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The Realm of False Gods #9

Top Dog: A Battle in Mostar

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Zachary has the shield of God. Anastasia wants it.

Need I say more?

Immortal werewolf meets … well, whatever Anastasia is, head on.

It’s about to get brutal.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2022

144 people are currently reading
152 people want to read

About the author

Steve Higgs

540 books791 followers
Let's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.

All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...

When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.

At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.

Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.

Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...

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5 stars
510 (65%)
4 stars
201 (25%)
3 stars
60 (7%)
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4 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,938 reviews29 followers
February 27, 2025
There’s quite a few POV’s to follow and I read this one before the other books in the series so now I must backtrack. It’s definitely action filled
Profile Image for Judi.
283 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2022
I'm sorry the series is nearing its end. However, it's true that there are only so many ways that it can end. I enjoy the Zachary stories and Ana is a good addition. I have no idea how Mr. Higgs is going to resolve the conflict between them over the God shield. But I will enjoy reading about it. However, I miss Otto and look forward to his return. (Somehow, it seems to me that 'angels', 'demons', humans and 'supernaturals' are all one race and it seems like a cautionary tale for current society.) Anxiously awaiting more. Recommended.
182 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2022
Fantasy isn’t really my genre but I enjoy this series. Coming into the series in the middle I’m still a bit puzzled by the various adversaries but at the basic level angels and demons have been banished from earth for hundreds of years. But the curse that keeps them from returning to earth and ruling over humans is weakening. Soon they hope to return and, once again, rule over humans which are destroying the planet. Meanwhile humans are beginning to exhibit some magic powers and hope to create an army to fight off the angels and demons. In the human realm Anastasia, who is “human” but still has certain magic powers, and Zac, a werewolf who is immortal somehow, are fighting against the forces of evil. Confused yet? I am, too, but it is a fun read.

I received an arc copy of the book.
187 reviews
December 26, 2025
amazing unique urban fantasy!


The Realm of False Gods series is an amazing series with tons of surprises! This series just gets deeper with each book into s new concept of how magic is used, yet based on the elements, as so much magic theory is. New races and a new realm, all very unique. Great dialogue, and so excited to come back to favorite relatable characters, hey who can't relate to a 2 and half meter tall werewolf, right?!?!? (that's 8 1/4 feet to us Americans...). And now we get government response to supernaturals, which is a very believable response. including stupidity and routing for the idiots' downfall! Highly recommend this series!!
Profile Image for Karen.
59 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this next addition to the fantastic Realm's of False God's series..
Eagerly waiting the next book & hoping there will be a few extra spin off's, to follow the characters I've come to love, through Steve Higgs amazing storytelling..
Not leaving any spoiler's, just highly recommend reading the full series, to truly appreciate how each of the characters develop & interact with each other..
Profile Image for Thomas Pierce.
Author 2 books2 followers
April 12, 2025
It finally feels like all the various threads are beginning to intertwine. The demons grow more bold, culminating in an interesting series of events near the end of the book. Nearing the home stretch now, and I can't wait to see how things come together! Especially with Otto, who has for the most part been missing. I am curious to see if he has any new tricks up his sleeve, or if he will be left in the dust by the progress Ana and Zac have made.
679 reviews13 followers
September 23, 2022
Top Dog-The Realm of False Gods-Book 9 by Steve Higgs is great! I really like this series and have been anxiously awaiting book 9. It certainly lives up to my expectations.
Humor (Rocco?! Ha!). Action. Great characters. A wonderful plot. I am already looking forward to book 10.
You will love this story, and the entire series.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,618 reviews36 followers
October 8, 2022
Although I'm not so much into reading paranormal stories I did enjoy reading Top Dog and I believe it's because, the author, Steve Higgs makes quite a difference because of his writing style. The story has a good plot and interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Becky .
592 reviews15 followers
September 23, 2022
This crazy paranormal world of demons, shifters and such is complicated but so interesting.  I like Zachary and Anastasia,  as well as Katya. Interesting characters and plenty of action to hold your interest .
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
771 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2022
Things are really heating up!
As the situation moves into critical mass, factions come together to fight against the demons. Will the human race forever be lost to slavery? Or will they be able to defeat the formidable army before them? An incredible journey!
3 reviews
October 5, 2022
Never goes the way I expect

And that's a good read. Not one you can see the ending to half way into the book, this series is top notch. The action leaps off the page with each well crafted word. 9 books in and can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Geraldine M.
254 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2022
Stea!img the Shield

Ana decides the only way to get the Shield is to steal it, but that idea doesn't work out too well for.her.
And what is she.doing.with the.demon, Daniel? There's a lot going on in this book and you just won't be able to put it down. Must.read!
Profile Image for David Laughlin.
279 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2022
I really pounded through the first eight books enjoyably this was no different

This was a great add-on for book number nine carrying the characters further down this sorted storyline. That is so fun to read about to grab book number 10 and crack the cover next
Profile Image for Sallie Soltysiak.
10 reviews
November 7, 2022
More Zac

I love Zac and was so sad when a woman he liked died. He comes back in grand fashion in this book, protecting humans, battling demons. Lots of action and changing alliances. And in the end, he exits in true Zac style!
33 reviews
July 31, 2025
Fast Moving

This book has everthing! Fast paced battles with suspense and intrigue. Who's the good guy? Is the good guy really a bad guy? Is the bad guy really a good guy? I'm reading the next book to find out!
Profile Image for Terry.
6 reviews
October 5, 2022
best in the series

Lots of action and battles make this the best book of the series. Not a lot of narrative to slow things down.
884 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2022
Exciting characters and a fast moving story kept me glued to the book until it was finished. Ready to start the next one to see what happens next! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
4 reviews
Read
May 16, 2023
Can't wait for the next story!
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,836 reviews496 followers
January 15, 2024
Anastasia and Zac finally meet. He has the shield and she wants it. She’ll take it by force if necessary.
Profile Image for Lisa Welch.
601 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2024
Outstanding

As the characters converge for the final battle, some switch sides others unite in one he'll of a book, what a series gonna miss reading these characters
119 reviews
October 14, 2022
Keeps you wanting to continue

The story, but so many characters. I guess it could go n to 20 stories, but it’s tiring. I enjoy Steve’s other series as they are less intense but still entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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