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Threads of Fate #3
Ocean of Tears
Darkness seeps deeper into the world. The gods can only watch from afar. Time is running out.
Jim and his friends found a way to stop the evil infesting the leadership of the Empire, but the shadows of the world are not all cast by the demon incursion. There's plenty of darkness already dwelling within the corrupted heart of the Empire.
One of the team goes missing, and Jim has to find them before it’s too late. They have a chance to reach the Western Province before the nox infection spreads, but having the entire team is paramount to their success. They'll have to find a way to come together, or risk the Empire sinking completely into the darkness.
No pressure, it's just the fate of the world.
Jim and his friends found a way to stop the evil infesting the leadership of the Empire, but the shadows of the world are not all cast by the demon incursion. There's plenty of darkness already dwelling within the corrupted heart of the Empire.
One of the team goes missing, and Jim has to find them before it’s too late. They have a chance to reach the Western Province before the nox infection spreads, but having the entire team is paramount to their success. They'll have to find a way to come together, or risk the Empire sinking completely into the darkness.
No pressure, it's just the fate of the world.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2021
214 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Michael Head
8 books153 followersMichael Head is the author of the Threads of Fate series. He was severely injured while serving in the military, and used his time recovering to rediscover his love for books. After medically retiring, Michael went back to college to finish his degree and become a professor. When the coronavirus shut down his school, his wife encouraged him to finally take the leap and try writing his own books. He found his experience in combat allowed him to write detailed and realistic fight scenes. Those battles, combined with his attention to detail and ability to plan vast, elaborate, and comprehensive worlds, make for fast-paced and thrilling books. With, of course, the occasional touches of humor and sarcasm thrown in the mix.
He currently lives in Texas where his wife, who is still currently serving in the military, is stationed. His days are filled with hiding from their three daughters, two dogs, and three cats. He is also losing an ongoing war with the neighborhood squirrels, but he will continue to fight until the bitter end.
To connect with Michael, visit his Facebook Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/author.micha...
For more content, including advanced chapters in the next book, maps, and artwork, check out his Patreon Page at:
https://www.patreon.com/michael_head
To receive Michael’s monthly newsletter, with updates on his progress and any new releases, sign up at:
https://sendfox.com/author-michael-head
He currently lives in Texas where his wife, who is still currently serving in the military, is stationed. His days are filled with hiding from their three daughters, two dogs, and three cats. He is also losing an ongoing war with the neighborhood squirrels, but he will continue to fight until the bitter end.
To connect with Michael, visit his Facebook Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/author.micha...
For more content, including advanced chapters in the next book, maps, and artwork, check out his Patreon Page at:
https://www.patreon.com/michael_head
To receive Michael’s monthly newsletter, with updates on his progress and any new releases, sign up at:
https://sendfox.com/author-michael-head
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 23, 2021
Too many issues to ignore
Again, I have a problem with how Jim’s teammates are supposed to be deadly veterans while simultaneously acting like stupid teenagers. Sure, they’ve trained for a few years, but so have plenty of other warrior cultivators in their world. And while they received extra training from Jim, it doesn’t seem enough to warrant genius level growth. Plus, that training wouldn’t be the same as the experience and ruthlessness possessed by many of the cold-blooded murderers they have easily faced down. I just think the author hasn’t spent enough effort actually developing his characters in a convincing way to sell them as elites. They just are because the author says so.
Another highly annoying team issue are the multiple cliched romances with bossy women and subservient yet overprotective males. I’m all for equality but can’t stand double standards. Regardless, even good romances can derail or undermine stories because they can highjack the narrative and open characters to vulnerabilities that are not properly addressed. Unless the author is George RR Martin, sappy romances are sure to be the worst offenders in terms of plot armor.
