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The Cycle of Galand #7
The Twelve Plagues
The White Lich has fallen. The remnants of his army have fled into the forests. It should be a time of celebration. But as Dante regroups his people, the Angel of Taim arrives with a message.
They may have defeated the lich—but Taim is still going to destroy the mortal world of Rale.
Facing starvation in the dead of winter, Dante leads his people toward the abundant fields of Gallador Rift. Along the way, though, a horrifying illness breaks out among the travelers. As earthquakes rattle the land and volcanoes black out the sky, it becomes clear the plague was only the first attack launched against Rale.
Their only hope is to travel back to the Realm of the gods and try to bargain with them—and if that fails, to wage war on them. But the only known doorway to the Realm is hundreds of miles away. With the world in the throes of collapse, and flooded with monsters from hell's darkest depths, all of the world might be torn apart before Dante and Blays have the chance to start fighting back.
They may have defeated the lich—but Taim is still going to destroy the mortal world of Rale.
Facing starvation in the dead of winter, Dante leads his people toward the abundant fields of Gallador Rift. Along the way, though, a horrifying illness breaks out among the travelers. As earthquakes rattle the land and volcanoes black out the sky, it becomes clear the plague was only the first attack launched against Rale.
Their only hope is to travel back to the Realm of the gods and try to bargain with them—and if that fails, to wage war on them. But the only known doorway to the Realm is hundreds of miles away. With the world in the throes of collapse, and flooded with monsters from hell's darkest depths, all of the world might be torn apart before Dante and Blays have the chance to start fighting back.
602 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2021
88 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Edward W. Robertson
73 books1,235 followersEd is the author of the post-apocalyptic Breakers series and the epic fantasy series The Cycle of Arawn. A former New Yorker and Idaho-guy, he currently lives in the LA area. His short fiction has appeared in a whole bunch of magazines and anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 14, 2023
*** 3.55 ***
May 18, 2021
I kind of feel like this book went on for a bit too long. It also suffered from a middle that was largely copy and paste. The start is interesting and the end is certainly important as far as this series is concerned. But, as a long time fan of this series, I am starting to feel it's kind of like the author is flogging a dead horse at this point.
July 11, 2022
Dante and Blays have been fighting increasingly difficult enemies throughout their careers. At first, they were engaged in fairly normal struggles within their own city of Narashtovik or with neighboring countries like Mallon and Gask. Then they encountered Gladdic, a nearly fanatical priest of Taim, in Mallon, who was a powerful eithermancer (and also knew how to wield the neither as well). Trying to get rid of Gladdic once and for all, they followed him to the swamp kingdom of Tanar Attain, where discovered the White Lich. The White Lich was such a bad dude that he scared even Galddic, who joined forces with Dante and Blays to get rid of him. The three of them spent about three books trying to get rid of the Lich. Finally, they succeeded. But the Lich was supported by Taim, the apparent chief of the gods, and now that his creature has been defeated, Taim is getting serious about ending the world known in the realm of the gods as Rale. The Twelve Plagues tells how Dante, Blays, and Gladdic try to thwart Taim’s plan to end their world.
In the best of times, Narashtovik has trouble growing enough food. After the devastation of all the wars they have recently been through, most recently the Lich’s attack, they are short of provisions. Reluctantly, Dante decides to move his people to a less hostile place in Gallador for a while. But on the way, the people begin to fall ill with some strange kind of plague. Pretty soon, the remaining neithermancers can no longer cure everybody. Then the land begins to suffer frequent earthquakes. By the time they reach Gallador, monsters are appearing in the lakes.
They decide they need to return to the Realm of the Nine Kings to find out if there is any way to stop all this. But the things they need to get there are so far away…
Luckily, Blays' sponsor, Carvahal, takes pity on them and brings them into the Realm from where they are. He and a minor goddess friend think they may have a way to stop the creature from hell that is causing all the trouble, but it involves a long quest wherein they have to secure the cooperation of four entities who were instrumental in ending an earlier war among the gods. They can only get to the places where these entities are through portals provided by the goddess, and when they get to the right area, there is still a long trip to find the entity they are looking for. Meanwhile, the creature from hell is inciting wars and natural disasters in each of these parts of the world that they are obliged to avoid or solve, or something. All this takes time, and they are rapidly running out.
This is the most confusing book yet in either the Cycle of Arawn or the Cycle of Galand. There is too much trauma even for much of the usual witty banter between Dante and Blays. I think, but am not sure, that they miss their deadline. But I thought I heard someone say there might still be a way to save the world. I hope so. Can’t wait for the next book.
Tim Gerard Reynolds is a great narrator for Dante and Blays.
In the best of times, Narashtovik has trouble growing enough food. After the devastation of all the wars they have recently been through, most recently the Lich’s attack, they are short of provisions. Reluctantly, Dante decides to move his people to a less hostile place in Gallador for a while. But on the way, the people begin to fall ill with some strange kind of plague. Pretty soon, the remaining neithermancers can no longer cure everybody. Then the land begins to suffer frequent earthquakes. By the time they reach Gallador, monsters are appearing in the lakes.
They decide they need to return to the Realm of the Nine Kings to find out if there is any way to stop all this. But the things they need to get there are so far away…
Luckily, Blays' sponsor, Carvahal, takes pity on them and brings them into the Realm from where they are. He and a minor goddess friend think they may have a way to stop the creature from hell that is causing all the trouble, but it involves a long quest wherein they have to secure the cooperation of four entities who were instrumental in ending an earlier war among the gods. They can only get to the places where these entities are through portals provided by the goddess, and when they get to the right area, there is still a long trip to find the entity they are looking for. Meanwhile, the creature from hell is inciting wars and natural disasters in each of these parts of the world that they are obliged to avoid or solve, or something. All this takes time, and they are rapidly running out.
This is the most confusing book yet in either the Cycle of Arawn or the Cycle of Galand. There is too much trauma even for much of the usual witty banter between Dante and Blays. I think, but am not sure, that they miss their deadline. But I thought I heard someone say there might still be a way to save the world. I hope so. Can’t wait for the next book.
Tim Gerard Reynolds is a great narrator for Dante and Blays.
May 26, 2021
The characters are still good but the power amplification of the story is making the whole thing trend towards silly and weird. It departs more and more from how the story started. 2.5 stars because I like the characters.
August 11, 2021
I love Ed and his books. I've loved- LOVED- just about all of the books related to Dante Galand. Most of the older books are clear 5 star books to me. But here's the thing... I don't feel like this installment gave us anything new. More bad stuff, more running around trying to stop it, more gods, more snark (even the snark is getting a tad worn)... like, poor Dante just needs (and deserves) an ending. And Taim needs to get what's coming to him.
December 26, 2021
Action and More Action
This has been the most action between two covers of any of the books in this whole series. One more to go. When does book eight come out?
This has been the most action between two covers of any of the books in this whole series. One more to go. When does book eight come out?
June 21, 2021
I loved it. It felt more rushed than the previous books but it makes sense because the boys were on a time crunch. I absolutely love how amazing Blays is, him fighting lightening is just everything. I can't wait for the next one.
June 16, 2021
Although I think some of the reviews are kind of harsh, I did enjoy the book. It did not provide the resolution I was hoping for, and there was a lot of content that did not advance the story. That being said, there was a lot of action and banter with the characters that made it an enjoyable read.
June 8, 2021
It was satisfying to read that other fans of this series were less enthralled with this one, as was I. I still love the series but this did not live up to the others. Too much time spent on detailed travelogues and trivial battle scenes where following the detail was a waste of time. I listened on audible and there were so many times I had to replay a section because it just droned on & I lost the intent (definitely due to the writing, not the reader, because Tim Gerard Reynolds could make the phone book sound fascinating). The Dante and Blays banter was reduced to a bit of sarcasm here and there and rarely employed in this dragged out seek and find expedition. Dante seemed more hype than substance, being constantly referred to for his greatness but not actually doing much that was extraordinary. Even Gladdic was reduced to a lesser version of his powerful self except when his skill would save the day. Only Blays seemed true to character esp. wielding the sword of stars. Some of the new characters were intriguing while others just time wasted, some parts were riveting, but others were repetitive BTDT scenes. All in all, it felt too similar to hunting down the White Lich but lacking credible peril. There was just too much sameness throughout the book, it made it uncomfortably put-down-able.
On another note, I was disappointed by the lack of reference to several formerly key plot elements that would have been very relevant. For example on the quest to the white tree of Barden, how could the bone sword or the initial attempt by Samarand to free Arawn at Barden go unmentioned?
On another note, I was disappointed by the lack of reference to several formerly key plot elements that would have been very relevant. For example on the quest to the white tree of Barden, how could the bone sword or the initial attempt by Samarand to free Arawn at Barden go unmentioned?
January 19, 2023
This book took me over a full year to listen through. It was a little difficult to get into and then felt a little copy-paste in all the new places.
At this point, it feels like a dungeons and dragons campaign that has gone on too long. Too many world-shattering calamities to be sholdered by a single god-adjacent person, a fantastic sidekick, and a grumpy old man. I do love to see Dante has grown a bit as a person with some of the choices he has made. And that Blaze has not, and will not change from the lovable comedic relief even while fighting.
This is not to say I am not obsessed with this world, the characters, the writer, or the outcome of the events. But is to say that I am glad there is only 1 more book for Cycle of Galand.
At this point, it feels like a dungeons and dragons campaign that has gone on too long. Too many world-shattering calamities to be sholdered by a single god-adjacent person, a fantastic sidekick, and a grumpy old man. I do love to see Dante has grown a bit as a person with some of the choices he has made. And that Blaze has not, and will not change from the lovable comedic relief even while fighting.
This is not to say I am not obsessed with this world, the characters, the writer, or the outcome of the events. But is to say that I am glad there is only 1 more book for Cycle of Galand.
March 20, 2023
These books started out so strong, but they've lost their way. I think the main issue I have with Dante is that he isn't his own person. Instead, he's an incredibly dangerous weapon that keeps getting aimed by someone else to serve their goals. First it was Cally, then the council, and now the gods. He's just a really overpowered errand boy.
The author has fallen into the common epic fantasy trap of trying to build tension and conflict by creating bigger and more dangerous foes. However, a character trying to save the entire world is paradoxically less emotionally powerful than a character trying to save a single person/pet/town/etc. I can relate to the anguish of losing a dog. I can't conceive of the obliteration of an entire planet. At this point, I've lost all hope that this will be a satisfying ending, but I'm pushing through to the bitter end.
The author has fallen into the common epic fantasy trap of trying to build tension and conflict by creating bigger and more dangerous foes. However, a character trying to save the entire world is paradoxically less emotionally powerful than a character trying to save a single person/pet/town/etc. I can relate to the anguish of losing a dog. I can't conceive of the obliteration of an entire planet. At this point, I've lost all hope that this will be a satisfying ending, but I'm pushing through to the bitter end.
December 27, 2023
This is when I really started hate-reading the series, and actively complaining/griping about the characters/plot in my Buddy Read...
So many of the things I mentioned when I stopped loving the series back at book 5 are really in the forefront now...
The world is falling apart, Dante and friends are running around trying to dodge full annihilation, eventually run off on a quest, make token calls home to hold on for 1 more week, etc etc etc... prioritize their friends/townspeople over the rest of the world, and eventually the multiverse... zoom right past new worlds/factions/magic systems...
So many of the things I mentioned when I stopped loving the series back at book 5 are really in the forefront now...
The world is falling apart, Dante and friends are running around trying to dodge full annihilation, eventually run off on a quest, make token calls home to hold on for 1 more week, etc etc etc... prioritize their friends/townspeople over the rest of the world, and eventually the multiverse... zoom right past new worlds/factions/magic systems...
August 19, 2021
I’m not sure why some like this book less than others in the series. The banter and wit were there (admittedly those dynamics are the main reason I love this series), but I thought the plot was on par with previous books as well. Maybe I’m less discerning than some, but I think if you’ve enjoyed the other books in the series you’ll enjoy this one as well. I’m very much looking forward to the next book!
February 19, 2024
I feel like this series take a dive here. Still entertaining but feeling so drawn out. I think the author was trying to do something new and not have the big climax and happy ending then just doing a 180 to now you defeated the bad guy but wait the gods are trying to kill you and they unleashed your biggest monster yet. I don’t know if it’s lazy writing or the author trying to be different, but this one didn’t do it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
This is my guilty pleasure. Always fun to read. If you have not started at The Cycle of Galand: Books 1-3 would high recommend it.
November 5, 2025
Becoming a bit Tedious
I have generally really enjoyed the trials and tribulations of Dante and Blays as they cause more and more chaos trying to save themselves and their city but the occasional stupidity shown by Dante and the total smart-assiness of Blays is becoming a bit tedious. I still enjoyed it.
I have generally really enjoyed the trials and tribulations of Dante and Blays as they cause more and more chaos trying to save themselves and their city but the occasional stupidity shown by Dante and the total smart-assiness of Blays is becoming a bit tedious. I still enjoyed it.
May 30, 2021
As much as I've enjoyed this series to date, I just couldn't finish this one. The books have devolved into a series of fetch quests, that while with occasionally fun character interactions and development, just don't hold my attention enough to finish any more.
June 11, 2021
Dropped the ball.
Generally I like the author and this series, but this is basically the last season of game of thrones. The main characters are inconsistent, the supporting characters are 2 dimensional, the plot cliche, and the world feels... small.
Generally I like the author and this series, but this is basically the last season of game of thrones. The main characters are inconsistent, the supporting characters are 2 dimensional, the plot cliche, and the world feels... small.
May 12, 2022
good but a little over the top
As the story progressed from the start of the series. The main characters keep getting over powered so the original limits to their power and ability seem non existent. It would be nice if magic was not the answer for most problems.
As the story progressed from the start of the series. The main characters keep getting over powered so the original limits to their power and ability seem non existent. It would be nice if magic was not the answer for most problems.
November 13, 2021
Another great story in the series.
June 11, 2022
absolutely awesome
Love the tales of galand and his friends. It is a must read for all the series! It keeps you on your toes!
Love the tales of galand and his friends. It is a must read for all the series! It keeps you on your toes!
August 27, 2022
I wasn't expecting that! If you've gotten this far you should definitely continue! Each book expands the world a little bit more but this one blew it wide open.
February 19, 2023
Listened to the audiobook. An enjoyable book, but not one I rushed to finish. Had some lulls in it and not as good as previous books.
November 9, 2023
great
June 24, 2024
I felt like things were starting to feel a little repetitive for a while with this book, but it picked back up towards the end, and I liked where it left things off.
June 4, 2023
I'm going to take a break from this one. I seem to be stuck at about the 40% mark. To be fair...I haven't really returned to it in a month or so, but at this point, I am not really feeling a burning desire to....
Here is what I wrote at the last status update for myself:
"Tbh, I’m having a hard time with this one. MC’s are still snarky, and I guess we add Gladdic as an MC too. But, my gosh, we have book after book of basically the same thing and honestly I’m getting tired of it. Nothing is NEW. Nothing is grabbing my interest. And it’s SO LONG!
I’ve come this far so I’m going to make myself finish. But, Tim Gerard Reynolds is as awesome as ever as the narrator. That’s ONE good thing."
Here is what I wrote at the last status update for myself:
"Tbh, I’m having a hard time with this one. MC’s are still snarky, and I guess we add Gladdic as an MC too. But, my gosh, we have book after book of basically the same thing and honestly I’m getting tired of it. Nothing is NEW. Nothing is grabbing my interest. And it’s SO LONG!
I’ve come this far so I’m going to make myself finish. But, Tim Gerard Reynolds is as awesome as ever as the narrator. That’s ONE good thing."
December 16, 2021
This story has still not ended... love reading about Dante and co, but it does need to complete. I will be buying the next when it is available
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews