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The Feedback Loop #1-3
The Feedback Loop Box Set 1-3
Quantum Hughes has been a gamer for most of his life.
Trapped in an online world, he lives his days on repeat, fighting the same killer NPCs and playing out the same story line again and again.
Suddenly, Quantum receives a message from an actual human player named Frances Euphoria, his first message in two years, a message that sparks an adventure across multiple online fantasy worlds the likes of which he could have never imagined.
Now he's taking on a murder guild known as the Reapers, riding dragons across floating continents, using steam-powered robots to battle enemies as tall as skyscrapers, and equally important -- talking smack and backing it up with his vast inventory list of ridiculous guns and clever movie weapons.
But things aren’t as easy as they sound. The Reapers are killing people in the real world. They are imprisoning players, manipulating orphans to do their bidding, running an insurance scam on trapped gamers, bringing death, violence, and destruction everywhere they turn.
The Reapers are hunting Quantum Hughes online and in the real world, but they’ll soon learn the hard way that Quantum won’t back down without a fight.
LitRPG action, humor, sci-fi fantasy worlds, adventure, and digital mayhem all in a cyberpunk setting.
Trapped in an online world, he lives his days on repeat, fighting the same killer NPCs and playing out the same story line again and again.
Suddenly, Quantum receives a message from an actual human player named Frances Euphoria, his first message in two years, a message that sparks an adventure across multiple online fantasy worlds the likes of which he could have never imagined.
Now he's taking on a murder guild known as the Reapers, riding dragons across floating continents, using steam-powered robots to battle enemies as tall as skyscrapers, and equally important -- talking smack and backing it up with his vast inventory list of ridiculous guns and clever movie weapons.
But things aren’t as easy as they sound. The Reapers are killing people in the real world. They are imprisoning players, manipulating orphans to do their bidding, running an insurance scam on trapped gamers, bringing death, violence, and destruction everywhere they turn.
The Reapers are hunting Quantum Hughes online and in the real world, but they’ll soon learn the hard way that Quantum won’t back down without a fight.
LitRPG action, humor, sci-fi fantasy worlds, adventure, and digital mayhem all in a cyberpunk setting.
705 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2016
503 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Harmon Cooper
129 books353 followersHarmon Cooper is the author of over sixty fantasy works. His bestselling series include Pilgrim, War Priest, Cowboy Necromancer, and Tokens and Towers.
His series, The Feedback Loop, is one of the earlier GameLit works first published in 2015. An earphone award winner for the series Death's Mantle, Harmon won the LitRPG/GameLit Audiobook of the Year award for Sacred Cat Island, narrated by Legends and Lattes author Travis Baldree.
Harmon write progression fantasy, cultivation fantasy, and LitRPG/GameLit.
His series, The Feedback Loop, is one of the earlier GameLit works first published in 2015. An earphone award winner for the series Death's Mantle, Harmon won the LitRPG/GameLit Audiobook of the Year award for Sacred Cat Island, narrated by Legends and Lattes author Travis Baldree.
Harmon write progression fantasy, cultivation fantasy, and LitRPG/GameLit.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 21, 2017
I really want to like this series more than I do. I like the writing, I like the story, but books 2 and 3 just failed to advance the story. I understand an author wants to write as many books as they can. Who doesn't like to make money? But as a reader, I don't want to swim, not tread water. Again, it needs better proof reading. These books sell far too well for the author not to invest in a proper, paid service. If he is paying someone, he needs to find someone else, because they aren't doing a good job.
November 9, 2017
Being familiar with the Series I was excited to listen to what I had already enjoyed I'm glad I did although it takes a little bit of time to get used to , especially as there is a lot more I notice in terms of sayings, slang and pop culture references. This does make it a little harder to look up what you don't understand but the skills of Jeff Hays means the amusement and action increases fourfold.
For those who are new to the audio and didn't start with the ebook version then I shall break it down for each book.
Feedback Loop
Our Hero Quantum Hughes has found himself caught up as we find a him caught in a digital world where he lives , dies and repeats in the most interesting ways that would amaze you soon we find out he has a bigger purpose than just escaping and it may have a lot more ramifications than he first could of imagined.
