What do you think?
Rate this book
The Realms #4
Scourge of Souls
Gryph would give his life for his sister but saving her could cost him his soul.
Gryph entered the Realms with one mission, to save his sister Brynn. He didn’t want friends. He didn’t want responsibilities. He didn’t want to care. But even the best-laid plans go awry, and after escaping a sentient dungeon and defeating a would-be world conqueror, Gryph is no closer to finding Brynn.
Then, while mourning the tragic death of a friend and grappling with the burdens of leadership, an ally, thought long dead, returns offering the slimmest of hopes.
This hope takes Gryph and his friends on a journey through strange lands where they must outwit a mystical crime syndicate, evade an infallible bounty hunter and face-off against Brynn herself, now a goddess with no memory of her true self.
Gryph must triumph over them all. If he fails, both he and his sister will not only lose their lives, they will lose their souls.
The Realms - An Epic LitRPG Series. Suggested Reading Order
Barrow King
The Lost City
Killing Time (A Side Quest)
Dead Must Die (A Side Quest)
Scourge of Souls
Gryph entered the Realms with one mission, to save his sister Brynn. He didn’t want friends. He didn’t want responsibilities. He didn’t want to care. But even the best-laid plans go awry, and after escaping a sentient dungeon and defeating a would-be world conqueror, Gryph is no closer to finding Brynn.
Then, while mourning the tragic death of a friend and grappling with the burdens of leadership, an ally, thought long dead, returns offering the slimmest of hopes.
This hope takes Gryph and his friends on a journey through strange lands where they must outwit a mystical crime syndicate, evade an infallible bounty hunter and face-off against Brynn herself, now a goddess with no memory of her true self.
Gryph must triumph over them all. If he fails, both he and his sister will not only lose their lives, they will lose their souls.
The Realms - An Epic LitRPG Series. Suggested Reading Order
Barrow King
The Lost City
Killing Time (A Side Quest)
Dead Must Die (A Side Quest)
Scourge of Souls
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2019
748 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Carney
20 books243 followersAfter reading an editorial claiming Dungeons and Dragons drove kids to worship dark forces in the sewers, C.M. Carney's mother immediately bought it for him. He was ten, and it's probably a good thing he was afraid of sewers. Since then he has been obsessed with reading, writing and playing all things fantasy and science fiction.
After spending nearly two decades working as a creative executive for an animation and SFX studio, C.M. decided to pursue his lifelong dream of writing and publishing novels and short stories.
He writes sci-fi, fantasy and LitRPG that run the gamut from epic to humorous. His first novel Barrow King: Book One of The Realms was published in February 2018 and has become a #1 Bestseller in Norse and Viking Myths and Legends and a #1 Bestseller in Role Playing and Fantasy Games.
He loves hearing from fans, like minded thinkers and anyone else who shares his dislike of sewers.
Facebook Group: C.M. Carney's Book Room (https://www.facebook.com/groups/15527...)
Email: chris@cmcarneywrites.com.
Website: www.cmcarneywrites.com. Keep up with new releases, other news and the occasional freebies.
After spending nearly two decades working as a creative executive for an animation and SFX studio, C.M. decided to pursue his lifelong dream of writing and publishing novels and short stories.
He writes sci-fi, fantasy and LitRPG that run the gamut from epic to humorous. His first novel Barrow King: Book One of The Realms was published in February 2018 and has become a #1 Bestseller in Norse and Viking Myths and Legends and a #1 Bestseller in Role Playing and Fantasy Games.
He loves hearing from fans, like minded thinkers and anyone else who shares his dislike of sewers.
Facebook Group: C.M. Carney's Book Room (https://www.facebook.com/groups/15527...)
Email: chris@cmcarneywrites.com.
Website: www.cmcarneywrites.com. Keep up with new releases, other news and the occasional freebies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 9, 2022
Book #4 Scourge of Souls in The Realms series by C.M. Carney was another fun jaunt into this LITrpg novel. This is a self-published series that is light and fun. Quick reads that require little concentration. There is lots of action, camaraderie, and humor, although the humor can sometimes be a bit immature.
The writing is good but not great, and the story is entertaining. Occasionally I get bored with the LITrpg aspects, but the writer has toned the frequency and depth of those sessions down. I have felt all the books in the series were somewhere between 3 and 4 stars including this book, and up until this point, I have been rounding them all down. This is the first book I have rounded up because I believe that the writing has progressed to the point to warrant rounding up.
I listened to the audiobook on audible and it was narrated by Armen Taylor who did a very good job. This is not classic literature, but it is fun, and I am enjoying binge-reading this series and will continue.
The writing is good but not great, and the story is entertaining. Occasionally I get bored with the LITrpg aspects, but the writer has toned the frequency and depth of those sessions down. I have felt all the books in the series were somewhere between 3 and 4 stars including this book, and up until this point, I have been rounding them all down. This is the first book I have rounded up because I believe that the writing has progressed to the point to warrant rounding up.
I listened to the audiobook on audible and it was narrated by Armen Taylor who did a very good job. This is not classic literature, but it is fun, and I am enjoying binge-reading this series and will continue.
March 24, 2020
Great story. Like star wars episode 1.
Lex is Jar Jar. He's running the book. The constant tangents are like being surrounded by children. It's no escape. The rest of the story is great. I'll keep reading, for now. But if lex didn't change soon I don't know how much longer I'll be able to.
Obnoxious characters are obnoxious to read, not fun.
Lex is Jar Jar. He's running the book. The constant tangents are like being surrounded by children. It's no escape. The rest of the story is great. I'll keep reading, for now. But if lex didn't change soon I don't know how much longer I'll be able to.
Obnoxious characters are obnoxious to read, not fun.
February 16, 2019
It’s worth your time
Your time and some loss of sleep. C.M.C has done a great job creating the leveling system from his books. Given how hard it is to get good experience points and the massive amounts needed to level you can see a good reason why getting to level 83 like the “high god” is would take 50 years. The perk market is probably the best way I’ve seen for the MC to gain power and close the gap between him and the main villain while also making one need to take a bath. All the characters are great and C.M.C truly understands that friends are a***oles just waiting for the right chance to strike.
Your time and some loss of sleep. C.M.C has done a great job creating the leveling system from his books. Given how hard it is to get good experience points and the massive amounts needed to level you can see a good reason why getting to level 83 like the “high god” is would take 50 years. The perk market is probably the best way I’ve seen for the MC to gain power and close the gap between him and the main villain while also making one need to take a bath. All the characters are great and C.M.C truly understands that friends are a***oles just waiting for the right chance to strike.
May 1, 2019
The pacing feels off in this entry
I’m not the biggest fan of Lex so I skipped book three and I don’t feel like I missed out on much. A lot of his adventures are summarized and touched upon in this book.
I still really want to love this series, but I keep having issues with the author’s pacing. A lot happens in this entry, perhaps too many plot points were visited that some of the sequences didn’t feel as fleshed out as they could have been. The final conflict feels especially rushed, enough so that it’s resolution feels not as important as every thing else that’s going on.
Over all it’s an entertaining read, but don’t expect anything exceptional.
I’m not the biggest fan of Lex so I skipped book three and I don’t feel like I missed out on much. A lot of his adventures are summarized and touched upon in this book.
I still really want to love this series, but I keep having issues with the author’s pacing. A lot happens in this entry, perhaps too many plot points were visited that some of the sequences didn’t feel as fleshed out as they could have been. The final conflict feels especially rushed, enough so that it’s resolution feels not as important as every thing else that’s going on.
Over all it’s an entertaining read, but don’t expect anything exceptional.
February 17, 2019
The rise of Gryph
So i have been with this series since the beginning. This book did not go the way I wanted it to. But that might not be a bad thing. What i didn't like were the huge passages of text where everyone was in their feelings. I get that emotions can be a very driving force of the human condition, but it really bogged down the book in anumber of places. Other than that it was decent book that, can't wait to read the next one.
So i have been with this series since the beginning. This book did not go the way I wanted it to. But that might not be a bad thing. What i didn't like were the huge passages of text where everyone was in their feelings. I get that emotions can be a very driving force of the human condition, but it really bogged down the book in anumber of places. Other than that it was decent book that, can't wait to read the next one.
February 19, 2019
Conistently and reliability good.
If you are reading a review for this book then you are either already a fan and eager for each subsequent installment to the series Or you should detour and start with book one.
Either way, this stands as one of the better litrpg series around. Good characters and development. Compelling story. Funny and tense in good measure.
Be prepared to lose an afternoon in another world.
If you are reading a review for this book then you are either already a fan and eager for each subsequent installment to the series Or you should detour and start with book one.
Either way, this stands as one of the better litrpg series around. Good characters and development. Compelling story. Funny and tense in good measure.
Be prepared to lose an afternoon in another world.
February 22, 2019
Maybe the best of the series so far.
This installment in the series has lots of action plenty of twists and turns and is totally enjoyable. I would note that at this point in the story Gryph the hero of this series is grossly underpowered to be challenging the High God, but I suspect this is about to change it should be interesting to witness the path this transformation takes.
This installment in the series has lots of action plenty of twists and turns and is totally enjoyable. I would note that at this point in the story Gryph the hero of this series is grossly underpowered to be challenging the High God, but I suspect this is about to change it should be interesting to witness the path this transformation takes.
January 8, 2020
This is a really fun series so much so I've pretty much been getting through a book every few days and have finished almost all of the books as of this writing. Fast-paced, decent character and plot development, good use of the LITRPG framework, and as I burn through the last (very short interim book) I'm already dreading finishing. Just a ton of fun and I've found myself forgoing TV, or doing much else, while I burned through these things. Nice work!
March 20, 2025
Finally closing out some of the earliest quests and now a whole new slew of doors open.
Some new characters join our ragtag adventurers and the a few old ones make appearances. If you've enjoyed this journey through the realms this will keep up the quality.
Now since I've mainlined the first four this is also a great pausing point as most of the big short term cliffhangers are dealt with and only the longer term ones remain.
Some new characters join our ragtag adventurers and the a few old ones make appearances. If you've enjoyed this journey through the realms this will keep up the quality.
Now since I've mainlined the first four this is also a great pausing point as most of the big short term cliffhangers are dealt with and only the longer term ones remain.
October 24, 2019
Terrific book!
Okay okay, so when I reviewed book three I marked it low because it was short and left me feeling like I had hardly started before it was done. This book, despite taking me less than a day to plow through, made up for all the packing length in the previous book. I'm quite excited to see the realms expand further.
Okay okay, so when I reviewed book three I marked it low because it was short and left me feeling like I had hardly started before it was done. This book, despite taking me less than a day to plow through, made up for all the packing length in the previous book. I'm quite excited to see the realms expand further.
July 18, 2020
I feel like there was some missing parts within this book, or maybe more that there’s more information we need. Without too much of spoilers, the author intentionally avoids some backstories for some and it makes it quick to know who might have nefarious intentions. Otherwise, another great read and looking forward to the following books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2020
Starting to get really good
The story is starting to unfold a little, and it’s promising. The only complaint I have is there’s a little too much banter from Lex. The classic pop culture references are great, the humor is there sometimes too, but the sheer number of worthless comments is too much. I’m moving on to the next book...
The story is starting to unfold a little, and it’s promising. The only complaint I have is there’s a little too much banter from Lex. The classic pop culture references are great, the humor is there sometimes too, but the sheer number of worthless comments is too much. I’m moving on to the next book...
June 17, 2021
First Aboleth, and now a Coatl? That's awesome and gets me stoked for more from this author. This mix of characters was bad for the audio professional. Lex and Sean were too similar and it feels a bit like a D&D campaign where some characters couldn't make this session but could next session. The LitRPG stats and elements don't translate well to audio. That was my choice though.
February 23, 2019
Another winner
This is another great adventure in The Realms. This series is unique in that I’m not sure what came first, the Realms or Earth. Really looking forward to finding out more and continuing the story.
This is another great adventure in The Realms. This series is unique in that I’m not sure what came first, the Realms or Earth. Really looking forward to finding out more and continuing the story.
February 25, 2019
3.5 stars. Entertaining, but needs more editing to trim down some and to fix a few errors (you're instead of your several times was the most blatant)
Also, don't use half a page of descriptions of a skill that will never be used. It just encourages skimming.
Also, don't use half a page of descriptions of a skill that will never be used. It just encourages skimming.
March 4, 2019
Book four
Mistakes: I found only two.
Plot: Rolls right along. Keeps you interested and you want to see what comes next.
Characters: Sometimes the banter doesn't fit into the situations, but does fit the characters.
8/10
Mistakes: I found only two.
Plot: Rolls right along. Keeps you interested and you want to see what comes next.
Characters: Sometimes the banter doesn't fit into the situations, but does fit the characters.
8/10
June 5, 2019
Impressive
This is another great book in the series. I enjoyed myself more with this book than the previous ones. Gryph gets back with his buddy and adventure resumes! I can't wait for the next continuation to arrive.
This is another great book in the series. I enjoyed myself more with this book than the previous ones. Gryph gets back with his buddy and adventure resumes! I can't wait for the next continuation to arrive.
July 31, 2019
Solid and entertaining !
Good world building, new heroes and villains...
Some stuff quite predictable (ok except the ending, which, in some ways (but not all) surprised me!
Waiting eagerly for the next
Good world building, new heroes and villains...
Some stuff quite predictable (ok except the ending, which, in some ways (but not all) surprised me!
Waiting eagerly for the next
August 22, 2019
Still superb
The individual stories of each book that interweave into the main plot are extremely well written. Without being super crunchy, the game elements are nicely explained and expanded
The individual stories of each book that interweave into the main plot are extremely well written. Without being super crunchy, the game elements are nicely explained and expanded
October 5, 2019
Building a Grand Epic
This book is a continuation of an awesome story. The world building is excellent, it keeps teasing at more and more depth. I can't want for it to keep unfolding. I liked the cast of characters in this book, but some were sorely missed!
This book is a continuation of an awesome story. The world building is excellent, it keeps teasing at more and more depth. I can't want for it to keep unfolding. I liked the cast of characters in this book, but some were sorely missed!
November 14, 2019
What a fantastical series. It just keeps getting better. If you liked the previous books, you already know you MUST continue, so why are you reading this? If you're just starting, start with book one; you'll thank me later.
December 19, 2019
Great book
I am enjoying this series so far. The author doesn’t bog you down with useless details but keeps the action fresh and plot points intriguing. Good character growth and hilarious commentary from supporting characters
I am enjoying this series so far. The author doesn’t bog you down with useless details but keeps the action fresh and plot points intriguing. Good character growth and hilarious commentary from supporting characters
January 14, 2020
Almost finished and then...
Reading along, again a well-paced story and the characters - old and new - are written well. Though character motivations still are obscured for some of the party members, they all seem strongly motivated.
Still, language...
Reading along, again a well-paced story and the characters - old and new - are written well. Though character motivations still are obscured for some of the party members, they all seem strongly motivated.
Still, language...
October 12, 2021
Interesting new wrinkles
The book was great! The story ever expanding and the sights were epic. I am looking forward to these new paths that have been created and what might come from them! On to the next!
The book was great! The story ever expanding and the sights were epic. I am looking forward to these new paths that have been created and what might come from them! On to the next!
November 9, 2021
The best way to fight a god?
… is most likely NOT to fight a god. The main character and his band continue to grow and learn. And the twists in the path to solving the riddles that started the series continue.
… is most likely NOT to fight a god. The main character and his band continue to grow and learn. And the twists in the path to solving the riddles that started the series continue.
May 16, 2022
This series gets better with every instalment. The main character is grounded and thoughtful with enough self doubt to make him engaging and human as well as enough intelligence that you feel captivated by his journey.
May 22, 2022
Sister, dear Sister
Time to get the family back together. What will it take for Gryph to get to his Sister? What pitfalls await our hero and his band of misfits? Well.. What are you still doing here? Open the book and find out what's going on, go on, shoo!
Time to get the family back together. What will it take for Gryph to get to his Sister? What pitfalls await our hero and his band of misfits? Well.. What are you still doing here? Open the book and find out what's going on, go on, shoo!
August 4, 2024
Interesting twist
I like when a story has unpredictable twists. This story has a few of those. I had forgotten how much I like LitRPG stories until I read The Barrow King. On to book five now.
I like when a story has unpredictable twists. This story has a few of those. I had forgotten how much I like LitRPG stories until I read The Barrow King. On to book five now.
February 18, 2019
More adventures and intrigue
The adventure progresses nicely with old friends reunited, lots of action and plenty of exciting new questions for the next book(s) !
The adventure progresses nicely with old friends reunited, lots of action and plenty of exciting new questions for the next book(s) !
February 23, 2019
A good read
It was a good enjoyable read though the book took a turn for wtf at the end cant wait til book 5
It was a good enjoyable read though the book took a turn for wtf at the end cant wait til book 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews