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Unbound #5
Threshold
One city saved. A Territory to defend. The threshold beckons.
The war for Haarwatch has been won, granting Felix a small respite. His time is spent struggling to restore the city with his people, yet trouble brews on the horizon. The Archon has not sat idle while Felix consolidated his power, and the ancient seals upon his prison have been broken.
Guided by a Territorial Quest, Felix and his allies find themselves in the unenviable position of needing to split their forces as the drums of war resume. The Archon threatens all, but the Inquisition isn't ready to accept their failures in Haarwatch.
Felix must return to the Foglands, to the Waterfall Temple he once claimed as shelter. If he doesn't, and the Archon secures the power hidden behind the Door of the Lidless Eye... there's no telling what may happen. Divided yet undaunted, they move with purpose firming their Will as events threaten to outpace them all.
Battle looms while peace trembles...and once more fate balances upon the scales of the Fiend.
The war for Haarwatch has been won, granting Felix a small respite. His time is spent struggling to restore the city with his people, yet trouble brews on the horizon. The Archon has not sat idle while Felix consolidated his power, and the ancient seals upon his prison have been broken.
Guided by a Territorial Quest, Felix and his allies find themselves in the unenviable position of needing to split their forces as the drums of war resume. The Archon threatens all, but the Inquisition isn't ready to accept their failures in Haarwatch.
Felix must return to the Foglands, to the Waterfall Temple he once claimed as shelter. If he doesn't, and the Archon secures the power hidden behind the Door of the Lidless Eye... there's no telling what may happen. Divided yet undaunted, they move with purpose firming their Will as events threaten to outpace them all.
Battle looms while peace trembles...and once more fate balances upon the scales of the Fiend.
754 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2022
1037 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
January 21, 2023
Bloody brilliant!
March 6, 2025
Ratings:- 4.5 stars
December 8, 2022
Super fun
I really enjoy this series… I have three younger boys, and the only reason this wouldnt be on their favorite books list is because it uses some mild or slightly crude language.
It is however, on my favorites list. Can’t wait to hear more about Felix.
I really enjoy this series… I have three younger boys, and the only reason this wouldnt be on their favorite books list is because it uses some mild or slightly crude language.
It is however, on my favorites list. Can’t wait to hear more about Felix.
May 5, 2023
Book five
You should know by now that I like loot in these kinds of books. So I was disappointed that there was little to no loot in this one.
The bad guys all seemed to die rather easily as well. I know that is from the MC being so overpowered.
Still this was a decent story.
8/10 I'm off to read book six.
You should know by now that I like loot in these kinds of books. So I was disappointed that there was little to no loot in this one.
The bad guys all seemed to die rather easily as well. I know that is from the MC being so overpowered.
Still this was a decent story.
8/10 I'm off to read book six.
November 11, 2024
Action packed.
December 7, 2022
Finally getting some direction.
Now just needs to trim off all of the bloated filler and this could reach four or five stars. Character work is still rather bland.
Now just needs to trim off all of the bloated filler and this could reach four or five stars. Character work is still rather bland.
December 3, 2022
complexity
This novel is almost undone by the sheer complexity of the narrative. Beyond the two separate groups traveling in different directions on different quests, there are principal voices that further tangle the narrative.
If you’ve read this far you should continue. I will.
This novel is almost undone by the sheer complexity of the narrative. Beyond the two separate groups traveling in different directions on different quests, there are principal voices that further tangle the narrative.
If you’ve read this far you should continue. I will.
December 24, 2022
What can I say? I love this series. Well-written, fast paced, great main character, villains that push the MC to greater strengths. Some might say that Felix Nevarre is OP, but that's exactly what I love about this series. I don't want to read about a ho hum everyday kinda guy, that's not entertaining, I want to be dropped into a world where the stakes are high and the MC knows he needs to be better to stay alive.
My only criticism is that it ended, and I wanted to keep reading.
IMO, this is probably the best litRPG story out currently. Gonnella is a fantastic story teller and although his frights can be too long (I forgot that's another criticism), they're interesting and nail-biting. You know he's going to win, of course, because killing off the hero before the story is finished is dumb, but his win isn't always perfect or 'clean'.
Yay for another fantastic book in the series.
My only criticism is that it ended, and I wanted to keep reading.
IMO, this is probably the best litRPG story out currently. Gonnella is a fantastic story teller and although his frights can be too long (I forgot that's another criticism), they're interesting and nail-biting. You know he's going to win, of course, because killing off the hero before the story is finished is dumb, but his win isn't always perfect or 'clean'.
Yay for another fantastic book in the series.
December 18, 2022
Another long book, and it took me a while to get through it, but not because it was bad. It's a big time investment and other things diverted my attention.
This installment resolves some things but opens the door to a bunch of other things, so I assume there is another book or two coming. I'm not sure two more books of this length are warranted, but one, certainly. I guess we'll see.
This installment resolves some things but opens the door to a bunch of other things, so I assume there is another book or two coming. I'm not sure two more books of this length are warranted, but one, certainly. I guess we'll see.
October 4, 2023
Politics? Run away! I'm glad the politics have been glossed over. The ending was spectacular.
Re-read: I can see why I was glued to it the first time. Second read wasn't as fun and I did skip ahead a couple of times. Was revisiting to refresh myself for #8
Re-read: I can see why I was glued to it the first time. Second read wasn't as fun and I did skip ahead a couple of times. Was revisiting to refresh myself for #8
May 17, 2023
3.5 Stars
My main issue is the frenetic pace of the whole book. Battles seem to last forever and so much is packed into each that it's exhausting.
I'm happy to continue the series but I need a little break in between each book.
My main issue is the frenetic pace of the whole book. Battles seem to last forever and so much is packed into each that it's exhausting.
I'm happy to continue the series but I need a little break in between each book.
July 20, 2024
i just skip to the stats
February 24, 2023
I like the stats so bit disappointed as not much in hear.
Then there are too many characters especially in mc's group already then add 3-4 new one's (Guards) that was usless & boring, then there is whole Zara group pts just skimmed most, the mc/author constant bashing on religion bit too much add to mc just annoyed me alot in this book.
Felix's quest/mission would of been much better more efficient and just better read if he went on his own faster too. Need kill of Altar & Alistair as well as all added useless (guard) characters in mc's group they don't even make sense to take along they too weak for one slow them down when on a time sensitive mission and are just pointless add on to fatten book.
Why didn't he use omen key right away is he an ideat.? (Found that hugely frustrating.)
Constantly saying thing gender less stop just stop it already please And we fight together yawn.
Like Evie but can please cut down on her constant cursing it's just too much and the cringe mc romance writing in so far is just bad.
This is the worst book in this series so far sorry to say and struggled if 1 or 2 star but as annoyed me more then enjoyed as well as being overly long too.
(Golden empire kinda sucked.)
P.s. note my thought.
Doing it alone is much better for leveling progressing and skill increases.
Reason your not sharing EXP with everyone else and not making weaknesses in self by reling on offers to do something. Just to name a few.
Plus doing alone is just more exciting and fun read all around.
Sorry so low score and not better review but if did that I would not be being honest with my appinions. (& for any grammar or spelling mistakes made.)
December 11, 2022
A pretty solid LitRPG series that's actually improving with every volume. Still not on par with Dungeon Crawler Carl, but nothing else in the genre is, really.
With the possible exception of the second book, the one about the Void, which was a bit of a slump in terms of pace and stakes, this series doesn't drag on and the story actually develops. Not just that, it's actual fun action rather than indistinguishable overlong fights that many other writers offer. Gonella also got rid of a lot of repetitive tropes (like describing growth pains in the same manner, and excessively with every level-up). It's neat enough in terms of language, with just minor slips here and there, and the audio book narration is well-done.
The parts that are narrated by somebody other than protagonist are still not as engaging, but hey, it just means it has a chance to get even better.
With the possible exception of the second book, the one about the Void, which was a bit of a slump in terms of pace and stakes, this series doesn't drag on and the story actually develops. Not just that, it's actual fun action rather than indistinguishable overlong fights that many other writers offer. Gonella also got rid of a lot of repetitive tropes (like describing growth pains in the same manner, and excessively with every level-up). It's neat enough in terms of language, with just minor slips here and there, and the audio book narration is well-done.
The parts that are narrated by somebody other than protagonist are still not as engaging, but hey, it just means it has a chance to get even better.
December 11, 2022
An Inconsistent and Bloated series. Here we have a new thing on top of that. It's like the author tried Sandeson avalanche but completely ignores what makes it work and just throws more levels up for free.
MC gets more OP without earning it but he makes sure to go over his full stat screen every chapter in case you just forgot them from the last chapter. Talking about stat padding the book, I'd not be surprised that a good 10-15% of the book is stats alone.
Would be a much better book if it wasn't written as a RR serial. Probably won't continue with the author because I don't want to support this sort of rubbish.
Spoiler:
MC gets more OP without earning it but he makes sure to go over his full stat screen every chapter in case you just forgot them from the last chapter. Talking about stat padding the book, I'd not be surprised that a good 10-15% of the book is stats alone.
Would be a much better book if it wasn't written as a RR serial. Probably won't continue with the author because I don't want to support this sort of rubbish.
Spoiler:
December 1, 2022
Super good addition to the series, I loved this book all the way through. I've honestly loved all the books up to this one, some of them weren't as good as the others, but they're all something that I enjoyed reading.
Travis baldree did an amazing job with the narration. I love Travis's narration. He's one of my favorite narrators, and this book is just another one he's going to conquer. He gets a 5 star from me.
The characters and plot are pretty good, I will say this book is one of the best in the series. Nothing particularly bothered me about this book. I found it enjoyable and fun to read.
Overall, This book and series are really well written, and if you're looking on getting this sequel. I recommend it.
Travis baldree did an amazing job with the narration. I love Travis's narration. He's one of my favorite narrators, and this book is just another one he's going to conquer. He gets a 5 star from me.
The characters and plot are pretty good, I will say this book is one of the best in the series. Nothing particularly bothered me about this book. I found it enjoyable and fun to read.
Overall, This book and series are really well written, and if you're looking on getting this sequel. I recommend it.
December 16, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars
This one was better. The pace was a little slower. There was more of a balance between character development and the story. It wasn't going from one insane fight to another one over and over again. It did end that way though. The last 5 hours was going from one insane, impossible fight to the next one. Everytime Felix solved one problem he had another dangerous problems to solve right after. Most of the time in the last 5 hours of the book he had 6 different challenges he had to complete at the same time. That is just the way this author writes so I can't be that upset. At least it wasn't for the entire story like in some of his previous books. Overall, I still like the series and will continue.
This one was better. The pace was a little slower. There was more of a balance between character development and the story. It wasn't going from one insane fight to another one over and over again. It did end that way though. The last 5 hours was going from one insane, impossible fight to the next one. Everytime Felix solved one problem he had another dangerous problems to solve right after. Most of the time in the last 5 hours of the book he had 6 different challenges he had to complete at the same time. That is just the way this author writes so I can't be that upset. At least it wasn't for the entire story like in some of his previous books. Overall, I still like the series and will continue.
April 12, 2024
Okay now this book is the best one yet. As Nicoli Gonnella pushed his stat points all the way up to Eleven! And, well we already know that Travis Baldree is a master tier narrator.
I loved the book because, along with bk4 they tied up a couple of story-threads for us! As Felix enteres the foglands again. And here I am seriously looking forward to the next book "Expanse" just to see what's in store for Felix and his team, to find out if the team, the core group, adds or loses any members! And of course I want to keep an eye on Pit, the chimera beast Felix has bonded to.
The only question is, do I dive into Expanse now or save it for later? 🤔 Nah, who am I kidding, I gonna dive in now!
Here's a quote:
"Listen here, you sap-drinkin' twig tosser."
I loved the book because, along with bk4 they tied up a couple of story-threads for us! As Felix enteres the foglands again. And here I am seriously looking forward to the next book "Expanse" just to see what's in store for Felix and his team, to find out if the team, the core group, adds or loses any members! And of course I want to keep an eye on Pit, the chimera beast Felix has bonded to.
The only question is, do I dive into Expanse now or save it for later? 🤔 Nah, who am I kidding, I gonna dive in now!
Here's a quote:
"Listen here, you sap-drinkin' twig tosser."
December 5, 2022
Another excellent addition to this fantastic series
I have to admit, I’m a little curious to see what could possibly end up being worse than the Archon. Also, why is sorcery derided as being against the Pathless when it operates entirely on choice and accountability, while the way of the Pathless fosters a rigid caste system and proscribed means to attain power?
Why did the Hierophant break her own sacred law to summon the Unbound? And what are the chances that whatever the reason, it is that action that will precipitate her downfall, and that of the whole rotten organization?
I have to admit, I’m a little curious to see what could possibly end up being worse than the Archon. Also, why is sorcery derided as being against the Pathless when it operates entirely on choice and accountability, while the way of the Pathless fosters a rigid caste system and proscribed means to attain power?
Why did the Hierophant break her own sacred law to summon the Unbound? And what are the chances that whatever the reason, it is that action that will precipitate her downfall, and that of the whole rotten organization?
January 7, 2023
good MC good story.
I enjoyed the story very much. A very likable MC. The only thing I have trouble with is with some of the spells, two seconds of a thrall meant is not enough time to really do anything. By the time you read the next sentence two seconds will have passed, so how are you supposed to accomplish something within that time frame. I believe je spells it last at least 10 seconds, so that the characters can get another one ready. I’m not too crazy about the musical component of the book. it’s a little unusual, but i’m not too crazy about it. Will probably read the next book.
I enjoyed the story very much. A very likable MC. The only thing I have trouble with is with some of the spells, two seconds of a thrall meant is not enough time to really do anything. By the time you read the next sentence two seconds will have passed, so how are you supposed to accomplish something within that time frame. I believe je spells it last at least 10 seconds, so that the characters can get another one ready. I’m not too crazy about the musical component of the book. it’s a little unusual, but i’m not too crazy about it. Will probably read the next book.
April 14, 2025
On a Roll
After what I would describe as an abysmal start to a series, Gonnella has definitely stepped up the game.
While this book has plenty of what I would call "filler" (what book doesn't tho?), easily 85% is pure, unadulterated epic writing.
Growth, advancement, progression in lore and information, and stellar action sequences are aplenty.
A plethora of momentum has garnered in this series and I hope that it continues to propel the series to reach its epic potential.
If you read this review, the most significant message I can relay is to NOT give up on the series after the first couple books if you are discouraged!
After what I would describe as an abysmal start to a series, Gonnella has definitely stepped up the game.
While this book has plenty of what I would call "filler" (what book doesn't tho?), easily 85% is pure, unadulterated epic writing.
Growth, advancement, progression in lore and information, and stellar action sequences are aplenty.
A plethora of momentum has garnered in this series and I hope that it continues to propel the series to reach its epic potential.
If you read this review, the most significant message I can relay is to NOT give up on the series after the first couple books if you are discouraged!
December 22, 2022
Thank you for another wonderful volume!
I am in awe for how gratifying and invigorating this installment of the story has been. It does not disappoint in the least, and was well worth the wait.
To the author, I offer high commendations for your creative talent, human insight, and efforts of toil. I greatly respect the values and concepts you explore with this story. I am once again eagerly waiting the next installment.
To perspective readers, I highly commend you read this story and series in full.
I am in awe for how gratifying and invigorating this installment of the story has been. It does not disappoint in the least, and was well worth the wait.
To the author, I offer high commendations for your creative talent, human insight, and efforts of toil. I greatly respect the values and concepts you explore with this story. I am once again eagerly waiting the next installment.
To perspective readers, I highly commend you read this story and series in full.
October 1, 2024
This is book 5 in a fantasy LitRPG series with system and portal/isekai elements. This was overall better than the previous book. All the main characters were out on quests which made everything more interesting. There was a solid ending that once again intrigues me enough to most likely continue this series, if only barely. I keep thinking about moving on to something else but I'm pretty sure if I stop now I won't ever know what happens next. I still think perhaps Felix is a little too overpowered even by LitRPG standards or at least that his progression has happened too fast.
December 3, 2022
good ending but took a while to get there
I’ve enjoyed this series but I’d say this book was only decent. The MC has several skills that hurt him every time he uses them. I honestly thought we were past this point, since the MC had to fix a bunch of skills in the last book. I’m all for not having the MC be to overpowered, but at this point it almost seemed like the author was creating artificial roadblocks. All in all, not bad, but it took a while to get through.
I’ve enjoyed this series but I’d say this book was only decent. The MC has several skills that hurt him every time he uses them. I honestly thought we were past this point, since the MC had to fix a bunch of skills in the last book. I’m all for not having the MC be to overpowered, but at this point it almost seemed like the author was creating artificial roadblocks. All in all, not bad, but it took a while to get through.
December 3, 2022
amazing
This book was everything I wanted and more. Continued growth of MC and others was one thing I’ve seen from every book and am happy to see it continue. One of the greatest aspects of this book that had me the most excited to read was the expansion of the lore. Finally the MC gets to learn more about the world and the lost races and it’s absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to continue reading the series.
This book was everything I wanted and more. Continued growth of MC and others was one thing I’ve seen from every book and am happy to see it continue. One of the greatest aspects of this book that had me the most excited to read was the expansion of the lore. Finally the MC gets to learn more about the world and the lost races and it’s absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to continue reading the series.
January 12, 2023
Absolutely astonishing
I cannot express how exciting I feel to find myself continually surprised by Felix. Darius continually finding a new infuriating anything relating to Felix is hilarious. I'm extremely curious to find out in upcoming books how significant Pit's cryptic statements will become. If you ever seethed to protect and defend those you care about, then this is an invigorating adventure of refusing the way things have "always been". Defiance is beautiful.
I cannot express how exciting I feel to find myself continually surprised by Felix. Darius continually finding a new infuriating anything relating to Felix is hilarious. I'm extremely curious to find out in upcoming books how significant Pit's cryptic statements will become. If you ever seethed to protect and defend those you care about, then this is an invigorating adventure of refusing the way things have "always been". Defiance is beautiful.
January 26, 2023
So Glad I didn’t give up
I like many types of fantasy, including litrpg and the broader umbrella genre of progression fantasy. When I first started this series I really liked the language, literary skill, and character progression in the first novel. Then the second novel came, it all felt like a filler, which I suppose it was in a way, but I couldn’t bring myself to connect with it much. It felt that the MC was unreasonably OP. Then, the rest of the series came out and after a break I devoured them all. Whenever I have an itch for good OP MC stories I know I can rely on Nicoli Gonella to deliver. I don’t mind OP as long as it’s done well. Looking forward to book 6 soon!
I like many types of fantasy, including litrpg and the broader umbrella genre of progression fantasy. When I first started this series I really liked the language, literary skill, and character progression in the first novel. Then the second novel came, it all felt like a filler, which I suppose it was in a way, but I couldn’t bring myself to connect with it much. It felt that the MC was unreasonably OP. Then, the rest of the series came out and after a break I devoured them all. Whenever I have an itch for good OP MC stories I know I can rely on Nicoli Gonella to deliver. I don’t mind OP as long as it’s done well. Looking forward to book 6 soon!
April 12, 2023
The pace of the story is definitely picking up, however this does seem to be at the cost of character development. Felix seems to be bouncing from problem to problem allowing his OP stats to solve every problem or being saved by basic lucky circumstance.
It would have been nice to see more character development not only with Felix but also with his “friends” who were basically treated this time more like baggage than integral parts of the plot.
It would have been nice to see more character development not only with Felix but also with his “friends” who were basically treated this time more like baggage than integral parts of the plot.
August 15, 2023
Threshold
Harwatch is being repaired. The city still stands, but there are other dangers that are lining up to tear it down. The Archon is out in the woods nearby and a squad of inquisitors escaped and will be going to alert the church authorities to raze the city. It is time to go on the offensive!
This is just a strong series. 5 solid books in a row. Felix is starting to get crazy strong, but so are his enemies. I’ve always wondered about other Unbound and it is answered in this book! Needless to say, Travis Baldree did fantastic with the audio.
Content warning: Language
Harwatch is being repaired. The city still stands, but there are other dangers that are lining up to tear it down. The Archon is out in the woods nearby and a squad of inquisitors escaped and will be going to alert the church authorities to raze the city. It is time to go on the offensive!
This is just a strong series. 5 solid books in a row. Felix is starting to get crazy strong, but so are his enemies. I’ve always wondered about other Unbound and it is answered in this book! Needless to say, Travis Baldree did fantastic with the audio.
Content warning: Language
September 1, 2025
Author: Nicoli Gonnella
Book: Threshold
NO SPOILERS
The adventures of Felix and Pit continue. Our duo clash with many an enemy, including the big bad Archon. The Inquisition also makes a move. The history of the land and people gets expanded on. The action is good, along with the humor. Still an interesting series that has not lessen any in book 5. The stakes are amplified even more in the book and for future ones.
Book: Threshold
NO SPOILERS
The adventures of Felix and Pit continue. Our duo clash with many an enemy, including the big bad Archon. The Inquisition also makes a move. The history of the land and people gets expanded on. The action is good, along with the humor. Still an interesting series that has not lessen any in book 5. The stakes are amplified even more in the book and for future ones.
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