Steampunk Is Dead
After book 1 Quantum Hughes is soon on a new adventure that brings him back to his original purpose , rescuing the unfortunates stuck in VR worlds and facing off against the enemies Reaper. The action increases as does the different worlds that we come across and we get to see even more of the worlds that Harmon Cooper has created, showing us why he is such a master. Some of it can be a little obvious but the addition of a few familiar faces from his past soon help the speed and enjoyment along. Jeff also performs well again and im glad that he does all the rest of the books as it helps the continuity from start to finish of the entire series.
High Fantasy
Yet again we ride into the various worlds and fight the good fight, the combos and weapons get crazier and the banter gets better, this one has a bit more of a twist or two as we learn a few things about Quantum and the price that he will have to pay to make sure that the Reapers can be met Justice Quantum style. A lot more behind the scenes in this one but a exciting read and just makes me a bigger fan of the feedback loop series and the Skills of Harmon Cooper.
WARNING after the audio version if you find yourself saying things like Quantum this is perfectly normal and may subside until you buy more of his Audible titles in the Feddback loop series.
Can't wait as I think I have two new fav heroes called Quantum and Aiden ( the next big bromance in the literary world)
For those who are new to the audio and didn't start with the ebook version then I shall break it down for each book.
Feedback Loop
Our Hero Quantum Hughes has found himself caught up as we find a him caught in a digital world where he lives , dies and repeats in the most interesting ways that would amaze you soon we find out he has a bigger purpose than just escaping and it may have a lot more ramifications than he first could of imagined.
Steampunk Is Dead
After book 1 Quantum Hughes is soon on a new adventure that brings him back to his original purpose , rescuing the unfortunates stuck in VR worlds and facing off against the enemies Reaper. The action increases as does the different worlds that we come across and we get to see even more of the worlds that Harmon Cooper has created, showing us why he is such a master. Some of it can be a little obvious but the addition of a few familiar faces from his past soon help the speed and enjoyment along. Jeff also performs well again and im glad that he does all the rest of the books as it helps the continuity from start to finish of the entire series.
High Fantasy
Yet again we ride into the various worlds and fight the good fight, the combos and weapons get crazier and the banter gets better, this one has a bit more of a twist or two as we learn a few things about Quantum and the price that he will have to pay to make sure that the Reapers can be met Justice Quantum style. A lot more behind the scenes in this one but a exciting read and just makes me a bigger fan of the feedback loop series and the Skills of Harmon Cooper.
WARNING after the audio version if you find yourself saying things like Quantum this is perfectly normal and may subside until you buy more of his Audible titles in the Feddback loop series.
Can't wait as I think I have two new fav heroes called Quantum and Aiden ( the next big bromance in the literary world)
October 20, 2023
Bk1 Feedback Loop
I had trouble figuring out what I thought about this book, 'cause although I could emphasize with the MC (Quantum Hughes) predicament, I didn't really like him... His situation was raw and dark. Thanks to Harmon Cooper creative mind. I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to follow up with the rest of the story ARC... but I had the boxed set and Harmon Cooper had already my attention and I felt the need to continue. Plus Jeff Hays narration was superb!
I love posting quotes found in each story:
"After all, it’s better to have hope in a hopeless place than to be hopeless in a hopeless place. Or something like that."
Bk2 Steampunk is Dead
Once I started reading this book I realized how much I disliked Quantum Hughes it's only with the help of the members of his team to smooth out Quantum's salty crunchy exterior. Again without the rest of Quantum's crew I don't think I could have finished listening to Steampunk is Dead.
"It's more than a net gun, it's a work of art."
Bk3 High Fantasy
Harmon Cooper finally found his stride in this universe... at least for me anyway...
It seems that he finally let the sunshine peek through this dark and bleak story ARC. There was a lot more humor and Quantum Hughes didn't piss me off either. Or maybe I kinda like him.
Here's another quote:
"Steam isn't so bad, you should should see Barbie world."
Bk4 Reapers and Repercussions
Okay now that Quantum Hughes and his team have a goal, which is to find and get Luther Godsick out of the Proxima world that he's trapped in... things are seemingly looking up for the team. But time is not on their side.
And through it all Jeff Hays and Soundbooth Theater was in top form as he narrated the series!
Plus there's a bonus short story. Believe it or not. So go ahead and grab this boxed set on audio so you don't anything.
And here's the final quote that I'll leave you with:
"2058 state of country music which has somehow merged with rap, rock, pop and dance beats to create something akin to ear cancer."
I had trouble figuring out what I thought about this book, 'cause although I could emphasize with the MC (Quantum Hughes) predicament, I didn't really like him... His situation was raw and dark. Thanks to Harmon Cooper creative mind. I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to follow up with the rest of the story ARC... but I had the boxed set and Harmon Cooper had already my attention and I felt the need to continue. Plus Jeff Hays narration was superb!
I love posting quotes found in each story:
"After all, it’s better to have hope in a hopeless place than to be hopeless in a hopeless place. Or something like that."
Bk2 Steampunk is Dead
Once I started reading this book I realized how much I disliked Quantum Hughes it's only with the help of the members of his team to smooth out Quantum's salty crunchy exterior. Again without the rest of Quantum's crew I don't think I could have finished listening to Steampunk is Dead.
"It's more than a net gun, it's a work of art."
Bk3 High Fantasy
Harmon Cooper finally found his stride in this universe... at least for me anyway...
It seems that he finally let the sunshine peek through this dark and bleak story ARC. There was a lot more humor and Quantum Hughes didn't piss me off either. Or maybe I kinda like him.
Here's another quote:
"Steam isn't so bad, you should should see Barbie world."
Bk4 Reapers and Repercussions
Okay now that Quantum Hughes and his team have a goal, which is to find and get Luther Godsick out of the Proxima world that he's trapped in... things are seemingly looking up for the team. But time is not on their side.
And through it all Jeff Hays and Soundbooth Theater was in top form as he narrated the series!
Plus there's a bonus short story. Believe it or not. So go ahead and grab this boxed set on audio so you don't anything.
And here's the final quote that I'll leave you with:
"2058 state of country music which has somehow merged with rap, rock, pop and dance beats to create something akin to ear cancer."
October 18, 2017
Harmon Cooper adds to the "on the rise" genre of LITRPG with The Feedback Loop series. The Protagonist is Quantum Hughes. The series starts off with him stuck in a virtual world which he calls "The Loop" because every day is the same. He is also the only actual person in this virtual reality world for the past two years, so when another actual person appears it throws Quantum's "life" into a tailspin.
This series is highly entertaining if you are into this new Genre. If you are new to LITRPG then this would be a good introduction. Each novel is fairly short but full of humor, action, and adventure!
The only thing I found lacking with this story is that there does not seem to be enough consequences for Quantum's violent behaviors, and so far there has been no progression of character to learn to handle his anger issues. These are parts of his character but I feel that there was not enough growth for him to overcome these behaviors which should be hampering him in a civilized society.
Jeff Hayes does a great job narrating and bringing the characters in this story to life. There are some effects used on his voice that is done in moderation and only serves to enhance the experience.
** I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review **
This series is highly entertaining if you are into this new Genre. If you are new to LITRPG then this would be a good introduction. Each novel is fairly short but full of humor, action, and adventure!
The only thing I found lacking with this story is that there does not seem to be enough consequences for Quantum's violent behaviors, and so far there has been no progression of character to learn to handle his anger issues. These are parts of his character but I feel that there was not enough growth for him to overcome these behaviors which should be hampering him in a civilized society.
Jeff Hayes does a great job narrating and bringing the characters in this story to life. There are some effects used on his voice that is done in moderation and only serves to enhance the experience.
** I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review **
February 11, 2018
Spoilers
While I very much enjoyed the series. I find myself at ends with the fact that our protagonist hasn't had any therapy or reconditioning to deal with the ordeal he had being locked in a world being constantly murdered. How ignorant or naive do you have to be not to think three steps ahead not to shoot an introductory npc. He's too gun ho and after that display I'd kick him off the damn team, he's likely to put those they are trying to recuse at more risk then he would saving them.
Other than that the plot for this world is good and the traveling between worlds is a nice touch, After listening to fantasy online (a series which I prefer if I'm honest) it fills in a lot of gaps I had like dodgy dave or the world of steam.
At this point in time the remaining books haven't been converted to audible but I'll likely listen to them if/when they are released.
While I very much enjoyed the series. I find myself at ends with the fact that our protagonist hasn't had any therapy or reconditioning to deal with the ordeal he had being locked in a world being constantly murdered. How ignorant or naive do you have to be not to think three steps ahead not to shoot an introductory npc. He's too gun ho and after that display I'd kick him off the damn team, he's likely to put those they are trying to recuse at more risk then he would saving them.
Other than that the plot for this world is good and the traveling between worlds is a nice touch, After listening to fantasy online (a series which I prefer if I'm honest) it fills in a lot of gaps I had like dodgy dave or the world of steam.
At this point in time the remaining books haven't been converted to audible but I'll likely listen to them if/when they are released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2017
In a world thats more real digitally than the real life one. Where funny one liners and quips are king and where any digital person may just kill you rather than say hiyah its up to our hero to somehow escape the same day looped over and over. To escape might mean some real hard tasks and escape might just mean an escape to an even more dangerous life. Without spoilers this story although a little slow to start speeds up quickly and its not long before your caught up with it. Characters and pop culture references make this book series a great find.
Better even as a boxset so you can read the story as you straight through, especially as its worth the money.
Now enough of the reviews im off to read the 4th book
Better even as a boxset so you can read the story as you straight through, especially as its worth the money.
Now enough of the reviews im off to read the 4th book
May 27, 2018
I liked the morbid ways the MC kills with every day items. I also liked the tongue in cheek humor; the author definitely has a way with words. What I hated, however, was the very confused legal system and the boring LitRPG fights where the characters easily crush everything. An integral premise to the book and something that made no sense to me is that the bad guys can kill someone in cold blood and then take the insurance money. How exactly does that happen??? At the same time, if the protagonist kills one of the zombie collared slaves that the bad guys trapped in VR he can be charged with murder? It makes no sense. I don't think the author thought this through at all. I get that the bad guys are rich and powerful and have magic lawyers, but the overall impression is lazy writing.
April 17, 2022
Given 4 stars as I loved the first book, and enjoyed the world building of the second and third. I became frustrated at the lack of self-awareness of the main character, who somehow is accepted back into a leadership position despite a complete lack of impulse control. It becomes more and more difficult to compare the MC to someone who survived the original gameworld through his cunning and planning. After awhile I grew tired of the antics of someone who would inevitably blow-up any situation they were put into. Essentially a man who has stubbornly regressed into a child with sociopathic tendencies. I still aim to read the remainder of the series, but hopefully there is some character development for the MC.
December 18, 2018
This is an Omnibus that contains the first 3 books in the series, as of this review. There are 7, but only the first 3 are on Audible. The next 3 are coming shortly. It is a great take on the LITRPG genre. Each world has its own genre and the characters are able to travel among them which helps to keep things fresh and interesting. The characters are likeable and the story moves at a great steady pace. Each book is short, but they have their own ending and as a whole provide a lot of story, RPG action and fun. Narration is great, each character has their own voice.
March 16, 2022
Being my first time to read these, it took a bit for me to really get into the story. As it goes along the characters become interesting and the stories become wilder. Quantum is a bit of a sexist, but he's trying to be good. My favorite character was Aiden; I don't care if he was an NPC, he's adorable. The story has ups and downs and made me sad at times, but I am invested now and need to read the next book. Each world has bigger and badder weapons and I want to see just how outlandish Cooper can make them.
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
March 22, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, This writer has serious 'issues', reviews are reader's way of saying ya need help sparky, just wait and write some more first.
The Feedback Loop: (Book One) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) - Steampunk is Dead: (Book Two) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) (The Feedback Loop 2) - High Fantasy: (Book Three) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) (The Feedback Loop 3
The Feedback Loop (3-Book Box Set): (Scifi LitRPG Series)
Reapers and Repercussions: (Book Four) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) (The Feedback Loop 4) - The Mechanical Heart: (Book Five) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) (The Feedback Loop 5) - Cyber Noir Redux: (Book Six) (The Feedback Loop 6)
Dear NSA: A Collection of Politically Incorrect Short Stories
Zombie Lolita: (A Collection of Short Stories)
The Feedback Loop: (Book One) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) - Steampunk is Dead: (Book Two) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) (The Feedback Loop 2) - High Fantasy: (Book Three) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) (The Feedback Loop 3
The Feedback Loop (3-Book Box Set): (Scifi LitRPG Series)
Reapers and Repercussions: (Book Four) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) (The Feedback Loop 4) - The Mechanical Heart: (Book Five) (Sci-Fi LitRPG Series) (The Feedback Loop 5) - Cyber Noir Redux: (Book Six) (The Feedback Loop 6)
Dear NSA: A Collection of Politically Incorrect Short Stories
Zombie Lolita: (A Collection of Short Stories)
November 19, 2017
Expertly written! You can't go for more then a few sentences in this book without finding something quotable. It actually made me start adding psuedo-fifties words to my vocabulary when speaking with people, thereby weirding everyone I know out for a while. The world building and descriptions are top-tier. The main character is damaged and relatable and I love the variety of weapon choice.
December 21, 2018
Mad as a box of frogs
What can I say I loved this box set and can’t wait to read the next one and the last two in the series. Love the MC and his wise cracking ways plus the “Brits” had me in stitches as I know people just like that 😜
A great world that I got into reading his Fantasy Online series and as here they don’t disappoint.
What can I say I loved this box set and can’t wait to read the next one and the last two in the series. Love the MC and his wise cracking ways plus the “Brits” had me in stitches as I know people just like that 😜
A great world that I got into reading his Fantasy Online series and as here they don’t disappoint.
January 2, 2019
Nice adventure with lots of culture
Looking to escape into another world? Take this Feedback Loop for a ride. It is fast paced, funny, and is not afraid to do what is normally unacceptable.
I only noticed few typos and the writing doesn't get in the way of the story. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Looking to escape into another world? Take this Feedback Loop for a ride. It is fast paced, funny, and is not afraid to do what is normally unacceptable.
I only noticed few typos and the writing doesn't get in the way of the story. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 7, 2017
Enjoyed this a lot
It was a little slow to start but really enjoyed this set of books. Loved the old skool humour and trash talk. Not really full Litrpg as no stats or development but a rollin good story.
It was a little slow to start but really enjoyed this set of books. Loved the old skool humour and trash talk. Not really full Litrpg as no stats or development but a rollin good story.
October 8, 2017
After an experiment gone wrong quantum the main character gets trapped repeating the same day in the virtual world.
He must figure out how and why this has happened, and how to stop it from continuing. Great listen was like a movie.
He must figure out how and why this has happened, and how to stop it from continuing. Great listen was like a movie.
December 18, 2019
I loved this series. It takes place in reality and also a virtual world. The virtual world is it's own place and adds a lot to the story. My first series by Harmon Cooper and I would read others. Plenty of action, romance, and drama.
December 12, 2020
Action-packed adventure!
It took a minute to get used to the repeated daily events at the beginning of book one, but then I was hooked! I love the character development, and can't wait to see what happens next!
It took a minute to get used to the repeated daily events at the beginning of book one, but then I was hooked! I love the character development, and can't wait to see what happens next!
March 15, 2022
The Feedback Loop is a fun, super violent virtual reality series with an assortment of entertaining characters. Each of these three books in this set focuses on a different imaginative and detailed virtual world.
The narrator of the audiobook does a terrific job bringing the characters to life.
The narrator of the audiobook does a terrific job bringing the characters to life.
October 30, 2017
OK. Not really much more to say than that.
Lots of extra stretches here and there to throw in a quote from some other reference that really felt out of place.
Might keep going, might not.
Lots of extra stretches here and there to throw in a quote from some other reference that really felt out of place.
Might keep going, might not.
September 29, 2018
Transmisogynist slur in the first five minutes made me quit.
August 6, 2021
A very nice listen (thanks GaiusPrimus) with a noir vibe.
September 23, 2016
'The Feedback Loop' series is mild compared to Cooper's 'Life Is A Beautiful Thing' series. Not meaning that is bad in any way, no indeedy, it is just different and shows that Cooper has a wide range to his talents.
I really enjoyed this set of the first three books. I loved the characters, good and bad, the action is superb, and I loved the concept itself. I am not a gamer, but I understood everything going on. I didn't see any of the twists coming either. The laugh out loud parts will catch you unawares.
As you would expect, the machinery and weapons in, and descriptions of, this steampunk VE world are inventive, imaginative and highly eccentric. Also Quantum's Inventory List just gets more and more surreal, but he uses the items so well - it's wonderful!
It is so easy to lose yourself in this series, and you will struggle to put them down. Food? Shower? Who needs them?
I was given a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this set of the first three books. I loved the characters, good and bad, the action is superb, and I loved the concept itself. I am not a gamer, but I understood everything going on. I didn't see any of the twists coming either. The laugh out loud parts will catch you unawares.
As you would expect, the machinery and weapons in, and descriptions of, this steampunk VE world are inventive, imaginative and highly eccentric. Also Quantum's Inventory List just gets more and more surreal, but he uses the items so well - it's wonderful!
It is so easy to lose yourself in this series, and you will struggle to put them down. Food? Shower? Who needs them?
I was given a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2019
Let me talk about the positives in the Audio version. That is Jeff Hayes He does a great performance. Now let me talk about Mr Quantum Hughes, this MC has got to be the most mentally broken MC that I have ever run into in a book. Aside from some Horror books. The guy is so far out of touch with the real world its a joke, we are talking sociopath levels here. This dude would be not cleared to work. He should be in a padded cell under watch. Then you have constant pop culture references 1950's-1990's that do NOT line up with the current year. He was in the feedback loop only 8 years, not 70+. Was this guy out of touch even back then. When you find yourself cheering for the badguy to kill Quantum over and over again because he is a total asshat, its time to move on.
December 20, 2016
Action and comedy
Loved this book. Editing was superb. The fight scenes and violence are well written and often funny as well. The humor is on point. I couldn't put it down. I already bought the next two. Well worth he read.
Loved this book. Editing was superb. The fight scenes and violence are well written and often funny as well. The humor is on point. I couldn't put it down. I already bought the next two. Well worth he read.
April 10, 2019
Very engaging story line. Well written with smart twists and turns and interesting character growth. Looking forward to reading book 8 soon.
April 6, 2017
One of the most entertaining LitRPG books I have read
I can honestly say that this was one of the best LitRPG books I have read.
Compared to others I can only describe the author's writing style as cinematic. It isbthe first LitRPG book that I genuinely wish to see in a tv show format. The mix of styles is impressive, the author's use of contemporary meme culture is light and just enough to be fun but not distracting. The characters are enjoyable. Only nitpick, I cannot fully get behind the bad guy. His motivation is stereotypical at best and I find that the evil corporation is pretty far fetched (there way the book explains where the evil corp gets their financing is ridiculous and could never even comme close to cover all the financing needed for the bribes and corruption) Apart from that the series is great and thoroughly entertaining. I will definitely be purchasing the rest ofnthe series.
I can honestly say that this was one of the best LitRPG books I have read.
Compared to others I can only describe the author's writing style as cinematic. It isbthe first LitRPG book that I genuinely wish to see in a tv show format. The mix of styles is impressive, the author's use of contemporary meme culture is light and just enough to be fun but not distracting. The characters are enjoyable. Only nitpick, I cannot fully get behind the bad guy. His motivation is stereotypical at best and I find that the evil corporation is pretty far fetched (there way the book explains where the evil corp gets their financing is ridiculous and could never even comme close to cover all the financing needed for the bribes and corruption) Apart from that the series is great and thoroughly entertaining. I will definitely be purchasing the rest ofnthe series.
April 26, 2017
Loved the first two and just started the third.
Oh my God. Have to get he forth book!
Oh my God. Have to get he forth book!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews