Gryff has been extended an offer and invitation to the Shadowscape by the Archon Carth: If he stays in her palace for a week, she will spare Varle Enclave. Sounds easy enough, but little does Gryff know what this trip will cost him. Or what he’ll soon learn.
This book made me realize something. The main reason that I am not enjoying this series is because of Gryff. I just don't like him. He is an uptight, pretentious, wanna be hero who acts like a child. His actions and thoughts are so fucking childish that I am amazed that the author is willing to write a character like this 18 books deep. You would have thought that 18 books in that Gryff would have experienced some growth, but he is still the same exact character from book one. This is just awful writing.
The way he acts in the shadowscape is similar to a baby throwing a tantrum. It is unfucking believable that this is the character we the readers have to follow. He just feels like a stuck up, narcissist. Instead of listening to the archons, he believes in only what he thinks is right, ignoring everything around him. He doesn't take the time to find out more about the archons through conversations, just argues and reinsures himself that he is right. Now tell me, how am I the reader, suppose to root for a main character like this. This is just a bad character yet the way the author tries to present Gryff, is that all that he is doing is for the betterment of all.
I just know that the author, is not gonna make Gryff break or have him go through something that changes is perspective, as he has just gotten everything handed to him. Everything good that happens to Gryff is just handed to him and all the bad things surrounding him get fixed magically or disappears entirely. This whole experience in the shadowscape should have been used to break Gryff's perspective of the world around him, but instead it just reinforced the fact that Gryff is a stuck up narcissist and a real fucking asshole (which is an understatement).
I would also like to talk about how much of a dick Gryff is. To his Mistral friends and lovers, he blindly follows any and everything that they say and do, yet when challenged with another perspective, he acts like a spoiled, arrogant piece of shit. The dude pretends to be a nice guy, but in reality, he is a massive asshole. Since the capture of Sera and the other archons, they have been nothing but humble servants, and he doesn't even give then the time of day, yet everytime he needs help, they are so willing to help not only him but the people he loves. Now instead of trying to understand the archons he acts like a 5 year old when he doesn't get his way which doesn't make sense, especially because he is SOOOOO understanding when is Mistral friends and lovers are also keeping things from him. They supposedly hate humans but are willing to help humans because he ask. This is especially annoying to read because the author just glosses over this fascinating piece of information for "If only my Mistral lovers this and my Mistral lovers that". We get it, he loves his Mistral lovers, but all of them are so one dimensional except for Nia, maybe? Finally we get some female characters in the archons with unique characteristics and personalities but they are relegated to trash. The author really needs to re-evaluate Gryff's character and the story that he wrote. Instead of trying to form bonds with the archons, he instead acts like a sadist torturer to the archons. (By the way, the author made it a point to show us that Gryff is a man who likes to make relationships with people even if they are a dick, cough cough Gwayne.)
(Also, did he forget what Sera told him about what happens to her if she is separated from him for to long, he seems so eager to get back to his Mistral lovers, but forgets about her after he said he would be more nice to them. SMH)
Then as soon as he gets back he rushes back to his Mistral lovers for more baby talk. Because that is what I want to read about in an action fantasy harem series. Pregnant women and mothers. Yup I really spent 14usd for this. Jesus Fucking Christ. I spent money to listen about children and baby talk for 4 books now. HOLY MOTHERFUCKING SHIT. WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR? YOUNG ADULT MEN OR PREGNANT WOMEN? Jesus Christ man. This book has no sense of direction, no sense of urgency or no real plan anymore. It just feels like the author is expecting a baby or something so all he can write about is pregnant women. THAT ISN'T WHAT I PAID MONEY FOR.
We go back to Mistral for this, not to explore what he learn about in the shadowscape, not to ponder about the archons not to focus on anything remotely interesting, just MORE FUCKING BABY TALK.
Look, it is not that I want to hate the Mistral women of Gryff's harem, its just that they are boring. Ever since book fourteen where all of them started to switch to I want babies their characters went from a 3 to a 1 rating. Their personalities were always so mediocre and blend in to one another so easily that when they started to talk about babies, I was like who the fuck cares. The author says that Gryff is a man who loves Mistral lovers because they are so different and unique, but what he actually writes is horny one dimensional women in heat. That is it. Nothing to make them stand out, nothing to make them feel impactful, just I need Gryff's sperm right now. Nia is like the only exception because we spend the most time with her but Layla, Eren, Saira and Freya are essentially the same character. All of them are sex fiends and wants Gryff's babies and nothing else. That is their entire character. How am I the reader suppose to care for these characters being pregnant when I am not interested in their story. Arwen and Ashler ain't much better, they are barely around and I didn't have a problem with them until them suddenly jump on the lets get pregnant train. Jesus Christ Man, but this once interesting story literally became total shit. The interesting premise with the beastmaker and the archons is now tossed aside for fucking babies.
So many things wrong with this book. This story was this authors best one until the last few books. Book eighteen and finally finding out more about Gruff but not the whole story. These things should have been addressed ten books ago. The baby craze this author has is getting annoying. I almost think a woman is writing these books and her biological clock is ticking because in almost every story this author writes has got having babies as part of the main theme. Once again the author does not use the full power of the Archons which should have started gradually the first time he captured Sera. Also now we are getting some hints about the guardians but not enough to be on book eighteen. This is a prime example why an editor is so important for the authors to use. This series could have been epic with the right editor telling the author to make changes and to plan the whole thing out before writing it. This clearly shows this guy has been writing this with no real planning.
I truly, truly love these books. I can’t say how much I love these books…….you know it’s coming and here it is BUT, yes BUT Gryff is making me so mad. Bruh, admit who you are, please accept your destiny. We’re going into book 19 my boy. It’s written not only in the stars, books etc it’s plain as day. EVERYONE has told you who and what you are. I’m tired of this man’s Denial. I’m tired of his stupidity. Also I’m tired of the way he treats the archons. Sure, they’re tight lipped etc but they deserve more “airtime” than what they’re getting. These were major players with whole books dedicated to them. Now they’re just bits and pieces of speech now and then. I think he needs to have more of a caring relationship with his archons. His summons get more love and praise than them, and they will do anything for him. Sure, they’ve withheld information but can you doubt their loyalty? They’d do anything for him. All he has to do is ask them and give them some praise. I really like Xan though. She’s probably my favorite Archon to date… I mean I like them all, but Xan is tops in my book. Also her powers wowza, I wonder what her three summons are? Can you imagine? Also Gryff should try and capture more rare beasts… the last fight in the book I would have captured that, also Carth, what was he thinking there? He did absolutely nothing. Gryff is shooting himself in the foot. We’re almost at the end here and it seems like the writing in the story is getting a bit sloppy and it’s kinda upsetting because I’m so invested because these books have truly been a masterpiece. I mean I still loved this book I just have issues with some parts. I won’t even comment about Jace 🤦🏽♂️
Much better book than that previous debacle. Gryf's pretty apparent obtuseness was in full form though this time. That can get annoying at times. Such as when Syra showed up to tell him about Nia going into labour, which she was fucking due to be doing at any time, and he needed it explained to him like a child. I'm not sure if the author just does that for readers sake, but i would have liked it better if his first thought was the logical one, that she went into labour, and not that something else bad happened to her.
Also, pretty annoying how every time Gryff thinks about Braden, he comments on how much he has matured since they first met. Like every time. And every time someone asks him about what happened, Gryf always says "that's a long story" even when it NEVER is.
Griff is more than meets the eye. He is a lover with 2 wives, 5 girl friends, and 6 Godesses; he is a strong worrior; he has strong friendships; and now we find out that he might be over a thousand years old & from ancient texts. He has several children with more on the way, too. So he has a lot to protect. Here he befriends a goddess and has to fight another while just finding out about who he really is. This was very well written and I'm looking forward to seeing more.
I am eagerly awaiting the next entry in the series, as it is starting to feel like it is coming to a conclusion. Things that have been set up through out the series are falling into place, but the author is still able to throw in some unexpected twists that leave you wanting more. This is easily one of my favorite series available to read online, and I can’t wait to hear how the story continues.
Best book yet! I have waited for answers to many questions, and this book, while it doesn't answer all, it does give us a lot to think about. Story was amazing and I loved every minute of the book, including the tender family moments that alleviate the tension.
So excited to read this I couldn't put it down, and already want the next one ASAP! :)
Gruff and his harem face off against four new Arch anime. While Gruff is visiting the shadowscape big changes happen at home! The excellent writing continues with fun characters that keep up your interest and desire to continue this fun series! Enjoy it, I certainly am!
Picking up where the last books cliffhanger left us, Summoner 18 moves along at a good pace and tells a compelling story. If you've been reading this story for all 17 volumes, you know exactly who these characters are and if this story is for you, so I really won't go into the plot other than to say that it's clear that the author is starting to set things up for the endgame.
I really enjoyed this one. This series keeps getting better and better. I am eager to see how it continues. Gryff returns from the shadowscape to find major changes to his life. It is impressive how he deals with the amount of time he loses. This book is definitely worth reading.
Amazing story. Just keeps getting better and better. I'm only sad cause I feel like this story is coming to in conclusion and I want it to keep going forever. Well done Mr. Vall!!!
As always this is a fascinating world within these pages and the depth a scope of the struggle undertaken by our heroic characters is of an epic scale! I cannot wait for the next one!
All the books in this series are enjoyable, they create a vibrant, colourful and intriguing mental imagery. A totally worth while read that I would recommend to all readers of alternate SiFi fantasy worlds.
I've enjoyed the series so far it's got plenty of action It's got some new magic or old magic this being read learned It'll be interesting seat to see what happens in the next book