For example, these characters should be grappling with the cruel reality that one or more likely all of them will die because Jim is dragging them into *outrageously* dangerous situations that only he is likely to survive. It should put a damper on any romantic plans or have them turning to each other with desperate lust. Instead, it feels more like they are little kids playing house in a PG movie. Here’s a snippet showing the level of cutesy crap the romances have injected into the story:
“Can you imagine what [the girls] would do to us if we picked a color they didn’t approve of wearing?” [Jim] wasn’t the only one to shudder at the idea. Nox destroying the world was bad, but that would be really bad.
The main character is also constantly being pushed to the background in favor of spotlighting the weaker supporting characters. Much like in the second book, he seems both less intelligent and ruthless except on rare occasions. And sloppy as hell, getting surprised or tricked like some tourist on vacation instead of a six hundred fifty year old combat monster with a supposed sixth sense for danger. There are glimpses of the old Jim from the first book once he does step up and it’s freaking awesome, but it’s inconsistent and quickly overshadowed by his irritating group and their boring drama.
I still have the first book in the series fresh on my mind. It was brilliant! If only the author would have focused on what made that book great - Jim’s intelligent and ruthless effectiveness, discovery and adaptation of his reborn condition, and a tight timeline of meaningful events with detailed progression. Unfortunately, it looks like that ship has sailed. I appreciate that the author made his work available on Kindle Unlimited and wish him the best of luck, but I couldn’t force myself to finish this book and I’m done with this series for now.
Again, I have a problem with how Jim’s teammates are supposed to be deadly veterans while simultaneously acting like stupid teenagers. Sure, they’ve trained for a few years, but so have plenty of other warrior cultivators in their world. And while they received extra training from Jim, it doesn’t seem enough to warrant genius level growth. Plus, that training wouldn’t be the same as the experience and ruthlessness possessed by many of the cold-blooded murderers they have easily faced down. I just think the author hasn’t spent enough effort actually developing his characters in a convincing way to sell them as elites. They just are because the author says so.
Another highly annoying team issue are the multiple cliched romances with bossy women and subservient yet overprotective males. I’m all for equality but can’t stand double standards. Regardless, even good romances can derail or undermine stories because they can highjack the narrative and open characters to vulnerabilities that are not properly addressed. Unless the author is George RR Martin, sappy romances are sure to be the worst offenders in terms of plot armor.
For example, these characters should be grappling with the cruel reality that one or more likely all of them will die because Jim is dragging them into *outrageously* dangerous situations that only he is likely to survive. It should put a damper on any romantic plans or have them turning to each other with desperate lust. Instead, it feels more like they are little kids playing house in a PG movie. Here’s a snippet showing the level of cutesy crap the romances have injected into the story:
“Can you imagine what [the girls] would do to us if we picked a color they didn’t approve of wearing?” [Jim] wasn’t the only one to shudder at the idea. Nox destroying the world was bad, but that would be really bad.
The main character is also constantly being pushed to the background in favor of spotlighting the weaker supporting characters. Much like in the second book, he seems both less intelligent and ruthless except on rare occasions. And sloppy as hell, getting surprised or tricked like some tourist on vacation instead of a six hundred fifty year old combat monster with a supposed sixth sense for danger. There are glimpses of the old Jim from the first book once he does step up and it’s freaking awesome, but it’s inconsistent and quickly overshadowed by his irritating group and their boring drama.
I still have the first book in the series fresh on my mind. It was brilliant! If only the author would have focused on what made that book great - Jim’s intelligent and ruthless effectiveness, discovery and adaptation of his reborn condition, and a tight timeline of meaningful events with detailed progression. Unfortunately, it looks like that ship has sailed. I appreciate that the author made his work available on Kindle Unlimited and wish him the best of luck, but I couldn’t force myself to finish this book and I’m done with this series for now.
May 4, 2021
Team of Mary Sues are just so much better than everyone else because they met a Mary Sue who can do anything (even though he's less "powerful" than all his opponents)
The author says this series might go 15 books. By that point, the main character will be destroying entire planets with just a thought while the author is still pretending there's actual drama and risk for the team...
Giving up on the series now to save some time
The author says this series might go 15 books. By that point, the main character will be destroying entire planets with just a thought while the author is still pretending there's actual drama and risk for the team...
Giving up on the series now to save some time
April 29, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
I still like the series and the characters but I wasn't as impressed with the growth of the character. The MC didn't seem to use any of his information from the future in this one, at least nothing new. The main benefit of coming back in time is that a person knows what is going to happen. He used that information to help his cultivation grow faster but nothing more specific. I also felt there was a little more contradiction in this story. Since the beginning the MC is worried about keeping a low profile because he does not want to get the attention of the empire. More specifically, the emperor's son. yet he and his group are way stronger that they should be for there age and are always right in the middle of conflict. How is that keeping a low profile? Then there is his advancement. Overall I still love the characters and the humor is subtle but works well.
I still like the series and the characters but I wasn't as impressed with the growth of the character. The MC didn't seem to use any of his information from the future in this one, at least nothing new. The main benefit of coming back in time is that a person knows what is going to happen. He used that information to help his cultivation grow faster but nothing more specific. I also felt there was a little more contradiction in this story. Since the beginning the MC is worried about keeping a low profile because he does not want to get the attention of the empire. More specifically, the emperor's son. yet he and his group are way stronger that they should be for there age and are always right in the middle of conflict. How is that keeping a low profile? Then there is his advancement. Overall I still love the characters and the humor is subtle but works well.
May 7, 2021
Another solid book from Michael Head. Though the series is a bit formulaic (they fight the bad guys, kings and other high parties turn out to be evil, etc etc) it's still full of action and keeps you engaged.
I'm curious as to how this series will be at least 15 books? Jim is already so OP...interested to see where Mr. Head can take the story to keep it fun for the reader
I'm curious as to how this series will be at least 15 books? Jim is already so OP...interested to see where Mr. Head can take the story to keep it fun for the reader
April 22, 2021
I have come to expect great words from the Author. I was not disappointed.
Michael does a great job in telling his story. It draws you in and traps you in the chapters. I love this series and I am looking forward to the next installment.
Michael does a great job in telling his story. It draws you in and traps you in the chapters. I love this series and I am looking forward to the next installment.
April 22, 2021
Ocean of Tears is a step up from the last book in this series. The story still doesn't take advantage of the reincarnation plotline as much as I'd like and the protagonist's cultivation story arc still feels a little shallow. However, I think that the plot was a little better in this story and the author did a better job of getting me involved in the characters' fates.
As mentioned above and in my reviews of the previous two books, there are still issues here, but the fun elements and story as a whole allowed me to overlook those and enjoy the hell out of my time reading this book. I still think there's a lot of unrealised potential with this series, but I am left more positive about one day seeing that potential on the page than I was at the end of the last book.
Ultimately, if you have enjoyed this series until this point then you will definitely enjoy this book. If like me, you were on the fence about whether you were going to continue with this series, I recommend sticking with it as I think it's heading in a good direction.
4-stars and I am quite excited to see what comes next.
As mentioned above and in my reviews of the previous two books, there are still issues here, but the fun elements and story as a whole allowed me to overlook those and enjoy the hell out of my time reading this book. I still think there's a lot of unrealised potential with this series, but I am left more positive about one day seeing that potential on the page than I was at the end of the last book.
Ultimately, if you have enjoyed this series until this point then you will definitely enjoy this book. If like me, you were on the fence about whether you were going to continue with this series, I recommend sticking with it as I think it's heading in a good direction.
4-stars and I am quite excited to see what comes next.
April 24, 2021
Book three
Mistakes: I found two in this book. One is a bit of a plot problem. During the ship to ship battle the sergeant begs for the life of his officer, saying that he is a good kid. Later he says how much he hated him.
The second is an extra word in a sentence.
Plot: Sea battles and land battles against both slavers and Nox.
Characters: Disappointed in the lack of looting compared to the other books.
8/10
Mistakes: I found two in this book. One is a bit of a plot problem. During the ship to ship battle the sergeant begs for the life of his officer, saying that he is a good kid. Later he says how much he hated him.
The second is an extra word in a sentence.
Plot: Sea battles and land battles against both slavers and Nox.
Characters: Disappointed in the lack of looting compared to the other books.
8/10
April 26, 2021
I am enjoying this series quite a bit. It was free as part of Kindle Unlimited, so gets a pass on spelling and punctuation errors (there were a few, not a lot). The characters were well written, and likeable (at least the good guys), a slight element of Marty Stu in the main character, but not the worst I have seen. My biggest Criticisms of this book, and the entire series, is the general overpoweredness of the main character, though this is a feature in most all Xianxia novels I have read. with the minor flows and issues, I think it is still well worth reading.
May 1, 2021
Picked up on audible but wanted to put up a review here as well. This is a great continuation of the story. Fights are superbly written, fast paced and brutal as hell. Also has some of the best comedy I've read in ages. Honestly the author's balance between dark brutal fights and light hearted journey with friends is just amazing. Can't wait for the next book in this series
April 21, 2021
Great book, great series
Really have been enjoying this series and this book is no exception! The characters are well written and thought out, even if the officers they meet are morons
Really have been enjoying this series and this book is no exception! The characters are well written and thought out, even if the officers they meet are morons
April 24, 2021
Wonderful edition to what is one of my favorite series
The world building, character development, magic system, and antagonists in this series is second to none. Mr. Head has done a fine job of weaving a tale that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats while satisfying every emotion. Bravo!
The world building, character development, magic system, and antagonists in this series is second to none. Mr. Head has done a fine job of weaving a tale that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats while satisfying every emotion. Bravo!
April 21, 2021
So good!
One of the best cultivation series out there. This book continues a great series and doesn’t let down in any way. Just as good as the first two books in the series, I can’t wait for the next book.
One of the best cultivation series out there. This book continues a great series and doesn’t let down in any way. Just as good as the first two books in the series, I can’t wait for the next book.
April 21, 2021
Amazing
Absolutely amazing book, cannot wait to read the 4th book. Brilliant characters, worldbuilding & magic/cultivation system. Cannot recommend enough. Brilliant!!!
Absolutely amazing book, cannot wait to read the 4th book. Brilliant characters, worldbuilding & magic/cultivation system. Cannot recommend enough. Brilliant!!!
April 22, 2021
Great cultivation novel
In the xinaxia/isekai category of books this series is a solid entry. I feel this novel, while action packed and we'll written, could have been longer. Maybe it's just cause I couldn't put it down.
In the xinaxia/isekai category of books this series is a solid entry. I feel this novel, while action packed and we'll written, could have been longer. Maybe it's just cause I couldn't put it down.
April 22, 2021
Nonstop action
I could not put this one down until i was done. Great character growth. Love Love Every, I hope the author brings him back to Jim after growing up. Can't wait for the next book.
I could not put this one down until i was done. Great character growth. Love Love Every, I hope the author brings him back to Jim after growing up. Can't wait for the next book.
April 22, 2021
Really good
This series is a really fun read. There is good progression and the MC is not completely OP. Looking forward to the next
This series is a really fun read. There is good progression and the MC is not completely OP. Looking forward to the next
April 23, 2021
An amazing treat
I only discovered this author over the weekend. I just finished book three that came out this morning.
The writing is really well put together. The comedic moments really help to lighten up some of the intense moments. I never felt the plot was moving too slow.
I kept reading short standalone passages to my wife to share particularly great transitions between chapters.
I only discovered this author over the weekend. I just finished book three that came out this morning.
The writing is really well put together. The comedic moments really help to lighten up some of the intense moments. I never felt the plot was moving too slow.
I kept reading short standalone passages to my wife to share particularly great transitions between chapters.
April 26, 2021
Argh! Give me more of this awesome adventure!
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and it just keeps getting better. Moronic politicians, bloodthirsty demons, and brutal fight scenes that end with the good guys limping away to do it all over again. Can’t wait to see what crapsack our heroes wonder into next!
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and it just keeps getting better. Moronic politicians, bloodthirsty demons, and brutal fight scenes that end with the good guys limping away to do it all over again. Can’t wait to see what crapsack our heroes wonder into next!
March 2, 2022
Notes:
Totally used the current Audible state wide sale to get books #2 & 3. Good popcorn read. It's a relatively simple cultivation series.
Totally used the current Audible state wide sale to get books #2 & 3. Good popcorn read. It's a relatively simple cultivation series.
April 22, 2021
Great sequel
Great sequel keep the updates coming can’t wait for the next book in the series, very well written and progressed
Great sequel keep the updates coming can’t wait for the next book in the series, very well written and progressed
April 22, 2021
Still as rollicking good fun as the first of the series.
Still as rollicking good fun as the first of the series. Great story telling and now I have to wait for more. Aarrg
Still as rollicking good fun as the first of the series. Great story telling and now I have to wait for more. Aarrg
April 23, 2021
Highly enjoyable
Picks up where it left off in the last book. Action packed with lots of fight sequences. Also more levelling up.We also get a peek at the other side which was interesting.can’t wait for the next book. More please
Picks up where it left off in the last book. Action packed with lots of fight sequences. Also more levelling up.We also get a peek at the other side which was interesting.can’t wait for the next book. More please
April 24, 2021
Awesome addition to the series
Great 3rd book. Lots of action and story building. Awesome series and can't wait for the next book to come out
Great 3rd book. Lots of action and story building. Awesome series and can't wait for the next book to come out
April 24, 2021
Excellent Story
This story of a 600 year old dude who gets put in his 10 year old body was a very entertaining fast paced action packed series that I really enjoyed reading.
This story of a 600 year old dude who gets put in his 10 year old body was a very entertaining fast paced action packed series that I really enjoyed reading.
April 30, 2021
Great Book
I really enjoyed this series so far and am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. If you haven't read any of the books in this series you are definitely missing out.
I really enjoyed this series so far and am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. If you haven't read any of the books in this series you are definitely missing out.
April 30, 2021
Great read
The book is compelling, which makes it hard to put down. It is a good new addition to the series
The book is compelling, which makes it hard to put down. It is a good new addition to the series
May 5, 2021
Not much new - very minor spoilers
Jim is still OP compared to anyone we’ve seen yet.
Almost everyone they meet is still an asshole.
He still doesn’t seem to see half of the betrayals coming, even when they were the most obvious.
The book introduces a few new plot points and paints a slightly clearer picture to Jim and team about the empire. No shock that it’s an unflattering picture, right? The gods are still smug assholes who don’t really seem to care, the bad guys are still bad, and the team advances in cultivation a bit. The last part feels like a side note.
Jim is still OP compared to anyone we’ve seen yet.
Almost everyone they meet is still an asshole.
He still doesn’t seem to see half of the betrayals coming, even when they were the most obvious.
The book introduces a few new plot points and paints a slightly clearer picture to Jim and team about the empire. No shock that it’s an unflattering picture, right? The gods are still smug assholes who don’t really seem to care, the bad guys are still bad, and the team advances in cultivation a bit. The last part feels like a side note.
May 8, 2021
Another good one in the series
I've really been enjoying this series. It's one of those send back in time situations and while it is Wuxia, with all the craziness that the genre normally brings along, it is quite a fun read.
I've really been enjoying this series. It's one of those send back in time situations and while it is Wuxia, with all the craziness that the genre normally brings along, it is quite a fun read.
May 23, 2021
Great addition to the series! This series is one of the most successful reincarnation cultivation series that I have encounter. The characters are diverse and interesting. The plot is engaging and promises more to come. The writing is fun with brutal moments.
April 25, 2021
Really enjoying this series
I am a big fan of reroll books and this series is one of the best available on kindle unlimited.
I am a big fan of reroll books and this series is one of the best available on kindle unlimited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews