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An unexpected 3.5 stars. I love the Cradle series to the point that I’ve mostly binge-read it. I especially loved he 10th book, Reaper, so it comes as a shock I couldn’t love this penultimate book as much as I wanted and expected to. While Dreadgod did provide some truly great moments, overall it is among my least favorite instalments of the series.

Much of my dissatisfaction had to do with the uneven pacing. After a battle at the beginning, the first 60% of the book felt like taking the foot of the gas and deciding to take the scenic route. As much as I usually love scenic routes, taking the urgency out after the wonderfully fast-paced Reaper left me feeling a bit disappointed. But then, bleed and bury me, we’re back on an autobahn without speed limit, with the foot firmly on the gas pedal. An EPIC battle ensues, involving Dreadgods and Monarchs, putting everything on larger scale �� only to slow down around the 80% mark before briefly accelerating again towards the end of the road, which leaves us with a few loose ends to be continued.

As much as I enjoyed the truly spectacular action-packed sequences, I just can’t forget about 70% of slow pacing focused on advancement and object collection instead of plot progression. Yes, I am aware this is a progression fantasy and leveling up resembles an RPG �� in fact, I usually quite enjoy this aspect, but I simply expected something different. Maybe, as so often is the case, my expectations are to blame. So go ahead and blame them, but short of a re-read with a different mindset, my feelings are what they are.

Spoilers below!





There are a few other aspects that made me enjoy Dreadgod less than I had hoped. First and foremost, I missed Eithan, my favorite character next to Lindon. I missed his irreverent, cheerful, self-possessed manner and the comic relief he provided. While it is true that I now care more for the Abidan plot because of him and I really loved the reveal of his true identity in Reaper �� and what it means in respect of the larger implications ��, I miss him on Team Lindon. I realize I’m not being entirely fair here �� praising one plot development which inevitably leads to the development I complain about ��, but acknowledging this doesn’t keep me from feeling his loss. Yes, having the old Dross back did provide some comic relief; he is just no substitute for Eithan, our lovable “interdimensional god of death.��

Another development that marred my enjoyment is Jai Long’s death. It made his storyline feel so pointless. Why bring him back only to ultimately make him meet an unspectacular end? I truly enjoyed his character for its moral greyness and was hoping for a larger redemption arc. Who knows, maybe his death will mean something in the final book. I’m happy to re-evaluate then.

However, like I said, there were also some great moments in this book, the fight scenes being among them: epic battles showing Lindon & the Monarchs vs. Dreadgods and later showing Lindon & Yerin vs. Monarch. I am constantly in awe of the action sequences WW cooks up. I also delighted in the way Lindon consumed the Silent King and now exhibits even more cool powers. And Yerin finding out about the Monarchs keeping the Dreadgods on Cradle only to widely broadcast that truth was immensely satisfying.

All in all, I absolutely understand why so many people love this book; I know I’m in unpopular opinion territory. I still think Dreadgod is a good book, just not a great one �� which is 3.5 stars to me.

Now, I’m Waybound!

1 Unsouled �� 4 stars
2 Soulsmith �� 3.75 stars
3 Blackflame �� 4.25 stars
4 Skysworn �� 4.5 stars
5 Ghostwater �� 4.5 stars
6 Underlord �� 4.25 stars
7 Uncrowned �� 4.5 stars
8 Wintersteel �� 4.75 stars
9 Bloodline �� 4.5 stars
10 Reaper �� 5 stars
11 Dreadgod �� 3.5 stars