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The Chain Breaker #4
The Stone Wolf
A new magic threatens to destroy Gavin—or change him forever.
Gavin has secured the city, preventing the deadly Fates from bringing their terrible sorcery back to Yoran, but Tristan remains at large. Their fight had been a test, and Gavin knows he can’t fail the next one.
When a strange attack pushes him to reveal the depths of his magic, Gavin knows Tristan has returned to finish what he started. This time, he’s working with a power greater than any sorcerer—and something Gavin has never faced.
A friend’s abduction forces Gavin to take action he never would have considered in order to save them and stop Tristan. He must use all his connections in the city, but even that might not be enough to save them—or stop a plan that’s been in play for years.
The Chain Breaker will not be enough.
He must find a way to become something more than he’d ever trained to be.
Gavin has secured the city, preventing the deadly Fates from bringing their terrible sorcery back to Yoran, but Tristan remains at large. Their fight had been a test, and Gavin knows he can’t fail the next one.
When a strange attack pushes him to reveal the depths of his magic, Gavin knows Tristan has returned to finish what he started. This time, he’s working with a power greater than any sorcerer—and something Gavin has never faced.
A friend’s abduction forces Gavin to take action he never would have considered in order to save them and stop Tristan. He must use all his connections in the city, but even that might not be enough to save them—or stop a plan that’s been in play for years.
The Chain Breaker will not be enough.
He must find a way to become something more than he’d ever trained to be.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2021
726 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 14, 2022
My initial impressions were that Gavin has distanced himself from his friends to protect them and is concerned bad stuff seems to follow him.
In the beginning Wrenlow is trying to be something he’s not, a bit annoying but it’s just a personal view.. ;-)
Gavin is discovering some new techniques with his magic I sometimes think he relies too much on the El’aras dagger and sword.
As the story continued it was clear to me that someone was trying to get to Gavin . Could it be Tristan or someone else? It took Gavin a long time to come to a decision what to do about it though..
It seemed that the Enchanters are more powerful than Gavin and possibly Sorcerers. They also seem to know more about his magic/abilities than him. I’d have thought by now (over 45% in and 3 books later) Gavin would have tried to learn more about his abilities and others who have magic/abilities too. Anna of the El’aras offered to help but turned her down to protect the city. he may not need to do that anymore so he could leave which seems to be frequently on his mind the last couple of books.
Gavin has been obsessed with the dark egg since he got it. He thinks everyone wants it. Going off the few encounters he’s had with these very powerful people they clearly have no idea what he’s talking about. They’re obviously after something else which if I remember they actually asked for. Duh Think the magic powder is killing his brain cells.. ;-)
After his ordeal I started to feel a bit different about Wrenlow. Maybe he’s not as dim as he comes across as, he demonstrates compassion and understanding in certain situations that Gavin fails to do.
On the whole lots of magical fighting/techniques, more Sorcerer types to deal with and good character development as well as some very powerful new ones. Very satisfying ending with an epic battle. I was really glad Imogen got to have a bigger mention as up until now I’ve just been guessing about her. Would like to learn more as she’s a fascinating character and hope her story develops more.
In the beginning Wrenlow is trying to be something he’s not, a bit annoying but it’s just a personal view.. ;-)
Gavin is discovering some new techniques with his magic I sometimes think he relies too much on the El’aras dagger and sword.
As the story continued it was clear to me that someone was trying to get to Gavin . Could it be Tristan or someone else? It took Gavin a long time to come to a decision what to do about it though..
It seemed that the Enchanters are more powerful than Gavin and possibly Sorcerers. They also seem to know more about his magic/abilities than him. I’d have thought by now (over 45% in and 3 books later) Gavin would have tried to learn more about his abilities and others who have magic/abilities too. Anna of the El’aras offered to help but turned her down to protect the city. he may not need to do that anymore so he could leave which seems to be frequently on his mind the last couple of books.
Gavin has been obsessed with the dark egg since he got it. He thinks everyone wants it. Going off the few encounters he’s had with these very powerful people they clearly have no idea what he’s talking about. They’re obviously after something else which if I remember they actually asked for. Duh Think the magic powder is killing his brain cells.. ;-)
After his ordeal I started to feel a bit different about Wrenlow. Maybe he’s not as dim as he comes across as, he demonstrates compassion and understanding in certain situations that Gavin fails to do.
On the whole lots of magical fighting/techniques, more Sorcerer types to deal with and good character development as well as some very powerful new ones. Very satisfying ending with an epic battle. I was really glad Imogen got to have a bigger mention as up until now I’ve just been guessing about her. Would like to learn more as she’s a fascinating character and hope her story develops more.
March 9, 2021
Another great magical fantasy story. Gavin is strong and trying to keep Yoran safe. Once you start reading, you’re totally intrigued with the entire book. Loved it.
January 22, 2022
Alright. Wrenlow is off limits. I love how protective Gavin is of him but at the same time allowing him to experience a little of the danger Gavin himself deals with. I liked seeing a little more of the side characters like Mekel, Jayna and Daval. There’s a few more but these interest me more. Jessica is one that I feel doesn’t bring much to the story but I don’t dislike her either. I really enjoyed this read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2021
In the interest of full disclosure, I reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of the book, in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have read, reviewed, and ultimately purchased the three prior books in this series, and just purchased this book in paperback.
This is the fourth book in the series, featuring the primary character Gavin, an assassin turned protector of a city troubled by outside magical threats. This book features further development of some of Gavin's associates as well as the nature of the threats posed to Gavin and the city by his former teacher and master manipulator, Tristan. This is the first book in which the author takes Gavin outside of the city and the comfort of his associates, during which he is forced to work collectively within a team he has developed, although it is against the nature of his training. Holmberg introduces two characters he has developed in another series, which make more than a passing cameo in this book, serving to establish an effective tie-in between the two series.
While describing a series of conflicts and fights, Holmberg is not salacious in the depiction of the violence. While there are references to interpersonal romantic relationships, there was no content of a sexual nature that I recall. This book did not contain any content which I would be worried about serving as a trigger to strong reader emotion, such as sexual or domestic violence or sexually discriminating language. Holmberg presents another great continuation to his storyline, with a good end point chosen, in which he offers a completed plot line, with hooks set for the next story in the series.
I look forward to your next book, Mr. Holmberg. I love both this series (Chain Breaker) and your Executioner series and recommend both to potential readers!
This is the fourth book in the series, featuring the primary character Gavin, an assassin turned protector of a city troubled by outside magical threats. This book features further development of some of Gavin's associates as well as the nature of the threats posed to Gavin and the city by his former teacher and master manipulator, Tristan. This is the first book in which the author takes Gavin outside of the city and the comfort of his associates, during which he is forced to work collectively within a team he has developed, although it is against the nature of his training. Holmberg introduces two characters he has developed in another series, which make more than a passing cameo in this book, serving to establish an effective tie-in between the two series.
While describing a series of conflicts and fights, Holmberg is not salacious in the depiction of the violence. While there are references to interpersonal romantic relationships, there was no content of a sexual nature that I recall. This book did not contain any content which I would be worried about serving as a trigger to strong reader emotion, such as sexual or domestic violence or sexually discriminating language. Holmberg presents another great continuation to his storyline, with a good end point chosen, in which he offers a completed plot line, with hooks set for the next story in the series.
I look forward to your next book, Mr. Holmberg. I love both this series (Chain Breaker) and your Executioner series and recommend both to potential readers!
August 27, 2021
Great story - dreadful editing it’s like the old dungeons and dragons
Great story - dreadful editing it’s like the old dungeons and dragons where the author chooses one minute to leave the dark egg and the next still hasn’t decided. One minute he says somethings destroyed the next he has it again. Someone needs to re edit this for continuity
Great story - dreadful editing it’s like the old dungeons and dragons where the author chooses one minute to leave the dark egg and the next still hasn’t decided. One minute he says somethings destroyed the next he has it again. Someone needs to re edit this for continuity
March 7, 2021
Gavin had promised to keep Yoran safe after getting the constables and the enchanters working together and the use of magic accepted up to a certain extent. However he had not pictured Tristan back in his life so soon and Gavin knew that he must want something from him! When Wrenlow and Olivia were kidnapped, Gavin together with Gaspar and Imogen who were now part of his crew set off in search of their friends, traveling to Nelar, a city from Gavin's past. All were armed with as many enchantments as they could carry and they had the stone golems to travel on and protect them. However the assailants they came in contact with and had to battle were too magically powerful even for Gavin, so much so that he had to call on Anna, the Risen Shard of the El'aras for help. Gavin fought against the Toral, an enchantress and her assistant whose magic use he had never encountered. The were after the T'ranth and accused Gavin of having this but he had no clue what they were after. He knew he had to get them on his side to work together if they were to defeat the one playing them and using his friends as bait. Can Gavin save his friends, keep Yoran safe and find out who was in fact pulling his strings? Gavin was following a lot of assumptions, which left him unprepared for what he encountered. I love this thrilling series, really loved the stone wolf and the new magic users, but hope that Gavin does start training in earnest with the El'aras and claiming who he really is and not who Tristan wanted him to be. He is more than just the chain breaker I am sure! Maybe we get to find out more in the next book!
March 9, 2021
Gavin thinks Tristan is back and Is after the dark egg. Plus a strange sorceress has attacked him claiming he has a artifact that belongs to her. Gavin thinks she is working with Tristan when Wrenlow and Olivia are kidnapped. Gavin Gaspar and Imogen must travel from Yoran in an attempt to rescue his friends. But not everything is as it seems is the strange sorceress really his enemy. Plus is Tristan really behind the kidnapping. This latest installment is full of twists and turns and Gavin begins to learn more about his capabilities. Definitely recommend this and the whole series.
April 27, 2021
Slow character development
It seems like everyone else has a better understanding of Gavin's capabilities than him. What I don't understand is why he never asks anyone to share with him? It's frustrating to read because it's obvious that others have an idea about his abilities, but he never presses the situation. What kind of assassin doesn't know how to extract information... or ask a simple question. It's as if he is experiencing ongoing trauma and trust issues. So he isolates himself. It happens in reality, but it's not that great to read.
It seems like everyone else has a better understanding of Gavin's capabilities than him. What I don't understand is why he never asks anyone to share with him? It's frustrating to read because it's obvious that others have an idea about his abilities, but he never presses the situation. What kind of assassin doesn't know how to extract information... or ask a simple question. It's as if he is experiencing ongoing trauma and trust issues. So he isolates himself. It happens in reality, but it's not that great to read.
March 13, 2021
Fantastic! I have loved every book in this series so far and this one isn't any different. This is a phenomenal world and the author has a finesse that brings these novels together and makes them extraordinary. I'm excited to read the next one. Gavin has tapped into new power and Anna is going to teach him how to use it. I can't wait.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 17, 2021
I really enjoy D.K. Holmberg's work.
Some great storytelling and I really got randomly attached to these animated stone wolves he introduced as a horse replacement which was quite fun as well as getting to explore more of this fantasy world outside of the original city.
A lot of fighting as well as some great sub-story building up throughout the series so far I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Some great storytelling and I really got randomly attached to these animated stone wolves he introduced as a horse replacement which was quite fun as well as getting to explore more of this fantasy world outside of the original city.
A lot of fighting as well as some great sub-story building up throughout the series so far I look forward to seeing what comes next.
February 3, 2023
the chain of thought
Gavin and his city are under attack once again. but this time it appears to be much more personal. has Tristan returned? fighting a sorcerous power greater than his own causes Gavin to find a new power beyond any he'd known before
nice energy play in the battles with the surprises laid out well. character interaction is superb. I really enjoy all of this series
Gavin and his city are under attack once again. but this time it appears to be much more personal. has Tristan returned? fighting a sorcerous power greater than his own causes Gavin to find a new power beyond any he'd known before
nice energy play in the battles with the surprises laid out well. character interaction is superb. I really enjoy all of this series
May 4, 2025
Summary: Good fantasy story, very interesting characters, great plot, and layers of intrigue. Really enjoyed this one. Book 2 build on the theme - really good. Book 3 even better. Book 4 dragged a bit, but still entertaining
Plotline: Plot moves on swiftly with plenty of action
Premise: More to learn, but interesting magic system etc
Writing: simple, great characters
Ending: Oh yes
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Plot moves on swiftly with plenty of action
Premise: More to learn, but interesting magic system etc
Writing: simple, great characters
Ending: Oh yes
Pace: Never a dull moment!
May 8, 2021
This is a series. Can't pick it up here and understand the development of the people and the relationships. Only criticism I would have is that the author gets repetitive in some of his explanations. I just skip over this, saying to myself, yes, I know this. Interesting characters, we get more development of the secondary people too this time, and he has set us up for the next one too.
December 3, 2022
More going om
The main character, Gavin, is beginning to fully accept is one magic just as things in the city start hearing up again. I enjoyed this fourth novel in the series, although i feel that it could have explained more about some of the new aspects it brings into the story. Still interested to see where the next story Silk is.
The main character, Gavin, is beginning to fully accept is one magic just as things in the city start hearing up again. I enjoyed this fourth novel in the series, although i feel that it could have explained more about some of the new aspects it brings into the story. Still interested to see where the next story Silk is.
September 10, 2023
Awesome series, exciting and intriguing!!!!!
Congratulations to D.K. Holmberg for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Congratulations to D.K. Holmberg for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
October 14, 2023
Continues the saga
The continued story of growth, understanding, power, and dare we say love? Gavin learns more of who and what he is as his friendships and training unfold.
Well written characters, secrets revealed, and enough action to keep you coming back for more... all told from Gavin's mind and interactions. "Don't worry, reader, there are more!"
The continued story of growth, understanding, power, and dare we say love? Gavin learns more of who and what he is as his friendships and training unfold.
Well written characters, secrets revealed, and enough action to keep you coming back for more... all told from Gavin's mind and interactions. "Don't worry, reader, there are more!"
March 20, 2021
Gavin after years of fighting the battles alone adopts a new way of fighting the battles as a team, with the help of his friends. Whether this will be enough to win against Tristan remains to be seen.
This series has been an enjoyable fantasy read and a magical experience.
This series has been an enjoyable fantasy read and a magical experience.
August 21, 2021
More Trouble for Gavin
This guy can get into more trouble than most lead fantasy characters. The trouble almost gets a little too fantastical, especially as Gavin rarely comes out with any major wounds.
Still, it is exciting and I will keep reading the next installment.
This guy can get into more trouble than most lead fantasy characters. The trouble almost gets a little too fantastical, especially as Gavin rarely comes out with any major wounds.
Still, it is exciting and I will keep reading the next installment.
January 4, 2023
I’m invested!
The further I read, the more I become invested in the characters, the more I dread this series ending. What shall I do without these sparely, (in many cases,) yet essentially & intrinsically good, “people”?
Ok, I love the series so far, ok?
The further I read, the more I become invested in the characters, the more I dread this series ending. What shall I do without these sparely, (in many cases,) yet essentially & intrinsically good, “people”?
Ok, I love the series so far, ok?
March 10, 2021
Mystery upon confusion, after battle;
these all combine to keep Gavin busy.
Will he find his answers, more confusion,
more battles or all of the above ?
Read to find out.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
these all combine to keep Gavin busy.
Will he find his answers, more confusion,
more battles or all of the above ?
Read to find out.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
March 19, 2021
Loved the story.
I loved the story and can’t wait until the next book arrives. I’ll definitely be reading it and it’s spin off. I really hate the wait.
I loved the story and can’t wait until the next book arrives. I’ll definitely be reading it and it’s spin off. I really hate the wait.
March 26, 2021
It’s good
I just wish he would start reveal some of the endgame plot were 4 books in and know nothing of what the major plot
I just wish he would start reveal some of the endgame plot were 4 books in and know nothing of what the major plot
April 2, 2021
Definitely worth reading!
This series just keeps getting better! I just couldn't put it down. Every book builds on the suspense and intrigue that is Gavin.
This series just keeps getting better! I just couldn't put it down. Every book builds on the suspense and intrigue that is Gavin.
April 4, 2021
Always exciting
The pace is so good. Creative yet does to some of his other books and series regarding powers, actions, etc.
The pace is so good. Creative yet does to some of his other books and series regarding powers, actions, etc.
April 17, 2021
Loved!
The characters were diverse and lots of action. I felt I knew the characters and the cities. Great reading -exciting
The characters were diverse and lots of action. I felt I knew the characters and the cities. Great reading -exciting
May 7, 2021
The Chain Breaker
And next, maybe something more? Color me intrigued. I am off to fine the next saga in this series. I hope you find this series as enjoyable as I have.
And next, maybe something more? Color me intrigued. I am off to fine the next saga in this series. I hope you find this series as enjoyable as I have.
Read
May 8, 2021Good book
This book was a good read but seemed to get very confusing and seemed lost for a while. I enjoyed it and the ending was a nice surprise.
This book was a good read but seemed to get very confusing and seemed lost for a while. I enjoyed it and the ending was a nice surprise.
June 20, 2021
I am enjoying the adventures of Gavin in this series, I just wish he would actively pursue the hidden skills he obviously has. I'm sure he will soon.
August 13, 2021
I'm invested now. Four down and I've got to see it through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews