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The Ebon Blades #3
Grog III
Provine Sael and her weary band have put the great northern plains behind them, and are heading south into the Empire, winter quarters beckoning to them after a long, hard summer. But crossing the raid-torn northern frontier holds new problems and challenges as the little group re-enters an empire burdened by war and war's demands. The Sagrit have not forgotten the Dellian, and Grog must face new threats to his mistress, along with new issues and ideas which must be pondered. It is not easy being a brute in a improper world, but Grog and Burk struggle onward, fortified by Master Horne's teachings and their unflinching sense of duty. .
- GenresFantasy
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2021
68 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 4, 2024
Despite the title being the name of the main character, Grog (as a series) is quite an enjoyable group-focused adventure tale full of constant exploration, gory fights and endearing characters, sprinkled with some fish-out-of-water humor here and there. I've read the first three books now in 2021, and I'd say it's my favourite book series of the year.
The book(s) focus on the titular Grog, a Half-Ulkar(Half-Orc) slave raised for both gladiator and bodyguard service. Grog and his fellow gladiatorial slave, Burk, get hired by a group of adventurers on an important quest, and he quickly grows into his role as muscle and bodyguard while both learning from his new companions and maintaining his pride in his status as an elite fighter.
In the third book the group tries to get back from behind enemy lines into a safe winter quarter, but is confronted by enemies old and new at almost every step. The group is forced to flee from enemies too great, but also decide to make a stand when some good (and some loot) is to be gained from it.
What I love about the series are four things, really:
a) The whole story is meaningful, but also a bit down to earth. The group starts with an important quest, but it is not to save the world, just to make their home, the empire, gradually a bit better. Quests later added are informed by the morals of the group, and are again about doing the right thing in the face of adversity. It is not about defeating the Dark Lord (TM) that threatens All Of The World (TM), although their exploits can affect the empire sometimes quite significantly.
b) The characters have distinct personalities, different goals, and different skills, but find a way to work together. The books have a first person protagonist (Grog), but the perspective is used mostly for humor and to contrast his musings to the rest of the group, which allows the other characters to gain a lot of definition from that comparison.
c) All characters of the group are special, but only because they put hard work into becoming that special. Noone is gifted beyond what they put blood and sweat into developing, and in fact one of the recurring themes is that nothing will change about either you or society unless you put a lot of work and discipline into it. I probably would love the books for that message alone.
d) The group rarely stays at one place for a long time (at least within the pages). As a result, there is a somewhat-consistent balance between travel and exploration, group banter, visceral action, scheming, humor and philosophical talk. Which is a nice distribution, in my book.
The book(s) focus on the titular Grog, a Half-Ulkar(Half-Orc) slave raised for both gladiator and bodyguard service. Grog and his fellow gladiatorial slave, Burk, get hired by a group of adventurers on an important quest, and he quickly grows into his role as muscle and bodyguard while both learning from his new companions and maintaining his pride in his status as an elite fighter.
In the third book the group tries to get back from behind enemy lines into a safe winter quarter, but is confronted by enemies old and new at almost every step. The group is forced to flee from enemies too great, but also decide to make a stand when some good (and some loot) is to be gained from it.
What I love about the series are four things, really:
a) The whole story is meaningful, but also a bit down to earth. The group starts with an important quest, but it is not to save the world, just to make their home, the empire, gradually a bit better. Quests later added are informed by the morals of the group, and are again about doing the right thing in the face of adversity. It is not about defeating the Dark Lord (TM) that threatens All Of The World (TM), although their exploits can affect the empire sometimes quite significantly.
b) The characters have distinct personalities, different goals, and different skills, but find a way to work together. The books have a first person protagonist (Grog), but the perspective is used mostly for humor and to contrast his musings to the rest of the group, which allows the other characters to gain a lot of definition from that comparison.
c) All characters of the group are special, but only because they put hard work into becoming that special. Noone is gifted beyond what they put blood and sweat into developing, and in fact one of the recurring themes is that nothing will change about either you or society unless you put a lot of work and discipline into it. I probably would love the books for that message alone.
d) The group rarely stays at one place for a long time (at least within the pages). As a result, there is a somewhat-consistent balance between travel and exploration, group banter, visceral action, scheming, humor and philosophical talk. Which is a nice distribution, in my book.
December 15, 2021
Stellar writing, great pacing, strong characters, 5 star trilogy.
Well written, credible world building, intense, brutal action scenes, the things that make a trilogy epic! Creative, imaginative writing with a strong, colorful cast of characters, I really enjoyed learning about this band, while at the sane time feeling like a member of the team. I can only hope this series continues in the future with new adventures from this hardened team of adventurers! Great storytelling.
Well written, credible world building, intense, brutal action scenes, the things that make a trilogy epic! Creative, imaginative writing with a strong, colorful cast of characters, I really enjoyed learning about this band, while at the sane time feeling like a member of the team. I can only hope this series continues in the future with new adventures from this hardened team of adventurers! Great storytelling.
September 25, 2021
On the Road
I love the pacing of the story. It’s just following a slow journey that can conceivably go on forever. I enjoy Grog and all the supporting characters. I can’t wait for more.
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 2/5
Narration: N//a
Favorite Line: “You come at me with a blade, make sure your affairs are in order,”
I love the pacing of the story. It’s just following a slow journey that can conceivably go on forever. I enjoy Grog and all the supporting characters. I can’t wait for more.
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 2/5
Narration: N//a
Favorite Line: “You come at me with a blade, make sure your affairs are in order,”
February 25, 2022
I can’t get enough of Grog and his companions. I’m also very interested and in Monia and Joel. Great character growth and world building has improved more. I can’t wait for the next!
October 8, 2021
Reliably entertaining
This book is long on action. While it has a very simple plot line and story arc, the characters are entertaining and the narrative is amusing. Many of the same tropes repeat throughout, but coming from the main character, a pit fighter who views himself as a simpleton (but really isn't), the tropes work well.
This third installation in the series is an excellent continuation of the story. A bit shorter than I would like, but I'm looking forward to the fourth book already.
This book is long on action. While it has a very simple plot line and story arc, the characters are entertaining and the narrative is amusing. Many of the same tropes repeat throughout, but coming from the main character, a pit fighter who views himself as a simpleton (but really isn't), the tropes work well.
This third installation in the series is an excellent continuation of the story. A bit shorter than I would like, but I'm looking forward to the fourth book already.
September 29, 2021
Great third installment
Grog and the gang a back. I have enjoyed Grog's tale thus far and look forward to another. I am fascinated by Grog and Burk's character development. It is an interesting and unique viewpoint. If you have read the previous two books you will not be disappointed.
Grog and the gang a back. I have enjoyed Grog's tale thus far and look forward to another. I am fascinated by Grog and Burk's character development. It is an interesting and unique viewpoint. If you have read the previous two books you will not be disappointed.
September 30, 2021
Wild adventure
Grog continues to impress.
This volume includes a useful reminder of the cast and their looks.
The grim tone made reading slow, and the bad sword work caused me to cringe a few times (one of the author's understanding or descriptions is badly flawed) but I still enjoyed it and recommend the series.
Grog continues to impress.
This volume includes a useful reminder of the cast and their looks.
The grim tone made reading slow, and the bad sword work caused me to cringe a few times (one of the author's understanding or descriptions is badly flawed) but I still enjoyed it and recommend the series.
October 9, 2021
Great to catch up with Grog and company
This was another great read. The main characters are developing well and as always there are new opponents to deal with. Keep up the good work on these stories. If you haven't read any of this authors work you are missing out.
A great world lies out there and I am sure Grog and co. Will continue to find willing adversaries .
This was another great read. The main characters are developing well and as always there are new opponents to deal with. Keep up the good work on these stories. If you haven't read any of this authors work you are missing out.
A great world lies out there and I am sure Grog and co. Will continue to find willing adversaries .
March 29, 2022
Cant wait for the next book in the series
Continues the same themes of right and wrong, justice, with a world view from an idealistic progtagonist in a very bloody world. The battle scences are still interesting. Cant wait for the next book in the series.
Continues the same themes of right and wrong, justice, with a world view from an idealistic progtagonist in a very bloody world. The battle scences are still interesting. Cant wait for the next book in the series.
February 11, 2022
I'm still on board. I love it when grog is training the baby on military sanitation procedures.
January 31, 2023
What can I say- A really enjoyable book and series that I will continue to read.
October 24, 2021
Enjoyable Series
After reading the first book I was hooked and blew through these last two. Great world building and the characters were, if they were real, the kind you would welcome, and if possible join up with. And the training and learning was spot on for today's needs too. You can't go wrong with this series, a great fireside set to read.
After reading the first book I was hooked and blew through these last two. Great world building and the characters were, if they were real, the kind you would welcome, and if possible join up with. And the training and learning was spot on for today's needs too. You can't go wrong with this series, a great fireside set to read.
December 25, 2021
Good adventure with a great main character
Great cast of characters. Really like Grog, the central character. Some good thoughts on freedom, violence in general, moral dilemmas. Very engaging, realistic combat scenes. In some ways the plot isn't too adventurous but it works. Intelligent writing and fun.
Great cast of characters. Really like Grog, the central character. Some good thoughts on freedom, violence in general, moral dilemmas. Very engaging, realistic combat scenes. In some ways the plot isn't too adventurous but it works. Intelligent writing and fun.
September 24, 2021
buddy action comedy
If you’ve read the first two you know what you’re getting into. Lots of adventure and action…grogs unique perspective on how the world should work…and a budding romance to boot…All in the midst of an invasion of the frontier and the carnage accompanying that.
If you’ve read the first two you know what you’re getting into. Lots of adventure and action…grogs unique perspective on how the world should work…and a budding romance to boot…All in the midst of an invasion of the frontier and the carnage accompanying that.
September 27, 2021
Most enjoyable three book series.
Really like Krpoun's descriptions that are compatible and essentially necessary to the of the plot. He does throw in a good bit of philosophy but it sort of fits with the action. Would not be adverse to a couple more in the series.
Really like Krpoun's descriptions that are compatible and essentially necessary to the of the plot. He does throw in a good bit of philosophy but it sort of fits with the action. Would not be adverse to a couple more in the series.
October 4, 2021
A delightful tsle
Thoughly enjoyable as always. I can almost envision someone playing Grog as a character in an RPG and getting into all thse troubles on the road back to that most dangerous place, civilization.
Thoughly enjoyable as always. I can almost envision someone playing Grog as a character in an RPG and getting into all thse troubles on the road back to that most dangerous place, civilization.
October 6, 2021
solid continuation of a good story
It was a little too short and I’m annoyed at having to wait for the next one, but I guess that’s a good thing ha ha, overall a likeable character and a good story
It was a little too short and I’m annoyed at having to wait for the next one, but I guess that’s a good thing ha ha, overall a likeable character and a good story
October 11, 2021
Good series
Good build up on the background on the characters and their situation like expanding the characters knowledge of what their doing Will be interested to see where you take them
Good build up on the background on the characters and their situation like expanding the characters knowledge of what their doing Will be interested to see where you take them
October 29, 2021
Looking forward to more in this series
When you engage the Ebon Blades, you get quality work, that is the rule.
Quality is appreciated. Looking forward to some more from Grog's point of view someday.
When you engage the Ebon Blades, you get quality work, that is the rule.
Quality is appreciated. Looking forward to some more from Grog's point of view someday.
October 31, 2021
A must read, simple fun...
You need to start with book 1, a very fun read with a different perspective. I recommend the series and a fun read... you get quality work when you engage the Ebon Blades.
You need to start with book 1, a very fun read with a different perspective. I recommend the series and a fun read... you get quality work when you engage the Ebon Blades.
November 14, 2021
Great read
Great read, my only complaint is that there are a lot of unanswered questions still. Got little answers, but this is book three and a lot of questions from book 1 still. But still deserves a 5 star in my opinion.
Great read, my only complaint is that there are a lot of unanswered questions still. Got little answers, but this is book three and a lot of questions from book 1 still. But still deserves a 5 star in my opinion.
December 12, 2021
Growth
I'm truly amazed at the authors design for Grog. How he's a waking his mind to the world around him. And the great sub characters he's created. Pieter , Berk,and Hatcher being some of my favorites. But I think the girls could add some interesting twists.
I'm truly amazed at the authors design for Grog. How he's a waking his mind to the world around him. And the great sub characters he's created. Pieter , Berk,and Hatcher being some of my favorites. But I think the girls could add some interesting twists.
January 24, 2022
Great series !! Captivating
Love it and can't wait for the next book!!
Grog one and two were works of art please come out with the next installment soon. I'm dying to see where this band of warriors find themselves next.
Love it and can't wait for the next book!!
Grog one and two were works of art please come out with the next installment soon. I'm dying to see where this band of warriors find themselves next.
October 1, 2021
Very good story
I have enjoyed all 3 books and each book enhances the story. I look forward to next book in series. Read this one very quickly.
I have enjoyed all 3 books and each book enhances the story. I look forward to next book in series. Read this one very quickly.
May 2, 2022
Well worth the read!
I really like this series and enjoyed this book. It was highly entertaining and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
What follows is more a matter of critical feedback rather than a review. If you are on the fence about the series or book, just ignore this review and go read some Grog!
First off, the author does a great job with both shady and down to earth type characters. Actually, he does a fantastic job most of the time. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with idealistic characters, namely Provine Sael. She simply isn’t convincing in either her convictions or capabilities, and has grown less so the more is revealed. A painfully naive do-gooder in a grimdark world. Seriously, how has she survived so long? I see her more as a half-baked concept than a character, a way to inject modern social norms and beliefs into the story as contrast to Grog’s brutal but honest pragmatism.
Speaking of Grog, this book didn’t exactly feature him front and center. After book one, his character growth has slowed to a crawl. In this book, I’m not even sure he qualifies as the main character. Even his combat prowess seems to have diminished. Grog has been well established as a legitimate sword master. But during the events of this book, he engages inferior opponents and manages to get himself injured several times. In fact, a big part of his survival is down to his superior weapon and heavy armor during the fights and magical healing afterwards. This regression of skill might be some late attempt at realism. For me, it makes him come off as sloppy and inconsistent.
Finally, the book could have benefited from additional editing. There are a few grammar issues, but nothing serious as the author is clearly a competent writer. However, one key encounter is so poorly written it threw me right out of the story. This happens a bit before reaching two thirds of the book and is a critical moment. Unfortunately, the setup is confusing in description, the instrument of focus so convoluted in design as to be impractical, and the reaction of other characters utterly unconvincing. It comes off as a rough draft of an idea that was never properly ironed out. It really needs to be rewritten.
Again, I recommend the book and series. These observations are meant as helpful feedback and for my own edification.
I really like this series and enjoyed this book. It was highly entertaining and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
What follows is more a matter of critical feedback rather than a review. If you are on the fence about the series or book, just ignore this review and go read some Grog!
First off, the author does a great job with both shady and down to earth type characters. Actually, he does a fantastic job most of the time. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with idealistic characters, namely Provine Sael. She simply isn’t convincing in either her convictions or capabilities, and has grown less so the more is revealed. A painfully naive do-gooder in a grimdark world. Seriously, how has she survived so long? I see her more as a half-baked concept than a character, a way to inject modern social norms and beliefs into the story as contrast to Grog’s brutal but honest pragmatism.
Speaking of Grog, this book didn’t exactly feature him front and center. After book one, his character growth has slowed to a crawl. In this book, I’m not even sure he qualifies as the main character. Even his combat prowess seems to have diminished. Grog has been well established as a legitimate sword master. But during the events of this book, he engages inferior opponents and manages to get himself injured several times. In fact, a big part of his survival is down to his superior weapon and heavy armor during the fights and magical healing afterwards. This regression of skill might be some late attempt at realism. For me, it makes him come off as sloppy and inconsistent.
Finally, the book could have benefited from additional editing. There are a few grammar issues, but nothing serious as the author is clearly a competent writer. However, one key encounter is so poorly written it threw me right out of the story. This happens a bit before reaching two thirds of the book and is a critical moment. Unfortunately, the setup is confusing in description, the instrument of focus so convoluted in design as to be impractical, and the reaction of other characters utterly unconvincing. It comes off as a rough draft of an idea that was never properly ironed out. It really needs to be rewritten.
Again, I recommend the book and series. These observations are meant as helpful feedback and for my own edification.
April 20, 2023
Entertaining, Insightful Forrest Gump Fantasy
I’m prone to reading and enjoying normal, albeit skillful, people challenged or forced into trying and performing extraordinary things. The powerful , all-knowing ‘Hero’ who is granted powers beyond imagination and then performs extraordinary things becomes a dull read to me. Regardless of events and issues, everyone knows that the Hero will prevail. Where’s the fun in that?
Two of the MC’s, one being the main protagonist, are reared, trained and fought in the arena their entire lives. They offer simple insights constantly, and throughout the series, after gaining their freedom(of sorts). Their thoughts of being ‘free’ and everyday life apply and are true now(in our world), as well as the fictional world of the series.
Characters that you can embrace , decently written storylines and some good old fashioned Gump. Gump’s mother is replaced by the MC’s former owner and trainer. There’s some issues here but easily overlooked. However , the spelling and grammar issues are frustrating .
Don’t need a notebook to keep track, some chuckles and characters you care about. AND, it’s not written in pre-teen. Recommended .
I’m prone to reading and enjoying normal, albeit skillful, people challenged or forced into trying and performing extraordinary things. The powerful , all-knowing ‘Hero’ who is granted powers beyond imagination and then performs extraordinary things becomes a dull read to me. Regardless of events and issues, everyone knows that the Hero will prevail. Where’s the fun in that?
Two of the MC’s, one being the main protagonist, are reared, trained and fought in the arena their entire lives. They offer simple insights constantly, and throughout the series, after gaining their freedom(of sorts). Their thoughts of being ‘free’ and everyday life apply and are true now(in our world), as well as the fictional world of the series.
Characters that you can embrace , decently written storylines and some good old fashioned Gump. Gump’s mother is replaced by the MC’s former owner and trainer. There’s some issues here but easily overlooked. However , the spelling and grammar issues are frustrating .
Don’t need a notebook to keep track, some chuckles and characters you care about. AND, it’s not written in pre-teen. Recommended .
October 13, 2021
It depends
I’m enjoying The Ebon Blades series. Grog 3 was a nice read but as another reviewer pointed out, it doesn’t advance the plot. I’m ok with that for this book because I like the characters so it was a nice little read. I would love for the author to shift the focus from Grog and provide more details about the other characters in his life. Looking forward to the next book!
I’m enjoying The Ebon Blades series. Grog 3 was a nice read but as another reviewer pointed out, it doesn’t advance the plot. I’m ok with that for this book because I like the characters so it was a nice little read. I would love for the author to shift the focus from Grog and provide more details about the other characters in his life. Looking forward to the next book!
November 7, 2021
A Star Docked
I like the characters and their interactions very much. There is a plot, I think, though it is not the top priority that being the characters' development. This is based on the amount of attention devoted to each. The docked star is for the the slew of typos which break immersion in the story. If my brain says, "Wait, what? What does that even mean?"; then the book is not the best it could be.
I like the characters and their interactions very much. There is a plot, I think, though it is not the top priority that being the characters' development. This is based on the amount of attention devoted to each. The docked star is for the the slew of typos which break immersion in the story. If my brain says, "Wait, what? What does that even mean?"; then the book is not the best it could be.
November 14, 2021
I like this series a lot. One of the most impressive is how consistently the author stays with Grog's point of view -- he is not tempted (as so many authors) to switch viewpoints or head-hop. We find about the world from Grog's point of view; and as Grog, the former gladiator and now a bodyguard, grows, so does our perception of the world.
May 7, 2022
ANOTHER GREAT STORY
While is seems like a lot of buckling swashes and thud n blunder it has a lot more depth. Perspectives, moral questions, life and characters. Real characters . Not just another sword n sorcery book. KRPOUN has matured into talent at this end of his/her career. Great series so far, wont disappoint.
While is seems like a lot of buckling swashes and thud n blunder it has a lot more depth. Perspectives, moral questions, life and characters. Real characters . Not just another sword n sorcery book. KRPOUN has matured into talent at this end of his/her career. Great series so far, wont disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews