Casus Belle

The Calamitous Bob #9

by Álex Gilbert

Viv has done it. Thanks to years of efforts, stratagems, and overwhelming power, the continent of Param is now mostly at peace. Only one of the greatest threats to mankind the endless beastling tide besieging the city of Glastia and its massive wall. Now, Viv is called to join the Paramese Alliance for one last push. There is just a tiny they tortured her paramour, their fallen prince, and still see him as a traitor.

Viv will have to rely on her special brand of diplomacy to make sure all the present armies keep their attention of the monsters. It may involve throwing people over the parapet.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

463 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2025

Reviews

[William Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

always awesome

Nine books in and still keeping things interesting. Only a few chapters of skill training and organizing, the narrative mostly keeps things moving dealing various issues.

I will buy a subsequent book as soon as it appears.

[Jonathan Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Least favorite of the group.

I have loved this series, but this was the weakest of the group. It starts off strong, but after the first part the rest of the book just seems like a place holder. There is practically no Solfis in this book, and some of the other support characters are given one dimensional parts.bthe final battle is pointless and not exciting. For the first time in nine books I found myself skipping some parts because they were getting boring. It's sad because I have loved this series and there is only one book left, and this dudder is the second to last book. I hope book 10 isn't this bad

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry as Viv as steamrolls across the continent as usual. This book really shows the web serial nature of the series as it is three very self contained arcs (beastling horde, Kark steppe, and water mage elemental), but it does set up the next longer arc, so if you prefer the more novel (or multi-book) plots, the next books should satisfy you.

The Calamitous Bob series is highly recommended if you want a very fun power fantasy with kingdom building.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was exciting to get to the books I hadn't read last year! Honestly, I read through Books 8, 9, and 10 without pausing to post reviews, so they've all run together in my mind. Overall I'm very pleased with how the story wrapped up. There are a significant number of typos throughout the series, and a few moments where I could see an editor being useful, but the story itself made up for any minor annoyances. I adore Viv and her group of misfits who managed to take over (most of) the world over the course of a ten-book series.

[Anne V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Fun romp across the known world solving problems and slaying enemies. Unfortunately the story feels a bit fragmented. Rather than one overall plot there are several mini-arcs that aren’t really related. A significant lack of Solfis is also a disappointment.

[Mary E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon riding disappointment

So disappointing that suddenly Arthur lets Viv ride on her back in public. If you are gonna make such an intrinsic change to a character, you shold at least build up to it...

[Joe Marquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I can't wait for the next book. Just the right amount. of adventures and humor . I can not wait for the next book.

[Stijn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay and well written as always, but it's pretty much just a compilation of side stories.
The series really needs another big story arc.

[Arumbaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Badass Dark Gandalfette Empress Viviane's adventures ages like fine wine,

[Jack Jurdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books

I would recommend this series. I have Benn reading from the beginning and the books just keep getter better and better.

[Thorsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always fantastic and this one didn't disappoint. A collection of smaller adventures, but they all entertained. Can't wait for the next one.

[Tj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother was warned about hygiene

Omg please can we get more villager pov's like the end there? That was so adorable! And he got made to take a bath! EPIC!

[Ta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good one! As usually, there is an abyssmal dearth of proofreading, but the plot is fun and it kept me entertained throughout the book.

[William Moses Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another solid entry. The first half of the book was a lot of fun, but the middle portion lagged a little. However, things picked back up again. Overall, a good time.

[Cody Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series is fantastic. Read it.