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Ten Realms #9
The Seventh Realm, Part 2
A LitRPG Fantasy series
Strength comes not in victories. It comes from standing up after defeats, in reaching out a hand and pulling others to their feet. Of pushing others ahead of one’s self.
Alvans must dig deep. They have paid a heavy price, a price felt in the hearts of every member.
They started, a small group fighting to just survive in the first realm to a nation that challenged the combined United Sect Alliance.
Instead of crumbling they bared their teeth, they fought forces from the seventh realm. They bled their enemy every step of the way.
Beaten but unbroken. Each member of Alva has been tempered with elements, has cultivated their mana. Now their minds, their spirits have been tempered and tested and they must cultivate their belief in one another.
For there is no option for them. There is no other path ahead of them.
Erik and Rugrat have groomed a nation from that small group. As they created that spark, it has now grown into something they realize they shouldn’t control.
Strength, is knowing what one can and can’t do. Its about putting ones beliefs on the line, and making that line in the dirt and saying, beaten and broken, standing together and raising up others and saying through bloodied teeth.
This we’ll defend, this we’ll give our lives for. For even if they are to die. Their deaths will protect the others behind them, they will use their bodies to push others behind them forward, even if only a centimeter.
Today Alva might be broken, but tomorrow they will stand, stronger than before, to prove those that made the ultimate sacrifice, that given that extra centimeter they will claw their way forward a meter.
Strength comes not in victories. It comes from standing up after defeats, in reaching out a hand and pulling others to their feet. Of pushing others ahead of one’s self.
Alvans must dig deep. They have paid a heavy price, a price felt in the hearts of every member.
They started, a small group fighting to just survive in the first realm to a nation that challenged the combined United Sect Alliance.
Instead of crumbling they bared their teeth, they fought forces from the seventh realm. They bled their enemy every step of the way.
Beaten but unbroken. Each member of Alva has been tempered with elements, has cultivated their mana. Now their minds, their spirits have been tempered and tested and they must cultivate their belief in one another.
For there is no option for them. There is no other path ahead of them.
Erik and Rugrat have groomed a nation from that small group. As they created that spark, it has now grown into something they realize they shouldn’t control.
Strength, is knowing what one can and can’t do. Its about putting ones beliefs on the line, and making that line in the dirt and saying, beaten and broken, standing together and raising up others and saying through bloodied teeth.
This we’ll defend, this we’ll give our lives for. For even if they are to die. Their deaths will protect the others behind them, they will use their bodies to push others behind them forward, even if only a centimeter.
Today Alva might be broken, but tomorrow they will stand, stronger than before, to prove those that made the ultimate sacrifice, that given that extra centimeter they will claw their way forward a meter.
678 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2021
421 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Michael Chatfield
69 books1,379 followersMichael Chatfield is a Canadian Army veteran and international bestselling author who writes the kind of books he always wanted to read—character-driven, gritty, tactical, and grounded in reality.
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
February 8, 2022
If the definition of 'insanity' is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, then I am definitely insane to continue reading this series.
In my defense, I keep hoping we can rediscover the magic present in the early novels. Instead we get more of the same. A book in three parts: the first is filled with meaningless characters and useless words and incomprehensible magitech, the second is a throwaway miniquest that just integrates some more tropes into the 10 realms, and the third is a giant battle where our main characters are absent through a bit of Deus ex machina until the very end.
I find the whole “benevolent military dictatorship” circle j*** particular tiresome after all this time, am mildly frustrated by repeated continuity fails, and just eyeroll at the way our heroes can barely handle foes 15 levels lower than they are in their miniquests but destroy everything in the ultimate battles. The endless supply of interchangeable secondary characters isn’t even worth paying attention to anymore because it doesn’t even matter who is doing what.
Here’s hoping that now that we’ve tied up some plot lines we can return to some more exploratory behavior, focus more on non-military crafting, get back to some of the relationships that matter, etc.
In my defense, I keep hoping we can rediscover the magic present in the early novels. Instead we get more of the same. A book in three parts: the first is filled with meaningless characters and useless words and incomprehensible magitech, the second is a throwaway miniquest that just integrates some more tropes into the 10 realms, and the third is a giant battle where our main characters are absent through a bit of Deus ex machina until the very end.
I find the whole “benevolent military dictatorship” circle j*** particular tiresome after all this time, am mildly frustrated by repeated continuity fails, and just eyeroll at the way our heroes can barely handle foes 15 levels lower than they are in their miniquests but destroy everything in the ultimate battles. The endless supply of interchangeable secondary characters isn’t even worth paying attention to anymore because it doesn’t even matter who is doing what.
Here’s hoping that now that we’ve tied up some plot lines we can return to some more exploratory behavior, focus more on non-military crafting, get back to some of the relationships that matter, etc.
September 9, 2021
This ended way better than Part 1!
I was hoping the next book was coming out before I finished this one but I'm reading too quickly. BOO!
I was hoping the next book was coming out before I finished this one but I'm reading too quickly. BOO!
September 7, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
Hard to write a review for this book. On one hand all I seem to be doing in my reviews for the last few books is complaining. On the other hand as soon as the each book comes out I immediately go out and get it. The same is true for this book. This review is probably going to be me complaining a lot. Part of that is how great the first books were so I know the author could give me exactly the story I want to read. If the first books weren't so great, I wouldn't be complaining as much. Just like the last few book this one dealt with large scale combat a lot of the time. This by far is my least favorite aspect of this book. I love the personal growth. I love the progress of Rugrat and Eric. I love the crafting. I love the world building. I don't know why the author doesn't focus on those things a little more. Maybe have one book about that stuff and then the next book can be all about war. Something for everybody? This book starts right from the end of the last book.
Hard to write a review for this book. On one hand all I seem to be doing in my reviews for the last few books is complaining. On the other hand as soon as the each book comes out I immediately go out and get it. The same is true for this book. This review is probably going to be me complaining a lot. Part of that is how great the first books were so I know the author could give me exactly the story I want to read. If the first books weren't so great, I wouldn't be complaining as much. Just like the last few book this one dealt with large scale combat a lot of the time. This by far is my least favorite aspect of this book. I love the personal growth. I love the progress of Rugrat and Eric. I love the crafting. I love the world building. I don't know why the author doesn't focus on those things a little more. Maybe have one book about that stuff and then the next book can be all about war. Something for everybody? This book starts right from the end of the last book.
September 1, 2021
Yes but no
A lot of combat. Huge amounts. Some cultivation improvements, but still more to come. And they actually entered the 7th realm!!!
Now for the bad news:
Editing was poor. Copyediting (spelling and grammar) was bad, with some sentences mangled. Continuity was also broken in at least two places (didn’t they just *leave* the library?). And when exactly did they get that last upgrade?
Yes, I rated it 5 stars. If you like The Ten Realms, then this is more of what you like. Plus, Amazon’s rating system is broken.
But this direly needs an editor. Or two. Both copy and content, preferably.
I will still quite willingly buy the next installment. Cuz, yeah, that’s what I like. I do wish it was cleaner, though.
A lot of combat. Huge amounts. Some cultivation improvements, but still more to come. And they actually entered the 7th realm!!!
Now for the bad news:
Editing was poor. Copyediting (spelling and grammar) was bad, with some sentences mangled. Continuity was also broken in at least two places (didn’t they just *leave* the library?). And when exactly did they get that last upgrade?
Yes, I rated it 5 stars. If you like The Ten Realms, then this is more of what you like. Plus, Amazon’s rating system is broken.
But this direly needs an editor. Or two. Both copy and content, preferably.
I will still quite willingly buy the next installment. Cuz, yeah, that’s what I like. I do wish it was cleaner, though.
September 20, 2021
The 20% of the story that was plot and moved the story forward was great, though the book is starting to focus more and more on the other characters and less and less on Erik and Rugrat, you spend maybe what feels like 3 chapters with them while the rest if just about what everyone else is doing.
The rest of the book the 80% is either meetings, formula, bad guy meetings, or explaining about he realms, crafting and gun porn.
There are mass sections of this book you can just skip over because it's just in depths detail about gun crafting or other types of crafting. It's the same reason I couldn't finish Emerilia, because Chatfield makes great worlds and characters, good stories but then gets lost in his own magic systems and crafting. In Emerilia he literally can spend 95% of the book just talking about crafting and magic theory.
While yes the whole book is fiction, something about going into in depth magic theory about a fictional magical system just seems utterly pointless? Sure it's amazing that he can come up with such a complicated system but I don't need to read 200 pages of which barrels he'll use with what formations because the heat transfer needs to go this way or that and use solid box of ammo with formations on them because can't put it on the ammo or have barrels with sliding jiggers for the bamoozles with the slamadingdongs! Because that is just made up words for explaining the magic as using made up technical terms of magic.
While it's fun to hear that Erik is cultivating a core that uses this element and that and he's going to go cultivate on this floor and make his core bigger, that's all I need to know. I don't need another 50 pages going into depth about how the structure of the core will allow the element to flow this way while the reverse will allow this element to encapsulate it and reinforce by using a bipololygonal structure system that overlays the DNA cells of megaldons from the waterfloor injected through IV transfusions to his right pinky toe's middle knuckle and not his right because that would throw off the whole balance of his Qi system....or what ever. Just Erik cultivated this to reinforce that and used this to support that. That' all we need, a page or two, not 50.
So cut out 80% of the gun porn crafting, the magic system self stroking over explaining. The constant meetings. The tons of side characters all trying to become main characters, then the book is really good. That Erik and Rugrat bit is great, the battles are decent if confusing. They keep going on how much stronger their dual cultivation is without taking short cuts yet when Erik and Rugrat fight the Seventh floor people they seem to be only equally as strong not super strong like 'full' cultivation should make them.
So lots of boring, some annoying and some good with a little great fun mixed in. I can't imagine Chatfield focusing back on Erik and Rugrat in the Eighth Realm and leaving Alva as a minor footnote to just mention, so the series for me might be done. If the focus can go back to the main characters and their adventures and not on the Alva as a whole with Erik and Rugrat being side notes, I'll keep reading. At this point really could split it into two series. Alva Series with all the side characters and the dungeon and Erik and Rugrat series where they go off to do adventures. Got to really pick one , because splitting it isn't working.
The rest of the book the 80% is either meetings, formula, bad guy meetings, or explaining about he realms, crafting and gun porn.
There are mass sections of this book you can just skip over because it's just in depths detail about gun crafting or other types of crafting. It's the same reason I couldn't finish Emerilia, because Chatfield makes great worlds and characters, good stories but then gets lost in his own magic systems and crafting. In Emerilia he literally can spend 95% of the book just talking about crafting and magic theory.
While yes the whole book is fiction, something about going into in depth magic theory about a fictional magical system just seems utterly pointless? Sure it's amazing that he can come up with such a complicated system but I don't need to read 200 pages of which barrels he'll use with what formations because the heat transfer needs to go this way or that and use solid box of ammo with formations on them because can't put it on the ammo or have barrels with sliding jiggers for the bamoozles with the slamadingdongs! Because that is just made up words for explaining the magic as using made up technical terms of magic.
While it's fun to hear that Erik is cultivating a core that uses this element and that and he's going to go cultivate on this floor and make his core bigger, that's all I need to know. I don't need another 50 pages going into depth about how the structure of the core will allow the element to flow this way while the reverse will allow this element to encapsulate it and reinforce by using a bipololygonal structure system that overlays the DNA cells of megaldons from the waterfloor injected through IV transfusions to his right pinky toe's middle knuckle and not his right because that would throw off the whole balance of his Qi system....or what ever. Just Erik cultivated this to reinforce that and used this to support that. That' all we need, a page or two, not 50.
So cut out 80% of the gun porn crafting, the magic system self stroking over explaining. The constant meetings. The tons of side characters all trying to become main characters, then the book is really good. That Erik and Rugrat bit is great, the battles are decent if confusing. They keep going on how much stronger their dual cultivation is without taking short cuts yet when Erik and Rugrat fight the Seventh floor people they seem to be only equally as strong not super strong like 'full' cultivation should make them.
So lots of boring, some annoying and some good with a little great fun mixed in. I can't imagine Chatfield focusing back on Erik and Rugrat in the Eighth Realm and leaving Alva as a minor footnote to just mention, so the series for me might be done. If the focus can go back to the main characters and their adventures and not on the Alva as a whole with Erik and Rugrat being side notes, I'll keep reading. At this point really could split it into two series. Alva Series with all the side characters and the dungeon and Erik and Rugrat series where they go off to do adventures. Got to really pick one , because splitting it isn't working.
September 4, 2021
I enjoy the storyline but...
As stated I am still enjoying the story but this one seems like it was a bit rushed and the quality is lacking. There are a lot of errors both grammar, spelling and plot. There were at least 2 instances where the author killed off a character but they were back a few chapters later. My hope is the next one will have a little more time with an editor or proofreader to help clean up these issues.
As stated I am still enjoying the story but this one seems like it was a bit rushed and the quality is lacking. There are a lot of errors both grammar, spelling and plot. There were at least 2 instances where the author killed off a character but they were back a few chapters later. My hope is the next one will have a little more time with an editor or proofreader to help clean up these issues.
November 6, 2021
Still going strong, but I find the large scale battles in the last couple of books much less captivating than the starting books where our heroes explored and grew.
September 11, 2021
Spoilers!!!! Be warned.
Overall good book I think, lot of spelling and grammar errors but I've seen worse.i don't really care for the author's repetitive thing about how Erick and Rugrat feel about being lord's. I'd would prefer them to take more ownership of the empire kinda like how they had been doing. I do think that all though Erik and Rugrat are the main characters the overall arching story is of the Alvan empire with Erick and Rugrat at the helm. I wished the industrial era was a bit more detailed I guess ....I think the technological eras of Alva were a blur. Can't say I like the idea of Erik and Rugrat permanently damaged. The conclusion with the willful institute is satisfactory, I do want a bit more pov of the enemy's thoughts and comments. Unlike other reviews I really enjoy the povs and political manuverings of the enemy's and random people. I enjoy the povs of so many people and characters underestimating the Erick and Rugrat and the alvans. I fucking loved it when Marco realized everything the alvans did was calculated and deliberate. Cai bos death was long overdue as well as mercy's. Kinda wished Erik's mount survived. I better see battle ships and aircraft carriers for the alvans in the next book. I also don't really care for the sha team up. Since it's seems that is the direction the books is going in, I hope the author doest get too woke and trys to make everyone equal. I want a self-sufficient self sustaining empire that LEADS never follows. I want the alliance with the sha to kinda one sided but maybe in a way that the sha don't realize. I really don't want them to be equals. I'm hoping by the end of the whole thing that all the of alvans enemy's are part of the empire.
Overall good book I think, lot of spelling and grammar errors but I've seen worse.i don't really care for the author's repetitive thing about how Erick and Rugrat feel about being lord's. I'd would prefer them to take more ownership of the empire kinda like how they had been doing. I do think that all though Erik and Rugrat are the main characters the overall arching story is of the Alvan empire with Erick and Rugrat at the helm. I wished the industrial era was a bit more detailed I guess ....I think the technological eras of Alva were a blur. Can't say I like the idea of Erik and Rugrat permanently damaged. The conclusion with the willful institute is satisfactory, I do want a bit more pov of the enemy's thoughts and comments. Unlike other reviews I really enjoy the povs and political manuverings of the enemy's and random people. I enjoy the povs of so many people and characters underestimating the Erick and Rugrat and the alvans. I fucking loved it when Marco realized everything the alvans did was calculated and deliberate. Cai bos death was long overdue as well as mercy's. Kinda wished Erik's mount survived. I better see battle ships and aircraft carriers for the alvans in the next book. I also don't really care for the sha team up. Since it's seems that is the direction the books is going in, I hope the author doest get too woke and trys to make everyone equal. I want a self-sufficient self sustaining empire that LEADS never follows. I want the alliance with the sha to kinda one sided but maybe in a way that the sha don't realize. I really don't want them to be equals. I'm hoping by the end of the whole thing that all the of alvans enemy's are part of the empire.
December 6, 2021
Another good book in the series. The story of Alva and Eric/Rugrat keep chugging along at a healthy pace as they regroup and recover from the epic ending of Book 1. New realms, new opportunities and new directions are open.
Book doesn't disappoint as author continues to amaze us with epic battles all the whole keeping us hooks on the way to a nail biting climax!
Excellent!
Book doesn't disappoint as author continues to amaze us with epic battles all the whole keeping us hooks on the way to a nail biting climax!
Excellent!
August 31, 2021
what can I say... I lovee it and hated it too
contains spoilers...you have been warned!
Wow that was some ride...I really really like the series and the huge potential that it has. It has fulfilled some and failed horrendously in some other areas. Eric and Rugrat's insistence on not wanting to be leaders is kinda played out, they have a vision and they created something, then they want to walk away because reasons? The reasons dont even make sense and have nothing to do with being consistent with what they represent. Making fred and his people join was kinda pointless because they served really no purpose in this war. Joining hands with the Sha was dumb too, and they didnt even berate them for bringing the BPC to their doorstep. also the BPC clan chasing after a Sky Core to the 1st realm....WTF was it a special magic core?? why not eat your loss and move on...but no they chase to the 1st realm and at the 1st minor clash call back a single ship to the 7th realm....they have squadrons....WTF is a single ship going to freaking do to make a difference....Yeah the story was all over the place and things did not follow logically.
Ill read one more book and see if the books will go back to making more sense or if im going to cut my losses and disappointment with the development...and now Both Eric and Rugrat are as they said permenently damaged....AHHHHHHHHHHHH....just stupid...
contains spoilers...you have been warned!
Wow that was some ride...I really really like the series and the huge potential that it has. It has fulfilled some and failed horrendously in some other areas. Eric and Rugrat's insistence on not wanting to be leaders is kinda played out, they have a vision and they created something, then they want to walk away because reasons? The reasons dont even make sense and have nothing to do with being consistent with what they represent. Making fred and his people join was kinda pointless because they served really no purpose in this war. Joining hands with the Sha was dumb too, and they didnt even berate them for bringing the BPC to their doorstep. also the BPC clan chasing after a Sky Core to the 1st realm....WTF was it a special magic core?? why not eat your loss and move on...but no they chase to the 1st realm and at the 1st minor clash call back a single ship to the 7th realm....they have squadrons....WTF is a single ship going to freaking do to make a difference....Yeah the story was all over the place and things did not follow logically.
Ill read one more book and see if the books will go back to making more sense or if im going to cut my losses and disappointment with the development...and now Both Eric and Rugrat are as they said permenently damaged....AHHHHHHHHHHHH....just stupid...
September 4, 2021
Better than book five on to now.
Warning some spoilers, though I try to keep vague there's no keeping everything quiet.
For a series that has two main characters they show up remarkably few times as the main characters, instead they feel ancillary to the story of Alva and those that run it. Yes, I did read the book and it does have them in it but it's still too focused on secondary characters and their fights be they physical or otherwise. That's my only real complaint, that and the technical stuff and stats are still a little heavy, no offense but a few chapters at the beginning of the series were enough about magical arms production and their inner workings; its a little tiring by now. But that's a personal opinion, feel free to disagree, I know many will.
As for what was right, or what I liked, well at least there was some questing getting done. The bit with Racquel and Ruggrat struck home since that was nicely written. The imperium continuing to remain mysterious and all is great, still would like to see more of Erik and Ruggrat since they are engaging figures. There's real emotion in the writing and I like that even if I disagree with some of the philosophies outlined, regardless it's a good piece of fiction. The Marshall is an interesting character and with the guys finally getting it through their thick skulls that they don't have to be in Alva every five minutes it should make the rest of the series more interesting. A pity that it took this long but better late than never.
As for why I said it was better than books five up to this point.: First none of what I mentioned about the emotion was lacking before, it was the shifts in perspective, and useless technical stuff that put me off. Then there the fact that the actual focus of this book wasn't on another realm entirely, in fact at least a good third of the book was actually in the realm the book was named for which is fantastic considering that wasn't the case since the Fourth Realm. I also think that the heroics shown towards the end and displays of power were good for the soul. We've watched them dance around certain issues and they were defeated last time because they were too involved with security and secrets, with the cat of the bag it should be far more interesting and sets up some actual plot. Before now it was just build, build, Alva needs to remain secret, build, build, random tech jargon, hidden secret, new and bigger magic gun, better armor, formation formation, jokey light hearted chapter... you get the point. The departure from the norm should make it a much better read than this series has proven to be layely and I for one am glad that I didn't quit it like I thought I would, after the sixth realm.
Also I'm saying it's actually a 4/5 stars, it was good. Better than the last few by far but because of Amazon's algorithms being what they are... well putting 5 on the official one is better than helping tank an author because I didn't think they wrote a masterpiece of fiction... anyways that's why the 5 stars are up, hope you enjoy the book, I know I did.
Warning some spoilers, though I try to keep vague there's no keeping everything quiet.
For a series that has two main characters they show up remarkably few times as the main characters, instead they feel ancillary to the story of Alva and those that run it. Yes, I did read the book and it does have them in it but it's still too focused on secondary characters and their fights be they physical or otherwise. That's my only real complaint, that and the technical stuff and stats are still a little heavy, no offense but a few chapters at the beginning of the series were enough about magical arms production and their inner workings; its a little tiring by now. But that's a personal opinion, feel free to disagree, I know many will.
As for what was right, or what I liked, well at least there was some questing getting done. The bit with Racquel and Ruggrat struck home since that was nicely written. The imperium continuing to remain mysterious and all is great, still would like to see more of Erik and Ruggrat since they are engaging figures. There's real emotion in the writing and I like that even if I disagree with some of the philosophies outlined, regardless it's a good piece of fiction. The Marshall is an interesting character and with the guys finally getting it through their thick skulls that they don't have to be in Alva every five minutes it should make the rest of the series more interesting. A pity that it took this long but better late than never.
As for why I said it was better than books five up to this point.: First none of what I mentioned about the emotion was lacking before, it was the shifts in perspective, and useless technical stuff that put me off. Then there the fact that the actual focus of this book wasn't on another realm entirely, in fact at least a good third of the book was actually in the realm the book was named for which is fantastic considering that wasn't the case since the Fourth Realm. I also think that the heroics shown towards the end and displays of power were good for the soul. We've watched them dance around certain issues and they were defeated last time because they were too involved with security and secrets, with the cat of the bag it should be far more interesting and sets up some actual plot. Before now it was just build, build, Alva needs to remain secret, build, build, random tech jargon, hidden secret, new and bigger magic gun, better armor, formation formation, jokey light hearted chapter... you get the point. The departure from the norm should make it a much better read than this series has proven to be layely and I for one am glad that I didn't quit it like I thought I would, after the sixth realm.
Also I'm saying it's actually a 4/5 stars, it was good. Better than the last few by far but because of Amazon's algorithms being what they are... well putting 5 on the official one is better than helping tank an author because I didn't think they wrote a masterpiece of fiction... anyways that's why the 5 stars are up, hope you enjoy the book, I know I did.
January 27, 2022
amazing action, but bad character development
I personally loved all the action and mystery to this book along with some of the big battles, but feel like character development didn’t go well for many characters especially for Rugrat and Erik example SPOILER alert:
Also Michael this just a friendly rant I still think the series is awesome, but I got things to rant about this.
I did not like how Racquel and Rugrate cut it off after having good moments in the beginning like I know they have different goals currently, but when they basically point out they would have no future together because Rugrat has more responsibility than her currently and there would be a limit is kinda stupid because Rugrat doesn’t want to stay as leader of Alva and with Erik go on adventures like which they could join and it just makes them sound scared to not live in the moment considering a big battle just happened and a lot of Rugrats friends died in Vusgal I figure that at least take a look at that and appreciate all the time they can get with each other and not have excuses. This also just feels like a backwards development for him since both him and Erik had trouble on Earth with relationships so while they don’t become social people I figure they at least find a woman that understands them since fighting and working hard is common in people here and have their own happy version obviously they are not white fence picket guys. Another thing that the last chapter in the book she is mentioned in, Rugrat monologues about how she looks at Erik and Rugrat weirdly commenting about Erik and Rugrat being close was just weird and unnecessary plus they are just friends why cultivate that under tone tension like he thinks of her opinion more as love interest than a friend when they have already established they are just friends.
Plus Erik didn’t even get any development with his love interest too and while I know this is too much for side characters small moments these characters bring along with the others help develop Erik and Rugrat further as social people and cutting them off just like that kinda beats the premise of them improving their lives in the ten realms.
I personally loved all the action and mystery to this book along with some of the big battles, but feel like character development didn’t go well for many characters especially for Rugrat and Erik example SPOILER alert:
Also Michael this just a friendly rant I still think the series is awesome, but I got things to rant about this.
I did not like how Racquel and Rugrate cut it off after having good moments in the beginning like I know they have different goals currently, but when they basically point out they would have no future together because Rugrat has more responsibility than her currently and there would be a limit is kinda stupid because Rugrat doesn’t want to stay as leader of Alva and with Erik go on adventures like which they could join and it just makes them sound scared to not live in the moment considering a big battle just happened and a lot of Rugrats friends died in Vusgal I figure that at least take a look at that and appreciate all the time they can get with each other and not have excuses. This also just feels like a backwards development for him since both him and Erik had trouble on Earth with relationships so while they don’t become social people I figure they at least find a woman that understands them since fighting and working hard is common in people here and have their own happy version obviously they are not white fence picket guys. Another thing that the last chapter in the book she is mentioned in, Rugrat monologues about how she looks at Erik and Rugrat weirdly commenting about Erik and Rugrat being close was just weird and unnecessary plus they are just friends why cultivate that under tone tension like he thinks of her opinion more as love interest than a friend when they have already established they are just friends.
Plus Erik didn’t even get any development with his love interest too and while I know this is too much for side characters small moments these characters bring along with the others help develop Erik and Rugrat further as social people and cutting them off just like that kinda beats the premise of them improving their lives in the ten realms.
February 16, 2022
The author seems to repeat himself a bit less in the later installments, which is welcome. But I'm still quite dissapointed with the story. It starts out well, building actual tension and excitement, but...
It's perpexling and unsatisfying to have been constantly ("often" doesn't sufficiently convey the frequency) told and explained how superior Alva is - through its culture, its infrastructure, its people and its technology - to the rest of the ten realms, and then they get walked over by an army that couldn't even take Vuzgal helped by a few airships powered by minor dungeon cores. Seriously?
The exact same thing applies to our two main characters. They are supposed to be level 80 powerhouses with superior cultivation and pretty much everything else including weapons. Yet they get their asses handed to them by a few elders that can't even enter the seventh realm. What the hell? The power differentials don't apply when the author don't feel like it?
The only real satisfying moment is when Dom has his showdown with Mercy, which really could have been embellished on.
Through 7 books the author has described Alva as immensely powerful, yet they would have been wiped out if not for Erik & Rugrat magically saving the day at the final moment. Bah!
Erik & Rugrat come off as whiney and weak, even though we're explicitly told they are not. Impressive feat by the author. It's like the author is dead set on having side characters be more impressive than the main characters. E&R rarely dominate anything other than dungeons in the mortal realms.
It's perpexling and unsatisfying to have been constantly ("often" doesn't sufficiently convey the frequency) told and explained how superior Alva is - through its culture, its infrastructure, its people and its technology - to the rest of the ten realms, and then they get walked over by an army that couldn't even take Vuzgal helped by a few airships powered by minor dungeon cores. Seriously?
The exact same thing applies to our two main characters. They are supposed to be level 80 powerhouses with superior cultivation and pretty much everything else including weapons. Yet they get their asses handed to them by a few elders that can't even enter the seventh realm. What the hell? The power differentials don't apply when the author don't feel like it?
The only real satisfying moment is when Dom has his showdown with Mercy, which really could have been embellished on.
Through 7 books the author has described Alva as immensely powerful, yet they would have been wiped out if not for Erik & Rugrat magically saving the day at the final moment. Bah!
Erik & Rugrat come off as whiney and weak, even though we're explicitly told they are not. Impressive feat by the author. It's like the author is dead set on having side characters be more impressive than the main characters. E&R rarely dominate anything other than dungeons in the mortal realms.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2022
Oh dear, so much boring parts…
Come one man, we don’t need the infinite pages of talks about battle logistics. We are here for cultivation, crafting, MAIN CHARACTERS fights and humor from Eric and Ragrat.
I was going to give this series up until I saw the next book is like half the length, and let's be honest it's probably because all the boring big fights are done. So one more shot it is.
Other than boring logistics, I want to address the fact that Alva started a world war, or even a 4 worlds war if you think about each realm as separate, over a fight between 20 person teams. You do not start a war that will cause the death of over 100,000 of your own people for that reason. But hey, you did not think it would come to that, fine I guess, but why NO ONE is addressing the fact they acted idiotically? They all seem to think they are still in the right…
I hate to stop reading an interesting story, and after nine books, because of bad writing. And I know the next 2 books are already out there so I just pray to the god of time travel or any other time god that the author took the bad reviews from the last 3 books and listen to what the fans want.
3/5 I had to skip some boring fight logistics to be able to finish it.
Come one man, we don’t need the infinite pages of talks about battle logistics. We are here for cultivation, crafting, MAIN CHARACTERS fights and humor from Eric and Ragrat.
I was going to give this series up until I saw the next book is like half the length, and let's be honest it's probably because all the boring big fights are done. So one more shot it is.
Other than boring logistics, I want to address the fact that Alva started a world war, or even a 4 worlds war if you think about each realm as separate, over a fight between 20 person teams. You do not start a war that will cause the death of over 100,000 of your own people for that reason. But hey, you did not think it would come to that, fine I guess, but why NO ONE is addressing the fact they acted idiotically? They all seem to think they are still in the right…
I hate to stop reading an interesting story, and after nine books, because of bad writing. And I know the next 2 books are already out there so I just pray to the god of time travel or any other time god that the author took the bad reviews from the last 3 books and listen to what the fans want.
3/5 I had to skip some boring fight logistics to be able to finish it.
September 16, 2021
Spoiler ahead:
This series is like the titanic, now that the author is trying to change direction back to being about the main characters, he can't. There is too much momentum. It's not about Eric and Rugrat anymore, but instead about Alva. Michael literally cannot stop himself. The best chapters of the book were where Eric and Rugrat were off doing their thing and stealing airships. That lasted a couple of chapters, but then we were back to massive battles that you have to literally skim through. The words don't matter. The fights don't matter. Eric and Rugrat are now permanently injured so the author can finally discard them (he obviously doesn't care about them anymore). I'm going to read reviews before buying the next book. If this doesn't get fixed, I'm done.
This series is like the titanic, now that the author is trying to change direction back to being about the main characters, he can't. There is too much momentum. It's not about Eric and Rugrat anymore, but instead about Alva. Michael literally cannot stop himself. The best chapters of the book were where Eric and Rugrat were off doing their thing and stealing airships. That lasted a couple of chapters, but then we were back to massive battles that you have to literally skim through. The words don't matter. The fights don't matter. Eric and Rugrat are now permanently injured so the author can finally discard them (he obviously doesn't care about them anymore). I'm going to read reviews before buying the next book. If this doesn't get fixed, I'm done.
March 11, 2022
Funny thing, they didn't even go up to the 7th realm, bunch of people came down though. And there was a serious lack of creative detail; the majority of text was just "we shot cannons and they shot trebuchets" our dick is so much bigger than their dick. Every other paragraph jumped between the front lines which was a stalemate, Erik who was comatose, and King's hill where they were fighting the first realmers whom were pushovers. Meaning once again, nothing happened for 75% of the book. Fk me.
October 4, 2021
Should have stopped at 5
Writing is thin, weak and watered down. First books were good but then the writer decided to not care so much about 10 realms. Shifted to weaker versions of war stories and even weaker battle dramas.
Writing is thin, weak and watered down. First books were good but then the writer decided to not care so much about 10 realms. Shifted to weaker versions of war stories and even weaker battle dramas.
September 28, 2021
First off, I really liked this book.
The thing is though, just like in the first book (the seventh realm part 1), there's almost nothing that actually takes place in the seventh realm.
Personally, that bothers me, and for some reason, it bothers me a lot. I'd be inclined to think that a book named the seventh realm would take place (for the most part) in the seventh realm. That wasn't the case here, and while I really liked the story, and have no problem recommending it to others, I feel the title is misleading. I get why it's named that, since that's what readers are expecting, but personally, if it were me, I'd give these two books side story status, explaining events that are leading up to more advanced happenings in the world, then when the seventh realm stuff actually happens, drop all that into a book, which would keep the trend intact without confusing readers as to which books take place where. However, I'm not the author, and I'm sure there's plenty of eventful things planned for the series as it continues, and it's likely the naming of the books won't bother many, so the strategy is sound, only for the entire collection of work that makes up the seventh realm books, I estimate that less than 1 or 2 percent of the story actually took place in the seventh realm, and so that's (mostly) why I disagree with the titles being the way they are. We don't actually get to see the workings of the seventh realm, which is a real shame, since all the other realms have been so rich and full featured, I personally feel cheated that we don't get to see how this seventh realm actually works.
But, again, that's just me. Many readers won't care, and as I said above, the story is a good one, and titles aside, I have no problem saying if you're a fan of the previous books, these will certainly keep you reading.
There is the ending where we find out our main characters have been hurt, but there's a whole one or two sentences dedicated to the topic, and that too makes me wonder, if the main characters are having issues, I'm not sure where the story will go from here. Perhaps the author wants to branch out to other characters instead of following the ones he has in the past. No complaints here, since large portions of other books have done exactly that, but the complete lack of information is frustrating, almost like they were being dismissed entirely from the storyline. I doubt that, but it did appear that way. Guess we'll need to wait and see how the 8th realm goes.
In any case, read the book, it's a good one, despite my complaints.
The thing is though, just like in the first book (the seventh realm part 1), there's almost nothing that actually takes place in the seventh realm.
Personally, that bothers me, and for some reason, it bothers me a lot. I'd be inclined to think that a book named the seventh realm would take place (for the most part) in the seventh realm. That wasn't the case here, and while I really liked the story, and have no problem recommending it to others, I feel the title is misleading. I get why it's named that, since that's what readers are expecting, but personally, if it were me, I'd give these two books side story status, explaining events that are leading up to more advanced happenings in the world, then when the seventh realm stuff actually happens, drop all that into a book, which would keep the trend intact without confusing readers as to which books take place where. However, I'm not the author, and I'm sure there's plenty of eventful things planned for the series as it continues, and it's likely the naming of the books won't bother many, so the strategy is sound, only for the entire collection of work that makes up the seventh realm books, I estimate that less than 1 or 2 percent of the story actually took place in the seventh realm, and so that's (mostly) why I disagree with the titles being the way they are. We don't actually get to see the workings of the seventh realm, which is a real shame, since all the other realms have been so rich and full featured, I personally feel cheated that we don't get to see how this seventh realm actually works.
But, again, that's just me. Many readers won't care, and as I said above, the story is a good one, and titles aside, I have no problem saying if you're a fan of the previous books, these will certainly keep you reading.
There is the ending where we find out our main characters have been hurt, but there's a whole one or two sentences dedicated to the topic, and that too makes me wonder, if the main characters are having issues, I'm not sure where the story will go from here. Perhaps the author wants to branch out to other characters instead of following the ones he has in the past. No complaints here, since large portions of other books have done exactly that, but the complete lack of information is frustrating, almost like they were being dismissed entirely from the storyline. I doubt that, but it did appear that way. Guess we'll need to wait and see how the 8th realm goes.
In any case, read the book, it's a good one, despite my complaints.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2024
Great Story - But Jumbled Presentation
Good news, less dross and filler in plot line. Not so great news, some backsliding at the grammar-sentence level -- such that readers are occasionally left to reason out what the author probably meant to say. This includes occasionally incomplete dialog and scrambling or not indicating who said what. The worst news is increasing numbers of event conflicts, like dead now alive, and timeline scrambles. It's quite apparent that several interludes were cut and pasted in the wrong chronologically order. In several cases alternate versions of events from the same viewpoint are pasted back to back. Unfortunately only a fraction of these conflicts can generously be attributed to seeing events from another viewpoint through the fog of war.
The author could greatly improve long series by keeping better storyline notes (log of written events and secret author guidelines) for major group or key character. Plus short cliff notes on regular support cast, you know important things like when killed and last mentioned location or duty and power level. Because several got tombstone and body bagged... But after the battle they were fine.
Good news, less dross and filler in plot line. Not so great news, some backsliding at the grammar-sentence level -- such that readers are occasionally left to reason out what the author probably meant to say. This includes occasionally incomplete dialog and scrambling or not indicating who said what. The worst news is increasing numbers of event conflicts, like dead now alive, and timeline scrambles. It's quite apparent that several interludes were cut and pasted in the wrong chronologically order. In several cases alternate versions of events from the same viewpoint are pasted back to back. Unfortunately only a fraction of these conflicts can generously be attributed to seeing events from another viewpoint through the fog of war.
The author could greatly improve long series by keeping better storyline notes (log of written events and secret author guidelines) for major group or key character. Plus short cliff notes on regular support cast, you know important things like when killed and last mentioned location or duty and power level. Because several got tombstone and body bagged... But after the battle they were fine.
September 18, 2021
When realms line up against Alvans, they just dig in and grin
Finally, the secret will be revealed, sadly the poor fools have no idea the size the hornet’s nest they just kicked. Years of information gathering, planning, preparing, all comes down to the United Sect Army gathered by the willful institute and their 7th realm masters to be. I really enjoyed this one and was hoping to read more of the higher realm, but a stable home base is a necessity as well. If they only knew how long Alva had been preparing for discovery, they may not have been as excited to attack. Sadly the arrogant truly don’t know until it’s shoved straight down their throats.
A new power will be revealed in the first realm, changing the power dynamics of more realms in the process. The Willfull Institute will bear the full reward or pain of their war against Alva. Whom they think of as a beaten enemy on its last legs, not a strategic beast hidden in the Beast Mountain range…
I cannot wait for the next exciting chapter and am conflicted on if I want Eric to get a new mount or not…
Finally, the secret will be revealed, sadly the poor fools have no idea the size the hornet’s nest they just kicked. Years of information gathering, planning, preparing, all comes down to the United Sect Army gathered by the willful institute and their 7th realm masters to be. I really enjoyed this one and was hoping to read more of the higher realm, but a stable home base is a necessity as well. If they only knew how long Alva had been preparing for discovery, they may not have been as excited to attack. Sadly the arrogant truly don’t know until it’s shoved straight down their throats.
A new power will be revealed in the first realm, changing the power dynamics of more realms in the process. The Willfull Institute will bear the full reward or pain of their war against Alva. Whom they think of as a beaten enemy on its last legs, not a strategic beast hidden in the Beast Mountain range…
I cannot wait for the next exciting chapter and am conflicted on if I want Eric to get a new mount or not…
November 8, 2021
It had a lot of battle scenes and though not as fun as exploration in first books I think it was essential to sort of wrap up Alva reavealing. Still different from most of litrpg books this is partner ship between Rugrat and Erik not like mc and follower. They are great on what they do but they aren't overpowered. There are lot of other characters that do some things better than they do.
That being said. Our two heroes are progressed to a point that personal fights start to be too massive (like mile wide craters and tops of mountains get blown away). I hope that next books would focus on otherthings like exploration, finding out more about the world. Where are other races that were mentioned before. What is ten realms? Everybody is trying to reach the top but what is up there. Or crafting or healing, what ever it is, I hope they step on some important toes, while doing it, causes big commotion and while running away they will joke and thow insults :D
Little bit more on that alchemist mentor that Erik has would be nice. He's funny character.
That being said. Our two heroes are progressed to a point that personal fights start to be too massive (like mile wide craters and tops of mountains get blown away). I hope that next books would focus on otherthings like exploration, finding out more about the world. Where are other races that were mentioned before. What is ten realms? Everybody is trying to reach the top but what is up there. Or crafting or healing, what ever it is, I hope they step on some important toes, while doing it, causes big commotion and while running away they will joke and thow insults :D
Little bit more on that alchemist mentor that Erik has would be nice. He's funny character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2021
frustratingly brilliant
I’ll start by saying that this is one of the best series I’ve read in fantasy ever “and I’ve been reading various fantasy books pretty much my whole life”
It has a great story behind it , a slightly confusing at times but nonetheless excellent magic/cultivation system , the stats aren’t in your face and clogging up the chapters all the time and the dialogue and character building is amazing .
I served ten years in a combat role in the military myself and this author completely gets the military sense of humour , the comradeship and the spine behind a soldier . If I didn’t already know he had served it would apparent just by reading the first in the series .
The only thing I dislike about this series is that I have to wait for the next one and can’t just keep reading it all the time. Infact I like this series so much that if the authors ever in Northern Ireland I’ll be making a point of trying to get to a book signing and buying him a beer for making me enjoy military style fantasy after disliking so much of it in the past .
I’ll start by saying that this is one of the best series I’ve read in fantasy ever “and I’ve been reading various fantasy books pretty much my whole life”
It has a great story behind it , a slightly confusing at times but nonetheless excellent magic/cultivation system , the stats aren’t in your face and clogging up the chapters all the time and the dialogue and character building is amazing .
I served ten years in a combat role in the military myself and this author completely gets the military sense of humour , the comradeship and the spine behind a soldier . If I didn’t already know he had served it would apparent just by reading the first in the series .
The only thing I dislike about this series is that I have to wait for the next one and can’t just keep reading it all the time. Infact I like this series so much that if the authors ever in Northern Ireland I’ll be making a point of trying to get to a book signing and buying him a beer for making me enjoy military style fantasy after disliking so much of it in the past .
September 14, 2021
Absolutely insane!!!!!
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I cannot put into words how much I have loved this series from the beginning until now. I just couldn’t put this series down as soon as I finished one book I was starting another. You don’t have to worry about it being slow this book has been filled with battles and destruction. From all out war to espionage and assassinations. If you are looking for something that will take your breath away, make you shed a tear in some parts or just something to get your blood pumping this is it. I cannot wait to see what he has in store for the future. Now if you’ll excuse me I am going to start his other series and if they are anything like the ten realms, then I know I’ll be in for one crazy ride. I only wish I’ll get some sleep in but so far it has been one book after another!!!!!!!!
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I cannot put into words how much I have loved this series from the beginning until now. I just couldn’t put this series down as soon as I finished one book I was starting another. You don’t have to worry about it being slow this book has been filled with battles and destruction. From all out war to espionage and assassinations. If you are looking for something that will take your breath away, make you shed a tear in some parts or just something to get your blood pumping this is it. I cannot wait to see what he has in store for the future. Now if you’ll excuse me I am going to start his other series and if they are anything like the ten realms, then I know I’ll be in for one crazy ride. I only wish I’ll get some sleep in but so far it has been one book after another!!!!!!!!
October 4, 2021
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
March 18, 2023
Amazing story... but you need to edit
These are just a couple that I remember.
Eric was a master healer in the last book. In this book he said he was almost master
You explained how everyone had access to small spatial rings in the first book then later act like it's rare
You said people can't read in the first book then act like it's rare
There are lots of inconsistencies in the Stat showings of Eric. Ie: at one point he has 70 mana regen a sec, then it's 40
There are literally hundreds of these kinds of things... seriously, you wrote an epic. Can you please just release some re-edits so that things aren't so inconsistent. Especially with currency. Freaking ctrl-f. It's not hard.
These are just a couple that I remember.
Eric was a master healer in the last book. In this book he said he was almost master
You explained how everyone had access to small spatial rings in the first book then later act like it's rare
You said people can't read in the first book then act like it's rare
There are lots of inconsistencies in the Stat showings of Eric. Ie: at one point he has 70 mana regen a sec, then it's 40
There are literally hundreds of these kinds of things... seriously, you wrote an epic. Can you please just release some re-edits so that things aren't so inconsistent. Especially with currency. Freaking ctrl-f. It's not hard.
August 31, 2021
This was an awesome continuation of the series. Finally, Alva has taken over the First Realm, I loved the scene where Marco was like WTF did we step in when he was fighting Alva. They went past the get off my lawn idea and went to the get off my Realm and made sure no one else could go against them. The ending has me wondering what happened to Eric and Rugrat and the kind of damage they got from what they did. They went above and beyond when fighting. The Sha better not be planning to double cross them cause although Alva is on the 1st realm if they get screwed they will find a way to get more than even with the Sha.
September 1, 2021
Wow
Idk what to say... I half expected tge end to be a happily ever after but it ended suddenly.. duh duh duh... into a cliffhanger way to go. Loved it some real edge of your seat content way to go. Can't wait to see what happens when Eric and rugrat wake up and we get to see the stat changes. We'll enough purposely vague spoilers.
Why are you still reading this buy or rent the book
Now
Please?
Lol all joking aside great book love how far regrettably has come since his alcoholic depression. Though I do wonder just how long has it been since they first contracted the two week curse.
Idk what to say... I half expected tge end to be a happily ever after but it ended suddenly.. duh duh duh... into a cliffhanger way to go. Loved it some real edge of your seat content way to go. Can't wait to see what happens when Eric and rugrat wake up and we get to see the stat changes. We'll enough purposely vague spoilers.
Why are you still reading this buy or rent the book
Now
Please?
Lol all joking aside great book love how far regrettably has come since his alcoholic depression. Though I do wonder just how long has it been since they first contracted the two week curse.
November 3, 2021
Mixed bag
It's hard to actually get a handle on this series. It's a mixed bag of enthralling and aggravating. It has a cast of hundreds of characters. Most of which it follows for a little while and then only refers to them every other book. The scope is way too ambitious, but Chatfield somewhat pulls it off.
The thing that this series needs the most is a cast of characters that you can refer to at any time. Since the releases of these books are not every month more like every 6 months to a year it's not impossible to keep track of all the names. Still I would recommend it if you'd like advancement sorts of novels.
It's hard to actually get a handle on this series. It's a mixed bag of enthralling and aggravating. It has a cast of hundreds of characters. Most of which it follows for a little while and then only refers to them every other book. The scope is way too ambitious, but Chatfield somewhat pulls it off.
The thing that this series needs the most is a cast of characters that you can refer to at any time. Since the releases of these books are not every month more like every 6 months to a year it's not impossible to keep track of all the names. Still I would recommend it if you'd like advancement sorts of novels.
November 5, 2021
I love all that Michael puts into this series. I love the action and excitement of each realm he introduces. There is so much original imagery and new ideas. Each book brings us closer to the mystery of the Ten Realms. The only thing I have an issue with is at times I find myself getting bored and needing to take a break from the series because it get monotonous. I love the flow with most books, but each book set up is too similar and even though it is a new realm there is not enough exploration into the realm itself. The character descriptions and growth are amazing, but too much of the book is meetings and decisions and nit enough of the magic of exploring new things.
August 13, 2022
Starting book 10!
I truly have enjoyed all the books in this series so far. My only negative reaction is the abundance of military and fight details. Although I'm sure a large majority of readers like this, I can take it or leave it. However, I'm very able to scan those areas to get "the idea" of what is going on and head into what I'm really enjoying, which is the characters, situations surrounding them and the overall life of Alva. I've been hoping to see more of the poor, tortured formation genius but unless I missed it, he hasn't been mentioned since his arrival. Ah, well, there are still a few books left.
I truly have enjoyed all the books in this series so far. My only negative reaction is the abundance of military and fight details. Although I'm sure a large majority of readers like this, I can take it or leave it. However, I'm very able to scan those areas to get "the idea" of what is going on and head into what I'm really enjoying, which is the characters, situations surrounding them and the overall life of Alva. I've been hoping to see more of the poor, tortured formation genius but unless I missed it, he hasn't been mentioned since his arrival. Ah, well, there are still a few books left.
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