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Challenger's Call #7
Rival Crowns
Wes Malcolm has now put an entire age of terror to rest.
But the Golden Sands has long had more than one nightmare.
A new foe has arisen, a lord from a lost age, where dragons and fiends vied for dominance of every world.
And unlike the other defeated relics from the past, this foe wields an authority kin to Malcolm's own.
There can only be one crown to govern Avalon's worlds, and the Challenger will not share it with any tyrant.
But as he rises to this next challenge, a vision of the past speaks out to him, one who would teach him of how these wars began—and how they can be ended.
The Ancient awaits him.
But the Golden Sands has long had more than one nightmare.
A new foe has arisen, a lord from a lost age, where dragons and fiends vied for dominance of every world.
And unlike the other defeated relics from the past, this foe wields an authority kin to Malcolm's own.
There can only be one crown to govern Avalon's worlds, and the Challenger will not share it with any tyrant.
But as he rises to this next challenge, a vision of the past speaks out to him, one who would teach him of how these wars began—and how they can be ended.
The Ancient awaits him.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
502 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
81 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 2, 2021
So it is nice to see the series move away from it's normal path, but. . .
It has not done so successfully. While I can enjoy the idea of exploring the powers of both sides in this conflict, the way they are represented is needlessly complex. This series is becoming very hard to follow, and is dwelling on the enjoyable aspects of the relationships less and less. All of this makes for a pedestrian experience. With the difficulty of following the storyline, that is not enough to keep my interest.
It has not done so successfully. While I can enjoy the idea of exploring the powers of both sides in this conflict, the way they are represented is needlessly complex. This series is becoming very hard to follow, and is dwelling on the enjoyable aspects of the relationships less and less. All of this makes for a pedestrian experience. With the difficulty of following the storyline, that is not enough to keep my interest.
October 14, 2021
Good book
Good book, has some issues. It gets a little wordy and boring during parts. And now he's ended up skipping chunks of 3 to 10 paragraphs, and not really missing anything relevant to the story. Nothing it was common, but it did happen. Which isn't great. But that's about the only negative I have
I do think we might be spending a little too much time in other characters POV. This is kind of a thing that happens a lot in these larger fantasy worlds, when the author doesn't really have a true ending plan for the series. They just kind of keep expanding the cast, and then the point of view character, until it just becomes a cluster. And that's kind of happening now. It took me a while to remember who a lot of the characters even were. Not necessarily the POV characters, but the number of memorable side characters I can probably count on one hand
So you said it's a good book, but it's definitely not as good as it was. And I think a lot of that is the pacing has just not held up. It's got the feeling of a one piece. Where he just wants to keep writing it forever. But the story is so good in the first four books, that you wanted to keep that high octane intensity and just ride that high till the end. But instead of 10 books of masterclass, it looks like we're going to get 30 books of mediocrity. I do plan on continuing to read it, I just hope I'm wrong. I also read over a thousand books a year though, and I tend to be able to pick up on these things pretty reliably
Good book, has some issues. It gets a little wordy and boring during parts. And now he's ended up skipping chunks of 3 to 10 paragraphs, and not really missing anything relevant to the story. Nothing it was common, but it did happen. Which isn't great. But that's about the only negative I have
I do think we might be spending a little too much time in other characters POV. This is kind of a thing that happens a lot in these larger fantasy worlds, when the author doesn't really have a true ending plan for the series. They just kind of keep expanding the cast, and then the point of view character, until it just becomes a cluster. And that's kind of happening now. It took me a while to remember who a lot of the characters even were. Not necessarily the POV characters, but the number of memorable side characters I can probably count on one hand
So you said it's a good book, but it's definitely not as good as it was. And I think a lot of that is the pacing has just not held up. It's got the feeling of a one piece. Where he just wants to keep writing it forever. But the story is so good in the first four books, that you wanted to keep that high octane intensity and just ride that high till the end. But instead of 10 books of masterclass, it looks like we're going to get 30 books of mediocrity. I do plan on continuing to read it, I just hope I'm wrong. I also read over a thousand books a year though, and I tend to be able to pick up on these things pretty reliably
October 5, 2021
Slipping
I really liked the first few books of this series. Unfortunately, the books have increasingly repetitive and pedantic. The characters spend most of the book in their heads. This whole book reads like one big rant. Every single fight scene has an extended rant with the good guys talking about protecting weak. I don’t disagree with overall message of the book. I just wish the author wouldn’t try to beat us to death with it. Really sad, since this story has so much potential.
