close my laptop and settle down with a book. Usually when it’s time to wind down, I read what’s on my Kindle App on iPad not usually remembering anything other than the characters of whatever Novel I’m working on in my head most of my day and night. Needless to say I hadn’t read part one in a long time. My brain was taxed yet Book one made such an impact that I was excited to read part two and recalled it well. That’s an accomplishment for my muddied ptsd brain. It proves how much i enjoyed the first book in this series.
From the first chapter of Enter Oblivion I recalled everyone from the first book in Cain series. I read half of this novel from around 5am when I stopped writing till just after 9am. Then took my six hours of napping, wrote some more then decidedly wondered this time before the bird songs of dawn, ‘what were Lalay, Cain, and Hanna or even the gods’ up to? So I took some time off and read the rest. It was an epic read. Loved the ending and how brilliantly true to their personalities every character was. I’m glad my mind got to adventure, explore and connect with the characters in this book. I needed the escape. I highly recommend this series. It never lacks in action, contains some good humor and the characters are fun getting to know.
Anyways onward to the next book. I might actually read the rest of the morning and take a break from writing. Forgive my caffeinated and long post. Point is read the Chronicles of Cain. You won’t be disappointed:)
January 30, 2024
I was wrong in my last review when I focused on the relationship between Hannah and Cain as the main element that felt like it hadn't earned its status. It turns out most of the elements in the book hadn't earned the status given to them by the end of the novel.
This is the equivalent of weak foundations when building a house. The rest of the building will only be as strong as its foundations, and if the foundations are weak, then it's not long before the rest comes crumbling down. This was very true for this novel.
I struggled to get into this novel because of the above-mentioned problem. To paraphrase the famous line, this book kept writing cheques that the story couldn't cash. Putting aside the Hannah relationship, I don't buy that Cain would be as emotionally invested in the elf bartender giving him the cold shoulder as he was, nor so invested in his friendship with Layla that she would be the friend he turns to when he needs someone he can trust.
And this problem goes beyond relationships as well. We have never been given the evidence that Cain is the badass that people treat him as, and he treats himself as in this book. He is working off a reputation that we have never seen him earn, especially as he shouldn't be a quarter as strong as his peak because he no longer has the Cthulu pearl.
There are so many elements in this book that felt underdeveloped that when this story started leveraging them, they all started to crumble, and my interest vanished. In hindsight, I gave the first book a lot of leeway as I assumed that later books would fill in the gaps in the development before that development was needed. However, by about the 40% mark of this novel, it was clear that this wouldn't be the case, and I kept losing interest in what I was reading.
Suddenly, without that interest, the other flaws in the writing style started to bug me more. The overreliance on popular character tropes, the juvenile sense of humour, and awkward sexual references, to name a few.
So, I decided to call it a day. It's 2-stars of enjoyment from me for this book, but I've been generous in rounding up because I think that a part of this dislike is personal taste.
This is the equivalent of weak foundations when building a house. The rest of the building will only be as strong as its foundations, and if the foundations are weak, then it's not long before the rest comes crumbling down. This was very true for this novel.
I struggled to get into this novel because of the above-mentioned problem. To paraphrase the famous line, this book kept writing cheques that the story couldn't cash. Putting aside the Hannah relationship, I don't buy that Cain would be as emotionally invested in the elf bartender giving him the cold shoulder as he was, nor so invested in his friendship with Layla that she would be the friend he turns to when he needs someone he can trust.
And this problem goes beyond relationships as well. We have never been given the evidence that Cain is the badass that people treat him as, and he treats himself as in this book. He is working off a reputation that we have never seen him earn, especially as he shouldn't be a quarter as strong as his peak because he no longer has the Cthulu pearl.
There are so many elements in this book that felt underdeveloped that when this story started leveraging them, they all started to crumble, and my interest vanished. In hindsight, I gave the first book a lot of leeway as I assumed that later books would fill in the gaps in the development before that development was needed. However, by about the 40% mark of this novel, it was clear that this wouldn't be the case, and I kept losing interest in what I was reading.
Suddenly, without that interest, the other flaws in the writing style started to bug me more. The overreliance on popular character tropes, the juvenile sense of humour, and awkward sexual references, to name a few.
So, I decided to call it a day. It's 2-stars of enjoyment from me for this book, but I've been generous in rounding up because I think that a part of this dislike is personal taste.
August 10, 2022
This is a very simplified synopsis of this book. A lot happens and many more entities are encountered than what I address here.
Cthulhu returns Hannah to Cain with the ultimatum that Cain teaches her how to use her powers within a month or he will destroy her. Realizing this may be an impossible task, Cain wants to locate a weapon made by the gods powerful enough to entice Cthulhu to trade it for Hannah.
An ogress and her cohorts also want to obtain one of these weapons. Layla accompanies them on this quest which first involves finding a map that will reveal where the weapons cache is located. The ogress betrays them once this objective is achieved and turns out to be in cahoots with Torvin, Cain's nemesis from his days living with the fae.
Layla, Aura, Hannah and Cain regroup and travel by submarine to Oblivion where the weapons are hidden. They have to battle their way to and from the cache. The drama doesn’t end there but continues once they arrive home.
Cthulhu returns Hannah to Cain with the ultimatum that Cain teaches her how to use her powers within a month or he will destroy her. Realizing this may be an impossible task, Cain wants to locate a weapon made by the gods powerful enough to entice Cthulhu to trade it for Hannah.
An ogress and her cohorts also want to obtain one of these weapons. Layla accompanies them on this quest which first involves finding a map that will reveal where the weapons cache is located. The ogress betrays them once this objective is achieved and turns out to be in cahoots with Torvin, Cain's nemesis from his days living with the fae.
Layla, Aura, Hannah and Cain regroup and travel by submarine to Oblivion where the weapons are hidden. They have to battle their way to and from the cache. The drama doesn’t end there but continues once they arrive home.
January 14, 2023
I am absolutely obsessed with this entertaining and inclusive (🏳️🌈) eight book series. Even better that I was able to read them all on Kindle unlimited. I was a little skeptical at first when I realized they were trying to combine fairies, Cthulhu mythos, werewolves, vampires, witches, etc. BUT I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!
I devoured this whole series in a couple of weeks so have been able to enjoy the story arc and character development. My only complaint is that the books are a little on shorter side (I want more Cain!).
No spoilers but if you like an ex-assassin who’s secretly a softy, kids with powers, or good eldritch monsters you won’t be disappointed.
I devoured this whole series in a couple of weeks so have been able to enjoy the story arc and character development. My only complaint is that the books are a little on shorter side (I want more Cain!).
No spoilers but if you like an ex-assassin who’s secretly a softy, kids with powers, or good eldritch monsters you won’t be disappointed.
April 7, 2023
Book two of the series. I wanted to rate it a 3.5 but of course Goodreads doesnt allow that. This book is a solid 7 out of 10.
I enjoyed book one more than this one but I did still enjoy this one. For me, one of the main characters from book one, Layla, feels like she has changed. She is different and I didnt like her as much in this one. It kind of rubbed me wrong for the entire book. I cant really put my finger on it, it just felt off.
The story continues and the action is there in buckets full. The character development is still there and for the most part making sense.
Book three is on the pile and I will be getting to it.
I enjoyed book one more than this one but I did still enjoy this one. For me, one of the main characters from book one, Layla, feels like she has changed. She is different and I didnt like her as much in this one. It kind of rubbed me wrong for the entire book. I cant really put my finger on it, it just felt off.
The story continues and the action is there in buckets full. The character development is still there and for the most part making sense.
Book three is on the pile and I will be getting to it.
February 24, 2024
NO SPOILERS.
Book one, To Kill a Unicorn, was such a fun read that I had to jump to the next story right away. Book two in the Chronicles of Cain upped the stakes in both world expansion and character backstories, but Enter Oblivion lacked the IT that made book one great for me.
Now, the story was still entertaining, both with the action and interaction of our main characters. I just felt that the consequences of dealing with the "upper beings" didn't hit. Felt slightly brushed aside. Almost like the big "bads" didn't have enough power. Evil.
Still, lots to explore within the Chronicles of Cain series. Certainly will continue reading.
Book one, To Kill a Unicorn, was such a fun read that I had to jump to the next story right away. Book two in the Chronicles of Cain upped the stakes in both world expansion and character backstories, but Enter Oblivion lacked the IT that made book one great for me.
Now, the story was still entertaining, both with the action and interaction of our main characters. I just felt that the consequences of dealing with the "upper beings" didn't hit. Felt slightly brushed aside. Almost like the big "bads" didn't have enough power. Evil.
Still, lots to explore within the Chronicles of Cain series. Certainly will continue reading.
September 19, 2024
Action packed Urban Fantasy!
Well written fast paced Urban Fantasy with fun characters! I really like how John Corwin ties in so many Pantheons, myths, and mythological creatures into a world setting based in our current world with a new concept on magic. Unexpected twists and turns in the plot, and the MC had to use some actual thought process, problem solving, not just be the biggest baddest dude with the strongest magic, like is so common in other Fantasy stories. Add in a little light-hearted humor and dark humor, and this book is a winner!
Well written fast paced Urban Fantasy with fun characters! I really like how John Corwin ties in so many Pantheons, myths, and mythological creatures into a world setting based in our current world with a new concept on magic. Unexpected twists and turns in the plot, and the MC had to use some actual thought process, problem solving, not just be the biggest baddest dude with the strongest magic, like is so common in other Fantasy stories. Add in a little light-hearted humor and dark humor, and this book is a winner!
July 26, 2021
Even Better Than The First
I’m always leery of second books, sometimes they just don’t measure up to the First, even if the first ended on a cliffhanger. This second book did not fail. It was just as exciting it not more than the first. It loved the plot along and answers some questions but there’s still plenty more to find out. Love this world & these characters.
Looking forward to #3.
I’m always leery of second books, sometimes they just don’t measure up to the First, even if the first ended on a cliffhanger. This second book did not fail. It was just as exciting it not more than the first. It loved the plot along and answers some questions but there’s still plenty more to find out. Love this world & these characters.
Looking forward to #3.
January 19, 2022
worlds apart
Just to many people want to kill Cain and take Hannah but the assassin has grown to fond of her to give her up so by any and all means at his disposal he keeps her safe but she has her own mind the story line was great until it got to busy and I was almost done but it picked back up with in a couple of chapters and finished woos bang so worth the effort and looking forward to book 3
Just to many people want to kill Cain and take Hannah but the assassin has grown to fond of her to give her up so by any and all means at his disposal he keeps her safe but she has her own mind the story line was great until it got to busy and I was almost done but it picked back up with in a couple of chapters and finished woos bang so worth the effort and looking forward to book 3
May 5, 2022
This is a great series, and perfect for a fun, summer read. I really enjoyed the book. It did get bogged down a little towards the end. I kept thinking that the author may be setting up another detail for the next book, but I mushed on and appreciated that the end wasn't just an easy solution to Cain's problems. I am now on to the next book. Please read the series if you are reading this review. I am now on to book 3.
September 5, 2024
Enter Oblivion
Enter Oblivion was a marginal but noticeable improvement over the last book. Mainly because Cain’s female companions weren’t as prevelant or around each other as much, which meant less weird, out of character arguing and random outbursts. When the book is focused on the story, action, and actual character moments, it actually keeps me interested. But there are still weird and cringey moments that make me wary of continuing the series.
Enter Oblivion was a marginal but noticeable improvement over the last book. Mainly because Cain’s female companions weren’t as prevelant or around each other as much, which meant less weird, out of character arguing and random outbursts. When the book is focused on the story, action, and actual character moments, it actually keeps me interested. But there are still weird and cringey moments that make me wary of continuing the series.
September 9, 2025
I enjoyed it but there are some annoying parts. 1. That Cain needs to have sex (and not interesting sex) with any female he comes across. Completely unnecessary. 2. Layla is super annoying and I'm tired of her ragging on Hannah. 3. As someone who lived in Atlanta for a long time, it's pronounced Lake LAN-EAR not LAN-YER. I cringe every time the narrator mispronounces it. A 2 second google search could have prevented that!
November 18, 2020
I burn through a 2-3 books a week.... mostly Kindle Unlimited. I has a long streak of mediocre books and some just plain bad. This is an exception. Great book, engaging characters and couldn't put it down. If you like modern fantasy, action, and characters that develop into something more than sex toys you'll enjoy this series.
November 29, 2021
Riveting
After reading the first book (which a was excellent), i had to read the second. I was not disappointed. Cain is an excellent character with lost of room to grow. In this story, Cain tries to save Hannah, with the help of Layla and the elf. He gets embroiled with the gods and makes some friends as well as some new enemies.
After reading the first book (which a was excellent), i had to read the second. I was not disappointed. Cain is an excellent character with lost of room to grow. In this story, Cain tries to save Hannah, with the help of Layla and the elf. He gets embroiled with the gods and makes some friends as well as some new enemies.
March 20, 2023
A fun continuation of the events in the first book.
All the mains return. New friends and foes are added.
We learn a bit more about Cain's past and struggles with Cthulhu continue.
If you liked the first, this is more of the same. Enjoyable with enough good distractions and red herrings that you do forget that it's fairly linear. Still enjoyable.
All the mains return. New friends and foes are added.
We learn a bit more about Cain's past and struggles with Cthulhu continue.
If you liked the first, this is more of the same. Enjoyable with enough good distractions and red herrings that you do forget that it's fairly linear. Still enjoyable.
June 8, 2025
I am enjoying this series.
It has a bit of everything. Magic, humor, quests, intrigue, fae, Old Gods, mystery, demigods. John Vote on writes a very interesting story for sure. I like all the characters and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series and find out what Cain is.
It has a bit of everything. Magic, humor, quests, intrigue, fae, Old Gods, mystery, demigods. John Vote on writes a very interesting story for sure. I like all the characters and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series and find out what Cain is.
June 8, 2025
Great
This book (and series) so far reminds me of an epic fantasy like The Hobbit or Harry Potter. I believe this is an epic series with lots of intrigue, otherwordly characters, comedy, tragedy and fantasy. Cannot wait to see where this goes and how these characters develop and mature.
Excellent reading.
This book (and series) so far reminds me of an epic fantasy like The Hobbit or Harry Potter. I believe this is an epic series with lots of intrigue, otherwordly characters, comedy, tragedy and fantasy. Cannot wait to see where this goes and how these characters develop and mature.
Excellent reading.
August 29, 2020
World almost ending fun apocalypse
Volume two is actually more fun than volume one because it takes itself a little less seriously. The unreal be in which the gang is reassembled is very quirky and the blood moves on quickly and act interstellar scale-very funny
Volume two is actually more fun than volume one because it takes itself a little less seriously. The unreal be in which the gang is reassembled is very quirky and the blood moves on quickly and act interstellar scale-very funny
October 27, 2021
Magic rules
Cain has kept Mr coming back for the third helping of this series. Delicious and just wonderful writing. I am starting the third in the series so bye for now. I have a date with Cain. Giggle
Cain has kept Mr coming back for the third helping of this series. Delicious and just wonderful writing. I am starting the third in the series so bye for now. I have a date with Cain. Giggle
June 9, 2022
couldn’t put the book down
The character development and deep story lines into the world of Gods and Magic sets this apart. Wonderful story with hilarious and sometimes really great retelling into the different pantheons. I could not recommend these books more.
The character development and deep story lines into the world of Gods and Magic sets this apart. Wonderful story with hilarious and sometimes really great retelling into the different pantheons. I could not recommend these books more.
January 6, 2024
Good Continuance of the series. Dan continues to find his great s he free himself from has own part while finding a family that he can belong to. An epic urban fantasy that continues with insight to the belong factions and why different characters are the way they are.
January 27, 2025
Good Read
Good reading, well written. Magic, a great bartender, elves, and a car named Delores. Sprinkled with a bit of sex, a measure of adventure, and some really bad bad guys. Hits about every base.
Good reading, well written. Magic, a great bartender, elves, and a car named Delores. Sprinkled with a bit of sex, a measure of adventure, and some really bad bad guys. Hits about every base.
March 5, 2025
Fascinating and sometimes confusing read
I read book 1 too. Both have been fascinating and sometimes confusing read at times. But the characters are interesting and fun. Enjoyed both books and will continue reading this series.
I read book 1 too. Both have been fascinating and sometimes confusing read at times. But the characters are interesting and fun. Enjoyed both books and will continue reading this series.
June 17, 2021
Great
Lots and lots of action. Characters are still flawed and intriguing. Plot was great. Visiting different worlds was exciting and met numerous Gods. 👍👍
Lots and lots of action. Characters are still flawed and intriguing. Plot was great. Visiting different worlds was exciting and met numerous Gods. 👍👍
July 30, 2021
And the journey continues. Great job!!!
January 18, 2022
Great adventure
Cain is my hero. Hannah makes me smile. Character development is fun. Then there's Fred. Can we shift the power center? Time will tell.
Cain is my hero. Hannah makes me smile. Character development is fun. Then there's Fred. Can we shift the power center? Time will tell.
April 7, 2022
a great read.
I have enjoyed the first two book of this series very much. Totally worth reading. Going to start the next one soon.
I have enjoyed the first two book of this series very much. Totally worth reading. Going to start the next one soon.
August 2, 2022
Great read, really like the concept of different planes of Earth .
October 14, 2022
It was wonderful to get to know all of the characters more. I enjoy how different pantheons mix in this book. I am really curious as to what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews