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River Saga #4
The Realms
A dangerous mission. A fresh beginning. A worthy opponent.
Colton Beck has done the improbable. With the aide of his allies, he’s managed to save the Rusa. Just when they think it’s time to focus on their new planet, Desmond returns, asking for a favor.
The Ministry of Realms, thought to be destroyed by Drunal years before, still exists, and they’re hiding in the deep reaches of the River.
To find them, the team follows a trail of clues, leading to a surprise, no one could have expected.
The Realms is the newest installment of the hit series, The River Saga, from the Best-Selling author of The Event and Lost Contact.
Colton Beck has done the improbable. With the aide of his allies, he’s managed to save the Rusa. Just when they think it’s time to focus on their new planet, Desmond returns, asking for a favor.
The Ministry of Realms, thought to be destroyed by Drunal years before, still exists, and they’re hiding in the deep reaches of the River.
To find them, the team follows a trail of clues, leading to a surprise, no one could have expected.
The Realms is the newest installment of the hit series, The River Saga, from the Best-Selling author of The Event and Lost Contact.
- GenresScience Fiction
379 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2022
119 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 18, 2025
A very satisfying end to a great series. Nathan Hystad is a talented writer.
In my humble opinion, of course 💙
In my humble opinion, of course 💙
December 5, 2022
Complex fantasy of many alien races after 2500 years of stasis - 3 stars
The story of Indie Hart and Colton Beck continues after a review of the first three books. Much is written in the first person as Colton Beck describes his thoughts and realizes his history as he goes soaring beyond the known universe. There are a large number of generational explanations which were too extended for my taste.
Near the halfway point, the excitement level started to increase and continued at a high level to the end of the book. Variations of alien types added color to a fantasy world with small and huge sentient beings fighting on an ever-changing battlefield. Clones of the major characters (including humanoids) accounted for large proportions of the fighters. Shape-changing played a significant role in many action scenes.
Because parts of the battle for control of the River had been going on for at least 2500 years with feigning, deception, and misdirection, there were many examples of relatives fighting each other. Some players came back to life. Keeping track of who is who was difficult especially since there were clones of several of the major characters.
The fantasy could be used as a study of forces of good and evil -- great if such an undertaking had not been done before. For me, the book felt like a reading assignment rather than a fun read.
The story of Indie Hart and Colton Beck continues after a review of the first three books. Much is written in the first person as Colton Beck describes his thoughts and realizes his history as he goes soaring beyond the known universe. There are a large number of generational explanations which were too extended for my taste.
Near the halfway point, the excitement level started to increase and continued at a high level to the end of the book. Variations of alien types added color to a fantasy world with small and huge sentient beings fighting on an ever-changing battlefield. Clones of the major characters (including humanoids) accounted for large proportions of the fighters. Shape-changing played a significant role in many action scenes.
Because parts of the battle for control of the River had been going on for at least 2500 years with feigning, deception, and misdirection, there were many examples of relatives fighting each other. Some players came back to life. Keeping track of who is who was difficult especially since there were clones of several of the major characters.
The fantasy could be used as a study of forces of good and evil -- great if such an undertaking had not been done before. For me, the book felt like a reading assignment rather than a fun read.
February 21, 2025
The story of Indie Hart and Colton Beck continues after a review of the first three books. Much is written in the first person as Colton Beck describes his thoughts and realizes his history as he goes soaring beyond the known universe. There are a large number of generational explanations which were too extended for my taste.
Near the halfway point, the excitement level started to increase and continued at a high level to the end of the book. Variations of alien types added color to a fantasy world with small and huge sentient beings fighting on an ever-changing battlefield. Clones of the major characters (including humanoids) accounted for large proportions of the fighters. Shape-changing played a significant role in many action scenes.
Because parts of the battle for control of the River had been going on for at least 2500 years with feigning, deception, and misdirection, there were many examples of relatives fighting each other. Some players came back to life. Keeping track of who is who was difficult especially since there were clones of several of the major characters.
The fantasy could be used as a study of forces of good and evil -- great if such an undertaking had not been done before. For me, the book felt like a reading assignment rather than a fun read.
Near the halfway point, the excitement level started to increase and continued at a high level to the end of the book. Variations of alien types added color to a fantasy world with small and huge sentient beings fighting on an ever-changing battlefield. Clones of the major characters (including humanoids) accounted for large proportions of the fighters. Shape-changing played a significant role in many action scenes.
Because parts of the battle for control of the River had been going on for at least 2500 years with feigning, deception, and misdirection, there were many examples of relatives fighting each other. Some players came back to life. Keeping track of who is who was difficult especially since there were clones of several of the major characters.
The fantasy could be used as a study of forces of good and evil -- great if such an undertaking had not been done before. For me, the book felt like a reading assignment rather than a fun read.
