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Southern Watch #5
Legion
Midian, Tennessee is under siege. Demons prowl the streets and the underworld is rising, bent on consuming every living thing in the town. The only thing that keeps them back is the Watch; a group of citizens that are dedicated to holding the line against the darkness. They've faced every kind of physical threat imaginable and come out victorious. But when a new demon blows into town with the power to possess, the Watch finds itself facing something they've never dealt with before...one that will test them all to their very limits...and one which not all of them will survive...
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2016
477 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
140 books1,175 followersRobert J. Crane was born and raised on Florida's Space Coast before moving to the upper midwest in search of cooler climates and more palatable beer. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Creative Writing. He worked for a year as a substitute teacher and worked in the financial services field for seven years while writing in his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 25, 2016
I'm a huge fan of this series, and this book is as amazing as any of the others.
However, I'm left completely wrung out. I can't recommend it enough, but be prepared to need some time to take it all in.
I'm usually pretty good at guessing an author's trajectory in a series, but I can't even begin to guess where the series will take us next. I'm sorry if this might seem a bit rambling, but I'm still recovering a bit.
In essence (and anyone who has read the previous books shouldn't be surprised), this book is a crazy wild ride.
Just to throw it in there, I finished this book on the subway while going home. I normally start a book immediately after finishing a book. Today, I had to close my eyes and just think about what happened.
It's the highest praise I can give a book.
However, I'm left completely wrung out. I can't recommend it enough, but be prepared to need some time to take it all in.
I'm usually pretty good at guessing an author's trajectory in a series, but I can't even begin to guess where the series will take us next. I'm sorry if this might seem a bit rambling, but I'm still recovering a bit.
In essence (and anyone who has read the previous books shouldn't be surprised), this book is a crazy wild ride.
Just to throw it in there, I finished this book on the subway while going home. I normally start a book immediately after finishing a book. Today, I had to close my eyes and just think about what happened.
It's the highest praise I can give a book.
March 17, 2023
Kindle Unlimited.
I’m enjoying the world building and the characters in this series. Just feels like an editor would be beneficial to cut the story down a fair bit and sort the grammar out, especially towards the end.
I’m enjoying the world building and the characters in this series. Just feels like an editor would be beneficial to cut the story down a fair bit and sort the grammar out, especially towards the end.
October 18, 2022
I almost put this series down after the last book. It sounds weird saying I'm glad I didn't because this book was rough, with some intense turns but it really was an amazing book.
The villain feels both original yet classic enough to give them a true grandiose sense. Crane pulls no punches as you journey thru Midian.
The villain feels both original yet classic enough to give them a true grandiose sense. Crane pulls no punches as you journey thru Midian.
November 19, 2020
I have read many spiritual fiction books; some are a part of a series (This Present Darkness, The Black or White Chronicles, The Reluctant Demon Diaries, Chronicles of the Brothers, etc.) Most, if not all, are worth rereading.
Book 5 is now one that I can add to my list of prospective rereads, even if it is just for me to revisit poignant scenes that highlight Arch Stan's strength and unwavering faith.
After reading the first four books, I was unprepared for the events that unfolded in book 5. Surprisingly, so many innocent are defiled. And even if they survive, the mental scars remain.
Legion packs a punch! Like its predecessors, it is extremely graphic; thus, if you are an empathic reader, Crane's Southern Watch series is one you should avoid. In book 5, The 'Watch' (Hendricks, Arch, Reeve, Alison, Duncan, Bill, Lauren, and Brian) have met a foe more heinous than any other type of demonic creature they have bested. This one functions through possession, for it is Legion (many).
It has been a couple of days since I finished book 5 and commenced book 6, and the devastation Legion causes is still imprinted in my mind. Neither the 'watch' nor the doubters are unscathed by the book's conclusion.
This is both an easy an difficult read; it is easy to follow, characters are cohesive, and the danger is apparent. One can expeditiously read through the book. The difficulty is being a 'witness' to the tragedies that befall various characters. Because Robert Crane is quite descriptive and raw, it's easy to feel like you're in Midian. You want to leave, but you can't. You want to help, but you can't. All you can do is watch the horror unfold.
Book 5 is now one that I can add to my list of prospective rereads, even if it is just for me to revisit poignant scenes that highlight Arch Stan's strength and unwavering faith.
After reading the first four books, I was unprepared for the events that unfolded in book 5. Surprisingly, so many innocent are defiled. And even if they survive, the mental scars remain.
Legion packs a punch! Like its predecessors, it is extremely graphic; thus, if you are an empathic reader, Crane's Southern Watch series is one you should avoid. In book 5, The 'Watch' (Hendricks, Arch, Reeve, Alison, Duncan, Bill, Lauren, and Brian) have met a foe more heinous than any other type of demonic creature they have bested. This one functions through possession, for it is Legion (many).
It has been a couple of days since I finished book 5 and commenced book 6, and the devastation Legion causes is still imprinted in my mind. Neither the 'watch' nor the doubters are unscathed by the book's conclusion.
This is both an easy an difficult read; it is easy to follow, characters are cohesive, and the danger is apparent. One can expeditiously read through the book. The difficulty is being a 'witness' to the tragedies that befall various characters. Because Robert Crane is quite descriptive and raw, it's easy to feel like you're in Midian. You want to leave, but you can't. You want to help, but you can't. All you can do is watch the horror unfold.
December 16, 2018
While this series is disturbing on many levels, it is also a series that I am glad that I've read and will continue to read until the brutal, blood end. Many of the characters are flawed, some are just evil and the demons are enough to make any lover of horror stories cringe.
While all of this series is disturbing this one was the worst so far, but I am sure that it will get even worse before the end
Mr. Crane has said that this is his least popular series and as such is on the back burner in order of writing, publication and release; book 8 was tentatively scheduled for 2019 and has been pushed back until 2020 and I'm disappointed. I'm not sure how many more are planned, but I'd like to finish the series before I die so I hope he'll change his mind.
Mr. Crane, because of this series you have a new fan who plans to read your other series. The next one will be the second least popular.
4.25 Stars
While all of this series is disturbing this one was the worst so far, but I am sure that it will get even worse before the end
Mr. Crane has said that this is his least popular series and as such is on the back burner in order of writing, publication and release; book 8 was tentatively scheduled for 2019 and has been pushed back until 2020 and I'm disappointed. I'm not sure how many more are planned, but I'd like to finish the series before I die so I hope he'll change his mind.
Mr. Crane, because of this series you have a new fan who plans to read your other series. The next one will be the second least popular.
4.25 Stars
July 27, 2018
Absolutely mind boggling!
Supernatural meets John Wick. Nuff said. An incredible orgy of mayhem and sadness.
When LEGION from the Bible is let loose all other demons stand back to watch the masters at work. The town of Midian, TN, which has had bad things done by demons already is torn apart more in this latest chapter. And an old friend returns with shocking news about this hotspot. It's not good.
Supernatural meets John Wick. Nuff said. An incredible orgy of mayhem and sadness.
When LEGION from the Bible is let loose all other demons stand back to watch the masters at work. The town of Midian, TN, which has had bad things done by demons already is torn apart more in this latest chapter. And an old friend returns with shocking news about this hotspot. It's not good.
August 7, 2018
Oh my god!!!
Left in complete shock at this book.
The town of Midian is beginning to wake up to the truth but The Crew still have many who disbelieve and those are fighting against them to discredit them. Meanwhile, an ancient evil has been wronged and is aiming for vengeance against them. Midian faces it's biggest test and it's the whole town who are left to realise the reality and consequences. The crew must now move forward very differently. These books are seriously amazing.
Left in complete shock at this book.
The town of Midian is beginning to wake up to the truth but The Crew still have many who disbelieve and those are fighting against them to discredit them. Meanwhile, an ancient evil has been wronged and is aiming for vengeance against them. Midian faces it's biggest test and it's the whole town who are left to realise the reality and consequences. The crew must now move forward very differently. These books are seriously amazing.
June 21, 2019
Excellent
They just keep getting better and better. This one was the most emotional. I am also impressed by how the author manages to capture the playful feeling of Southern banter in conversations. There is a certain cadence and flow that you can't fake if you haven't lived with it. Obviously, Mr Crane has. I also love his snarky sense of humor. It suits this material. Bring on book 6!
They just keep getting better and better. This one was the most emotional. I am also impressed by how the author manages to capture the playful feeling of Southern banter in conversations. There is a certain cadence and flow that you can't fake if you haven't lived with it. Obviously, Mr Crane has. I also love his snarky sense of humor. It suits this material. Bring on book 6!
May 13, 2021
Differently brilliant...
I can't quite put my finger on it, but something feels a little...different with this one. Maybe RJC was in an odd headspace when he wrote it, or possibly it's just evolving and it's ME that's in a different headspace. Anyhoo, another rip-roaring, sick-as-f*ck episode in the lives of the Southern Watch. I'm officially addicted. Damn you, Mr Crane! *shakes fist at Kindle Fire*
I can't quite put my finger on it, but something feels a little...different with this one. Maybe RJC was in an odd headspace when he wrote it, or possibly it's just evolving and it's ME that's in a different headspace. Anyhoo, another rip-roaring, sick-as-f*ck episode in the lives of the Southern Watch. I'm officially addicted. Damn you, Mr Crane! *shakes fist at Kindle Fire*
June 24, 2021
I was enjoying this series, but I wonder why the author thought that all English folk speak some kind of mangled mockney not quite cockney and are both weak and annoying, seems everything is getting a little stretched out and the jokes are getting thin, shame but given I've already purchased the set I guess I'll finish them eventually, but if a puppet stereotype of another race appears, I think I'll just call it a day, there's a difference between banter and insults, shock and awe can descend into sick and tired.
March 17, 2018
Excellent book! I have to admire Mr. Crane for his action pack book with many twists but he still had romance and humor! The town will go through many changes and some of them will be surprising. The ending I expected but some of the losses I did not. There is still a mystery going on because Amanda has secrets and not all of them will be revealed to Duncan. I highly recommend this entire series!
July 25, 2019
Impressed
This was the best book to me. Talk about a thrilling experience! My imagination had me standing on the side of the town square looking in horror at the scene unfolding in front of me! Thanks to the "watch" for being there. This was a dire time for everyone, except Pike. Where is he during all this unfortunate event?
This was the best book to me. Talk about a thrilling experience! My imagination had me standing on the side of the town square looking in horror at the scene unfolding in front of me! Thanks to the "watch" for being there. This was a dire time for everyone, except Pike. Where is he during all this unfortunate event?
August 4, 2019
Gruesome battle!
But I believe good over wind over evil. He may cause pain and suffering but man makes his own choices also,so God won't interfere with our choice until we call out to Him. That is what this story lacks faithless group fighting demons will lose. And the cursing. Do u realize it has to be Holy Water or Blessed Blade to kill them God touched.
But I believe good over wind over evil. He may cause pain and suffering but man makes his own choices also,so God won't interfere with our choice until we call out to Him. That is what this story lacks faithless group fighting demons will lose. And the cursing. Do u realize it has to be Holy Water or Blessed Blade to kill them God touched.
November 22, 2019
Not for the weak...
I very seldom write reviews, but this book......Well, I'm really torn. Characters are introduced and characters die. I know this, and accept this. However, I just felt like the author killed off way too many characters in this book. It's left such a bad taste in my mouth that I'm not sure I want to continue reading the series. Really disappointed.
I very seldom write reviews, but this book......Well, I'm really torn. Characters are introduced and characters die. I know this, and accept this. However, I just felt like the author killed off way too many characters in this book. It's left such a bad taste in my mouth that I'm not sure I want to continue reading the series. Really disappointed.
May 16, 2022
I could not put it down!
This next chapter in the series is just as good as the previous ones, only a little bit more difficult to get through because of the thoroughly engrossing story line! Robert J. Crane has very quickly become one of my all-time favorite authors in a very short time frame! Just try ANYTHING he's written, you will not be sorry!
This next chapter in the series is just as good as the previous ones, only a little bit more difficult to get through because of the thoroughly engrossing story line! Robert J. Crane has very quickly become one of my all-time favorite authors in a very short time frame! Just try ANYTHING he's written, you will not be sorry!
August 3, 2022
Wowza
I had to go with 5 stars even with the cussing. If you’ve invested the time to get through the previous books and become friends with the characters you are going to have your teeth kicked in. I had tears. The author knows when you have a war there will be personal tragedies. Wielding a keyboard with the precision of a surgeon he cuts deep.
I had to go with 5 stars even with the cussing. If you’ve invested the time to get through the previous books and become friends with the characters you are going to have your teeth kicked in. I had tears. The author knows when you have a war there will be personal tragedies. Wielding a keyboard with the precision of a surgeon he cuts deep.
July 30, 2024
Took my breath away ...
Fight after fight, tragedy after tragedy, loss and sorrow heaped on top of it all. It literally took my breath away, my body to tense up and wouldn't let me go. There is no way that I could even think about quitting the series now; I'm completely invested!
Fight after fight, tragedy after tragedy, loss and sorrow heaped on top of it all. It literally took my breath away, my body to tense up and wouldn't let me go. There is no way that I could even think about quitting the series now; I'm completely invested!
May 18, 2017
Great Read
Robert J Crane is a new addition to two of my favorite authors....Dean Koontz & Stephen King! This is the fifth book of The Southern Watch series & each one was more addictive! Can't wait for the sixth one & already have a couple more of other series picked to read!
Robert J Crane is a new addition to two of my favorite authors....Dean Koontz & Stephen King! This is the fifth book of The Southern Watch series & each one was more addictive! Can't wait for the sixth one & already have a couple more of other series picked to read!
July 22, 2017
Pg 17
Parental guidance for language, violence and some sex.
I am really enjoying this series. It has likeable well defined characters. Of course there is nothing to like about tge demons that do all the murder and mayhem.
I am off to read the next book.
Parental guidance for language, violence and some sex.
I am really enjoying this series. It has likeable well defined characters. Of course there is nothing to like about tge demons that do all the murder and mayhem.
I am off to read the next book.
December 15, 2018
The best of the series so far. A different type of evil villain. The loss some prominent characters. The violence and sex are still graphic and the language is still adult. A new villain is revealed, with the resolution still to come. I look forward to it.
October 19, 2019
Zombies are pussies compared to demons. Another thriller into the land of creatures from hell, literally. Mr. Cranes imagination proves that he had a warped childhood. But in this case, it's a good thing.
January 14, 2020
Engaging book; both fun and gross. Just a few too many typos.
Engaging story, just like previous books. Both gross and fun. Only problem: a few too many typos; but those are easily overlooked.
Engaging story, just like previous books. Both gross and fun. Only problem: a few too many typos; but those are easily overlooked.
September 16, 2020
1 of many
the demons are escalating. the pain is coming in waves that can't be overcome. hey this watch will fight, through the horror a loss. they have no idea what's coming next, but it is coming.
the demons are escalating. the pain is coming in waves that can't be overcome. hey this watch will fight, through the horror a loss. they have no idea what's coming next, but it is coming.
March 14, 2024
It is a good story…
It is a good story, but I probably wouldn’t have started it if I had known how it would go. I’m not a big fan of horror. I will continue reading because l’m invested and there are questions needing answered, and it is a good story.
It is a good story, but I probably wouldn’t have started it if I had known how it would go. I’m not a big fan of horror. I will continue reading because l’m invested and there are questions needing answered, and it is a good story.
July 19, 2017
brilliantly brutal, can't wait for "Starling"!!!
July 20, 2017
Love it
These books have all had me gripped the turns in futunes are unexpected at times just can't put them down once started
These books have all had me gripped the turns in futunes are unexpected at times just can't put them down once started
August 12, 2017
Master of entertainment
I have yet to read anything Robert J. Crane has written and not completely enjoy myself. Give him a try.
I have yet to read anything Robert J. Crane has written and not completely enjoy myself. Give him a try.
December 30, 2017
This one is brutal. It rips the heart right out of you and you are left wanting to hurl your device against a wall.
April 30, 2018
Another great read
Mr. Crane continues to delivers a great story line. His characters continue to develop and see the reader into the story line.
Mr. Crane continues to delivers a great story line. His characters continue to develop and see the reader into the story line.
August 15, 2019
Terrorising
More scary with each new book! I'm so shocked by the chain of events! Much more difficult to get through!
More scary with each new book! I'm so shocked by the chain of events! Much more difficult to get through!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews