The legions of the Heptarchy have invaded Andomhaim, and Ridmark Arban stands in their way.
But without aid, Andomhaim cannot defeat the Heralds of Ruin. To seek out the weaknesses of his foes, Ridmark must travel into the depths of the Heptarchy to seek out the mysterious wizard called the Master of Keys.
But the brutal rulers of the Heptarchy will not allow Ridmark to escape their grasp...
Standing over six feet tall, USA Today bestselling author Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
Well Ridmark an friend's have gone to the Heptarchy to get a weapon from the Tarmyntir to kill the Wardon. They get into little fight in town an have to make a run into the jungle. Once again they have to fight some nasty uglys to get out. They make it to Tarmyntir get what they came for an now they have to fight some spider chicks priestess. One is a big damn mean one at that. They get it done an are ready to go home. After all that I would bloody hell what to go home too. Once again Mr. Moeller has his mark. Well done.
Ridmark opened a gate to the Heptarchy the land that is ruled the the Urdmodor and where the powerful orc Agravhask, one of the heralds of ruin they were searching for a man who it was said could give them an advantage over the Warden. But I wondered if the few party members would be enough to make their quest successful. Moeller continues to add great characters both good and evil to the line up as continually expanding on the already great story. Even with some of the few grammar mistakes, in the books for which were overlooked by the proofreader, they still continue to be a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ridmark and crew are more or less compelled to travel to the Heptarchy so high elf Tarmyntir can give him a weapon to destroy the Great Eye. Ridmark is the only one capable of wielding this weapon and Tarmyntir insists he has to be the one to give it to him, i.e., Morigna couldn't transport it.
So Ridmark opens a gate to the Heptarchy and he, Calliande, Morigna, Selene, Gavin, and Antenora all embark on this latest quest. Their cover is blown the first night and they are forced to flee into the Stranglers' Jungle. There are two warring factions living in the jungle, both of which would be more than happy to annihilate them, not to mention various beasts, both mundane and magical. Two female slaves that they rescued are added to the party.
Sekadura, a Quaesitor and priestess is in pursuit accompanied by her Chosen Guards and a small army. Malabrance, a dvargir, commandeers a second army. Neither are aware that the other is chasing Ridmark, et al.
Lots of battles as is the norm in these stories and a surprising twist near the end that has me looking forward to the sequel.
The tempo in the series has peaked. Mr. Moeller has improved his writing, as it needed to be, so the reader keeps its attention on a series of 37 books. In this one several new characters are introduced and a possible new portion of the adventures of Calliande and Ridmark left wide open. Loving every page of their struggles and the masterful web of different countries, worlds and their struggles against common enemies.
This series is still playing for keeps, but the stakes seemed a little lower in this book. The action picked up from the previous book, and then used a trope, and the plot twists actually preceded in much the same way across the book. I probably rated this up because I love this series, but this one did feel like filler. The climax was delicious and the resolution certainly means the next book will be fascinating, which I can't wait to read.
This book was a fun read and had a few errors. The plot and characters where fun to read about. The overall plot seemd rushed and the back and forth with the good and bad was a little tiresome. Some of the characters from previous books where not included, but it sets it up for the next installment. I look forward to the next book.
We move continents but the story builds to its final battle, new foes to be fought and overcome. You are led on a quest through the jungle with enemies chasing and on all sides, battles are fought and the story builds to a few final twists expertly hidden and crafted.
Disembark and a small band of his companions travel to the Heptarchy to meet Tamyrnthia and obtain a weapon to use against the Warden. Remarks fights and kills a clone of the Visionary and prepares to return to Andomhaim while the devout come to join Agravask and the other heralds of ruin. I look forward to the next storm.
I imagine this series is coming to an end soon. I can’t imagine them being able to top this. Will adding to their storyline detract from its greatness? I imagine an arc involving his daughter would suffice.
Jonathan Moeller is a superb storyteller. Weaving a fantastic tale as Ridmark and his companions makes his way through the Heptarchy to meet the creator of the Great Eye. New enemies and old adversaries to overcome. Fast paced and very enjoyable