Gavin must stop a man who shares his training and abilities.
Gavin has left the only friends he’d ever made to study his El’aras magic. Though he may share their heritage, he quickly learns that he’s not El’aras.
When an attack targets them, and has the ability to counter any El’aras ability, Gavin is all that prevents certain devastation.
Understanding the attack and who is behind it leads Gavin to uncover the truth about his mentor—and there is much Tristan never shared.
There has been another Champion, and he’ll stop and nothing to claim a destructive power he believes he’s fated to control.
Only Gavin stands in his way. Though Gavin might not be the first Champion, he is the only Chain Breaker.
Finally Gavin is now training with the El’aras but unfortunately this comes to rather an abrupt end as they are attacked in their village.
This is from Gavin’s thoughts after the attack whilst inspecting some rock type structure with Tristan’s mark on it; it had me in stitches for quite some time..!! :) “He had proved that he was the breaker of magic and the breaker of spells. Now he would be the breaker of stone.” ;)
More great world building, magical creatures, magical abilities, character development and fighting techniques. Some new characters to add to the mix who’s personalities are just coming through. I hope to read more about them in future books.
An enjoyable read which ties off some loose ends from previous books and has a fantastic battle at the end. However I felt like quite a lot of the book was about Gavin and his new friends on some sort of strange scavenger hunt with hidden traps included for that extra edge..
As usual, I really liked this. Gavin and his friends never disappoint. I wish there was more Wrenlow but that’s ok. I was really happy that Mekel came along for this ride too cause I like him a lot and his stone enchantments come in really handy. As long as nobody hurts him. Brandon is also another cool addition and I can’t wait to know more about him. 5 stars!
So…. Until he starts referring to his “core reserves” as Magic this series will never get 3 stars or more for me… Even Gaspar thinks it’s dumb and it is dumb… The second half of this book was probably 4 or 5 stars the first half was easily 1 star… The entire first half really didn’t do much for the story line except try and make the book an acceptable length… Some aspects definitely gave good back story but the whole scavenger hunt thing was unnecessary except to provide a way to give backstory on Brandon and Rayena so it just feel dragged out and boring for me! But the second half was a lot lot better the series is still definitely worth a read, while I do think DK lacks in a lot of areas as an actual writer he is an amazing story teller!
Some of the writing is repetitive, concerning facts or events that have already happened, and in my opinion is not needed. It’s as if the writer is writing to people who haven’t read any of the books and I find myself skipping those parts, as I find I’ve already read them multiple times already.
Finally we get to hear more and meet with our heroes mentor, the elusive Tristan. Now Gavin has to decide whether his mentor was helping him prepare for the prophecy or was it for his own inferious purposes. Don't miss this part..
I started reading this series a few years ago (checked my notes… it was back in 2021) and reached the end of book 6 only to discover that book 7 and subsequent books were not available on Kindle Unlimited, and would require purchase. I wasn’t that enamoured of the series, and decided to leave it.
Fast forward two years, and book 7 (and the rest) are now available for me for free.
Sadly, this was not an enjoyable read for me. The magic systems, the setting and overall plot are very much to my taste, and seem to be intelligently put together. Gavin’s “core reserves” and the other abilities he’s gathered fit together to create a character that is never completely over-powered, but also one that is strong enough to eventually win in all his battles (in one way or another). At the same time, he seems to form bonds with his allies and create a team that is balanced and likeable.
Unfortunately, the character of Gavin himself remains a stubborn ass. Despite what he’s learned, he refuses to consider is powers in any way other than as his “core reserves”, and the constant repetition of “well, I suppose I should call it my magic” and similar phrases leaves the reader thoroughly frustrated at his lack of growth.
As with most books, events take place over several days, and are read within a few hours. In this case, it feels as if Gavin’s character growth is limited to “real time” for the reader, not the in-world elapsed time. While some books do break the bounds of reality with characters gaining years of maturity in just a few paragraphs, D.K. Holmberg seems intent on keeping Gavin as the confused, immature, and paranoid character he was in book one, all the way through this series.
I’ll probably read the next couple of books, just to see what happens, but for now I think I need a break!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A Blade and a Ring is the seventh book in The Chain Breaker World Series by D.K. Holmberg. It is an expansive, character-driven fantasy saga that blends fast-paced adventure with a rich, evolving world. Across its multiple interconnected books, Mr. Holmberg crafts a setting that feels both lived-in and yet still full of mystery — from bustling city streets to dangerous wilds teeming with magic and hidden threats. Mr. Holmberg excels at portraying characters with depth — flawed, determined, and shaped by the weight of their choices. The relationships, particularly the bonds of loyalty and trust, give the story an emotional core that balances the action. If you enjoy immersive fantasy worlds, morally complex heroes, and a blend of action, mystery, and heartfelt moments, then ‘The Chain Breaker World’ Series is a rewarding read that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Happy Reading…
I liked the way it tied up tasks in the past yet added new tasks. It had been a year since I read book 6 yet it all came back with old friends and new alliances. Anna didn't play a major role but it didn't matter the seeking of the various powers and knowledge kept my interest.
Superb series, continuously exciting and lots of action!!!!
Congratulations to D.K. Holmberg for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Wonderful! I enjoy everything D.K. Goldberg writes. He does have a way with words! This book is full of action, adventure, friendship, choices, challenges and purpose. It is very hard to put down. Can't wait to join Gavin on his next journey!
Good steady story line, simple to follow. Enough changes to maintain interest as story moves along . No foul language or scenes. Easy reading. Suitable for anyone 14 to senior adult.
Again D K Holmberg has created a story that weaved through magic, betrayal, self doubt, to create a Champion. Still the most powerful part of making a Champion is trust and friendship. Can’t wait for the next one.
This series so far does not disappoint. Exciting, thrilling just plain intriguing. Will definitely have you up reading till the hours of dawn and waiting for the next book.
Gavin is drawn into chasing Tristan across the land in search of the power behind the nihilism. He is joined by the usual group of friends. Can he solve the riddles, and who is this other person that Tristan has trained?
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
Oh ich liebe Gavin und war froh endlich wieder in seine Geschichte abtauchen zu können. Ich liebe es wie der Autor es schafft sich immer wieder neue Gefahren auszudenken, aber dabei immer wieder zu den alten Mustern zurück findet. Wir lernen immer wieder neue Figuren kennen, aber dabei werden die Alten zum Glück nicht vergessen.
Ich mag die Andeutung einer Romanze zwischen Anna und Gavin. Es belastet vor allem nicht die Story, so wie es in anderen Büchern der Fall ist. Die Frage bleibt, ist Gavin wirklich der Auserwählte oder wird er alle ins Verderben reißen. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Band der Reihe.