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Elemental Gatherers #5
Monster Island
Aiden and his team have triumphed, earning the right to represent the Craesti Kingdom in the Internation Tournament of Champions. They are on their way to Monster Island, home of the Ashkhas nation, where they will compete against the elites of four other nations. Will they be able to return home in glory, or will they slink back in defeat? Will Chaos interfere here as well?
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2021
223 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Chris Vines
14 books215 followersI am an Air Force Veteran and graduate of the Air Force Academy. I have wanted to write for the entire of my adult life and finally decided to just do it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 24, 2022
I did not want this book to end 'cause I knew I'd have to wait for the next one. I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 simply because it dragged on with the cultivating. The action at the end was pretty epic and I wish more of the aftermath of that battle was written instead of the cultivating in between. I look forward to the trials and tribulations that Aiden and his friends get up to in the next book!
January 10, 2022
Struggled between 2 and 3 star rating to give hear.
I'll start with good thing liked about this book I really enjoyed the cultivating and improvements made even if was often hard to follow what had actually happened at times, also seemed make cultivation close to pointless with advancements brining in especially weapons. (Can not state how much against it.)
What didn't like below sorry say.
#. Advanced technology forcing in is just bad idea especially weapons I hate it, makes cultivating pointless when can kill them easily with say press of button from anyone even none cultivators at all. Grenades laser extra just terrible. (When bring gatling gun's bullets so on in that's when I will most likely abandone this series...) still hoping author realse bad idea and stops it...
#. The whole Romance guess call it not for me skipped it as much as possible could.
#. Too much in team work for my liking & giving away his achievements to offers so slowing his own advancements down, why so offers can keep up with him as he afraid to be alone seems. (Needs do more of his own thing & not just when inventing sigh.)
#. Main character constant menchaning contractions quickly became agrovating.
#. Also was dissapointed in way described lasers made them sound boring if going force them in at least make them fun, with laser lights and sounds like, star wars, flash Gordon extra... (As this had none of that at all. )
#. Sometimes when opening meridians or working on them after did was still not sure if opened it or what, and similar with cultivation level up hear was left thinking did he upgrade or not.??
#. My biggest upset with this series was with advance weaponry coming and came like lasers, grenades, and menchan of working on more so sad to hear...
He's still needs seems to upgrade runes on his affinity and his cultivation technique like part one king gave him for instance. But this wasn't terrible book in series just not as Great as could of been won't go on think said enough now....
(Not that author cares but nice vent a little lol.)
I'll start with good thing liked about this book I really enjoyed the cultivating and improvements made even if was often hard to follow what had actually happened at times, also seemed make cultivation close to pointless with advancements brining in especially weapons. (Can not state how much against it.)
What didn't like below sorry say.
#. Advanced technology forcing in is just bad idea especially weapons I hate it, makes cultivating pointless when can kill them easily with say press of button from anyone even none cultivators at all. Grenades laser extra just terrible. (When bring gatling gun's bullets so on in that's when I will most likely abandone this series...) still hoping author realse bad idea and stops it...
#. The whole Romance guess call it not for me skipped it as much as possible could.
#. Too much in team work for my liking & giving away his achievements to offers so slowing his own advancements down, why so offers can keep up with him as he afraid to be alone seems. (Needs do more of his own thing & not just when inventing sigh.)
#. Main character constant menchaning contractions quickly became agrovating.
#. Also was dissapointed in way described lasers made them sound boring if going force them in at least make them fun, with laser lights and sounds like, star wars, flash Gordon extra... (As this had none of that at all. )
#. Sometimes when opening meridians or working on them after did was still not sure if opened it or what, and similar with cultivation level up hear was left thinking did he upgrade or not.??
#. My biggest upset with this series was with advance weaponry coming and came like lasers, grenades, and menchan of working on more so sad to hear...
He's still needs seems to upgrade runes on his affinity and his cultivation technique like part one king gave him for instance. But this wasn't terrible book in series just not as Great as could of been won't go on think said enough now....
(Not that author cares but nice vent a little lol.)
January 28, 2022
I really enjoyed the first 2 books, probably because I had never read a genre like this and was excited by the idea. But I feel like the author hasn't progressed the characters in any way since book 3. And I'm not talking about power, I mean emotional stability and wisdom and things like this. The MC still makes these silly jokes, giggles at himself, blushes when his 2 girlfriends touch him or make a joke...grow up.
Also, it was really bothering me as I continued to read that the author has no conception of a "grey" character. Either everyone is friendly, joking, fair fighters, or they are sadists who enslave and whip people. Come on. What happened to everyone in between? Why can't there be a good guy who is selfish?
Also, I am really disliking how the MC doesn't take advantage of opportunities to improve himself and gives it to those weaker than him. It feels like this is just being done to show that the character is a "good guy." We got it, let him focus on his training...
However, I am glad Jon is almost a side character in this book; I never liked him.
So, Chris Vines (if you read this), I really think you should give the MC something to chew on. A terrible death, a failure (for the first time lol), anything like that. I want to see him go rouge, distance himself from his girlfriends, and actually change as a person. People change a lot as a person from the ages of 16-25. The MC should have much much development; instead, he is the same boring guy with no true complexity in his thought process or moral outlook.
Also, it was really bothering me as I continued to read that the author has no conception of a "grey" character. Either everyone is friendly, joking, fair fighters, or they are sadists who enslave and whip people. Come on. What happened to everyone in between? Why can't there be a good guy who is selfish?
Also, I am really disliking how the MC doesn't take advantage of opportunities to improve himself and gives it to those weaker than him. It feels like this is just being done to show that the character is a "good guy." We got it, let him focus on his training...
However, I am glad Jon is almost a side character in this book; I never liked him.
So, Chris Vines (if you read this), I really think you should give the MC something to chew on. A terrible death, a failure (for the first time lol), anything like that. I want to see him go rouge, distance himself from his girlfriends, and actually change as a person. People change a lot as a person from the ages of 16-25. The MC should have much much development; instead, he is the same boring guy with no true complexity in his thought process or moral outlook.
November 4, 2021
lather rinse repeat
But with enough changes to keep things interesting. If you enjoyed the earlier books this is more of the same, with a few new twists.
I *do* think there needs to be a death or serious loss, else they will become too OP. Since they can regrow limbs and heal scars there needs to be something that hurts someone enough to make a hard choice.
I will look for the next book.
But with enough changes to keep things interesting. If you enjoyed the earlier books this is more of the same, with a few new twists.
I *do* think there needs to be a death or serious loss, else they will become too OP. Since they can regrow limbs and heal scars there needs to be something that hurts someone enough to make a hard choice.
I will look for the next book.
November 7, 2021
More more more
I want more... This series is one of my favorites and i regularly reread(rare for me in general) especially after reading a garbage book. In general i dont like most cultivation novels as the magic system is vague, nebulous, and non specific used by author to power or control narrative with instant powers and abilities that are not described or earned. The system for most author is a tool to help with story. Chris Vines however has attempted to described and quantify the cultivation. He has broken down the system and progress and has a reason and mechanism for all the abilities. Plus they must be earned and practiced no instant progression here. I am a sucker for power from hard work and this series delivers. No OP heroes here but awesome due to hard work and diligent training.
I found that this book didnt deviate from the wonderful formula of previous books. Most of the books story takes place on monster island where the tournament challenges teams from all the major races to compete. Who has the best cultivation and power. It seems all races have special variation of the cultivation and make each unique in battle. Through the book our MC is tested to the limit and pushes him and his friends to get stronger. His love interest is progressing but not a major factor yet. There is no sex or drama only some puppy love and amorous based humor. I certainly wouldnt mind if the author ramps that up some after all this is a natural progresses especially at there age (hormones) and is been like 5 books.... The author is also re-imagining dungeons on the series and it seems they are here to stay. Yay. This book also lays out more of the overarching story but it is still not completely explained. However a target for the good species to fight against has been acquired. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and though it is long i wanted it to keep going. Thus the wait for a sequel. Maybe a reread in the ned couple months to slake the thirst.
I want more... This series is one of my favorites and i regularly reread(rare for me in general) especially after reading a garbage book. In general i dont like most cultivation novels as the magic system is vague, nebulous, and non specific used by author to power or control narrative with instant powers and abilities that are not described or earned. The system for most author is a tool to help with story. Chris Vines however has attempted to described and quantify the cultivation. He has broken down the system and progress and has a reason and mechanism for all the abilities. Plus they must be earned and practiced no instant progression here. I am a sucker for power from hard work and this series delivers. No OP heroes here but awesome due to hard work and diligent training.
I found that this book didnt deviate from the wonderful formula of previous books. Most of the books story takes place on monster island where the tournament challenges teams from all the major races to compete. Who has the best cultivation and power. It seems all races have special variation of the cultivation and make each unique in battle. Through the book our MC is tested to the limit and pushes him and his friends to get stronger. His love interest is progressing but not a major factor yet. There is no sex or drama only some puppy love and amorous based humor. I certainly wouldnt mind if the author ramps that up some after all this is a natural progresses especially at there age (hormones) and is been like 5 books.... The author is also re-imagining dungeons on the series and it seems they are here to stay. Yay. This book also lays out more of the overarching story but it is still not completely explained. However a target for the good species to fight against has been acquired. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and though it is long i wanted it to keep going. Thus the wait for a sequel. Maybe a reread in the ned couple months to slake the thirst.
November 11, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
I thought the first 2 books in the series were the best just because of the balance with everything. There was the cultivations aspect, martial training, learning new techniques, alchemy, inscriptions, monsters etc. This book didn't have much in the learning new technique department. Nor the new alchemy recipes. It had an over abundance of cultivation. It still very good and I enjoyed it but I preferred the balance of the early books. I do also think the relationships need to advance a little more. He was 22 years old on earth when he died and he has been on this world for more than a year. Blushing everytime someone teases him gets a little old after a while. That doesn't mean this should turn into a harem book (though it could be and still be good) but there needs to be some kind of progression. There is progression on every other aspect of his life and ability, why not his relationships as well?
I thought the first 2 books in the series were the best just because of the balance with everything. There was the cultivations aspect, martial training, learning new techniques, alchemy, inscriptions, monsters etc. This book didn't have much in the learning new technique department. Nor the new alchemy recipes. It had an over abundance of cultivation. It still very good and I enjoyed it but I preferred the balance of the early books. I do also think the relationships need to advance a little more. He was 22 years old on earth when he died and he has been on this world for more than a year. Blushing everytime someone teases him gets a little old after a while. That doesn't mean this should turn into a harem book (though it could be and still be good) but there needs to be some kind of progression. There is progression on every other aspect of his life and ability, why not his relationships as well?
November 10, 2021
Good story. Great worldbuilding. Lacking relationships.
Transport to another world with a society with a good moral standing. Interesting cultivation power growth. But the relationships are too shallow. Not every person deserves a huge backstory, but everyone who gets repeated appearances deserves enough depth to differentiate from other characters. Character quirks. Verbal quirks. Repeated mentions of physical characteristics. Something. MC has 2 girlfriends and the distinguishing feature presented in this book is one is a noblewoman while the other isn't. Planning on reading next in series.
Transport to another world with a society with a good moral standing. Interesting cultivation power growth. But the relationships are too shallow. Not every person deserves a huge backstory, but everyone who gets repeated appearances deserves enough depth to differentiate from other characters. Character quirks. Verbal quirks. Repeated mentions of physical characteristics. Something. MC has 2 girlfriends and the distinguishing feature presented in this book is one is a noblewoman while the other isn't. Planning on reading next in series.
June 2, 2022
I thought this was the last book but it’s not
The adventure continues. Aiden and his team mates are at the competition on monster island. I like how something is happening every time you turn around. Between the competitors and the competition things are heating up nicely. Just keep gathering, just keep gathering. They are getting very strong now. So Aiden manages to thwart an evil plan of chaos several times but ultimately becoming a hero by saving the city. Join the adventure.
The adventure continues. Aiden and his team mates are at the competition on monster island. I like how something is happening every time you turn around. Between the competitors and the competition things are heating up nicely. Just keep gathering, just keep gathering. They are getting very strong now. So Aiden manages to thwart an evil plan of chaos several times but ultimately becoming a hero by saving the city. Join the adventure.
November 17, 2021
Another fantastic book in this series
This entire series has been outstanding. Though a little on the innocent side of skullduggery, it is there and adds to the story in its own fashion. Wish they came out faster, but understandably, this is a second occupation for this author. So, I would rather wait a bit and have equal quality than have them faster but poorer for it. Outstanding job Mr. Vines,look forward to next one to come out.
This entire series has been outstanding. Though a little on the innocent side of skullduggery, it is there and adds to the story in its own fashion. Wish they came out faster, but understandably, this is a second occupation for this author. So, I would rather wait a bit and have equal quality than have them faster but poorer for it. Outstanding job Mr. Vines,look forward to next one to come out.
November 19, 2021
A good story told well. A large cast can be daunting to read. I feel the speed of the story. It was actually a nice change of pace to see consequences of actions . People in the cast were really injured and could not be immediately healed or returned to the last second rescue.
At 65, I enjoy a good story. I've read literally thousands of books. I find Mr. Vines series to be a good read for anyone teens and up.
At 65, I enjoy a good story. I've read literally thousands of books. I find Mr. Vines series to be a good read for anyone teens and up.
February 7, 2022
Enjoyable
Book five sees the end of the students journey and the tournament itself , the story continues to be engaging but I find it increasingly difficult to relate to any of the characters , Aiden especially is an immature jerk , I'd hoped that the auther would have developed his character but he's actually even more irritating as he saves the world yet again ,we'll see what the next book brings but it would be nice to see others occupying the spotlight for a change.
Book five sees the end of the students journey and the tournament itself , the story continues to be engaging but I find it increasingly difficult to relate to any of the characters , Aiden especially is an immature jerk , I'd hoped that the auther would have developed his character but he's actually even more irritating as he saves the world yet again ,we'll see what the next book brings but it would be nice to see others occupying the spotlight for a change.
Read
May 7, 2022 one of a few books i keep on my tablet so i don't need to be at the computer to red it. also makes a hood listen when i take baths, all four so far are excellent, can't wait for number 6. too bad the author only give updates on facebook, it would be nice to actually rad the updates, facebook refused to let me join, not that i really mind except for the part where it is often used for updates on books, :(
December 14, 2022
Aiden must enter the tournament an win it all at all cost to find the answers he seeks .
Aiden is bound across the seas to arrive at monster island to win it all for the schools glory an find answers to end the destruction of the world as they know of it . He must learn the answers to stop the destruction coming .But first the tournament comes first and defeating the tournament is just the beginning .recommend reading excellent series .
Aiden is bound across the seas to arrive at monster island to win it all for the schools glory an find answers to end the destruction of the world as they know of it . He must learn the answers to stop the destruction coming .But first the tournament comes first and defeating the tournament is just the beginning .recommend reading excellent series .
May 11, 2025
The snowball of adventure keeps getting bigger :)
Without giving anything away, I'll just say some of the new people Aiden, the MC, meets in this book are great, some are terrible and others will most probably have a large impact on the world in the future.
The new environments, the different challenges in the tournament, etc. kept things interesting but at a good pace. I'm looking forward to their exploring the new dimension in the next book.
Without giving anything away, I'll just say some of the new people Aiden, the MC, meets in this book are great, some are terrible and others will most probably have a large impact on the world in the future.
The new environments, the different challenges in the tournament, etc. kept things interesting but at a good pace. I'm looking forward to their exploring the new dimension in the next book.
November 5, 2021
Wonderful read
Honestly to this date this series is the best of the reborn in a new World Series I have read. The author does not run on and on, but still gets a bit outlandish with some descriptions, which fits the genre perfectly. I am looking forward to all the rest of these stories.
Honestly to this date this series is the best of the reborn in a new World Series I have read. The author does not run on and on, but still gets a bit outlandish with some descriptions, which fits the genre perfectly. I am looking forward to all the rest of these stories.
November 6, 2021
I enjoyed this continuation
This story was well paced and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was plenty of action and good advancement in the storyline. I personally would have liked a bit more interaction with the other new people which were introduced. I am looking forward for the next installment.
This story was well paced and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was plenty of action and good advancement in the storyline. I personally would have liked a bit more interaction with the other new people which were introduced. I am looking forward for the next installment.
November 6, 2021
Great addition to the series
I really liked this new installment of the series. It had a nice pace between cultivation and action. I liked that the author introduced the rescue of a fellow reincarnated. I liked the pace of the book. It didn’t feel too rushed or slow. I am looking forward to more installments.
I really liked this new installment of the series. It had a nice pace between cultivation and action. I liked that the author introduced the rescue of a fellow reincarnated. I liked the pace of the book. It didn’t feel too rushed or slow. I am looking forward to more installments.
November 10, 2021
Good book
This was another good entry to the series. The story, action, and pacing were good. Still waiting to see when Aiden will break away from the pact as he is supposed to have more potential and the higher potential for power yet in never happens. He wins sure, but its not what you would expect with the potential that keeps being praises on him
This was another good entry to the series. The story, action, and pacing were good. Still waiting to see when Aiden will break away from the pact as he is supposed to have more potential and the higher potential for power yet in never happens. He wins sure, but its not what you would expect with the potential that keeps being praises on him
November 13, 2021
Great Book!
Great book. Fun story. I enjoy the good boy hero and his developing fan club. I particularly enjoy the process of his development and finally starting to sort out how to merge earth knowledge with his new world. I found myself cheering for our heroes just like everyone else will. I had fun reading it and the previous four.
Great book. Fun story. I enjoy the good boy hero and his developing fan club. I particularly enjoy the process of his development and finally starting to sort out how to merge earth knowledge with his new world. I found myself cheering for our heroes just like everyone else will. I had fun reading it and the previous four.
December 15, 2021
Exciting series. Read all 5 back to back.
Enjoyable fantasy of cultivation and growth. Plucky outworlder grows in power, makes friends (and girlfriends) and is a focal point for change and conflict in his new world. Of course he also takes a stand against the reptilian nation that has aligned itself with the god Chaos. Whats not to love? Looking forward to the next installment.
Enjoyable fantasy of cultivation and growth. Plucky outworlder grows in power, makes friends (and girlfriends) and is a focal point for change and conflict in his new world. Of course he also takes a stand against the reptilian nation that has aligned itself with the god Chaos. Whats not to love? Looking forward to the next installment.
November 5, 2021
Wonderful!
As always, Chris does not disappoint. My only complaint is that the books do not come out faster. This was a great follow up to Craesti City and opens more doors for the overall worldbuilding. So excited for what's next!
As always, Chris does not disappoint. My only complaint is that the books do not come out faster. This was a great follow up to Craesti City and opens more doors for the overall worldbuilding. So excited for what's next!
November 6, 2021
Loved it
As I have come to expect from this Author the book was awesome. I hated having to go to work because I was desperate to find out what happened next. Can't wait for the next book.
As I have come to expect from this Author the book was awesome. I hated having to go to work because I was desperate to find out what happened next. Can't wait for the next book.
November 8, 2021
So much fun, great characters
I love this series and Monster Island did not disappoint. Characters are great, good pacing and fantastic cultivation system make this one of my favorite series.
I love this series and Monster Island did not disappoint. Characters are great, good pacing and fantastic cultivation system make this one of my favorite series.
November 17, 2021
Another great entry
A fantastic school/development series. Steady and explainable growth without the normal plot armor to vastly increase MC power or explain victories. Great and likable characters. Great read!
A fantastic school/development series. Steady and explainable growth without the normal plot armor to vastly increase MC power or explain victories. Great and likable characters. Great read!
December 25, 2021
Excellent as expected
Again we see our main character stay true to his heart while advancing with his friends. How a single action can cause a massive ripple. And personally more information about his bonded! As always can't wait for more
Again we see our main character stay true to his heart while advancing with his friends. How a single action can cause a massive ripple. And personally more information about his bonded! As always can't wait for more
January 2, 2022
Great Series
This story of a reborn man in a fourteen year old boy in a cultivating world was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed read that I really enjoyed reading.
This story of a reborn man in a fourteen year old boy in a cultivating world was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed read that I really enjoyed reading.
April 18, 2022
very good
More travel in this one so we see more of the world and the other nations. The main story advances and while the characters are still relatively low level they have meaningful and believable roles in the larger world problems.
More travel in this one so we see more of the world and the other nations. The main story advances and while the characters are still relatively low level they have meaningful and believable roles in the larger world problems.
May 27, 2022
another awesome chapter
Plot continues to develop with new and interesting characters added.
Characters are growing at a good pace to keep you interested in how they are coming along.
Lack of profanity through all books is a really nice plus.
Plot continues to develop with new and interesting characters added.
Characters are growing at a good pace to keep you interested in how they are coming along.
Lack of profanity through all books is a really nice plus.
November 5, 2022
Fantastic
Cultivation fighting tournaments intrigue and more plus a bit of teenage romance why not, a great book and i had to read it as i could not put it down simply captivating .
Cultivation fighting tournaments intrigue and more plus a bit of teenage romance why not, a great book and i had to read it as i could not put it down simply captivating .
February 26, 2023
This was great and i flew through it in 2 sittings. The pace was great and the new lore for the world made the plot even better then it already was. Finally this series has an entry that gets 5 stars and i am so happy about it honestly. 9/10
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews