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The Ouroboros Cycle
The Ouroboros Cycle, Book 5: House of the Far Earth
For the past year, Doctor Varanus has languished in the desert, tormented by heat and inactivity, while her mentor Iosef searches for evidence of his so-called "Black Goat cults" in the ruins of Sumeria, aided by an ambitious banker and an incompetent archaeologist. Their to unearth the lost city of Ekizu, a place only whispered of amid tales of blood sacrifice and dark gods.
But as Varanus's patience wears thin, intrigues within the camp begin to surface, threatening everything she holds dear. An evil watches from the desert, eager to claim Ekizu for itself, while old enemies lurk in the darkness, plotting revenge. And as the great temple is uncovered, they will learn too late the truth behind an ancient warning.
Better that dead things had been left buried, lest all the world fall under the shadow of the Far Earth.
But as Varanus's patience wears thin, intrigues within the camp begin to surface, threatening everything she holds dear. An evil watches from the desert, eager to claim Ekizu for itself, while old enemies lurk in the darkness, plotting revenge. And as the great temple is uncovered, they will learn too late the truth behind an ancient warning.
Better that dead things had been left buried, lest all the world fall under the shadow of the Far Earth.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2017
6 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
G.D. Falksen
40 books265 followersG. D. Falksen is the author of "The Secret Life of Kitty Granger" (Carolrhoda Lab, 2021), "Maiden of War" (Audible Originals, 2020), "Doctor Cthulittle" (Insight Studios, 2018), "The Transatlantic Conspiracy" (Soho Teen, 2016), and "The Ouroboros Cycle" series (Wildside Press, 2013 to present), and has been a contributor to the award-winning anthologies "Mine!" and "Cthulhu Fhtagn!". He is also Chairman of the Advisory Board of Writers and Artists Across the Country, a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating author visits to underserved schools. Falksen’s "Ouroboros Cycle" series is currently being developed for television.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 31, 2017
I love this series, lots of action from start to finish. Looking forward to book #6.
June 27, 2025
My review will include parts of the other books because in book series the author usually connects the events of all the books in the final one.
Book five finishes the story of book four and almost ignores the stories that are in the first three books. It felt like two series crammed into one series with one added that had very little to do with the rest. The only thing consistent in all the books is Varananus's dead ex who is either a ghost or a figment of her imagination.
The biggest flaw that I have repeated in other reviews is that the first two books were about a beastly bloodline. It's quickly erased from the story and only small hints can be found if you know what to look for. I had expected this book would have the main character return to France and discover her grandfather is still alive as a beast and learn about her bloodline. Nope. Instead the book ends with her returning to France so it seems that it's possible another book could have or will be added with this plot.
The book I hated the most was book three because it has almost nothing to do with the whole series. We don't even know the fate of the villian who planned the revolt and since he was followed by a Shasavani we're supposed to assume that he was killed. I figured that if the above plot wasn't included then this book would connect to book three and the villian's fate would finally be revealed. Nope. Book three was just used to include a storyline and character that only exists in this book.
Book four revolved around an amulet found at the end of book three and a new amulet that leads to the new storyline. They are very important to the book so you expect to learn even more about them in the final book. Nope. These important amulets don't even make it into book five which takes place years after book four so what happened to them?
There is just so many unanswered questions and so many things in the books that have been ignored or changed. The way it ended and all the loose threads makes me wonder if the series was supposed to continue. I don't think I could have read any more books from the series if it did.
I will always love the first book and the idea of vampires who use eternity for knowledge but not the rest.
Book five finishes the story of book four and almost ignores the stories that are in the first three books. It felt like two series crammed into one series with one added that had very little to do with the rest. The only thing consistent in all the books is Varananus's dead ex who is either a ghost or a figment of her imagination.
The biggest flaw that I have repeated in other reviews is that the first two books were about a beastly bloodline. It's quickly erased from the story and only small hints can be found if you know what to look for. I had expected this book would have the main character return to France and discover her grandfather is still alive as a beast and learn about her bloodline. Nope. Instead the book ends with her returning to France so it seems that it's possible another book could have or will be added with this plot.
The book I hated the most was book three because it has almost nothing to do with the whole series. We don't even know the fate of the villian who planned the revolt and since he was followed by a Shasavani we're supposed to assume that he was killed. I figured that if the above plot wasn't included then this book would connect to book three and the villian's fate would finally be revealed. Nope. Book three was just used to include a storyline and character that only exists in this book.
Book four revolved around an amulet found at the end of book three and a new amulet that leads to the new storyline. They are very important to the book so you expect to learn even more about them in the final book. Nope. These important amulets don't even make it into book five which takes place years after book four so what happened to them?
There is just so many unanswered questions and so many things in the books that have been ignored or changed. The way it ended and all the loose threads makes me wonder if the series was supposed to continue. I don't think I could have read any more books from the series if it did.
I will always love the first book and the idea of vampires who use eternity for knowledge but not the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2017
Gah, I love these books so much! It might have been a while (too long!) since I read the previous novels, but in no time at all I was happily reintroduced to characters I adored, lore and mystery that intrigued me, drama that snared me, and action that had me holding my breath. I really enjoyed this story and it's twists, and would have loved to read more of it. The new characters were fantastically written, though it was the old favourites that captured all of my attention. Varanus and Ekaterine are and always will be my top favourites, though I have to say that Iosef does the brooding, tormented, powerful vampire lord thing better than most vampires I've encountered in other books. The action was non-stop, immersive, and breathtaking. I honestly can't get enough of these books and can't recommend them more to vampire fans who are looking for something a little different in their exciting fiction.
May 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this series. It was slice of life with just enough action to not be boring. All the characters were well rounded with their own personalities, even side characters. I simply binged each book as I got to them.
The flaws in this series is the gaps in information or even plot holes. I have had many questions since the first book that I fear will never be answered. I feel they would progress the story even further and explain many things. It would also be more interesting than some of the more idle parts of the book. Sadly, the book never circles back, only forward.
Ekaterine is best girl.
The flaws in this series is the gaps in information or even plot holes. I have had many questions since the first book that I fear will never be answered. I feel they would progress the story even further and explain many things. It would also be more interesting than some of the more idle parts of the book. Sadly, the book never circles back, only forward.
Ekaterine is best girl.
August 31, 2017
Two things - First, Alistair annoys the ever-loving crap out of me. Luka and I are of one mind about the young man. Second,
April 3, 2020
Terrific series
The characters are so well drawn, from humans to the Living.. Have enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot! How you cheer for the good guy... Wait. Can you call someone good while they lap up the blood of their enemies?
The characters are so well drawn, from humans to the Living.. Have enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot! How you cheer for the good guy... Wait. Can you call someone good while they lap up the blood of their enemies?
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews