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Mountain King Saga #2
Hamartia
Becoming king was just the beginning ...
With all survivors in Svartheim under his control, Abram has become the Mountain King. Revenge is his, yet his troubles have only begun.
The dungeon is a shambles of death and decay. His goblins and hobs are few in number and lack training. The bridge to the surface is in ruins, and his latest bond is a literal demon bent on corrupting and destroying him.
Yet Abram is nothing if not resourceful and rapidly sets about improving his circumstances through thrift, hard work, alliance, and subterfuge.
With a massive tauren horde on the march and enemies both seen and unseen all around, the gravest danger may come from within. As his mental state deteriorates, Abram begins to lose time and question which of the lives he leads is reality, and which is the game ...
Warning: This book does not pan to waving curtains and fade to black. Those uninterested or under the age of eighteen are strongly warned of explicit content.
With all survivors in Svartheim under his control, Abram has become the Mountain King. Revenge is his, yet his troubles have only begun.
The dungeon is a shambles of death and decay. His goblins and hobs are few in number and lack training. The bridge to the surface is in ruins, and his latest bond is a literal demon bent on corrupting and destroying him.
Yet Abram is nothing if not resourceful and rapidly sets about improving his circumstances through thrift, hard work, alliance, and subterfuge.
With a massive tauren horde on the march and enemies both seen and unseen all around, the gravest danger may come from within. As his mental state deteriorates, Abram begins to lose time and question which of the lives he leads is reality, and which is the game ...
Warning: This book does not pan to waving curtains and fade to black. Those uninterested or under the age of eighteen are strongly warned of explicit content.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 14, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
I enjoyed the first book more. The main characters goals were more straightforward in that book. He wanted revenge and he wanted to stay alive and "play the game". He couldn't deal with the world of celestine and so made believe that he was just playing a game. His goals in this book weren't as easy to follow. The author wanted to write a story about how a bad guy is developed. There were multiple times in this book Abram was asked if he wanted to be the good guy or the bad guy. I don't think Abram was really a bad guy. He did some bad things but he was never cruel about anything. Even when he tortured someone it was revenge for what happened to him. He didn't go around pointing at random people and have them executed. Was he evil because he sided with monsters over dwarves? The dwarves tried to kill him. Was he evil because he used poison and curses? How else was he supposed to win when he was outnumbered? Overall I liked the book and was interested to see where the story went from here, until I found out that this is the last book in this series. There were a bunch of storylines that were left open and it feels unfinished to me. That brought my enjoyment down a little.
2/13/21 - I got a message from the author after he read my review. While this is the last book in this short series, he is planning on having more books in the world of Celestine and Abram will be a part of that world. This makes me feel better. After I read that this was the last book in the series, I felt like one of my my favorite TV shows was cancelled after 2 seasons and ended on a cliffhanger. I was upset because I wouldn't have any closer. Knowing that there is a new series in the world has taken away that feeling and I feel better about this book. Looking forward to the next series.
I enjoyed the first book more. The main characters goals were more straightforward in that book. He wanted revenge and he wanted to stay alive and "play the game". He couldn't deal with the world of celestine and so made believe that he was just playing a game. His goals in this book weren't as easy to follow. The author wanted to write a story about how a bad guy is developed. There were multiple times in this book Abram was asked if he wanted to be the good guy or the bad guy. I don't think Abram was really a bad guy. He did some bad things but he was never cruel about anything. Even when he tortured someone it was revenge for what happened to him. He didn't go around pointing at random people and have them executed. Was he evil because he sided with monsters over dwarves? The dwarves tried to kill him. Was he evil because he used poison and curses? How else was he supposed to win when he was outnumbered? Overall I liked the book and was interested to see where the story went from here, until I found out that this is the last book in this series. There were a bunch of storylines that were left open and it feels unfinished to me. That brought my enjoyment down a little.
2/13/21 - I got a message from the author after he read my review. While this is the last book in this short series, he is planning on having more books in the world of Celestine and Abram will be a part of that world. This makes me feel better. After I read that this was the last book in the series, I felt like one of my my favorite TV shows was cancelled after 2 seasons and ended on a cliffhanger. I was upset because I wouldn't have any closer. Knowing that there is a new series in the world has taken away that feeling and I feel better about this book. Looking forward to the next series.
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September 10, 2021 DNF. It was the extended torture scene that did me in
Or should I say that last extended torture scene, because there is more than one.
Mr. Cebelius is trying to have his cake and eat it too. The Bad Guy here isn't such a bad guy. There is something of a convoluted moral lesson here about choices, and that you can change your path at any time. We are treated to a opera of consequences, but this is still in the opening act where the doomed hero is building his own pyre painstakingly stick by stick and branch by branch. you can clearly see all this stuff that is going to come back and bite the MC in the ass. And not just the MC, but all the people and tribes that are aligned with or enslaved by the MC, they are all gonna burn.
I just haven't got the heart to watch it come home to roost. I'm personally so damn sick to death of grim-dark. But I guess it sells. And that's rich of me because I got a copy.
This book is making me reexamine everything else I've read from Cebelius, and I'm not liking everything I'm seeing.
Or should I say that last extended torture scene, because there is more than one.
Mr. Cebelius is trying to have his cake and eat it too. The Bad Guy here isn't such a bad guy. There is something of a convoluted moral lesson here about choices, and that you can change your path at any time. We are treated to a opera of consequences, but this is still in the opening act where the doomed hero is building his own pyre painstakingly stick by stick and branch by branch. you can clearly see all this stuff that is going to come back and bite the MC in the ass. And not just the MC, but all the people and tribes that are aligned with or enslaved by the MC, they are all gonna burn.
I just haven't got the heart to watch it come home to roost. I'm personally so damn sick to death of grim-dark. But I guess it sells. And that's rich of me because I got a copy.
This book is making me reexamine everything else I've read from Cebelius, and I'm not liking everything I'm seeing.
July 11, 2021
first book was way better. Mc turns into a stupid cuck and the author gives up on the book. IT HAS NO ENDING and the author straight up says there will be no conclusion to the story
October 12, 2022
Don’t get me wrong… as a book, this is a 3.5-ish⭐️ rating…. But with a ‘cliffhanger’ and Goodreads doesn’t even register the next book? And the rage and anger from all characters? Nawh. I’m good.
I’m into romances… not pillaging and plundering. The second book is far removed from the “figuring things out” version the first book had…. The second felt like the MC almost became asexual since smexy times didn’t seem to serve him a purpose outside of power or ensuring loyalty.
This series is good… and I’m super nerdy, so I understand a lot of what’s mentioned… but it’s FAR removed from the first book… and as much as I enjoyed this series thus far, the kind of mind game negative vibe of the MC not being able to trust anyone…. Nope! Time for someone to seek therapy. Been there, done that, threw away the t-shirt.
Thanks for the ride, but I’ll be getting off on this stop.
I’m into romances… not pillaging and plundering. The second book is far removed from the “figuring things out” version the first book had…. The second felt like the MC almost became asexual since smexy times didn’t seem to serve him a purpose outside of power or ensuring loyalty.
This series is good… and I’m super nerdy, so I understand a lot of what’s mentioned… but it’s FAR removed from the first book… and as much as I enjoyed this series thus far, the kind of mind game negative vibe of the MC not being able to trust anyone…. Nope! Time for someone to seek therapy. Been there, done that, threw away the t-shirt.
Thanks for the ride, but I’ll be getting off on this stop.
August 12, 2021
I was not dissapointed by this novel, the author did a great job in here, even though I don't like the final suggestions for the MC that the author gave I can't disagree with him, neither does it ruin him. I think the best part of this Celestine series is how different the harems are from the usual norm used of it in this genres, just because they flock to MC doesn't mean they won't 'screw' him up any way they can (Yes I am looking at you Daji) The NTR in this was so well done that even those that hate it will love what happens. Great series.
February 2, 2021
This may have been better overall than the first book, or at least I enjoyed it more. My concern with this series was Abram going full evil overlord, as I don't like actually evil characters. He struggles with his place in Celestine, and I won't ruin it, but I think all things considered he does OK.
Anyway, a great book, and I look forward to the author's next work. Hopefully it's more Celestine, as honestly I haven't really gotten into his other efforts. I maintain an open mind however, and will give anything a shot, so feel free to prove me wrong!
Anyway, a great book, and I look forward to the author's next work. Hopefully it's more Celestine, as honestly I haven't really gotten into his other efforts. I maintain an open mind however, and will give anything a shot, so feel free to prove me wrong!
February 4, 2021
Much better than the first!
And the first one was good! Who knew? Battles plots and tricks all throughout this book make reading the 524 pages FAST
Give it a shot, after the first one obviously
And the first one was good! Who knew? Battles plots and tricks all throughout this book make reading the 524 pages FAST
Give it a shot, after the first one obviously
February 3, 2021
Loved it
Another great book by Cebelius, I was waiting a long time for this one and it didn't disappoint, can't wait for the next one
Another great book by Cebelius, I was waiting a long time for this one and it didn't disappoint, can't wait for the next one
February 2, 2021
Worthy Continuation of the Mountain King Saga
I must say that the first book Forsaken was very dark. With that in the back of my mind I was a bit apprehensive about this book.
But Cebelius has delivered. Although still dark it is (slightly) more rational -apart from the murder in a fit of jelousy - and I enjoyed reading it very much. It has a lot of content.
I like to understand the motivations of a character and Cebelius has got the knack of making a psychopath relatable.
Ir sounds like I am talking about a thriller or crime drama, but it is still Fantasy and has got some very explicit content - which slots nicely into the plot.
Fantasy, dark, evil overlording, adult raunchy content and plans coming together nicely with humor and pop culture references combined with the feeling of 'I don't want this book to end' because I want to see what happens next.
Great entertainment and intellectual itch scratched all in one book.
Be warned this is no 'feel good' high Fantasy but dark and gritty with smut and still the writing style is fantastic - what is not to like?
I must say that the first book Forsaken was very dark. With that in the back of my mind I was a bit apprehensive about this book.
But Cebelius has delivered. Although still dark it is (slightly) more rational -apart from the murder in a fit of jelousy - and I enjoyed reading it very much. It has a lot of content.
I like to understand the motivations of a character and Cebelius has got the knack of making a psychopath relatable.
Ir sounds like I am talking about a thriller or crime drama, but it is still Fantasy and has got some very explicit content - which slots nicely into the plot.
Fantasy, dark, evil overlording, adult raunchy content and plans coming together nicely with humor and pop culture references combined with the feeling of 'I don't want this book to end' because I want to see what happens next.
Great entertainment and intellectual itch scratched all in one book.
Be warned this is no 'feel good' high Fantasy but dark and gritty with smut and still the writing style is fantastic - what is not to like?
March 29, 2025
I finished both these books, after discovering they were based in Celestine. ( I already cleared Mask of the Template)
Cebelius has become one of my favorite authors next to Dennis E Taylor, James SA Corey, and Recently Patrick Cumby.
Ive read some dark books, like Necrotek by Jonathan Maberry, but this book. It was dark. And Im not a dark person by nature, but it pulled me into those scenes. I was there watching it happen. Was I cringing? Yes, was my jaw hanging open? Yes.
I really enjoyed the MMO video game tie-ins.
I also understand the MC, and his perspective while also having seen Boss's from the other series.
Celestine seems like a vast wide space wheee almost anything is possible. I cannot wait for the next adventure in this world.
Thank you Cebelius.
Cebelius has become one of my favorite authors next to Dennis E Taylor, James SA Corey, and Recently Patrick Cumby.
Ive read some dark books, like Necrotek by Jonathan Maberry, but this book. It was dark. And Im not a dark person by nature, but it pulled me into those scenes. I was there watching it happen. Was I cringing? Yes, was my jaw hanging open? Yes.
I really enjoyed the MMO video game tie-ins.
I also understand the MC, and his perspective while also having seen Boss's from the other series.
Celestine seems like a vast wide space wheee almost anything is possible. I cannot wait for the next adventure in this world.
Thank you Cebelius.
April 9, 2021
To save time, I'll just copy and paste my review from the first book of the series:
So much better than the rest of his books. Too bad he cut it short to just a two book set. Now that I've read this (and the subsequent second book), I realize everything is downhill from here with this author. He made it clear in the afterward of the second book that this had been an experiment in exploring a villain, to which he was not returning. I don't want to read about his heroes when his villain is better in every way: more interesting, more fun, and more relatable.
So much better than the rest of his books. Too bad he cut it short to just a two book set. Now that I've read this (and the subsequent second book), I realize everything is downhill from here with this author. He made it clear in the afterward of the second book that this had been an experiment in exploring a villain, to which he was not returning. I don't want to read about his heroes when his villain is better in every way: more interesting, more fun, and more relatable.
February 20, 2021
Outstanding book
Every once in a great while you stumble across a really good book if you're lucky, I feel like I've been extremely lucky!
Story starts as a man tortured and driven half crazy, then a man seeking vengeance, then a who man just throws in the towel and says I'm going to have the power to not be taken advantage of again.
It is an outstanding book, well worth your time and money.
Every once in a great while you stumble across a really good book if you're lucky, I feel like I've been extremely lucky!
Story starts as a man tortured and driven half crazy, then a man seeking vengeance, then a who man just throws in the towel and says I'm going to have the power to not be taken advantage of again.
It is an outstanding book, well worth your time and money.
February 9, 2021
Nice and dark
An ugly main character, slightly broken, and placed in a grim and dark situation, but for the most part he means well. It is not all grimdark, but the MC can't catch a break. I liked the plot twist at the end as well, especially since it was not a cliff hanger. Looking forward to the next book.
An ugly main character, slightly broken, and placed in a grim and dark situation, but for the most part he means well. It is not all grimdark, but the MC can't catch a break. I liked the plot twist at the end as well, especially since it was not a cliff hanger. Looking forward to the next book.
February 13, 2021
Last book in the series and a dark yet good ride
Gonna miss this MC. He is definately no hero and despite the author's efforts he doesnt quite come off as a villian...But more of an Antihero or a more greek hero... A hero with clear flaws.
A great book and yet another reason I look forward to more releases from this author.
Gonna miss this MC. He is definately no hero and despite the author's efforts he doesnt quite come off as a villian...But more of an Antihero or a more greek hero... A hero with clear flaws.
A great book and yet another reason I look forward to more releases from this author.
February 19, 2021
Another story ends
The tale of the mountain king ends with this book but I believe the author has achieved his goal in telling the rise of a villainous tale. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and even though I am not the biggest fan of the evil parts of stories I am a fan of Abram. Thanks to Cebelius writing another great story. Can't wait to see what's next.
The tale of the mountain king ends with this book but I believe the author has achieved his goal in telling the rise of a villainous tale. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and even though I am not the biggest fan of the evil parts of stories I am a fan of Abram. Thanks to Cebelius writing another great story. Can't wait to see what's next.
February 22, 2021
Cebelius is stupendous
The monster girl harem / magic genre is my favorite sub-genre of SFF and Cebelius Is far and away the Very best at it!
And I've read most all the good ones. The Celestine Chronicles and now the mountain king saga are simply of higher quality than the others.
The monster girl harem / magic genre is my favorite sub-genre of SFF and Cebelius Is far and away the Very best at it!
And I've read most all the good ones. The Celestine Chronicles and now the mountain king saga are simply of higher quality than the others.
May 13, 2021
A surprising end to a quick series
This book is not about an evil man, but a man that does evil things. It comes with a surprising ending for his conflicts, with a mind that I’m happy to see let loose into Celestine.
That said, I and many others hope to see the Mountain King as a major and positive star in another Celestine series.
This book is not about an evil man, but a man that does evil things. It comes with a surprising ending for his conflicts, with a mind that I’m happy to see let loose into Celestine.
That said, I and many others hope to see the Mountain King as a major and positive star in another Celestine series.
December 24, 2021
This is a sad book. Seeing how the protagonist is losing his mind. I just can't imagine going through that.
It seems the world is against the protagonist. No matter what he does to stay in his corner, people are still trying to kill him by proxy.
I really want to see how this story goes.
3/5 Stars
It seems the world is against the protagonist. No matter what he does to stay in his corner, people are still trying to kill him by proxy.
I really want to see how this story goes.
3/5 Stars
January 31, 2023
King of the Mountain
After reading book one, Ihad to immediately start book two. The praise for Cebelius is off the scale. I spent a few early mornings unable to drag my brain away for sleep. This is a brilliant stand alone story with an ending, or should I say hiatus that even now I am still trying to put aside and start a new book.
After reading book one, Ihad to immediately start book two. The praise for Cebelius is off the scale. I spent a few early mornings unable to drag my brain away for sleep. This is a brilliant stand alone story with an ending, or should I say hiatus that even now I am still trying to put aside and start a new book.
May 16, 2023
Really great read
Finally realized that I didn’t read this book in my library. And have to say that it was awesome. Our MC is absolutely a bad guy. And does bad things. But still ends up doing some good along the way.
Definitely sad that this is only a two part series because I feel that there is so much more to tell with these characters.
Finally realized that I didn’t read this book in my library. And have to say that it was awesome. Our MC is absolutely a bad guy. And does bad things. But still ends up doing some good along the way.
Definitely sad that this is only a two part series because I feel that there is so much more to tell with these characters.
October 18, 2024
An Interesting Tale
This was an incredible story with an unusual character arc. Abram is not a hero or even an anti hero. He is a villain , a madman and despicable... But damn if he doesn't grow on you. I must confess my disappointment that this is the end of his tale, but that is the author's prerogative. I enjoy Cebelius writing.
This was an incredible story with an unusual character arc. Abram is not a hero or even an anti hero. He is a villain , a madman and despicable... But damn if he doesn't grow on you. I must confess my disappointment that this is the end of his tale, but that is the author's prerogative. I enjoy Cebelius writing.
February 3, 2021
You like mythology and sex. Read this.
I’m hoping for Redemption but enjoying the ride. Eclectic blending of mythology and a focus on personality and character depth is what elevates these books above the rest of the harem lit crowd. Enjoy.
I’m hoping for Redemption but enjoying the ride. Eclectic blending of mythology and a focus on personality and character depth is what elevates these books above the rest of the harem lit crowd. Enjoy.
February 8, 2021
Evil hero
I really enjoyed this saga. Abram is a bad guy you can't help but love and root for. Evil but a hero in his own way. Expeclly if you know how he comes to be what he is. Brilliant but insane. Hopefully Cerelius continues his story.
I really enjoyed this saga. Abram is a bad guy you can't help but love and root for. Evil but a hero in his own way. Expeclly if you know how he comes to be what he is. Brilliant but insane. Hopefully Cerelius continues his story.
February 8, 2021
Simply amazing!
Cebelius is such an amazing author, every single book of his hand have read has been both fantastically compelling and well written. It's not often I come across books in simply cannot put down, and he never disappoints.
Cebelius is such an amazing author, every single book of his hand have read has been both fantastically compelling and well written. It's not often I come across books in simply cannot put down, and he never disappoints.
February 18, 2021
They gone and did it again
Cebelius.. I am sad to hear you will not be continuing the mountain King, I did not connect with t mack being a bit twisted myself. But you continue to grow as an author. I have enjoyed taps too. And hope to read taps two too... ^^
Cebelius.. I am sad to hear you will not be continuing the mountain King, I did not connect with t mack being a bit twisted myself. But you continue to grow as an author. I have enjoyed taps too. And hope to read taps two too... ^^
April 20, 2021
Villainous
Well written and different twist where the MC isn't a nice guy. I really found this refreshing, and enjoyable, especially not being able to assume where the story was going.
Well written and different twist where the MC isn't a nice guy. I really found this refreshing, and enjoyable, especially not being able to assume where the story was going.
September 9, 2021
Holy Damn, this was razor's edge of villainous and relatable. Dark work and world for sure, but damn well written.
Very well done, but tended to dwell in the dark more then I like. Still respect the work.
Very well done, but tended to dwell in the dark more then I like. Still respect the work.
November 12, 2022
What happened here? I really enjoyed the first book, but this story has just...
The main character has become a nightmare monster justifying every evil action he takes and the book is written in a way to fetishize it. I couldn't take it and ended up dropping the book without finishing.
The main character has become a nightmare monster justifying every evil action he takes and the book is written in a way to fetishize it. I couldn't take it and ended up dropping the book without finishing.
March 8, 2023
Good books worst ending ever!!!! Series ended at book 2!!!
So the series is well written, both books rocked but the series is ended with 2/3 of story untold. On purpose! WtH straight up said he left it this way on purpose. Not worth starting
So the series is well written, both books rocked but the series is ended with 2/3 of story untold. On purpose! WtH straight up said he left it this way on purpose. Not worth starting
February 3, 2021
Incredible
This deep dark dive into a villainous psyche is brilliant. The characters ooze off the page, and the story is terrific in its depravity. I love this MC......
This deep dark dive into a villainous psyche is brilliant. The characters ooze off the page, and the story is terrific in its depravity. I love this MC......
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews