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Axe Druid #5
Into the Storm
Visions of the war to come. Alliances on the open water. Sink or swim.
Zeke and the team are one step closer to their goals of defeating War’s generals and freeing Brindolla for good. Storm Company’s return from the Great Below was harrowing, nearly as bad as the time they had to spend there.
Though they bear the scars of their journey, it’s finally time to sniff out War’s Generals wherever they might hide—including across the ocean in the mysterious continent of beasts.
Plots thicken like the clouds over the water, and the group begins to realize the currents and intrigue they will have to navigate successfully if they want to survive sailing Into the Storm.
Zeke and the team are one step closer to their goals of defeating War’s generals and freeing Brindolla for good. Storm Company’s return from the Great Below was harrowing, nearly as bad as the time they had to spend there.
Though they bear the scars of their journey, it’s finally time to sniff out War’s Generals wherever they might hide—including across the ocean in the mysterious continent of beasts.
Plots thicken like the clouds over the water, and the group begins to realize the currents and intrigue they will have to navigate successfully if they want to survive sailing Into the Storm.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2020
126 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 17, 2020
The story continues to get better as the author gains more experience.
From a technical standpoint, you can clearly see how Christopher's development as an author has contributed to make all aspects of the story better. Character development is taking place organically, world building has come a long way from the shotgun blast of the first book and the plot pacing is quite good.
The story itself continues to be capture the reader's mind and the investment in the main characters adventures. It's a really fun read overall and the annoyances from the beginning of the series aren't there anymore.
Highly recommend.
From a technical standpoint, you can clearly see how Christopher's development as an author has contributed to make all aspects of the story better. Character development is taking place organically, world building has come a long way from the shotgun blast of the first book and the plot pacing is quite good.
The story itself continues to be capture the reader's mind and the investment in the main characters adventures. It's a really fun read overall and the annoyances from the beginning of the series aren't there anymore.
Highly recommend.
June 16, 2020
Meh
Book length dropped waaaaay down for this book and the ending felt (compared to rest of series) that it was ended to meet a deadline. By way of comparison, this book was about half the size of his last book in the series.
Spoiler alert.
So the MC sends his wife back to the Fae realm and spends the rest of this book hanging with his girlfriend? Lover? Whatever. Their romance is awkward and doesn't make sense. Feels forced and just makes the whole story feel cringy. Girlfriend is mad at MC for never calling in previous book claiming she was scared to death not knowing if he was ok or not...but then admits that his wife had been calling her and giving her updates so she KNEW he was fine.
Favorite line in the book "“He’s a musician, da.” Roslyn shook her head and grinned. “There be more to life than muscle an’ the skill to wield an axe. An’ Balmur be betrothed already, an honorable lady doesnae dally another woman’s man.” Farnik chuckled and patted her shoulder. “Good lass. Good.
Isn't this exactly what the MC has been doing and all his friends are celebrating his threesome? Even encouraging it? Mixed message if ever there was one. Come on author, either you are "enlightened" and people should do whatever makes them happy, or they shouldnt dally with another woman's man. This is what frustrates me most about this series. If you want to write a smutty series, label it as such and go nuts. But if you want to write a fantasy series then don't slowly morf it into a mid-life crisis sexual fantasy for men.
It was such a good series too, but it's really not worth reading anymore. But if you like the idea of your wife being bisexual and in a relationship with a woman (while married to you), and you dig her really wanting you to be in a relationship with her extramarital lover, then this series is great!!!
Book length dropped waaaaay down for this book and the ending felt (compared to rest of series) that it was ended to meet a deadline. By way of comparison, this book was about half the size of his last book in the series.
Spoiler alert.
So the MC sends his wife back to the Fae realm and spends the rest of this book hanging with his girlfriend? Lover? Whatever. Their romance is awkward and doesn't make sense. Feels forced and just makes the whole story feel cringy. Girlfriend is mad at MC for never calling in previous book claiming she was scared to death not knowing if he was ok or not...but then admits that his wife had been calling her and giving her updates so she KNEW he was fine.
Favorite line in the book "“He’s a musician, da.” Roslyn shook her head and grinned. “There be more to life than muscle an’ the skill to wield an axe. An’ Balmur be betrothed already, an honorable lady doesnae dally another woman’s man.” Farnik chuckled and patted her shoulder. “Good lass. Good.
Isn't this exactly what the MC has been doing and all his friends are celebrating his threesome? Even encouraging it? Mixed message if ever there was one. Come on author, either you are "enlightened" and people should do whatever makes them happy, or they shouldnt dally with another woman's man. This is what frustrates me most about this series. If you want to write a smutty series, label it as such and go nuts. But if you want to write a fantasy series then don't slowly morf it into a mid-life crisis sexual fantasy for men.
It was such a good series too, but it's really not worth reading anymore. But if you like the idea of your wife being bisexual and in a relationship with a woman (while married to you), and you dig her really wanting you to be in a relationship with her extramarital lover, then this series is great!!!
June 12, 2020
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
June 23, 2020
Zeke and friends are growing in power to combat War but will it be enough
Another fantastic installment that I couldn’t put down!
Magic and mayhem abound when the newly named Storm Company comes to town. As with all adventures, the road they are on is long, windy, and perilous at every turn.
And if you were waiting for adventure on the high seas, this book has it, sadly it looks to be a voyage that they won’t all survive.
The character interactions are interesting and there is a deeper layer to the relationship that Zeke, Maeve, & Vrawn have, but like all guys, Zeke put his foot in his mouth. Granted the poor guy is surrounded by women, so he’s bound to say the wrong thing to one of them!
Sadly we must wait for more of Stone Company’s adventures, and to see who survived their final sea battle.
Another fantastic installment that I couldn’t put down!
Magic and mayhem abound when the newly named Storm Company comes to town. As with all adventures, the road they are on is long, windy, and perilous at every turn.
And if you were waiting for adventure on the high seas, this book has it, sadly it looks to be a voyage that they won’t all survive.
The character interactions are interesting and there is a deeper layer to the relationship that Zeke, Maeve, & Vrawn have, but like all guys, Zeke put his foot in his mouth. Granted the poor guy is surrounded by women, so he’s bound to say the wrong thing to one of them!
Sadly we must wait for more of Stone Company’s adventures, and to see who survived their final sea battle.
October 16, 2020
The overall arc of the series continues to drive these books forward, but this focus resulting in the pacing of the individual books being very good and this one is no exception as the main cast head out onto the next stage of their mission.
This instalment shows some interesting escalations on the part of the opposition in response to the successes the team has had against War's minions in previous books and the mission has become significantly more difficult even before the dramatic ending to this book.
The narration of this instalment was up to the usual high standard of the series, with the narrator clearly being comfortable with this cast of characters.
Overall, while I enjoyed this book, the cliffhanger of an ending and the next one not being out yet was a little annoying.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
This instalment shows some interesting escalations on the part of the opposition in response to the successes the team has had against War's minions in previous books and the mission has become significantly more difficult even before the dramatic ending to this book.
The narration of this instalment was up to the usual high standard of the series, with the narrator clearly being comfortable with this cast of characters.
Overall, while I enjoyed this book, the cliffhanger of an ending and the next one not being out yet was a little annoying.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
September 6, 2024
Into the Storm
Zeke and the rest of Storm Company have determined that they will need to travel to the Continent of Beast to get at the rest of War’s generals. The problem is getting there. Finding a ship willing to go there will not be easy. Needless to say the ocean between is far from safe.
It is always nice when there is a rehash at the beginning was very helpful. It was a lot of fun to see Storm Company make their way to the ocean and get into all these side quests . One thing that I really enjoyed was how well this book fleshed out Vrawn’s character. I listened to this as part of the books 4-6 omnibus. BJ Harrison did a great job with the narration!
Content warning: language
Zeke and the rest of Storm Company have determined that they will need to travel to the Continent of Beast to get at the rest of War’s generals. The problem is getting there. Finding a ship willing to go there will not be easy. Needless to say the ocean between is far from safe.
It is always nice when there is a rehash at the beginning was very helpful. It was a lot of fun to see Storm Company make their way to the ocean and get into all these side quests . One thing that I really enjoyed was how well this book fleshed out Vrawn’s character. I listened to this as part of the books 4-6 omnibus. BJ Harrison did a great job with the narration!
Content warning: language
May 16, 2020
F... Bloody cliffhanger of an ending.
I caught a few errors, I marked via the Kindle app. Nice job fixing the time dilation errors from before, well explaining them at least.
Another enjoyable story, the author has got me by my short and curlies though. I really want know what happens next.
4 star, while it's a very fun story, the implications for how deep he could go are leaving a huge expectation that I would love to see fulfilled, however, I am worried that they will not be fulfilled.
This story could go any direction at this point.
I caught a few errors, I marked via the Kindle app. Nice job fixing the time dilation errors from before, well explaining them at least.
Another enjoyable story, the author has got me by my short and curlies though. I really want know what happens next.
4 star, while it's a very fun story, the implications for how deep he could go are leaving a huge expectation that I would love to see fulfilled, however, I am worried that they will not be fulfilled.
This story could go any direction at this point.
March 4, 2023
This wasn't as good as the first few books. There is a lot of action, a lot of building power, but there isn't as much character building as the first few books had. This book is all about increasing abilities and stats.
In fact right when all the dynamics of the group change and the characters are given a real chance to grow as individuals... The book ends. Thus I'm hoping the next book is much better.
In fact right when all the dynamics of the group change and the characters are given a real chance to grow as individuals... The book ends. Thus I'm hoping the next book is much better.
May 17, 2020
Into the storm - sundered
One more book in the series(?) and the Storm Company have a big battle coming. Will they even make it to the showdown? And there are some hints about what may happen, assuming they “win”.
One more book in the series(?) and the Storm Company have a big battle coming. Will they even make it to the showdown? And there are some hints about what may happen, assuming they “win”.
June 8, 2020
Loved it
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. Each book just gets better. But I hate cliffhanger ending. So you better hurry up and get book six out. Highly recommend this series.
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. Each book just gets better. But I hate cliffhanger ending. So you better hurry up and get book six out. Highly recommend this series.
July 5, 2020
The characters have gotten more detailed and deep/robust as the series has gone on. There is more interaction between the characters which I find enjoyable. There is still lot's of action and twists. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
November 8, 2020
Absolutely love this series. Just can’t put it down once started. Great characters and plot. Such dedication to building each aspect of the story. Helps the reader really lose themselves in this new world.
May 14, 2020
Great read with tons of action. I've really enjoyed watching the guys (and girls) grow, screw up, and kick ass. I'm excited to see where it all goes
May 15, 2020
Good
Good book in line with the rest of the series. The book could use a bit more plot. Can't wait for the next one.
Good book in line with the rest of the series. The book could use a bit more plot. Can't wait for the next one.
May 17, 2020
Another wonderful story
Another trip further down the road and what a wonderful trip it was. Loved it and looking forward to the next book.
Another trip further down the road and what a wonderful trip it was. Loved it and looking forward to the next book.
May 18, 2020
Holy cliffhangers batman
A great read and an excellent continuation of the series but that cliffhanger at the end wow. Few typos and I can't wait to see the next book.
A great read and an excellent continuation of the series but that cliffhanger at the end wow. Few typos and I can't wait to see the next book.
May 19, 2020
Much like the others. If you have read any of the previous books, you have read this one.
May 28, 2020
Rambling but action packed
It's a great story though it feels like a cliff notes version of a plot at times. Could do with some points being fleshed out
It's a great story though it feels like a cliff notes version of a plot at times. Could do with some points being fleshed out
June 9, 2020
Such a great series.
I spent a week reading this series, i have really enjoyed your universe that you are sharing. I look forward to the next installment.
I spent a week reading this series, i have really enjoyed your universe that you are sharing. I look forward to the next installment.
September 9, 2020
Great book
Stellar work once again from Christopher Johns! Lots of action and adventure, spells and side quests. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from Christopher Johns! Lots of action and adventure, spells and side quests. Looking forward to the next one!
January 22, 2021
Great continuation as usual. Ended sooner than I expected but only because I wanted more.
October 20, 2021
The whole group is OP...the trouble is that the baddies are even MORE OP...
January 25, 2022
Another quality entry in the series. Is this series supposed to wrap after the next book? So much is about to happen! 👍🏾👍🏾
March 23, 2024
Care for Zeke
Are we going to see Zeke Well. I hope so. He needs to meet with his dragon kin. I need to get to the next book to see what happens.
Are we going to see Zeke Well. I hope so. He needs to meet with his dragon kin. I need to get to the next book to see what happens.
August 10, 2020
Book 5 is a great continuation of the Axe Druid series. This book doesn’t have as much action in it as the previous book but in no way does it detract from the story nor does it feel like the story is slowed down by it. Book five further develops the world of Brindolla in ways that have not been touched upon in the other four books. There is a heaviness in the emotion of the story told in this book that isn’t seen in the others. While in the other books, Zeke and the gang were always rushing to one adventure to another without really stopping. In this book the characters have a little leeway to think and ponder while heading out on their next adventure with all the internal thoughts, considerations and problems in the back of their minds start to crop up and begins to show. Along with how the characters are trying to deal with these various problems. That being said the book is incredibly easy to read straight through without stopping, and the action in this book is just as well written and easily followed as in all the rest. This book further continues to show character growth and evolution even so far into a series as book 5. The same great humor, character and world development can be seen in this book just like all the others. All in all, Christopher Johns once again creates an excellent adventure into the amazing universe of the Axe Druid.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews