What do you think?
Rate this book
The Godling Chronicles #4
A Trial of Souls
The time has come for the world to see the true power of the Reborn King. His vast armies march, bringing death and devastation to all who would dare oppose him. But hope will endure if the bonds of friendship, both old and new, remain strong.
Gewey, split between the man he wants to be and the god he must become, will test his very soul in order to fulfill his destiny. And only through his love for Kaylia can he hold on to his humanity.
Gewey, split between the man he wants to be and the god he must become, will test his very soul in order to fulfill his destiny. And only through his love for Kaylia can he hold on to his humanity.
Audio CD
First published August 28, 2013
133 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Brian D. Anderson
47 books691 followersKnown as one of the O.G. independent authors of the 2010-2012 indie explosion, Brian D. Anderson gained massive popularity right out of the gate with his debut series, The Godling Chronicles. His follow-up series, Dragonvein, was just as popular, Book One becoming a Top Five Finalist on Audible.com for Fantasy Book of the Year in 2015 – becoming the very first independent to reach the finals. But Anderson was far from finished.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 29, 2019
The Godling Chronicles: A Trial of Souls, Book 4
By: Brian D. Anderson
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
I love the characters in here and how I got to know them like family, only a great writer can make that happen. It's been awhile since I read the first three books and once I started this one I realized how much I missed this series. Excellent world building, characters that are unique but have relatable qualities, great dialogue, and a terrific imagination!
Truly the perfect match for narration is Mr Perkins! He sounds like a voice that would exist in this world.
By: Brian D. Anderson
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
I love the characters in here and how I got to know them like family, only a great writer can make that happen. It's been awhile since I read the first three books and once I started this one I realized how much I missed this series. Excellent world building, characters that are unique but have relatable qualities, great dialogue, and a terrific imagination!
Truly the perfect match for narration is Mr Perkins! He sounds like a voice that would exist in this world.
October 16, 2013
Great book, can't wait for Book#5. Love the action, wizards, elves......yes, please!
September 15, 2015
Good story! 3.5 stars. Book Four opens with an epic battle scene and continues with our young foolish godling growing in courage and wisdom through the heartbreaking lessons of the Oracle, Batsini. (Good scenes, but went on a mite too long). Meanwhile, Lee, Millitt, Linus, Dina, Jacob and company battle a wicked beast enchanted by dark magic, later joining up with the desert elves. Theopolou and Mohinisi travel to the Steppes to find the cause of the elf attack. Pessimistic King Lucia learns he's not alone, after all. Noble King Leusus joins forces with the elves to protect his city.
Someone gets married. Someone gets engaged. Someone dies. Someone is conceived. Felsafell is revealed in his true form, in all his shining glory, and we even get a look at his love life. We find out who Gewey's mother is. We find out what Yanti is. Gewey reads aloud from the Book of Souls, where we learn the origins and history of elves, humans, etc.
Quibbles: Pacing needs work. So many battles. One battle towards the end was just stupid — 2 against 200? Out of character for Kaylia to be so stupid. I wish the series would end soon. It's starting to fall off its peak, losing momentum, feeling a bit repetive. I keep reading it because I like the characters and relationships. The villain Yanti is only now -- in book 4 -- starting to feel like a textured character, not a cardboard poster. The big bad (dark knight, reborn king) is just a trope for senseless evil. He only appeared first-hand in a few scenes in 4 books, but we do hear much of what others think about him. With all the traveling from place to place, we need a map. With all the weird names, we need a list of characters. We need a wiki page, basically. The desert elves gave Gewey a supply of miraculous healing water in the prequel. Why isn't it used? Why didn't the desert elves bring some more to use during the battles?
Despite quibbles, I'm still enjoying the series. However, given some reviews, I may skip book 5 and just go to the finale, book 6.
Superbly narrated by Derek Perkins. It couldn't be better.
Someone gets married. Someone gets engaged. Someone dies. Someone is conceived. Felsafell is revealed in his true form, in all his shining glory, and we even get a look at his love life. We find out who Gewey's mother is. We find out what Yanti is. Gewey reads aloud from the Book of Souls, where we learn the origins and history of elves, humans, etc.
Quibbles: Pacing needs work. So many battles. One battle towards the end was just stupid — 2 against 200? Out of character for Kaylia to be so stupid. I wish the series would end soon. It's starting to fall off its peak, losing momentum, feeling a bit repetive. I keep reading it because I like the characters and relationships. The villain Yanti is only now -- in book 4 -- starting to feel like a textured character, not a cardboard poster. The big bad (dark knight, reborn king) is just a trope for senseless evil. He only appeared first-hand in a few scenes in 4 books, but we do hear much of what others think about him. With all the traveling from place to place, we need a map. With all the weird names, we need a list of characters. We need a wiki page, basically. The desert elves gave Gewey a supply of miraculous healing water in the prequel. Why isn't it used? Why didn't the desert elves bring some more to use during the battles?
Despite quibbles, I'm still enjoying the series. However, given some reviews, I may skip book 5 and just go to the finale, book 6.
Superbly narrated by Derek Perkins. It couldn't be better.
September 8, 2013
I have followed this series with a growing sense of amazement. This is Epic Fantasy, told without resorting to the schlock tactics so many authors appear to be using to sex up their tales as a sales ploy. Traditionally told, with the impending ultimate battle building up wonderfully, and more than a hint of darkness and doom. Gewey is maturing in many respects, and fighting an internal battle of whether he is God, or standard guy, while trying to subdue the forces of Anorgrääl who march relentlessly onwards. Kaylia too is fighting her own demons, and trying to come to terms with Gewey's growing Godly powers.
All in all, a brilliantly paced penultimate book to The Godling Chronicles. I can't wait for the next tale to unfold........or can I? I fear Gewey/Darshan's choices may yet lead to personal disaster!
All in all, a brilliantly paced penultimate book to The Godling Chronicles. I can't wait for the next tale to unfold........or can I? I fear Gewey/Darshan's choices may yet lead to personal disaster!
March 22, 2014
It is all starting to come together our heroes are starting to form a resistance to The Newborn King. Gewey has gone to visit the oracle and must face the possibility that his courage may fail and fall prey to the Newborn Kings will. After the visit to the oracle, Gewey and Kaylia are informed that they need to go to rescue their friends and on the way encounter 100's of Vrycol. Gewey finds that his use of the spirit of the flow has improved. unfortunately, his alter ego Darshan seems to be overtaking his human side. Gewey does however manage to keep control. At the same time the desert elves are on the march. Also the spirit that controls the elves from the steppes is being defeated and they have agreed to march on the forces of Angraal. Maybel has had a letter and is called on a mysterious mission. It all seems to be heading toward a final battle and a thrilling conclusion.
November 14, 2013
It's ok, done before, nothing new
April 14, 2014
Great book.
I can't wait for the next book. hurry!
I'm a grandmother, not a teenager. my grand children got me back into reading fantasy. what fun!
I can't wait for the next book. hurry!
I'm a grandmother, not a teenager. my grand children got me back into reading fantasy. what fun!
March 7, 2016
Gearing up for what I hope to be an epic final battle between good and evil, although Gewey is struggling to stay in the good side it seems with his new powers and worshipping fan-base.
I still have my petty issues ie Gewey's name, although the Author contacted me and explained that it was his son's original story idea and pick of name and being a mum myself, I can understand the pressures put on us by our children, but I still do hate the name as it weakens the character, sorry Brian just my insignificant opinion.
We did learn more about Felsafell but the parallel between the mystical hermit and Star Wars' Yoda was a very blurred line with the speech patterns of backward question type sentences. Saying that, I do hope he brings his light saber and "the force" with him to the big finale, I have a feeling it may be needed.
I hope he actually hits Gewey over the head with his saber too for being an annoying super Godling twat and brings him back to earth, literally.
Anyhoo, onward to book #5
I still have my petty issues ie Gewey's name, although the Author contacted me and explained that it was his son's original story idea and pick of name and being a mum myself, I can understand the pressures put on us by our children, but I still do hate the name as it weakens the character, sorry Brian just my insignificant opinion.
We did learn more about Felsafell but the parallel between the mystical hermit and Star Wars' Yoda was a very blurred line with the speech patterns of backward question type sentences. Saying that, I do hope he brings his light saber and "the force" with him to the big finale, I have a feeling it may be needed.
I hope he actually hits Gewey over the head with his saber too for being an annoying super Godling twat and brings him back to earth, literally.
Anyhoo, onward to book #5
January 12, 2021
The book was ok. But like many books I’ve read lately that have seemed promising, the romance between many of the characters took over the story and basically ruined it.
I love the type of premise this book is, with a powerful hero who saves the world, etc.. but if I wanted to read a romance, I would pick a book out of the romance genre! Disappointing.
I love the type of premise this book is, with a powerful hero who saves the world, etc.. but if I wanted to read a romance, I would pick a book out of the romance genre! Disappointing.
October 10, 2013
It's a good story, not too involved but an easy read and keeps me wanting to know how it ends up.
January 31, 2015
Gewey develops
Gewey turns into Darshan and grows with more power and knowledge. The fight spreads with different groups heading in different directions.
Gewey turns into Darshan and grows with more power and knowledge. The fight spreads with different groups heading in different directions.
March 12, 2024
Book 4 of the Godling Chronicles continues to build on the solid base of the first 3 books. In this instalment we see Gewey Stedding struggling to come to terms with who he really is and how to control his power. A large part of this story takes place in the ethereal plain as we witness many of the characters undergoing spiritual battles if not directly against the Reborn King but against the results of his power.
One of the things that I find endearing about Gewey's character is that he comes across as slightly vulnerable and has to struggle to master his power. It would have been all too easy for Anderson to have just given him all of his power once his true identity was known, resulting in him becoming too over powering to make the story interesting. Definitely looking forward to how this series continues.
One of the things that I find endearing about Gewey's character is that he comes across as slightly vulnerable and has to struggle to master his power. It would have been all too easy for Anderson to have just given him all of his power once his true identity was known, resulting in him becoming too over powering to make the story interesting. Definitely looking forward to how this series continues.
August 11, 2021
A good read
I loved this part of the story and am really looking forward to the next book. It is fast paced and even though it jumps from group to group it is fast enough that you can see where it all ties together and does not make you wait to get back to the main characters.
I loved this part of the story and am really looking forward to the next book. It is fast paced and even though it jumps from group to group it is fast enough that you can see where it all ties together and does not make you wait to get back to the main characters.
May 9, 2017
Loving this series more and more! The maturity in the development of characters and purpose is palpable.
July 10, 2019
Don't give in to uncertainty and fear.
This book highlights the love, friendship and fears of all the characters in the story. The next book should be great.
This book highlights the love, friendship and fears of all the characters in the story. The next book should be great.
February 4, 2024
A very good continuation of this series!
March 11, 2017
Fantastic Read!
I was first introduced to the author, Brian Anderson, when I thought, mistakenly, that he was the author who was chosen to complete the Wheel Of Time series by Robert Jordan: an author that I adored and avidly waited for the next book from with bated breath. It wasn't "him"! Wrong author! But what a happy accident when I downloaded this author instead! I downloaded the first book in this series "to try". I was lost. I couldn't read each offering fast enough and was constantly worried that I would eventually come to...the "last" book in the series. Eventually, inevitably, I did reach the end, but oh what an adventure. I ended up reading his Dragonvein series "and" the Godling Chronicles series too!
This Series will definitely deliver for you that oh so elusive reading nirvana! This book is perfect for young adults to adults.
I was first introduced to the author, Brian Anderson, when I thought, mistakenly, that he was the author who was chosen to complete the Wheel Of Time series by Robert Jordan: an author that I adored and avidly waited for the next book from with bated breath. It wasn't "him"! Wrong author! But what a happy accident when I downloaded this author instead! I downloaded the first book in this series "to try". I was lost. I couldn't read each offering fast enough and was constantly worried that I would eventually come to...the "last" book in the series. Eventually, inevitably, I did reach the end, but oh what an adventure. I ended up reading his Dragonvein series "and" the Godling Chronicles series too!
This Series will definitely deliver for you that oh so elusive reading nirvana! This book is perfect for young adults to adults.
August 18, 2015
The Godling Chronicles is now moving into the fast paced mid portion of the story. I have compared the plot development of this story to a game of chess in the past and this Trial of Souls is the consignment that matches the part of a chess game where both parties are making rapid moves and gobbling up some of the critical pieces of the opponent yet the match hangs in balance.
All the characters are now placed beautifully and meaningfully around the plot such that they can contribute and significantly affect the eventual outcome of the story. It is yet hard to predict what will happen and how it will unfold but that is the nature of riveting tales. It is extremely satisfying as a reader when the lives and stories of the non central characters are also developed with richness of detail and care of emotion by the writer. Mr. Anderson is doing great justice to many of the characters in his story by doing exactly this.
As a reader, (especially in stories as elaborate and sagacious as this one), you want to indulge the occasional distraction of a side story and Mr. Anderson caters to that indulgence. Also, he is now starting to slowly bring the pieces together and what initially would have come across as a prep for an elaborate meal, with a range of disjointed ingredients preparations, is now starting to come together. Albeit, the skill of the writer is in the fact that it is still not apparent as to what the eventual dish is going to look like. Really looking forward to diving into the next installment of the series. I am going with a 4 out of 5 for The Trial of Souls
All the characters are now placed beautifully and meaningfully around the plot such that they can contribute and significantly affect the eventual outcome of the story. It is yet hard to predict what will happen and how it will unfold but that is the nature of riveting tales. It is extremely satisfying as a reader when the lives and stories of the non central characters are also developed with richness of detail and care of emotion by the writer. Mr. Anderson is doing great justice to many of the characters in his story by doing exactly this.
As a reader, (especially in stories as elaborate and sagacious as this one), you want to indulge the occasional distraction of a side story and Mr. Anderson caters to that indulgence. Also, he is now starting to slowly bring the pieces together and what initially would have come across as a prep for an elaborate meal, with a range of disjointed ingredients preparations, is now starting to come together. Albeit, the skill of the writer is in the fact that it is still not apparent as to what the eventual dish is going to look like. Really looking forward to diving into the next installment of the series. I am going with a 4 out of 5 for The Trial of Souls
August 9, 2016
Great book, great addition to the series. The audiobook is done wonderfully and is a good listen. You learn more about Gewey, as well as many of the other characters. The intrigue and things you learn during this book are high, which makes it a great read/listen. Alliances begin to form and armies begin to crumble. New strengths are achieved and wisdom learned. You're really rooting for the characters to pull through. Wonderful tale and series by Mr. Anderson. I look forward to listening to the next book.
August 11, 2015
A Tale of Souls , A Time of Trials
This is a much more complete book than the last. Answers abound and a lot is revealed about Darshan/Gewey as an earth walking God. But for me the highlight of Book Four is Felsafell! Imagine Yoda in the form of the oldest being upon the world, he talks like Yoda and does things that Yoda would have a hard time doing with the force what Felsafell does with his magic.
This is a much more complete book than the last. Answers abound and a lot is revealed about Darshan/Gewey as an earth walking God. But for me the highlight of Book Four is Felsafell! Imagine Yoda in the form of the oldest being upon the world, he talks like Yoda and does things that Yoda would have a hard time doing with the force what Felsafell does with his magic.
September 11, 2015
Wonderful
I love this series. Though this one would be my favorite so far since it finally brought Gewey and Lee back together. I believe that Felsafell is my favorite character. On to book five.
And what a talented kid the author has for this to be part of his work to. I know I will keep a look out for him as he gets older.
I love this series. Though this one would be my favorite so far since it finally brought Gewey and Lee back together. I believe that Felsafell is my favorite character. On to book five.
And what a talented kid the author has for this to be part of his work to. I know I will keep a look out for him as he gets older.
December 6, 2015
Ok so its not a high-brow, (whatever that means), series and its deffinately no A Song of Ice and Fire epic, what it is is one blooming good read. There are no unexpected twists and its written for, i'd guess, the teenage market but who cares, i enjoyed it. :-)
July 21, 2015
The story is really moving along, Gewey is discovering is full potential. The only problem I foresee is the limitations (or lack thereof) in the powers of a "god." I need to know why he can or can't do something.
March 8, 2016
A worthy successor
This story was a worthy successor to the first three. It's fast paced as ever and seems to be marching to an inevitable conclusion. I'm looking forward to the next story.
This story was a worthy successor to the first three. It's fast paced as ever and seems to be marching to an inevitable conclusion. I'm looking forward to the next story.
November 2, 2015
Book Four continues to entertain
I'm enjoying the series and looking forward to starting Book Five. Great way to relax and escape for a while.
I'm enjoying the series and looking forward to starting Book Five. Great way to relax and escape for a while.
November 14, 2016
What a great thrill
April 22, 2016
Very similar to "The Wheel of Time"
November 14, 2015
Rereading before reading book 5 & 6. Interesting series
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews