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Shadow Sun #6
Consolidation
Allistor has struggled almost nonstop since the apocalypse, battling monsters, aliens, and other humans when necessary. He has risen from a scared gamer geek with nothing, no home or family, not even a decent weapon, to become Emperor of Earth and several other worlds.
Now, as he attempts to consolidate and stabilize his holdings, he faces the consequences of the very actions that helped him rise to power.
Invictus has grown, millions of new citizens now look to him for support and protection. While he tries to gather together the human survivors across Earth, new enemies arise to threaten his empire. His worst fears confront him, and Allistor is not prepared.
Now, as he attempts to consolidate and stabilize his holdings, he faces the consequences of the very actions that helped him rise to power.
Invictus has grown, millions of new citizens now look to him for support and protection. While he tries to gather together the human survivors across Earth, new enemies arise to threaten his empire. His worst fears confront him, and Allistor is not prepared.
547 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2022
346 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Dave Willmarth
31 books633 followersDave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 23, 2022
Smart move by Willmarth to have the series end here. There's only so many enemies to defeat and planets to gain by our favourite Emperor. This was a satisfying end and I'm going to have to read this series again 'cause I'll miss the amazing cast of characters I've grown to adore.
June 22, 2022
With this sixth installment, this series closes out. A good time to end it, before it became pointlessly overextended, or dragged out, so that's a plus. Otherwise, I had a hard time getting too into this, as Allistor is hopelessly out of his depth as Emperor. Reading repeatedly about him putting himself and his inner circle in needless and often mortal danger was painful to me.
Machiavelli's name isn't still remembered today because he was famous in his day (he wasn't), but because his book accurately describes how to attain and maintain power in an adversarial setting. There is nothing more adversarial than the System the MC is caught up in, so he should listen to those who tell him to be more ruthless and make some examples. Any more is in serious spoiler territory, so I'll leave it at that.
Machiavelli's name isn't still remembered today because he was famous in his day (he wasn't), but because his book accurately describes how to attain and maintain power in an adversarial setting. There is nothing more adversarial than the System the MC is caught up in, so he should listen to those who tell him to be more ruthless and make some examples. Any more is in serious spoiler territory, so I'll leave it at that.
July 14, 2022
Rating 3.0 stars
This series ended with a whimper. This book was necessary to close out the series but nothing really interesting happened. I didn't feel any stakes involved in anything that happened. Allister was very EMO about his people being killed. Trying to get revenge without being a tyrant. Every time he turned around he conquered another planet. The space travel aspects of the story weren't that interesting to me which was a big majority of the first half of the book. There was a dungeon run her and there but again it just got kind of old. Allister was already level 99 so how much more powerful could he get? It didn't really matter to me anymore. I skimmed a lot of the last part of the book. I did enjoy the series but I would have been alright if I stopped at the last book.
This series ended with a whimper. This book was necessary to close out the series but nothing really interesting happened. I didn't feel any stakes involved in anything that happened. Allister was very EMO about his people being killed. Trying to get revenge without being a tyrant. Every time he turned around he conquered another planet. The space travel aspects of the story weren't that interesting to me which was a big majority of the first half of the book. There was a dungeon run her and there but again it just got kind of old. Allister was already level 99 so how much more powerful could he get? It didn't really matter to me anymore. I skimmed a lot of the last part of the book. I did enjoy the series but I would have been alright if I stopped at the last book.
June 25, 2022
It’s always bittersweet when a series you love comes to an end. Sad that you won’t be along for any more adventures but also happy that the story has come full circle and you get the chance to bid the characters a fond farewell.
Maybe the author will write another book or expand the universe, but if not, I’m okay with that.
—
I hate to do it, but my only gripe is that the oath sworn to Allistor was never said out loud in this book, or the poem Invictus.
Maybe the author will write another book or expand the universe, but if not, I’m okay with that.
—
I hate to do it, but my only gripe is that the oath sworn to Allistor was never said out loud in this book, or the poem Invictus.
June 11, 2022
the right choice
I’m glad the series ended. Reading about an emperor emperoring is boring. Except when it’s somewhat artificially exciting.
Most of this book is really an epilogue of book 5, dealing with the repercussions of killing a ‘god’. A lot of story lines from earlier in the series are revisited and (mostly) neatly tied off.
Some cool concepts pop up (when the dwarves help plant the dungeon, for one).
Worth reading as part of the series. Not a real strong entry in and of itself, but it brings everything to a good stopping point.
I will look forward to new works from the author.
I’m glad the series ended. Reading about an emperor emperoring is boring. Except when it’s somewhat artificially exciting.
Most of this book is really an epilogue of book 5, dealing with the repercussions of killing a ‘god’. A lot of story lines from earlier in the series are revisited and (mostly) neatly tied off.
Some cool concepts pop up (when the dwarves help plant the dungeon, for one).
Worth reading as part of the series. Not a real strong entry in and of itself, but it brings everything to a good stopping point.
I will look forward to new works from the author.
July 26, 2022
Relatively unsatisfying ending
Don't get me wrong, the book is great as the previous ones were. And heck, I even kinda sorta understand why the author chose to end the series at this point. However... this book reads not like an ending, except for some obvious reminiscing and the like, but rather a shift in the narrative.
Sure, we get many threads closed... but new ones opened, and I'm not even talking galactic scale but local, down to earth plotlines that I remember and love from previous books, sure some might be the same tropes but still..
Why mention a big human stronghold that's semi aggressive ans then literally never mention it again.... why give the norse gods people new hooks to interact with our heroes?
And so many others. Honestly after reading this "finale" what I really want is a new series called "out of shadow suns" or some such because I want more interstellar politics, high level intrigue... I want Alistor to get the elf girl, or Helen.
HECK I WANT TO KNOW THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COCONUT BIRD!
So... yeah. 2 stars lost because the catharsis that I usually expect after finishing a series, a series I honestly adore like few others (probably bc I got the audio drama first but I stayed for the characters not the actor), was denied to me.
And while some elements do clearly read like a finale the vast majority of the book seems like the middle chapters of a much bigger story mid telling.
Man it got me annoyed enough I penned this whole rant review.
Don't get me wrong, the book is great as the previous ones were. And heck, I even kinda sorta understand why the author chose to end the series at this point. However... this book reads not like an ending, except for some obvious reminiscing and the like, but rather a shift in the narrative.
Sure, we get many threads closed... but new ones opened, and I'm not even talking galactic scale but local, down to earth plotlines that I remember and love from previous books, sure some might be the same tropes but still..
Why mention a big human stronghold that's semi aggressive ans then literally never mention it again.... why give the norse gods people new hooks to interact with our heroes?
And so many others. Honestly after reading this "finale" what I really want is a new series called "out of shadow suns" or some such because I want more interstellar politics, high level intrigue... I want Alistor to get the elf girl, or Helen.
HECK I WANT TO KNOW THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COCONUT BIRD!
So... yeah. 2 stars lost because the catharsis that I usually expect after finishing a series, a series I honestly adore like few others (probably bc I got the audio drama first but I stayed for the characters not the actor), was denied to me.
And while some elements do clearly read like a finale the vast majority of the book seems like the middle chapters of a much bigger story mid telling.
Man it got me annoyed enough I penned this whole rant review.
March 25, 2025
A really great book and series!
I have really enjoyed this series. The characters are so diverse and yet so endearing. So many characters to bond with and whose own stories could make interesting books. I'm A bit sad that it is over and hope that you will revisit this universe in the future!
I have really enjoyed this series. The characters are so diverse and yet so endearing. So many characters to bond with and whose own stories could make interesting books. I'm A bit sad that it is over and hope that you will revisit this universe in the future!
July 5, 2022
The Last Book of the Series.
Now that is important, because I went into this book thinking it just another one and I loved the book, as a book on it's own. Sure it's great, but as a final book to the series? Garbage.
This book is what it sounds like...Consolidation. It's him wandering from place to place, planting dungeons, claiming his planets and setting things up for the future. The problem is, it's open ended. Some stuff he does or happens to him is like "Who could have done that" or "What should I do with this" which don't get answered but left as a "We'll see later" type of answer. However being this is the last book, we won't. Hell even killing off favorite characters in this book feels cheap when it's the last book, having people die might feel realistic but it seems stupid when it's the final book and they die in silly ways.
Honestly this book feels more like it's a 'time skip' end point. As if the author should end 'this' series but start a new one set in the same place but in 30 years when all the kids are grown up and things have progressed or in a thousand years when the MC is dead and one of his descendants is in charge.
This book really feels like someone was writing a story going to set up for the emperor to enter the galactic scene and find out who set up the system, who are the other players, start major wars and fights but then at the last moment got tired of writing the series and decided to wrap it all up in the last chapter with a nostalgic scene. None of the book before the very last chapter feel at all like a series ending book.
So on it's own 5/5 but as a series ender? 2/5. I honestly hope Willmarth either got tired of the series and might come back later, or just plans to come back in a time skip later in a new series. This was my first apocalyptic LITRPG series, the one that got me into reading others of it's kind. I thought they were stupid before this and I really hope it doesn't end the whole story like.....that. How ever others seem to love it, not wanting to see more and have happy vibes of what could be.
Now that is important, because I went into this book thinking it just another one and I loved the book, as a book on it's own. Sure it's great, but as a final book to the series? Garbage.
This book is what it sounds like...Consolidation. It's him wandering from place to place, planting dungeons, claiming his planets and setting things up for the future. The problem is, it's open ended. Some stuff he does or happens to him is like "Who could have done that" or "What should I do with this" which don't get answered but left as a "We'll see later" type of answer. However being this is the last book, we won't. Hell even killing off favorite characters in this book feels cheap when it's the last book, having people die might feel realistic but it seems stupid when it's the final book and they die in silly ways.
Honestly this book feels more like it's a 'time skip' end point. As if the author should end 'this' series but start a new one set in the same place but in 30 years when all the kids are grown up and things have progressed or in a thousand years when the MC is dead and one of his descendants is in charge.
This book really feels like someone was writing a story going to set up for the emperor to enter the galactic scene and find out who set up the system, who are the other players, start major wars and fights but then at the last moment got tired of writing the series and decided to wrap it all up in the last chapter with a nostalgic scene. None of the book before the very last chapter feel at all like a series ending book.
So on it's own 5/5 but as a series ender? 2/5. I honestly hope Willmarth either got tired of the series and might come back later, or just plans to come back in a time skip later in a new series. This was my first apocalyptic LITRPG series, the one that got me into reading others of it's kind. I thought they were stupid before this and I really hope it doesn't end the whole story like.....that. How ever others seem to love it, not wanting to see more and have happy vibes of what could be.
July 9, 2022
What do I read now?
Dave is one of the first authors I encountered in the LitRPG/GameLit world and I will always come back to his books. I started with his stories in a bit of an odd place with Battleborn 1, loved it and then found Shadow Sun.
The story and characters have been one of my regular companions over the last few years, keeping me company through multiple Covid lockdowns, the passing of my mother and a career change among other life milestones. I’ve always retreated into stories at big times in my life and I can think of no higher praise than to say this series, and Dave’s work as a whole, now tops my list when I need to let my thoughts organise themselves and spend some time imagining myself pew-pewing monsters and exploring crazy places. Coming to the end of this journey is bitter sweet, but I’m glad that I’ve been able to see the end result of a tale I’ve enjoyed for years.
Allistor, Fuzzy and the rest of the crew have developed massively across the books, with clear progression both on the stat sheet and outside it. They have grown as people (and bears), become stronger, more interesting and in Helen’s case funnier and funnier with each book. We’ve seen their triumphs, their losses and their encounters with mutant bunnies, murder chickens, zombies and pretty much everything else you can imagine.
Can’t recommend enough, I’ll be re-reading the full series again soon.
Dave is one of the first authors I encountered in the LitRPG/GameLit world and I will always come back to his books. I started with his stories in a bit of an odd place with Battleborn 1, loved it and then found Shadow Sun.
The story and characters have been one of my regular companions over the last few years, keeping me company through multiple Covid lockdowns, the passing of my mother and a career change among other life milestones. I’ve always retreated into stories at big times in my life and I can think of no higher praise than to say this series, and Dave’s work as a whole, now tops my list when I need to let my thoughts organise themselves and spend some time imagining myself pew-pewing monsters and exploring crazy places. Coming to the end of this journey is bitter sweet, but I’m glad that I’ve been able to see the end result of a tale I’ve enjoyed for years.
Allistor, Fuzzy and the rest of the crew have developed massively across the books, with clear progression both on the stat sheet and outside it. They have grown as people (and bears), become stronger, more interesting and in Helen’s case funnier and funnier with each book. We’ve seen their triumphs, their losses and their encounters with mutant bunnies, murder chickens, zombies and pretty much everything else you can imagine.
Can’t recommend enough, I’ll be re-reading the full series again soon.
June 14, 2022
I'm giving what appears to be the final book in the series a 5/5* star rating, not because it's a perfect book but because I enjoyed the series.
I also won't recap the plot, because there really isn't one. Find dungeons? Great, let's try them out. Somebody attacks us? Woo boy, let's defend and then take their stuff. And so on.
Allistor is a nice guy, but he's not an emperor. Think of any emperor you know of from Earth history, and they've mostly been tyrannical dictators who fought for glory, land, and women. Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar (who crushed the Germans and Franks before trying to take England), and you get the idea. None were as soft as Allistor.
Maybe I'm complaining too much. The series is over, although it didn't seem like an ending. Not everything is wrapped up cleanly, and there are a lot of races out in the universe who don't like the emperor or what he stands for. Whatever. It's an author's decision to wrap up a series when he pleases.
The editing is poor in book six, which was a letdown, and the stat sheets only appear once by my count.
5/5* not for this book, but for the series.
I also won't recap the plot, because there really isn't one. Find dungeons? Great, let's try them out. Somebody attacks us? Woo boy, let's defend and then take their stuff. And so on.
Allistor is a nice guy, but he's not an emperor. Think of any emperor you know of from Earth history, and they've mostly been tyrannical dictators who fought for glory, land, and women. Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar (who crushed the Germans and Franks before trying to take England), and you get the idea. None were as soft as Allistor.
Maybe I'm complaining too much. The series is over, although it didn't seem like an ending. Not everything is wrapped up cleanly, and there are a lot of races out in the universe who don't like the emperor or what he stands for. Whatever. It's an author's decision to wrap up a series when he pleases.
The editing is poor in book six, which was a letdown, and the stat sheets only appear once by my count.
5/5* not for this book, but for the series.
March 4, 2023
um
I enjoy the world. The story is well told.
Okay, so I actively dislike the main character; I think he’s a pretentious hypocrite, lucked into his position, is surrounded by yes men and brown nosers, and fails to understand mercy and fairness. I don’t like him. Worse almost every chapter has him giving a monologue about how he’s the victim, or in the right, or what he’s doing is fair or kind. And his advisers are rarely ever advising especially with things like: you’re the ruler, you should have a guard with you always; other people have ideas; it took us this long to find out we needed a military?; or removing freedom of choice via oath is evil, or evicting people because you can’t get them to give up their free will is evil. Again I don’t like the MC
Then everyone seems to ALWAYS BE WINKING! Every character regardless of nationality or planet of origin winks to show they’re kidding or pulling a trick. At times it seems every page has a wink.
So ignore my whining. I’ve read all six, will probably read more. I’ll complain about the MC the whole time. But I love the world.
I enjoy the world. The story is well told.
Okay, so I actively dislike the main character; I think he’s a pretentious hypocrite, lucked into his position, is surrounded by yes men and brown nosers, and fails to understand mercy and fairness. I don’t like him. Worse almost every chapter has him giving a monologue about how he’s the victim, or in the right, or what he’s doing is fair or kind. And his advisers are rarely ever advising especially with things like: you’re the ruler, you should have a guard with you always; other people have ideas; it took us this long to find out we needed a military?; or removing freedom of choice via oath is evil, or evicting people because you can’t get them to give up their free will is evil. Again I don’t like the MC
Then everyone seems to ALWAYS BE WINKING! Every character regardless of nationality or planet of origin winks to show they’re kidding or pulling a trick. At times it seems every page has a wink.
So ignore my whining. I’ve read all six, will probably read more. I’ll complain about the MC the whole time. But I love the world.
July 31, 2023
This might just be one of the most disappointing books i have read in a long while. This is not at all the ending this series deserved. This was barely even an ending at all. It was just another series of repetitive events (Allistor recruiting people for Invictus, taking over planets, or running dungeons) that abruptly ends like the author got bored of writing it or something.
Honestly, this series was doomed the moment Allistor killed Loki. That was a climactic event that should have been the pinnacle of Allistor’s journey, not a footnote followed by countless diplomatic trips and meaningless adventures. Without that need to get strong enough for revenge, we were left with Allistor pushing his brand of tyrannical justice with the moral reasoning of an ignorant college activist who arrogantly believes he knows whats right for everyone without actually having a clue how the real world works.
By the end of this book I was struggling to keep reading, and right now I’m just glad its over so I don’t have to watch this once great story fall any further.
Honestly, this series was doomed the moment Allistor killed Loki. That was a climactic event that should have been the pinnacle of Allistor’s journey, not a footnote followed by countless diplomatic trips and meaningless adventures. Without that need to get strong enough for revenge, we were left with Allistor pushing his brand of tyrannical justice with the moral reasoning of an ignorant college activist who arrogantly believes he knows whats right for everyone without actually having a clue how the real world works.
By the end of this book I was struggling to keep reading, and right now I’m just glad its over so I don’t have to watch this once great story fall any further.
June 29, 2022
Pretty good LitRPG series. Read in order. Lots of action
More effort into non human characters than some. Also has a fairly high body count in named good guy and gal characters. Not bad enough to make me give up on it like Game of Thrones after the Red Wedding, but definitely more young adult than children's fare. In spite of cute bonding animals there is too much death for the younger kids. Also has a lot of interesting carry over. After you win the big boss fight and you become Emperor, you actually have to have taxes and land grants and infrastructure and trade treaties. I wish we had a bunch more magic. Liked the scribe sorcerer thing, but the Battlemage development was not presented well. I used to like some of the spell names in the really old games- maybe Bards Tale like FiFo as in Fee Fi Fo Fum, which I think was an Area of Effect smash. Anyway I did like the series also that the lead character wasn't a cursing sex obsessed wiseass or a brooding doomed by prophecy sort.
More effort into non human characters than some. Also has a fairly high body count in named good guy and gal characters. Not bad enough to make me give up on it like Game of Thrones after the Red Wedding, but definitely more young adult than children's fare. In spite of cute bonding animals there is too much death for the younger kids. Also has a lot of interesting carry over. After you win the big boss fight and you become Emperor, you actually have to have taxes and land grants and infrastructure and trade treaties. I wish we had a bunch more magic. Liked the scribe sorcerer thing, but the Battlemage development was not presented well. I used to like some of the spell names in the really old games- maybe Bards Tale like FiFo as in Fee Fi Fo Fum, which I think was an Area of Effect smash. Anyway I did like the series also that the lead character wasn't a cursing sex obsessed wiseass or a brooding doomed by prophecy sort.
June 18, 2022
A series to charish
I have read all six now and own 3 of the Audible books. I understand that constant pressure can lead to poor stories, so please consider advancing in time or what ever the muse may lead. I all hope you find it in your heart to find a new Audible producer, or company. I have found your writing to be a joy and I am glad you don't use barrel for your books. The market is full to brimming with many great writers already ther. I would love to see a superhero story with may be a Champions style society. But as a last I hope you will allow allister to find happiness. Your a master of your craft,and you have given me endless hours of joy, thank you for your hard work
Evan Roberts
Ps.this is my sons account he gets so upset when I leave reviews
So this is for his benifit,lol
Louisville. Ky
I have read all six now and own 3 of the Audible books. I understand that constant pressure can lead to poor stories, so please consider advancing in time or what ever the muse may lead. I all hope you find it in your heart to find a new Audible producer, or company. I have found your writing to be a joy and I am glad you don't use barrel for your books. The market is full to brimming with many great writers already ther. I would love to see a superhero story with may be a Champions style society. But as a last I hope you will allow allister to find happiness. Your a master of your craft,and you have given me endless hours of joy, thank you for your hard work
Evan Roberts
Ps.this is my sons account he gets so upset when I leave reviews
So this is for his benifit,lol
Louisville. Ky
June 15, 2022
Excellent series
I have to admit this is one of the best series I have ever read. I usually finish reading a book every 2 days. I feel this universe actually has the potential to be really expanded by allowing fledgling authors to take certain characters and creating both prequels and sequels under your guidelines. Much like Michael Anderlie has done(dam hope I spelled his name right). This just a personal request of a novella of lighter tone .much humor of the main character being inundated with marriage proposals and finally having to pick one with Selby,Helen and Meg being the comical fulcrum of the story. Anyway I want to say thank you for the hours of pleasure I got from reading your books.
I have to admit this is one of the best series I have ever read. I usually finish reading a book every 2 days. I feel this universe actually has the potential to be really expanded by allowing fledgling authors to take certain characters and creating both prequels and sequels under your guidelines. Much like Michael Anderlie has done(dam hope I spelled his name right). This just a personal request of a novella of lighter tone .much humor of the main character being inundated with marriage proposals and finally having to pick one with Selby,Helen and Meg being the comical fulcrum of the story. Anyway I want to say thank you for the hours of pleasure I got from reading your books.
June 17, 2022
Awesome edition to the series.
When I saw it released i jumped to download. It was an enjoyable read with a gentle and nice time lapsing.
The only thing that I disliked and made me give a 4 out 5 was the ending. It sort of fell flat to me. It just ended out of the blue, at least that how it feels to me.
It would have been nice to see a few things wrapped up a bit better. Won't spoil the book by saying what in any detail, that being said it feels like a few things were just left hanging. What about the rest of the earth settlements? Does he manage ship better? What will the other Ancient ones do? Who was gunning for him with the changeling and will they be reveales?
Doesn't feel like a cliff hanger so much as just things left dangling, unresolved
When I saw it released i jumped to download. It was an enjoyable read with a gentle and nice time lapsing.
The only thing that I disliked and made me give a 4 out 5 was the ending. It sort of fell flat to me. It just ended out of the blue, at least that how it feels to me.
It would have been nice to see a few things wrapped up a bit better. Won't spoil the book by saying what in any detail, that being said it feels like a few things were just left hanging. What about the rest of the earth settlements? Does he manage ship better? What will the other Ancient ones do? Who was gunning for him with the changeling and will they be reveales?
Doesn't feel like a cliff hanger so much as just things left dangling, unresolved
June 20, 2022
A lot of fun and surprisingly that ending wasn’t bad even if a bit unexpected.
My main problem with this series a whole is that it used a lot of additional plot devices beyond the scope of what we see actually being addressed. The universe is big bad and scary and all these fun potential storylines get used as plot armor but we end up here… kind of unfulfilling in some ways. Almost like a reverse fade to black and i’m hoping we some of that vast universe explored.
Ive said this many times and but i think smaller arcs like trilogy would be beneficial for this genre over all.
Kudos to Dave for ending this series though as i think it was getting away from his particular wheelhouse of storytelling anyways.
My main problem with this series a whole is that it used a lot of additional plot devices beyond the scope of what we see actually being addressed. The universe is big bad and scary and all these fun potential storylines get used as plot armor but we end up here… kind of unfulfilling in some ways. Almost like a reverse fade to black and i’m hoping we some of that vast universe explored.
Ive said this many times and but i think smaller arcs like trilogy would be beneficial for this genre over all.
Kudos to Dave for ending this series though as i think it was getting away from his particular wheelhouse of storytelling anyways.
July 3, 2022
I loved this series
I can't believe this is how Dave choose to end the series. I was 80% into the novel and was worried how he was going to arc the finish
To have waited so long for this book I feel honestly disappointed and cheated. I feel Alistor and us readers deserved better.
Dave you are an awesome author and I've read your entire catalogue but this has cheapened my experience and investment in you as an author
Please don't cut yourself short again.
Look this overall was a great romp in this world Hence the 4 stars,but was an instalment not a finale.
Please consider a novella with Alistor looking back to conclude it with some justice as he really never achieved his goal of revenge or safety for earth.
With hope,
Obi
I can't believe this is how Dave choose to end the series. I was 80% into the novel and was worried how he was going to arc the finish
To have waited so long for this book I feel honestly disappointed and cheated. I feel Alistor and us readers deserved better.
Dave you are an awesome author and I've read your entire catalogue but this has cheapened my experience and investment in you as an author
Please don't cut yourself short again.
Look this overall was a great romp in this world Hence the 4 stars,but was an instalment not a finale.
Please consider a novella with Alistor looking back to conclude it with some justice as he really never achieved his goal of revenge or safety for earth.
With hope,
Obi
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
I can get some satisfaction.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and then about halfway through I started to get nervous. Where was the conflict going to come from? Is a new higher power villain going to show up from out of nowhere and just go "BOO"! The kind of things frequently done both authors who are out of story, but not ready to stopI needn't have worried, it was a great, if a little truncated, finale. Worthy of the time and care the reader has given the world of the Shadow Sun. And as I close the book, I give the author the highest praise a reader can give, the promise to revisit the world even though the tale is done.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and then about halfway through I started to get nervous. Where was the conflict going to come from? Is a new higher power villain going to show up from out of nowhere and just go "BOO"! The kind of things frequently done both authors who are out of story, but not ready to stopI needn't have worried, it was a great, if a little truncated, finale. Worthy of the time and care the reader has given the world of the Shadow Sun. And as I close the book, I give the author the highest praise a reader can give, the promise to revisit the world even though the tale is done.
June 16, 2022
An anticlimactic ending
After 6 books now, we come to our ending. And while Dave did a solid job of tying it all up, and sending the characters off on a happy note. I can’t say that I was really happy about the way it all played out. We spend the book following Alistar as he consolidates his gains from killing Loki and by extension Hel. While there are a fair bit of convolutions across the book, it just left me wanting something more. Maybe I’m being needlessly picky. The very ending wraps up on a sentimental note, but there are so many things I’d have liked to have seen.
After 6 books now, we come to our ending. And while Dave did a solid job of tying it all up, and sending the characters off on a happy note. I can’t say that I was really happy about the way it all played out. We spend the book following Alistar as he consolidates his gains from killing Loki and by extension Hel. While there are a fair bit of convolutions across the book, it just left me wanting something more. Maybe I’m being needlessly picky. The very ending wraps up on a sentimental note, but there are so many things I’d have liked to have seen.
June 17, 2022
great ending (new beginning)
Following Allistor and gang has been a great journey. The struggles that they went through and the love ones they have lost is more realistic than other books I have read. I was really scared that he would kill Helen in the end, but it did not happen. Even though this series seems to be over I would read it from the beginning again. I would love to see how the group learns how to interact with the larger collective, and all the things that go through building an empire. That would be the next step.
Following Allistor and gang has been a great journey. The struggles that they went through and the love ones they have lost is more realistic than other books I have read. I was really scared that he would kill Helen in the end, but it did not happen. Even though this series seems to be over I would read it from the beginning again. I would love to see how the group learns how to interact with the larger collective, and all the things that go through building an empire. That would be the next step.
June 20, 2022
An optional read..
I approached this book with High expectations especially after the last book in the series stopping leaving us with an emotional high. However this is presumably the last in shadow sun series and while it ties loose ends it doesn't add value to story and acts like too much filler. If it was leading upto more adventure in subsequent books then we could gave excused this as the author devoting some time to make sure character progression is shown. But as things currently stand instead of a great book it has been downvoted as a Okaish book.
I approached this book with High expectations especially after the last book in the series stopping leaving us with an emotional high. However this is presumably the last in shadow sun series and while it ties loose ends it doesn't add value to story and acts like too much filler. If it was leading upto more adventure in subsequent books then we could gave excused this as the author devoting some time to make sure character progression is shown. But as things currently stand instead of a great book it has been downvoted as a Okaish book.
July 22, 2022
had to stop reading
I’ve enjoyed this series even though the character development was a bit lacking. The MC is just too average. He’s not that smart and not that interesting. He’s just really lucky. This book was the straw the broke the camel’s back. There is no plot progression. The MC spends his time running around doing things that should be delegated to subordinate and makes some really poor decisions. He almost dies twice because of stupidity and every one just pays him on the back. I couldn’t continue.
I’ve enjoyed this series even though the character development was a bit lacking. The MC is just too average. He’s not that smart and not that interesting. He’s just really lucky. This book was the straw the broke the camel’s back. There is no plot progression. The MC spends his time running around doing things that should be delegated to subordinate and makes some really poor decisions. He almost dies twice because of stupidity and every one just pays him on the back. I couldn’t continue.
July 27, 2022
War Then a New Beginning
Planets of people don't normally give away their planetary rights to just anybody and wars will be fought. Then end result is normally millions dead, but not for Allistor. He makes the responsible ones pay or die.
This, being the last book of the series, ends where it began in the Warren.
This series was very exciting, maddening, sad, thoughtful, honorable, depressing, fun, and well written book. The adventures blended smoothly and at times so thrilling I chewed all my nails down.
Great book; Read in 4 days
Planets of people don't normally give away their planetary rights to just anybody and wars will be fought. Then end result is normally millions dead, but not for Allistor. He makes the responsible ones pay or die.
This, being the last book of the series, ends where it began in the Warren.
This series was very exciting, maddening, sad, thoughtful, honorable, depressing, fun, and well written book. The adventures blended smoothly and at times so thrilling I chewed all my nails down.
Great book; Read in 4 days
July 29, 2022
Good as usual
Next step in the series is just as good as the last. A little bit less gritty fighting and a lot more empire building. Things that reach the next stage and now the emperor is expanding is empire even if he's not trying to. Very interesting the way he has to handle things and it's such a part from the others in the universe. I'm enjoying this series immediately and look forward to more. Hopefully a little bit more crafting in the next as it is a neglected skill. But there's only so much time in the day for An emperor to play.
Next step in the series is just as good as the last. A little bit less gritty fighting and a lot more empire building. Things that reach the next stage and now the emperor is expanding is empire even if he's not trying to. Very interesting the way he has to handle things and it's such a part from the others in the universe. I'm enjoying this series immediately and look forward to more. Hopefully a little bit more crafting in the next as it is a neglected skill. But there's only so much time in the day for An emperor to play.
June 19, 2022
A good read
A solid book as enjoyable as the rest in the series if you enjoyed the previous books you'll enjoy this one it has a nice conclusion. My only quiver with the book I can't reveal because it would destroy some of the suspense and plot I apologize for any spelling errors or poor grammar choices I'm writing this review with voice to text I figure a poorly done view with voice to text is better than nothing Hope this helps
A solid book as enjoyable as the rest in the series if you enjoyed the previous books you'll enjoy this one it has a nice conclusion. My only quiver with the book I can't reveal because it would destroy some of the suspense and plot I apologize for any spelling errors or poor grammar choices I'm writing this review with voice to text I figure a poorly done view with voice to text is better than nothing Hope this helps
June 21, 2022
like a perfect meal at the end of a perfect day
Very few authors know how to end a 5 book series with this level of workmanship. Most ramble on only to find a bad ending at the end of their meandering prose. Not mr willmarth, he matured Allistor and the empire to a delightful conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and this book. I’ll miss Allistor, but all great things must come to and end. Emperor Allistor may you live long and rule wisely!!
Very few authors know how to end a 5 book series with this level of workmanship. Most ramble on only to find a bad ending at the end of their meandering prose. Not mr willmarth, he matured Allistor and the empire to a delightful conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and this book. I’ll miss Allistor, but all great things must come to and end. Emperor Allistor may you live long and rule wisely!!
August 17, 2022
If you like a series that you can enjoy from book 1 though to 5 that’s isn’t short story but a damn good read why haven’t you read these . It’s not often you want to read passed book 3 unless the author is a very good story teller often the story line Pters out and becomes boring where you skip pages Not these books there. Engaging well written strong characters in a story you can get behind so give it a go you won’t be sorry
March 10, 2024
Sad to See them Go
Loved this series. It was an emotional roller coaster, from the fear of just surviving in the first week after induction to the triumph over the level 120 Matron. When we lost Amanda, I had to stop reading the series for several months. It hit me that hard. Thank you for sharing this engrossing universe with us readers. I will miss these guys, but plan to reread this regularly.
Loved this series. It was an emotional roller coaster, from the fear of just surviving in the first week after induction to the triumph over the level 120 Matron. When we lost Amanda, I had to stop reading the series for several months. It hit me that hard. Thank you for sharing this engrossing universe with us readers. I will miss these guys, but plan to reread this regularly.
June 10, 2022
Grand conclusion
It’s always a strange feeling to get to the end of a series. Happy and sad warring together.
If you’re reading this review, you should already know the quality of this series, and don’t need me to blow smoke.
It’s a good ending, with a sensible conclusion that allows for whatever scenario you wish.
It’s always a strange feeling to get to the end of a series. Happy and sad warring together.
If you’re reading this review, you should already know the quality of this series, and don’t need me to blow smoke.
It’s a good ending, with a sensible conclusion that allows for whatever scenario you wish.
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