October 28, 2022
💚🛸😰 Very intense.
REMINDER: Colton Beck writes the events that lead him to the present moment. Colton grew up in Arkansas, in an ordinary family. Until the fatal day when the arrival of the Aliens modified the earth's atmosphere...).
-----------------------------------------------
VOLUME 4:
Colton crushed the stalking insects and grimaced when Desmond offered him a handful of mud to smear on his face for protection... The smell was sickening.
With his group, he walked in the swamp from which now appeared a tropical forest.
Something shone vaguely in the distance: a reflection?...
-------------
I have not read the three previous volumes of the series, which explains my rating. I will be reading volume 1 soon.
Thanks to the welcome summary at the beginning of this volume 4, I was able to get a very good idea of the background story and the complex universe of this incredible and addictive science fiction story.
Unfortunately, I did not understand everything and far from it. But I found the story full of action and twists and totally addictive.
I admire the author's writing style, his overflowing imagination with often extraordinary stories.
I do recommend.
REMINDER: Colton Beck writes the events that lead him to the present moment. Colton grew up in Arkansas, in an ordinary family. Until the fatal day when the arrival of the Aliens modified the earth's atmosphere...).
-----------------------------------------------
VOLUME 4:
Colton crushed the stalking insects and grimaced when Desmond offered him a handful of mud to smear on his face for protection... The smell was sickening.
With his group, he walked in the swamp from which now appeared a tropical forest.
Something shone vaguely in the distance: a reflection?...
-------------
I have not read the three previous volumes of the series, which explains my rating. I will be reading volume 1 soon.
Thanks to the welcome summary at the beginning of this volume 4, I was able to get a very good idea of the background story and the complex universe of this incredible and addictive science fiction story.
Unfortunately, I did not understand everything and far from it. But I found the story full of action and twists and totally addictive.
I admire the author's writing style, his overflowing imagination with often extraordinary stories.
I do recommend.
November 23, 2022
The final battle for control of the Ocean will be epic!
The players are taking the field for the last time. Roles and disguises are revealed. Immortals versus born and bred warriors tasked with guarding the Keys, the Keepers, the Heir and the Advisor named and accepting their roles. One who has consumed the best and gained their powers will overtake and destroy the Ocean, shredding the Rivers and taking ultimate control. All the primary characters are in position, showing their allegiances and powers as the final battle for the Ocean and the universe.
Amazing characters with legendary powers fight evil and corruption on a galactic scale. Good versus evil, truth and lies, preservation and corruption, the last struggles for freedom, true forms are shown, the last insults are revealed. The fight will be epic! The field of battle is the heart of the a dead world, bringing it to life is the goal.
Truly epic! The storyline, the pace and the characters are amazing! The struggles and combats are as awesome as are the personal experiences of the characters. This is a grand read!
The players are taking the field for the last time. Roles and disguises are revealed. Immortals versus born and bred warriors tasked with guarding the Keys, the Keepers, the Heir and the Advisor named and accepting their roles. One who has consumed the best and gained their powers will overtake and destroy the Ocean, shredding the Rivers and taking ultimate control. All the primary characters are in position, showing their allegiances and powers as the final battle for the Ocean and the universe.
Amazing characters with legendary powers fight evil and corruption on a galactic scale. Good versus evil, truth and lies, preservation and corruption, the last struggles for freedom, true forms are shown, the last insults are revealed. The fight will be epic! The field of battle is the heart of the a dead world, bringing it to life is the goal.
Truly epic! The storyline, the pace and the characters are amazing! The struggles and combats are as awesome as are the personal experiences of the characters. This is a grand read!
September 25, 2024
If there is one thing true in almost any book you might read, then it is clarity on who the enemy is in that book.
But in the River Saga the enemy somehow keeps on shifting in name, form and accomplishments.
In The Realms (the final book in the River Saga series ) Drunal, the Spectral is by far the most horrific spectre you can possibly imagine, blessed with an immortal life as a Norosh and enemy of anything called the Rusa.
However, even he is but a touch to the real enemy Spectral called Bga'an.
Yes, even though trying to pronounce that name seems almost beyond the ken.
But this is where everything Colton and Krissa try to accomplish to re-establish the Ministry of the Realms, seems doomed to either fail miserably or get done with some major problems or even lead to their own deaths.
But not with this spectral Bga'an. With her around, their deaths seem to become accomplished fact soon.
Or will it?
Nail biting stuff. Again.
Enjoy
But in the River Saga the enemy somehow keeps on shifting in name, form and accomplishments.
In The Realms (the final book in the River Saga series ) Drunal, the Spectral is by far the most horrific spectre you can possibly imagine, blessed with an immortal life as a Norosh and enemy of anything called the Rusa.
However, even he is but a touch to the real enemy Spectral called Bga'an.
Yes, even though trying to pronounce that name seems almost beyond the ken.
But this is where everything Colton and Krissa try to accomplish to re-establish the Ministry of the Realms, seems doomed to either fail miserably or get done with some major problems or even lead to their own deaths.
But not with this spectral Bga'an. With her around, their deaths seem to become accomplished fact soon.
Or will it?
Nail biting stuff. Again.
Enjoy
October 25, 2022
Really enjoyed this installment of the River Saga - very entertaining, especially the endless variety of alien societies.
The characters have all been fully developed over these four books, so I feel I know them quite well now. Some characters I like, and some I don't.
Each of these books enjoys new adventures that rely on previous storylines, so reading the series from the beginning is fairly important, although the author does a great job of starting this book with a lengthy recap to bring the reader up to date.
The storylines were all wrapped up at the end of this book, but there could still be more in the future - we'll see.
The characters have all been fully developed over these four books, so I feel I know them quite well now. Some characters I like, and some I don't.
Each of these books enjoys new adventures that rely on previous storylines, so reading the series from the beginning is fairly important, although the author does a great job of starting this book with a lengthy recap to bring the reader up to date.
The storylines were all wrapped up at the end of this book, but there could still be more in the future - we'll see.
October 28, 2022
Mr. Hystad’s stories are always built around strong characters and vivid descriptions that pull me in and make me feel like I’m involved in the action. This series brought together a variety of species and multiple story arcs that kept the action flowing, along with twists that kept me guessing where things were headed, right up to the surprising and satisfying finale. It appears this is the end of the series, but there are ample opportunities for companion or spin-off stories to keep going for a number of other books. I received an ARC – this review is my honest opinion. I’ve read a number of Mr. Hystad’s books and have enjoyed them all. I look forward to reading many more!!
October 14, 2022
I am so overwhelmed with how Nathan Hystad is able to bring so many life forms together from around the universe and make it seem almost seamless. Almost. Our heroes first have a herculean effort to find everyone. Plus, the fight of their lives with Bga'an and her cloned warriors. Krissa, Colton, Indie, Alexander, Desmond and all the others are in for an amazing ride before all is revealed. This was a great series and I can't wait to read the next series that Nathan has in mind. I just know it's going to be fantastic.
July 30, 2023
Exceptional Series
This might exceed my minimalist review...
This is an exceptional series. The protagonists are plenty, as are the antagonists. The locations are wonderous and imginatively conceived.
Unlike so many series, this one was not only well written, but well proofed and edited; it didn't drag on for the sake of selling more books. It was truly a pleasure to read.
Most important, for me, is it fit the "Theater of the Mind" such that I could 'see' the action and characters, clearly, as I read it.
This might exceed my minimalist review...
This is an exceptional series. The protagonists are plenty, as are the antagonists. The locations are wonderous and imginatively conceived.
Unlike so many series, this one was not only well written, but well proofed and edited; it didn't drag on for the sake of selling more books. It was truly a pleasure to read.
Most important, for me, is it fit the "Theater of the Mind" such that I could 'see' the action and characters, clearly, as I read it.
October 17, 2022
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. This book is why you can make a bet on Nathan Hystad's writing abilities and win because if any writer tried to craft a beautiful, complex and convoluted story as this series has been so far; they could never match what takes place here. Nathan continues to build and expand the vast web of alien planets and aliens that will both enthrall and scare you at the same time. Colton Black is one wickedly intriguing individual: both being manipulated by those and their ideals while working to turn his future into one he can benefit from. Highly recommended.
July 21, 2023
Excellent
Loved the mryiad of characters the impeccable building of worlds, and one could envision themselves being entwined in all those places. The story continues with the kidnapping of the new Dynast, who has taken her and why. Indie answers the Calling, traveling with Adley to find the lost Ruso and Idlu peopiles. Mysteries are solved. Alliances are formed. Absolutely brilliant writing!
Loved the mryiad of characters the impeccable building of worlds, and one could envision themselves being entwined in all those places. The story continues with the kidnapping of the new Dynast, who has taken her and why. Indie answers the Calling, traveling with Adley to find the lost Ruso and Idlu peopiles. Mysteries are solved. Alliances are formed. Absolutely brilliant writing!
February 4, 2024
each part got better and more suspenseful
The first few books started a little slow, and it was pretty confusing with all the names and races and planets and enemies… but I stopped analyzing and just enjoyed the story. The last book (book 4) was the best- all the storylines came together and made sense. He’s a good author, and the was a good series. A few sexual references but mostly good solid science fiction.
The first few books started a little slow, and it was pretty confusing with all the names and races and planets and enemies… but I stopped analyzing and just enjoyed the story. The last book (book 4) was the best- all the storylines came together and made sense. He’s a good author, and the was a good series. A few sexual references but mostly good solid science fiction.
October 23, 2022
THE REALMS is Book 4 of THE RIVER SAGA, the adventurously exciting and wildly engrossing Science Fiction near-Future series by Nathan Hystad. If you've read him before, you're aware of his wide-ranging imagination. So delve in and delight! Not just one Alien species, but multiple! Whatever can humans do to survive?
December 25, 2022
I had trouble putting it down.
The author has a way of transporting you to other places. He paints a vivid picture with just enough tech to make you believe in it. This being the 4 book in the series, he answers all the questions and brings the story to a full conclusion. I can see more stories coming from this universe.
The author has a way of transporting you to other places. He paints a vivid picture with just enough tech to make you believe in it. This being the 4 book in the series, he answers all the questions and brings the story to a full conclusion. I can see more stories coming from this universe.
July 12, 2023
The Realms
This the fourth book in Nathan Hystad’s epic River Saga brings a satisfying conclusion to the series. It is magnificent in scope bringing together all the various and varied strands woven throughout the series. There are surprising revelations and some truly adventures for our assorted characters leading to the conclusion.
This the fourth book in Nathan Hystad’s epic River Saga brings a satisfying conclusion to the series. It is magnificent in scope bringing together all the various and varied strands woven throughout the series. There are surprising revelations and some truly adventures for our assorted characters leading to the conclusion.
October 26, 2022
Colton is back and so is the action, danger, intrigue and surprises. I was glued from the beginning to see what would happen this time and what Colton would face. Loved it and the characters were great and fun as usual. Lots of twists and turns to keep me entertained.
November 11, 2022
These books just drew me in. I did not want to stop reading. The characters and various fighting and relationships were so intriguing. Love all of Nathan Hystad's books. I have never been disappointed.
December 6, 2022
A fast paced enjoyable read!
I love the characters Colton, Indie, and Desmond the most. The other characters are great too! This book, like the previous ones, is fast paced and full of adventures and battles. I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book!
I love the characters Colton, Indie, and Desmond the most. The other characters are great too! This book, like the previous ones, is fast paced and full of adventures and battles. I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book!
January 2, 2023
Terrific series
Aliens 👽, Robots 🤖 space adventures, battles, intrigue and possible alternate realities. What more could you want in a Sci-fi series? Outstanding work by the author, Nathan Hystad.
Aliens 👽, Robots 🤖 space adventures, battles, intrigue and possible alternate realities. What more could you want in a Sci-fi series? Outstanding work by the author, Nathan Hystad.
October 29, 2022
Good reading
I always enjoy his books and this was no different. If you are looking for characters you care about this is one of those books.
I always enjoy his books and this was no different. If you are looking for characters you care about this is one of those books.
November 1, 2022
Good story
Im glad it got all sorted it was such a big story from where it all started from earth and how far they came. I honestly thought colton would end up with Indie.
Im glad it got all sorted it was such a big story from where it all started from earth and how far they came. I honestly thought colton would end up with Indie.
November 9, 2022
Don't bother
Teen romance mostly. Bad descriptions of everything. Predictable battles after the first one.
Bad editing and stupid earth monsters.
He needs better ghost writers.
Teen romance mostly. Bad descriptions of everything. Predictable battles after the first one.
Bad editing and stupid earth monsters.
He needs better ghost writers.
November 18, 2022
Too much filler
Great story line but I found myself scrolling page after page to bypass all the detailed movement-by-movement of the endless battles.
Great story line but I found myself scrolling page after page to bypass all the detailed movement-by-movement of the endless battles.
November 19, 2022
An Enthralling Book
The author continues to keep the story interesting and exciting😄.I can't wait to read more. I hope more tales will follow.
The author continues to keep the story interesting and exciting😄.I can't wait to read more. I hope more tales will follow.
November 25, 2022
Excellent end to the series
Enjoyed the series. Well developed characters and plot. Great twists and turns. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Enjoyed the series. Well developed characters and plot. Great twists and turns. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
January 11, 2023
Best of scfi
A series of books that has the perfect combinations of character development, suspense, action and science to keep you engaged from start to finish.
A series of books that has the perfect combinations of character development, suspense, action and science to keep you engaged from start to finish.
Read
April 15, 2023My least favourite in the series.
February 2, 2025
Fiction
Awesome read easy to understand and it is truly a read I think it's worth noting that the book is still on my list of things to do
Awesome read easy to understand and it is truly a read I think it's worth noting that the book is still on my list of things to do
September 7, 2025
Solid conclusion to the four books. I really enjoyed this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews