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Axe Druid #4
Into the Darkness
A General defeated. The Hells navigated. Time for the real work to begin.
Balmur has been rescued, and War has lost one of his powerhouses. What more could Zeke and his team want?
Taking the time to train and rearm themselves seems like a great idea now that they are all back together, but nothing is ever that easy. An unexpected ‘guest’ puts the growing village of Sunrise in danger, but the uneasy alliance that grows allows the group to start tracking the location of another General. Royal negotiations, his growing relationship with a certain Fae Queen, and the threat of the Drow—seems like Zeke and the crew have their work cut out for them.
Not all is as it seems, and the boys will have to be more than they ever have been if they want to survive the journey Into the Darkness.
Balmur has been rescued, and War has lost one of his powerhouses. What more could Zeke and his team want?
Taking the time to train and rearm themselves seems like a great idea now that they are all back together, but nothing is ever that easy. An unexpected ‘guest’ puts the growing village of Sunrise in danger, but the uneasy alliance that grows allows the group to start tracking the location of another General. Royal negotiations, his growing relationship with a certain Fae Queen, and the threat of the Drow—seems like Zeke and the crew have their work cut out for them.
Not all is as it seems, and the boys will have to be more than they ever have been if they want to survive the journey Into the Darkness.
- GenresFantasy
661 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2020
154 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 13, 2020
Another great entry in the series
The story seems to have slowed down some, which is an issue that I had with this series previously. We get a lot more world building this time around and also get some dungeon diving that takes place, overall setting up a great start to the next arc in the series.
There's a bit more slippage back into the "bro" culture that was prevalent in the first book, but it didn't slip enough to be an issue with the enjoyment of the story.
The story seems to have slowed down some, which is an issue that I had with this series previously. We get a lot more world building this time around and also get some dungeon diving that takes place, overall setting up a great start to the next arc in the series.
There's a bit more slippage back into the "bro" culture that was prevalent in the first book, but it didn't slip enough to be an issue with the enjoyment of the story.
March 20, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
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.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
March 5, 2022
I don't think it was the book's fault that I struggled, but I believe I started this in January. In the meantime, I've read (*checks*) hundreds of pages of other stuff. Something about this was just no longer floating my boat.
Maybe it's the start of the harem (no thanks). Maybe it's the "oh no I'm such a bad fur (feather / scale) parent". But really, I think I struggled before either of those elements popped up.
Maybe I'm starting to reach saturation on litrpg?
So, really, I am blaming me for this one.
My Johns is a fine author, and I've enjoyed his writing before this. But, at least for now, I'm calling this the end of the line for me and this series. In a couple years, maybe I'll come back. One thing the author does that I really appreciate is he provides a bit of a summary and re-introduction at the start of the books. Even when it isn't years between books in a series, it's typically thousands of pages of other books - reintroductions are really useful.
Maybe it's the start of the harem (no thanks). Maybe it's the "oh no I'm such a bad fur (feather / scale) parent". But really, I think I struggled before either of those elements popped up.
Maybe I'm starting to reach saturation on litrpg?
So, really, I am blaming me for this one.
My Johns is a fine author, and I've enjoyed his writing before this. But, at least for now, I'm calling this the end of the line for me and this series. In a couple years, maybe I'll come back. One thing the author does that I really appreciate is he provides a bit of a summary and re-introduction at the start of the books. Even when it isn't years between books in a series, it's typically thousands of pages of other books - reintroductions are really useful.
April 5, 2020
Still a very fun read
I know, I know, 5 stars. It was too fun to not read. The good and the bad, not wasting time with ALL of the prompts like some authors do. The balance was almost perfect. You still get the adventure feel without too much of the game interrupts.
The downside is that I seen all of team falling to some sort of curse/gift if the pattern continues, it's between 2 and 4 depending on how you count things. Also, 1 of the curses created a GREAT opening for powers early in the book and I feel that it was not capitalised on like it should have been.
I am trying to dodge giving out spoilers. So thus the vagaries, if the author reads this he'll know that of which I speak though.
I know, I know, 5 stars. It was too fun to not read. The good and the bad, not wasting time with ALL of the prompts like some authors do. The balance was almost perfect. You still get the adventure feel without too much of the game interrupts.
The downside is that I seen all of team falling to some sort of curse/gift if the pattern continues, it's between 2 and 4 depending on how you count things. Also, 1 of the curses created a GREAT opening for powers early in the book and I feel that it was not capitalised on like it should have been.
I am trying to dodge giving out spoilers. So thus the vagaries, if the author reads this he'll know that of which I speak though.
October 16, 2020
As you would expect from a book four in a series, this is not a suitable point to join the series, particularly since you would have missed out on three highly entertaining listens in the process.
For those returning to this series once again, this is another quality instalment in the series that delivers a strong story in it's own right, while also working well to progress the overall arc of the series itself with significant changes that push the story on nicely.
The narrator again delivers another entertaining performance with their narration that helps to draw the listener into the book even more.
Overall, this book was a very enjoyable listen and the pacing was so good that I didn't even notice it was almost a third longer than book three until after I'd finished it.
For those returning to this series once again, this is another quality instalment in the series that delivers a strong story in it's own right, while also working well to progress the overall arc of the series itself with significant changes that push the story on nicely.
The narrator again delivers another entertaining performance with their narration that helps to draw the listener into the book even more.
Overall, this book was a very enjoyable listen and the pacing was so good that I didn't even notice it was almost a third longer than book three until after I'd finished it.
April 13, 2020
Such a great entry into the series
A but slow at the start, but thats probably more my personal opinion than an actual pacing problem. There are some fantastic scenes in this book and some great character development to go along with them. Im loving the epic scope of this adventure. Large scale comvat scenes tend to get a bit chaotic at times but they ttie themselves back up really well. I don't always care for the "breaking the 4th wall" stuff or the way the main character acts, but I can't possibly deny just how great this story is. I am absolutely in it for the long haul withthis series. Can't wait for the next entry.
A but slow at the start, but thats probably more my personal opinion than an actual pacing problem. There are some fantastic scenes in this book and some great character development to go along with them. Im loving the epic scope of this adventure. Large scale comvat scenes tend to get a bit chaotic at times but they ttie themselves back up really well. I don't always care for the "breaking the 4th wall" stuff or the way the main character acts, but I can't possibly deny just how great this story is. I am absolutely in it for the long haul withthis series. Can't wait for the next entry.
June 21, 2020
An exciting trip down below through a dungeon, what could go wrong?
The incredible group mechanics they have allow them to quickly train and power level two new members, one temporary and one permanent.
Finding and gaming entry to the dungeon is a grand adventure on its own, and that’s only part one of their mission to the Great Below!
Giant worms, drow, driders, beasts large and small, vampires and goblins, oh my! Out heroes carve through some, make deals with others, and navigate the world upon their quests.
They are chasing rumors of a General of War’s among the drow, but they find less and more.
The incredible group mechanics they have allow them to quickly train and power level two new members, one temporary and one permanent.
Finding and gaming entry to the dungeon is a grand adventure on its own, and that’s only part one of their mission to the Great Below!
Giant worms, drow, driders, beasts large and small, vampires and goblins, oh my! Out heroes carve through some, make deals with others, and navigate the world upon their quests.
They are chasing rumors of a General of War’s among the drow, but they find less and more.
July 10, 2024
Into the Darkness
Zeke and the rest of his crew have successfully hunted down and destroyed 3 of War’s generals. The problem is that there are more and they are well aware of them. They are also making clear threats. That will not do. Time to go after the generals.
It had been a while since I read book 3, so the rehash at the beginning was very helpful. This is a great example of an Isekai epic journey. Many of the higher powers are starting to get more involved. The last 3 or 4 chapters were very intense! I’m looking forward to reading the next one! I listened to this as part of the books 4-6 omnibus. BJ Harrison did a great job with the narration!
Content warning: language
Zeke and the rest of his crew have successfully hunted down and destroyed 3 of War’s generals. The problem is that there are more and they are well aware of them. They are also making clear threats. That will not do. Time to go after the generals.
It had been a while since I read book 3, so the rehash at the beginning was very helpful. This is a great example of an Isekai epic journey. Many of the higher powers are starting to get more involved. The last 3 or 4 chapters were very intense! I’m looking forward to reading the next one! I listened to this as part of the books 4-6 omnibus. BJ Harrison did a great job with the narration!
Content warning: language
March 28, 2020
More story, less game mechanics
This was quite a ride. As has happened previous books, I though the Big Bad was going to be one place and it ended up at another. Great fun.
The main characters are getting pretty powerful, and their enemies are getting there as well. One thing I noticed is that there is a lot more story here and less RPG mechanics. And in this case, it is a good thing. There was enough rpg to lead some interesting places without it dominating the story. (Sometimes the RPG stuff is just as important in this genre.)
This was quite a ride. As has happened previous books, I though the Big Bad was going to be one place and it ended up at another. Great fun.
The main characters are getting pretty powerful, and their enemies are getting there as well. One thing I noticed is that there is a lot more story here and less RPG mechanics. And in this case, it is a good thing. There was enough rpg to lead some interesting places without it dominating the story. (Sometimes the RPG stuff is just as important in this genre.)
March 14, 2020
Absolutely terrific
This book was very fun to read. The world, characters, and story all grow deeper and more interesting with each new volume. The only detractor from this book was the fourth-wall breaking, which became a bit jarring at times, and a bit annoying at others
This book was very fun to read. The world, characters, and story all grow deeper and more interesting with each new volume. The only detractor from this book was the fourth-wall breaking, which became a bit jarring at times, and a bit annoying at others
March 16, 2020
Great edition again
Great series, really enjoying it, had to wait ages for this one, hopefully next is sooner. Great characters, story and world created. Well passed, good humour, wide world, lots happens and cannot wait for the 5th
Great series, really enjoying it, had to wait ages for this one, hopefully next is sooner. Great characters, story and world created. Well passed, good humour, wide world, lots happens and cannot wait for the 5th
December 2, 2021
I read through the first 30% of the book and got super bored. I don't like the village that the MC is staying in and as a result the start of every storyline gets super boring. The series is definitely among the top 25% of LitRPG out there but it's just not for me.
March 19, 2020
Liked it
It took me a little bit to get into this one. But the ending was great and I will definitely keep reading the series.
It took me a little bit to get into this one. But the ending was great and I will definitely keep reading the series.
March 23, 2020
Beautiful job.
I love it. I read the entire series non-stop. Please don't stop writing. You have a great imagination and creativity.
I love it. I read the entire series non-stop. Please don't stop writing. You have a great imagination and creativity.
April 15, 2020
Great action
The writing is still a bit rambling at times and usually flow of consciousness which can get confusing. But the action scenes are usually well written and engaging.
The writing is still a bit rambling at times and usually flow of consciousness which can get confusing. But the action scenes are usually well written and engaging.
May 3, 2020
Great series, I enjoyed the story immensely and the characters are very relatable. Looking forward to the story continuing
January 22, 2021
As awesome as the others, looking forward to the next one.
October 19, 2021
Not quite as good, I felt...too much crafting...then it got much better toward the end...
January 23, 2022
This one might be my favorite of the series up to this point! 👍🏾👍🏾
March 31, 2022
These stories are progressively getting worse. The main character is starting to behave more and more like a jerk. Maybe he needs to lose his other arm permanently.
May 9, 2020
A lot of the same issues as prior books in the series. It is just kind of sloppy. Unrealistic at every turn, weird characters and relationships, nonsensical magic system, just a mess.
January 12, 2021
Deeeep
Why wouldn't this book go deep? It makes the party do such a thing physically, so why not emotionally as well? This trip to fun-town helps our boys deal a few desperately needed-to-air issues. There are also some squeal out loud moments, for those audibly joyous amongst us. All-around good time.
Why wouldn't this book go deep? It makes the party do such a thing physically, so why not emotionally as well? This trip to fun-town helps our boys deal a few desperately needed-to-air issues. There are also some squeal out loud moments, for those audibly joyous amongst us. All-around good time.
May 6, 2020
A true gem
For the longest time, I had forgotten that this series existed. I just remembered "The Hammer Falls" and Muu being the comedic relief. Thank God I found this book. Serious when it needed to be and light enough to keep reading with a smile on my face. It is a piece of work that I would recommend to all my friends who red litrpg.
For the longest time, I had forgotten that this series existed. I just remembered "The Hammer Falls" and Muu being the comedic relief. Thank God I found this book. Serious when it needed to be and light enough to keep reading with a smile on my face. It is a piece of work that I would recommend to all my friends who red litrpg.
February 28, 2021
Just ‘Wow’
The anticipation was killing me. The read totally restored my health and mana. This series continues to be awesome. A full bodied, single sitting read by me tells you what I thought. Most excellent.
The anticipation was killing me. The read totally restored my health and mana. This series continues to be awesome. A full bodied, single sitting read by me tells you what I thought. Most excellent.
June 5, 2021
A good tale with lots of adventure, leveling, and exploration of the world.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews