The Eternal Empire

Der 13. Paladin #7

by Torsten Weitze, Tim Casey (Translator)

Time is running out for Ahren as he and Khara leave their companions under cover of darkness and make their way to the Eternal Empire. The Pall Cloud is spreading relentlessly, yet the full complement of 13 Paladins have still not gathered together. But the couple are finding it impossible to find a way through to the notoriously draconian and reclusive empress, and all their attempts to enlist her support in the war against the Adversary seem doomed to failure once Ahren falls into the clutches of Quin-Wa’s Peace Sentinels. While his friends seek a way of evading the empress’s charm net in their efforts to help, Ahren and Khara find themselves battling to stay alive.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Young Adult, Adventure, High Fantasy, Magic, Elves

615 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2021

About the author

I was born in Krefeld, Germany in 1976 and still live there under the caring eyes of my wife and two Norwegian Forest cats. Originally a publishing salesman, I couldn't resist the lure of writing, and after over a dozen years of playing the gamemaster in pen-and-paper groups, not to mention reading hundreds of fantasy novels, I decided to finally try to write a story myself that I thought might be worth telling. And so my novel Ahren was published in Germany, the first in the best-selling series The 13th Paladin.

When I am not creating new worlds and stories, I like to relax by playing pen-and-paper and story rich video games, reading or binging on TV series. I also practise Jiu Jitsu and the art of handling ancient Japanese weapons like the Katana or the Bo Staff.

Reviews

[Bine]

Ich glaube, das war zusammen mit dem ersten Teil mein absoluter Lieblingsband der Reihe. Dabei hätte ich das anfangs gar nicht so gedacht. Ich mochte Karas Reise SO GERNE. Ahren und Kara haben so viel in diesem Band gelernt - über sich und wie die Dinge funktionieren. Sie sind einzeln und zusammen gewachsen. Gepaart mit dem doch sehr spannenden Umfeld des ewigen Reichs und der super Auflösung! Oh und dann diese irre Episode mit der Tarnung als Schaustellergruppe. Hier hat sich der Autor nochmal sehr gesteigert. Ich habe ja ein bisschen Angst, dass der Rest der Reihe dort nicht anknüpfen kann, aber ich bin weiterhin sehr gespannt, wie die Reise der Paladine bis zum Showdown weitergehen wird.

[Eric Partridge]

In the seventh installment of the thirteenth paladin series we finally travel to the Eternal Empire and in a way that does not make any sense. Ahren, the thirteenth is on his way to the Eastern Asian inspired region of Jorath known as the Eternal Empire where one of the paladin rules with an iron fist.

Her people are forced to follow very strict societal policies as well as live in constant fear of breaking etiquette lest they be imprisoned and sent to war, to the mines, or to the arenas wear they will die for sport and entertainment. The reasoning behind this was very lame in my opinion and the empress was so cruel to her people and she never sought the aid of her brothers and sisters or the help of the ancient wizard clans. She was very much so going against her oath to serve and protect the people of Jorath, and it was all very disappointing.

The plot was also divided into 3 categories for various reasons that I won't go into for spoilers' reasons, but to split the story this way felt very convoluted and difficult to follow. Also, the overarching quest of the entire series has been to reunite all of the paladins, but they start the book by splitting up all the paladins? Why?

In conclusion, this story does not live up to the previous titles in the series in the terms of story and plot, but the world building was very well done. The plot was particularly full of holes as to why the Eternal Empress did what they did. The setting however was very unique because we travelled to a new region and a new nation, but the overall plot was just too disappointing.

[Unspiritedaway]

ive liked this series but this has been the weakest book so far. khara is the worst character and the insistence that she be stronger and better then Ahren all the time is wearing very thin. there is no way that someone of her size would be able to beat him at this point given his extreme dedication to training so they had to include a story arc that would level her up. tbh i keep hoping shes not endgame for ahren.

[Darlene]

Excellent series

I recommend this series. I have enjoyed watching how the author has matured our 13the Paladin. The one and only thing I do not like is his girlfriend. She is a great character to introduce by herself but she doesn’t match up as his girlfriend, in my opinion. I hate the constant reference of “his beloved” or “my beloved”. It’s used way too much and the main character seems totally PW’d by her which is what I don’t like, makes him seem weak, out of character. They are just not right together, in my opinion. I enjoy all the rest.

[Greg Felt]

The price of being a young Palladian warrior

Queen and Musta have become extremely competent soldiers and both have experience a magical form of PTSD which is a condition that almost every soldier develops. Taking the life of another human has a profound impact on anyone thrown into a battle. This mental sickness needs to be healed just as any wound needs to heal. This book really brings this issue to the attention of the reader and shows many ways that can really help with the healing process. I expect even more in the next book of the series. Excellent book from many angles!😍

[Theresa]

Ahren and Khara sneak off alone to travel to the Eternal Empire to try to convince her to join them in the fight against ‘He-Who-Forces’. The others try to follow but are distracted and slowed by other events of the war.

Stayed up late finishing this. Couldn’t put it down. Did not expect the ending.

Footnote: 1) I’m glad I don’t live in the Eternal Empire. Way too many obscure rules.

Fave scenes: Culhen begging Uldini, Cokuchan’s explanation of her gardening style, the test of the five waters and Khara’s challenge duel.

[Vicki]

Another great tale

Ahren's journey continues. Such an epic story, it is worth starting at the beginning just for the sheer joy of watching Ahren grow and mature. This volume takes us through Khara's homeland with plenty of insights into her personality and experienced along the way. More of Culhen too as he gets his chance to narrate the story, he is slightly annoying but also amusing, just like he is with Ahren. A great addition to the series, keep the translations coming!

[Lirio Dendron]

Bei den meisten Fantasygeschichten dieses Genres bleiben die Protagonisten so, wie sie anfangs beschrieben wurden. Das ist auch hier so, zumindest größtenteils. Die obligatorische Elfin erfährt einige Anpassungen, der Zauberer, der Zwerg, der Paladin mit seinem Einhorn, bleiben wie sie sind. Nicht so Ahren, sein Wolf und seine Liebste. Diese durchlaufen einen ständigen Reifungsprozess, was die Geschichte auch weiterhin interessant hält.

[Stephen Rademan]

Rapidly becoming one of my favourite all time series

A blend of all the things you would hope for in a book like this with good character development, world setting and storyline. You won’t regret investing the time in all of the books. Definitely recommend you read the series in order.

[Albert J.]

I haven't ever written a review before...

But this has been a very fun series to read. I'm really enjoying traveling with them to each new landscape and turmoil they find themselves in. My only complete is that the series isn't done and I have to keep waiting for new books to come out, its a painful wait😁. Great job, keep writing!

[Jeanie Molina]

Excellent writing and characters.

I found this story on Kindle unlimited and was intrigued. The story and characters are so well developed that everything moves smoothly. The friendships, hardships, irritating ancients, and youthful innocents. Let me just say, that I am not so patiently waiting for the winter of 2021 release of the next book in the series.

[David M Drewry]

The Story Continues

I have read all previous chapter's and I thought this was the best yet. Athens journey with he who forces and all his creature as well as his friends and the battles they faces was well but together and draws into the store. Wish next book was out already so I could continue with the story. Great Read!!

[Jessica]

Ich liebe diese Reihe einfach. Fantasy vom allerfeinsten!
Dieses Band fand ich bislang eins der Besten, da es nicht nur aus der Sichtweise von Ahren sondern auch aus anderen Sichtweisen geschrieben war. Fand ich persönlich jetzt noch spannender. Da man besser nachvollziehen konnten wie alles zusammen gefunden hat. Einfach toll!

[Roan Bp]

like all the books its a great story but Khara is rude, abusive and arrogant.
She focuses only on herself "i will make myself better then rescue Ahern from the horrible torture pit"............no go help him. honestly she ruins this series. its ignored due to her past but honestly i hope she is written out for character development.

[Susan Blevins]

These are the most wonderful books!

As always, this volume was filled with the ever developing characters of our heroes engaging in exciting adventures and waging war against the Dark Ones. This volume introduced new characters who I’m looking forward to getting to know. I’m excited to start Volume VIII!!

[Doug]

The adventure continues as these heroes enter a fascinating new section of the world. The pacing, world building, character development, fantasy, and thrill are all excellent. There’s a good mix of internal and external conflict. My one complaint is the speed with which the heroes change views of their main antagonist’s motives. There needed to be more exploration of that topic.

[Angela]

I did it

One more book on my road of recovery! Ahren has learned a great lesson in this book! Karah has truly been awesome and I can not see what happen next for her! The next book,if it is in the Dwarfs Thousand Halls,will make some great reading. Maybe we will find another Paladin?

[Stephen Gale]

A definite must to read and immerse yourself in.

I have found this series to be exciting, captivating and extremely well written. The world and character building is absolutely wonderful and believable. I especially love the humanity portrayed with nothing done without reason.

[Ester Vazquez-Barthel]

Incredible Series

I absolutely love every single book in this saga. I want it to become a mini series, except I can't think of anyone that would do it justice. Can't wait for the next book 💌

[lerae andree]

Saga of a warrior

This series is so worth reading even through there are several grammar errors which one can overlook because the storyline is filled with love, friendship and evil plots that are unending and always new to the reader.

[Aurianna]

Wieder ein sehr spannender Band der Reihe.
Diesmal verschlägt es den 13. Paladin in das ewige Reich von Quinn-Wa, einem Paladin und außerdem eine der Alten. Ahern muss alles anwenden was er gelernt hat, und macht das auch sehr gut. Das Ende ist überraschend und macht Lust auf den nächsten Band.

[Sugarpop]

In der Theorie hätte ich diesen Teil mögen sollen, aber ich tu es einfach nicht...

Ich finde positiv, dass die Story etwas düsterer als sonst war und auch viel in die Entfaltung der Hauptcharaktere gesteckt hat.

[Dagan McKinney]

Another great book in an addictive series. I’m always leery of unfinished stories but the speed of the publishing impressive.

[Samuel]

Another!

Yet another great adventure for the thirteenth! Twist and turns, and growing relationships in new places. An amazing adventure for the group. The next one is anticipated!

[Geoff]

Great book. Great series

Another great book in the series. Can’t wait for more.
Couldn’t put the book down. Enjoyed the various story arcs all coming together.

[Joe Cummins]

The best one in the series

This has got to be the best book of the series thus far. Lots of Action and intrigue. I Loved it!!!!

[Patricia A Guthrie]

A World Worth Visting

A World I Will Miss Dearly While Waiting For The Next Glimpse Into The Lives Of These Selfless Paladins Once More.

[Sockenmaedchen]

I just decided to stop listening to the series. It's just gotten a bit too much.

[Devin Coryell]

4.5 / 5

[Justine Tinúviël]

Bin immer noch Feuer und Flamme, dieses Buch war mir aber ein bisschen zuuuuu vorhersehbar. Bin trotzdem gespannt, wie es weiter geht.