I really liked the first few books of this series. Unfortunately, the books have increasingly repetitive and pedantic. The characters spend most of the book in their heads. This whole book reads like one big rant. Every single fight scene has an extended rant with the good guys talking about protecting weak. I don’t disagree with overall message of the book. I just wish the author wouldn’t try to beat us to death with it. Really sad, since this story has so much potential.
October 11, 2021
Another great entry in the series
I love reading these books! The emerging battle between the two world views—one claiming power can only come at the cost of others’s weakness and one claiming power comes from others’ strength—is entertaining and engaging. The characters are well written and most of them get enough page space to develop and grown in every novel, though I would love to see a bit more of the testifies, Salima, Breyn and Petal dealing with their own issues and growing. I highly recommend this series, and I hope more of them keep coming!
I love reading these books! The emerging battle between the two world views—one claiming power can only come at the cost of others’s weakness and one claiming power comes from others’ strength—is entertaining and engaging. The characters are well written and most of them get enough page space to develop and grown in every novel, though I would love to see a bit more of the testifies, Salima, Breyn and Petal dealing with their own issues and growing. I highly recommend this series, and I hope more of them keep coming!
December 18, 2021
I'm about 35% of the way in, but only because I'm skimming/skipping multiple pages at a time.
There's no action, no interesting dialog, no real development or progress.
It is definitely not "hard to put down" book. It reads more like a text book than like an adventure.
It's a shame, too. The first few books were exciting and fun but now it seems to have bogged down.
The earlier books that introduced new worlds, new people, new challenges were full of variety and now it seems to be in a rut.
I'll keep trying for a few more days, and hopefully it will pick up and become more engaging.
There's no action, no interesting dialog, no real development or progress.
It is definitely not "hard to put down" book. It reads more like a text book than like an adventure.
It's a shame, too. The first few books were exciting and fun but now it seems to have bogged down.
The earlier books that introduced new worlds, new people, new challenges were full of variety and now it seems to be in a rut.
I'll keep trying for a few more days, and hopefully it will pick up and become more engaging.
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October 1, 2021Growth is key
Just when it seems Wes is ready to start gathering pace and act rather than react against the Malus order it seems the past is bringing lots of previous issue back.
A great idea as not only does it bring the other secrets of the past then, it also brings plenty of characters we can rage against as everyone is now forced to look to their forgotten and overlooked areas. At least romance is working better and something im finding overdue as well in my opinion.
Just when it seems Wes is ready to start gathering pace and act rather than react against the Malus order it seems the past is bringing lots of previous issue back.
A great idea as not only does it bring the other secrets of the past then, it also brings plenty of characters we can rage against as everyone is now forced to look to their forgotten and overlooked areas. At least romance is working better and something im finding overdue as well in my opinion.
October 4, 2021
Reach out and push !!
The best part of this latest installment in the challenger series is we have a newer bad guy to focus on rather than The Big Bad. World building, action, adventure is just as fast and furious. All the ingredients of the previous book remain while we see more of progression in the series. Looking to reading the next installment as soon as it is next released.
The best part of this latest installment in the challenger series is we have a newer bad guy to focus on rather than The Big Bad. World building, action, adventure is just as fast and furious. All the ingredients of the previous book remain while we see more of progression in the series. Looking to reading the next installment as soon as it is next released.
October 5, 2021
Beautiful!!
I have loved every book in this series and this is no t and exception. I would like to say that it does feel like a transition story, like something about the story will change. Wes has figured some stuff out but there is still so much crammed in his head and soul that it may take a full book to work it all out. Having said that, thus was a great book and worthy of glory!
I have loved every book in this series and this is no t and exception. I would like to say that it does feel like a transition story, like something about the story will change. Wes has figured some stuff out but there is still so much crammed in his head and soul that it may take a full book to work it all out. Having said that, thus was a great book and worthy of glory!
October 10, 2021
Crown them. And write love on their arms
This book is different. Not in a way that means it’s not more epic goodness of Wes and his glorious band of misfits. It’s different in the way that you will be changed after reading it. You will come closer to some fundamental truths of the world and be better for it. I won’t even begin to spoil that journey for you.
Read it. It’s important
This book is different. Not in a way that means it’s not more epic goodness of Wes and his glorious band of misfits. It’s different in the way that you will be changed after reading it. You will come closer to some fundamental truths of the world and be better for it. I won’t even begin to spoil that journey for you.
Read it. It’s important
January 17, 2022
What a hope for the world
The way the author talks about strength, about righteousness, resonate with me. I want this world of protecting the weak. It's the best of all religions, the best of all philosophy. This series should be held up as a prime example of a moral compass. Not just the protagonist, but the people around the protagonist. The way the universe itself responds to right actions. I can't wait to read 8
The way the author talks about strength, about righteousness, resonate with me. I want this world of protecting the weak. It's the best of all religions, the best of all philosophy. This series should be held up as a prime example of a moral compass. Not just the protagonist, but the people around the protagonist. The way the universe itself responds to right actions. I can't wait to read 8
September 30, 2021
Zero-HP Miniboss. Oh the Sass!
So much sass. I am loving Wes's change the name irreverent commentary as he battles more world domination hungry idiots. Great book all around. Some long asked questions are answered. But as one of the universal laws say. Greater Things Are Yet To Come. Can't wait.
So much sass. I am loving Wes's change the name irreverent commentary as he battles more world domination hungry idiots. Great book all around. Some long asked questions are answered. But as one of the universal laws say. Greater Things Are Yet To Come. Can't wait.
October 3, 2021
Excellent addition to the series
The cut scenes were a bit long and also set the back story for the Avalon and who the Ancient is. Really appreciated the movement in the romance, even if I've never met a girl who gave anywhere near that level of affirmation. I give this book a solid A.
The cut scenes were a bit long and also set the back story for the Avalon and who the Ancient is. Really appreciated the movement in the romance, even if I've never met a girl who gave anywhere near that level of affirmation. I give this book a solid A.
October 3, 2021
Yet another exceptional tale
This was yet another amazing story in the Challenger’s Call series. If you are a fan of this series, I highly recommend this book. And if you are not a fan of this series… become one!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Twists and turns, a few surprises and plenty of warmth and humor. Amazing book!
This was yet another amazing story in the Challenger’s Call series. If you are a fan of this series, I highly recommend this book. And if you are not a fan of this series… become one!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Twists and turns, a few surprises and plenty of warmth and humor. Amazing book!
October 8, 2021
It's all the Author's fault
It took me a whole week to read these seven books. It's Mr Thompson's fault that I lost sleep and yawned my way through the next day. Buy this series, you won't regret it. I can hardly wait for the next book. By the way this is my first time reading this genre. Awesome work.
It took me a whole week to read these seven books. It's Mr Thompson's fault that I lost sleep and yawned my way through the next day. Buy this series, you won't regret it. I can hardly wait for the next book. By the way this is my first time reading this genre. Awesome work.
October 17, 2021
love this series!
I love the mix of light-hearted sarcasm and sincere focus on how people can be better and grow.
Love the many nicknames used to mock the villain’s pretentious name. So hilarious! Red-shirt fresh meat, comfort zone Krampus, & steel condom off-brand to name a few!
I love the mix of light-hearted sarcasm and sincere focus on how people can be better and grow.
Love the many nicknames used to mock the villain’s pretentious name. So hilarious! Red-shirt fresh meat, comfort zone Krampus, & steel condom off-brand to name a few!
November 11, 2021
Still in my top 5 Kindle series
The good:
More Wes. More growth without it feeling too repetitive, if not a little cheating (but hey, that's what Wes does)
A new avenue of mental health to explore.
Progress with Stell
Neat expanse history
The bad
Too much Chris
Slow middle of the book
The good:
More Wes. More growth without it feeling too repetitive, if not a little cheating (but hey, that's what Wes does)
A new avenue of mental health to explore.
Progress with Stell
Neat expanse history
The bad
Too much Chris
Slow middle of the book
November 15, 2021
This is a real fun series.
Well I’ve made it to book 7 and am already looking forward to the next book. I’m so glad I took the chance in the first book because it’s been a roller coaster ride ever since. Sure the main character is OP but so are most of the things he and his friends have to fight. And hey there is even awkward teenage angst/romance for you to emote over!
Well I’ve made it to book 7 and am already looking forward to the next book. I’m so glad I took the chance in the first book because it’s been a roller coaster ride ever since. Sure the main character is OP but so are most of the things he and his friends have to fight. And hey there is even awkward teenage angst/romance for you to emote over!
September 30, 2021
Damn
Wow, just wow, i never put it down. Its amazing how much you get drawn into the world and the story. The other perspectives are good and oh my god how it ends.
One small disappointment, ive now got to wait for the next book, but i know it wont disappoint.
Wow, just wow, i never put it down. Its amazing how much you get drawn into the world and the story. The other perspectives are good and oh my god how it ends.
One small disappointment, ive now got to wait for the next book, but i know it wont disappoint.
October 1, 2021
Do yourself a favor and read these books.
One of the best series I have read! I found this series by accident on audible. After listening to the first two books a flew through the rest on Kindle. The author makes you feel for the MC and how his friends help him along the way.
One of the best series I have read! I found this series by accident on audible. After listening to the first two books a flew through the rest on Kindle. The author makes you feel for the MC and how his friends help him along the way.
October 1, 2021
The closing of an arc
This wraps up their time in the sand and I cannot wait to see what happens next little disappointed it didn't move as far overall but still a lot of great character builder and world-building it really expands in this book
This wraps up their time in the sand and I cannot wait to see what happens next little disappointed it didn't move as far overall but still a lot of great character builder and world-building it really expands in this book
October 3, 2021
Rise Up to Triumph
Wes and crew face down an ancient Fiend that once did war with dragons. History, lessons, ambitious allies, and overconfident foes come together in this sprawling mid-story of the Challenger's Call.
Wes and crew face down an ancient Fiend that once did war with dragons. History, lessons, ambitious allies, and overconfident foes come together in this sprawling mid-story of the Challenger's Call.
October 3, 2021
The newest amazing chapter
Rival Crowns is the newest in the Challenger's Call series and it brings with it new revelations, new discoveries, new threats, and new moments of joy for Wes Malcolm. If you have been on this journey then you simply must continue it. Read this one now.
Rival Crowns is the newest in the Challenger's Call series and it brings with it new revelations, new discoveries, new threats, and new moments of joy for Wes Malcolm. If you have been on this journey then you simply must continue it. Read this one now.
October 4, 2021
Another amazing work
Loved the book. The characters continue to grow and evolve. The history and world building of this book just shows the talent the author has. I look forward to reading the next book.
Loved the book. The characters continue to grow and evolve. The history and world building of this book just shows the talent the author has. I look forward to reading the next book.
October 5, 2021
Still uplifting and sucks you in
I appreciate how much focus is on the characters and relationships. This book didn’t have as much new (plots, characters, enemies), but was still satisfying.
I appreciate how much focus is on the characters and relationships. This book didn’t have as much new (plots, characters, enemies), but was still satisfying.
October 5, 2021
And here I was thinking I had cried enough in public for one day
Every time, every book, every rise. It’s like going to therapy, in book form. These book continue to move me in ways that I find frankly improbable; but I’d be a fool to pass them up.
Every time, every book, every rise. It’s like going to therapy, in book form. These book continue to move me in ways that I find frankly improbable; but I’d be a fool to pass them up.
October 6, 2021
love it
It feels good to pick up a book every once in a while where the mc does not have to choose between shades of grey, to not be summarily punished by the author for trying to be a decent person. Thank you, Nathan Thompson for making my day a little brighter.
It feels good to pick up a book every once in a while where the mc does not have to choose between shades of grey, to not be summarily punished by the author for trying to be a decent person. Thank you, Nathan Thompson for making my day a little brighter.
October 9, 2021
Another great book
I really love to read this series, it has a deep character building and also the world building is top notch. I hope you keep writing this series and hope that people will see this series as a priceless jewel that it is.
I really love to read this series, it has a deep character building and also the world building is top notch. I hope you keep writing this series and hope that people will see this series as a priceless jewel that it is.
October 9, 2021
Greatness
This is one of my favorite series of all time. I hope it never ends. It takes a great book to make one angry that it is over but that is how I feel every time I finish one of these books.
This is one of my favorite series of all time. I hope it never ends. It takes a great book to make one angry that it is over but that is how I feel every time I finish one of these books.
October 10, 2021
Good book
Damn that was a wild ride to say the least, it was one of the best books of the series to date . It will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions I definitely look forward to the next book in the series and reading more from the author 😀
Damn that was a wild ride to say the least, it was one of the best books of the series to date . It will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions I definitely look forward to the next book in the series and reading more from the author 😀
October 18, 2021
Fantastic book
This world has been a turning point. You can really see now how much he has changed and how he has changed everyone around him. Fantastic series. Can not wait for the next one.
This world has been a turning point. You can really see now how much he has changed and how he has changed everyone around him. Fantastic series. Can not wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews