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12 Miles Below #3
Grand Design
Deep within the underground reaches, To'Wrathh wages her war against the Undersider city of Capra'Nor.
She has the city brought to its knees, a single death stroke away from victory, but in the same breath, she struggles with her own wavering loyalty. Haunted by the fate of her predecessors, who all turned against the Pale Lady -- and nearly succeeded.
Time is her enemy. Her elder brother, To'Aacar, has set his plans in motion. The city must be taken, and her treasonous thoughts must be handled soon, or else.
Above, the surface is in chaos. The raider threat looms over all, and in their hour of need, their great Deathless, clan lord Atius, has been assassinated in a dark scheme.
Left without their leader, the people find themselves in panic, searching for any sign of stability. In this desperate hour, Keith faces a decision: stand with his clan or seek out his missing sister, the only family he has left.
Kidra is down there, but he has no idea what he might be stepping into...
She has the city brought to its knees, a single death stroke away from victory, but in the same breath, she struggles with her own wavering loyalty. Haunted by the fate of her predecessors, who all turned against the Pale Lady -- and nearly succeeded.
Time is her enemy. Her elder brother, To'Aacar, has set his plans in motion. The city must be taken, and her treasonous thoughts must be handled soon, or else.
Above, the surface is in chaos. The raider threat looms over all, and in their hour of need, their great Deathless, clan lord Atius, has been assassinated in a dark scheme.
Left without their leader, the people find themselves in panic, searching for any sign of stability. In this desperate hour, Keith faces a decision: stand with his clan or seek out his missing sister, the only family he has left.
Kidra is down there, but he has no idea what he might be stepping into...
570 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2024
158 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 7, 2024
Amazing amazing book. I have to seriously reconsider my top favorite series of all time! This is why I love Progression fantasy because it just captures my heart and imagination in a way that no traditional fantasy book can. 12 miles below is currently by 4th favorite series of all time (and it’s looking to move up). This book was a 5 out of 5 read and was the perfect way to begin my reading year.
I’ve talked enough about the amazing world building in previous reviews of the series. The main selling point of this book was the plot and characters!
The plot was amazing and griping from the very start. The series’s strength has always been the plot but now we’re in that sweet spot of story telling when all the world building, character and plot details have been established in the previous 2 books. So now we can focus on expanding and subverting ideas. It’s my favorite part of any story. It’s almost hard to believe all the insane things we got in this book. Starting with the fall out of Lord Atius’s death from the previous book. The the giant battle of machine vs humans. The confrontations with the Chosen, To’aacar, The runners, the sacking of the underground city, the mites and so so much. Super fun with heart pounding moments of action and heart. The ramification of the ending and what’s going to happen next have endless possibilities.
The stand out characters in this book were defiantly To’aacar and To’Wrathh! Keith never let us forget why we love him and the Tenisent’s relationship with TO’Wrathh was strangely endearing. But the Feathers of the book stole the show. Given how the book started I did not expect to care about To’Wrathh as much as I did by the end. She’s unbelievably adorable, capable but in a grounded way(hard to believe for an advance AI machine but its true). See her transform from the spiteful killing machine to the empathetic defier she was felt real and believable. I honestly was fine with her being a antaganistic rival to our MC but I am more then happy and excited for her to join our cast as a comrade. I can’t wait to see more interatactions between her and Kindra specifically, especially after their history. The father daughter dynamic she had with Tenisent was everything I didn’t know I needed from them. They were able to draw out each others best attributes while also finding ways to redeem themselves for the betterment of everyone. Tenisent learned to look after and care for her while seeing her in a way he was never able to do with his own kids. Wrath was able to see the best in humanity while also finding her sense of self. I actually hope they stay together.
To’aacar was the perfect villain. He’s been a menacing force of nature sense the first book but he really came to life in this book. We got some really goood characterization and some nuggets of his past. His dialogue was always awesome, every time we were face to face with him I was genuinely afraid for the characters and he was just all around badass even up until the very end. His powers and fighting style is soooo cool. I love teleportation abilities and he used it so fluently and dealdly. The author is very good at making you picture the crazy things happening. He made me so excited to read about the other Feathers.
Keith was his hilarious self. he has some really good moments (especially infinite Keiths!) and I like his budding relationship with To’Wrathh and his house. he’s the type of MC I love to follow and I can’t wait to see what he does next. Also love hos his occult powers are developing. I had issues with the over powered nature of the relic armors (namely that they can fight for you) but this book fixed that. So now Keith has to relive on his own abilities and knowledge for sorcery and I can’t wait for that! Multiple hands shooting fire and forming domes is such a cool visual.
I’ve already mentioned it but I was to say one more time how amazing the fights were in this book. The big machine war at the beginning was so descriptive and well thought out. A lot of details and images that shows the authors imagination.
The 2 fights against To’aacar were both incredible in excecution and scope. Cradle and Bastion are the only other series that execute what I love about magic fight scenes. 12 Miles Below is right there with them in quality and imagination. It’s weird but I don’t get such high octane and high stake fights against a singular opponent that often(its usually a monster of some kind). This is what I want. I mixture of martial combat, with magic and out of world elements in my action scenes. I can’t wait to see Kiera learn some magic abilities and see what Keith does next. Gawd I love this series so much!
I’ve talked enough about the amazing world building in previous reviews of the series. The main selling point of this book was the plot and characters!
The plot was amazing and griping from the very start. The series’s strength has always been the plot but now we’re in that sweet spot of story telling when all the world building, character and plot details have been established in the previous 2 books. So now we can focus on expanding and subverting ideas. It’s my favorite part of any story. It’s almost hard to believe all the insane things we got in this book. Starting with the fall out of Lord Atius’s death from the previous book. The the giant battle of machine vs humans. The confrontations with the Chosen, To’aacar, The runners, the sacking of the underground city, the mites and so so much. Super fun with heart pounding moments of action and heart. The ramification of the ending and what’s going to happen next have endless possibilities.
The stand out characters in this book were defiantly To’aacar and To’Wrathh! Keith never let us forget why we love him and the Tenisent’s relationship with TO’Wrathh was strangely endearing. But the Feathers of the book stole the show. Given how the book started I did not expect to care about To’Wrathh as much as I did by the end. She’s unbelievably adorable, capable but in a grounded way(hard to believe for an advance AI machine but its true). See her transform from the spiteful killing machine to the empathetic defier she was felt real and believable. I honestly was fine with her being a antaganistic rival to our MC but I am more then happy and excited for her to join our cast as a comrade. I can’t wait to see more interatactions between her and Kindra specifically, especially after their history. The father daughter dynamic she had with Tenisent was everything I didn’t know I needed from them. They were able to draw out each others best attributes while also finding ways to redeem themselves for the betterment of everyone. Tenisent learned to look after and care for her while seeing her in a way he was never able to do with his own kids. Wrath was able to see the best in humanity while also finding her sense of self. I actually hope they stay together.
To’aacar was the perfect villain. He’s been a menacing force of nature sense the first book but he really came to life in this book. We got some really goood characterization and some nuggets of his past. His dialogue was always awesome, every time we were face to face with him I was genuinely afraid for the characters and he was just all around badass even up until the very end. His powers and fighting style is soooo cool. I love teleportation abilities and he used it so fluently and dealdly. The author is very good at making you picture the crazy things happening. He made me so excited to read about the other Feathers.
Keith was his hilarious self. he has some really good moments (especially infinite Keiths!) and I like his budding relationship with To’Wrathh and his house. he’s the type of MC I love to follow and I can’t wait to see what he does next. Also love hos his occult powers are developing. I had issues with the over powered nature of the relic armors (namely that they can fight for you) but this book fixed that. So now Keith has to relive on his own abilities and knowledge for sorcery and I can’t wait for that! Multiple hands shooting fire and forming domes is such a cool visual.
I’ve already mentioned it but I was to say one more time how amazing the fights were in this book. The big machine war at the beginning was so descriptive and well thought out. A lot of details and images that shows the authors imagination.
The 2 fights against To’aacar were both incredible in excecution and scope. Cradle and Bastion are the only other series that execute what I love about magic fight scenes. 12 Miles Below is right there with them in quality and imagination. It’s weird but I don’t get such high octane and high stake fights against a singular opponent that often(its usually a monster of some kind). This is what I want. I mixture of martial combat, with magic and out of world elements in my action scenes. I can’t wait to see Kiera learn some magic abilities and see what Keith does next. Gawd I love this series so much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
The pace was slower than the previous two, yet just as crazy whahah.
June 27, 2024
This is a solid book that continues to deliver an intriguing story and is a good continuation of the second book in this series. For people who loved that second book, I think you'll enjoy this one.
While I can recognise that quality, this is where I part ways with this series.
I loved the character-led story that focused on Kieth in the first novel. It was the story of an exceptional person starting to realise his full potential, mixed with some excellent character moments that got me attached to Kieth as a main character and his story. I found that the second book diluted that by introducing too many additional POVs and spending too much time away from Kieth, and this book doubles down on that decision.
To be clear, I didn't think the writing of this book was bad, far from it. The plot is excellent, and in other circumstances, I would be interested in the mystery of this book, the emerging magic system, and where this series was going. However, I am a reader of character-driven stories first and foremost, and when I lose connection with characters, I lose interest in the story. At the end of this story, I found myself quite detached from all of the characters, and for that reason, I won't be continuing with this series.
So, in summary, fans of the previous books will probably enjoy this one, and with good reason. It's a well-written story with a strong mystery and an interesting plot. However, for people like me who were most interested in the character-led story with Kieth as the primary protagonist driving the story, your mileage may vary for this one.
While I can recognise that quality, this is where I part ways with this series.
I loved the character-led story that focused on Kieth in the first novel. It was the story of an exceptional person starting to realise his full potential, mixed with some excellent character moments that got me attached to Kieth as a main character and his story. I found that the second book diluted that by introducing too many additional POVs and spending too much time away from Kieth, and this book doubles down on that decision.
To be clear, I didn't think the writing of this book was bad, far from it. The plot is excellent, and in other circumstances, I would be interested in the mystery of this book, the emerging magic system, and where this series was going. However, I am a reader of character-driven stories first and foremost, and when I lose connection with characters, I lose interest in the story. At the end of this story, I found myself quite detached from all of the characters, and for that reason, I won't be continuing with this series.
So, in summary, fans of the previous books will probably enjoy this one, and with good reason. It's a well-written story with a strong mystery and an interesting plot. However, for people like me who were most interested in the character-led story with Kieth as the primary protagonist driving the story, your mileage may vary for this one.
February 19, 2025
Really good, but needs better proof-reading
I really enjoy this series. It's original, well written, good characterization, funny, and has cool ideas and great action. My only complaint is that the author needs more or better proof readers. There are many sentences that are just missing words, or using the wrong word (e.g. cobble instead of clobber) that should have been caught before publishing. Still, I'm into it, and as long as the quality stays consistent, I'm in it to the finish.
I've highlighted many of the problematic sentences and will post them as notes on Goodreads. Maybe that will be helpful.
I really enjoy this series. It's original, well written, good characterization, funny, and has cool ideas and great action. My only complaint is that the author needs more or better proof readers. There are many sentences that are just missing words, or using the wrong word (e.g. cobble instead of clobber) that should have been caught before publishing. Still, I'm into it, and as long as the quality stays consistent, I'm in it to the finish.
I've highlighted many of the problematic sentences and will post them as notes on Goodreads. Maybe that will be helpful.
January 15, 2024
Amazing work
This series has quickly become a must read for me. I could have sworn I knew what turns this story was going to take, but I was wrong. The pacing of this adventure is exactly what I have been searching for. The world building and characters are a treat. Their are elements in this book that I don't think I noticed in the first. It feels more alive and unique. It separates itself from others in the genre. I look forward to reading more of this series and anything else from Mark Arrows.
This series has quickly become a must read for me. I could have sworn I knew what turns this story was going to take, but I was wrong. The pacing of this adventure is exactly what I have been searching for. The world building and characters are a treat. Their are elements in this book that I don't think I noticed in the first. It feels more alive and unique. It separates itself from others in the genre. I look forward to reading more of this series and anything else from Mark Arrows.
February 4, 2024
It gets better as the books progress
I was initially annoyed at the MC for wanting to jump into danger, not just for himself but also for his whole clan, at the beginning of the novel. But, it is this impetuousness that also allows him to make his discoveries and form an unthinkable relationship.
Part of the premise of the book is topical, with the prevalence and fear od AI in art and others. It also shows a way forward.
I cannot wait to see how the author progresses the story forward.
I was initially annoyed at the MC for wanting to jump into danger, not just for himself but also for his whole clan, at the beginning of the novel. But, it is this impetuousness that also allows him to make his discoveries and form an unthinkable relationship.
Part of the premise of the book is topical, with the prevalence and fear od AI in art and others. It also shows a way forward.
I cannot wait to see how the author progresses the story forward.
August 9, 2024
This author really needs someone to edit and proofread his books. It is getting old the typos and cluncky sentences every few pages wich rips the readers immersion apart. You have to stop, go back a few words or even sentences to understand dialogues, descriptions or context fixing up mentally what was wrong to make sense of what is happening.
I really hope this issue will be looked up with more care and love from now on. This series was a great reading experience and I hope it could grow to it's full potential.
I really hope this issue will be looked up with more care and love from now on. This series was a great reading experience and I hope it could grow to it's full potential.
August 12, 2024
I like the direction the story is progressing. But it's just too much banter in between the story progression. I know the author is trying to make a humorous MC but most of the time it feels artificial and forced.
Since most of the chapters are from POV of MC and if you don't like the way MC thinks, this book simply isn't for you. MC felt depthless and hollow. Would have been a better book if the MC was of more serious character.
Since most of the chapters are from POV of MC and if you don't like the way MC thinks, this book simply isn't for you. MC felt depthless and hollow. Would have been a better book if the MC was of more serious character.
August 16, 2024
Read the whole series
I was so surprised that the Kindle unlimited algorithm serve this book series up to me. It is so well written, the world so believable. The writer does a very good job of giving each character their own voice, which seems to be the hardest part of writing. I can't recommend this series enough, probably one of the best I've read in the last 5 years and I'm a voracious reader.
I was so surprised that the Kindle unlimited algorithm serve this book series up to me. It is so well written, the world so believable. The writer does a very good job of giving each character their own voice, which seems to be the hardest part of writing. I can't recommend this series enough, probably one of the best I've read in the last 5 years and I'm a voracious reader.
September 23, 2024
Pretty good book, but the author really needs to get an editor. A staggering number of typos and mangled idioms. A lot of incorrect word choice that almost makes it read like a bad translation. Things like "parameter" when it should have been "perimeter" and "intent" when it should have been "intend."
A decent book and the world is unfolding in interesting ways but really, someone needs to read it with a critical eye before the publish button gets pressed.
A decent book and the world is unfolding in interesting ways but really, someone needs to read it with a critical eye before the publish button gets pressed.
December 24, 2024
Had this for a while, but didn't feel like reading scifi (even though I was kind of tricked into reading a few recently because of my own expectations of fantasy).
I think I put this off too long. I forgot I actually liked where this series was going. Some of those boring Scifi books I read inbetween threw me off.
This was a fun read. I would have been happier with more dabbling with esoteric fractiles by the protag, but this was acceptable. Will pick up the sequel.
3/5 Stars
I think I put this off too long. I forgot I actually liked where this series was going. Some of those boring Scifi books I read inbetween threw me off.
This was a fun read. I would have been happier with more dabbling with esoteric fractiles by the protag, but this was acceptable. Will pick up the sequel.
3/5 Stars
November 13, 2025
sloppy editing
Word substitutions and homophones, missing paragraph and section breaks, and other glaring issues make it hard to stay immersed in the story. Going from an argument with Shadowsong Prime to being in an airspeeder’s cockpit in the next sentence was particularly egregious.
Word substitutions and homophones, missing paragraph and section breaks, and other glaring issues make it hard to stay immersed in the story. Going from an argument with Shadowsong Prime to being in an airspeeder’s cockpit in the next sentence was particularly egregious.
January 11, 2024
So good
These books are amazing. Seriously. I cannot wait for book 4.
I dont think they were what I expected when I saw "progression fantasy" but it's still some of the best stuff I read in 2023.
These books are amazing. Seriously. I cannot wait for book 4.
I dont think they were what I expected when I saw "progression fantasy" but it's still some of the best stuff I read in 2023.
Read
July 23, 2024Series had potential. The author keeps reaching for it with every book, but after 3 books in, Im still left waiting for something that I dont think the author can capture in what little remains in the series. I finished book 3 and called it quits.
February 14, 2025
Wonderful character progression but please get an editor or something, occasional shunt switches of speaker or just incorrect grammar/ vocab at times rips you out of the story "faint, feint" etc
Only happens like 10-15 times but it’s still worth noting
Only happens like 10-15 times but it’s still worth noting
March 4, 2025
i enjoyed the first 2 books but and the only major complaint i had was the main character was annoying. unfortunately his annoying nature has only gotten worse as the books have gone on and i can no longer stand it. DNF
September 28, 2025
Now I’m really hooked. There were a few parts that were a bit tense, but also some funny parts. Loved the interactions with Hecate. Keith is starting to grow into his powers and carve out his niche, can’t wait to see where it takes him.
January 26, 2026
Cinema Worthy
This series really deserves to be adapted into a film. Every part of the book felt distinct and captivating, as if though it truly was from a different world. Picturing it in my mind truly isn’t enough, it should be put on the big screen in all its uncensored glory!
This series really deserves to be adapted into a film. Every part of the book felt distinct and captivating, as if though it truly was from a different world. Picturing it in my mind truly isn’t enough, it should be put on the big screen in all its uncensored glory!
January 8, 2024
Great Read
Another great entry to this series, looking forward to the fourth book when it comes out! Keep up the good work!
Another great entry to this series, looking forward to the fourth book when it comes out! Keep up the good work!
January 28, 2024
It just keeps getting better
I liked the book, but what I liked most was the setup for the next book. So many cool plot points brought up toward the end.
I liked the book, but what I liked most was the setup for the next book. So many cool plot points brought up toward the end.
February 4, 2024
typos
The book is good but has so many typos it was difficult to read sometimes. Also one time during a fight a character fainted instead of feinted.
The book is good but has so many typos it was difficult to read sometimes. Also one time during a fight a character fainted instead of feinted.
February 15, 2024
Another bomber
Great 3rd book of the series. I can't wait to see the rest of it!
Here's another 5 words. Duh
Great 3rd book of the series. I can't wait to see the rest of it!
Here's another 5 words. Duh
June 16, 2024
This says a lot about society.
June 25, 2024
Again, superb! My favorite series of 2024!
October 27, 2024
A bit of an expected twist and a fun read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
Funny. Touching. Exciting. Fascinating. Really enjoying this series!
October 15, 2025
Continues the story, develops a new player. Enjoyable.
January 20, 2026
3 in a row
Didn't think he could do it. Well done. Fun read. Great twists and turns. Downloaded the next. Cant wait to read it.
Didn't think he could do it. Well done. Fun read. Great twists and turns. Downloaded the next. Cant wait to read it.
January 3, 2025
While being able to craft a story is an important part of being an author, it is not the whole. At a minimum, serviceable writing is required. In that respect, these books are not ready for publication, and they become progressively less ready as the series progresses. Readers are not unpaid betas or editors. Spell check is not enough, and neither are the comments on Royal Road--especially if those comments are ignored. Please, for the love of reading, respect your readers and FIND AN EDITOR.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews