A Crucible of Order

Sentinels of Creation, Book 5

By: Robert W. Ross

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Kellan Thorne labors beneath the burden of Chaos he accepted in order to both save Shannon and destroy the previous Sentinel of Chaos. Now he is trapped in the brutal life of a slave and gladiator within Claudius’ Rome.

Meanwhile, in 2020, Shannon McLeod Thorne struggles with both the loss of her husband and the responsibilities of being Creation’s new Sentinel of Order. Almost six months have passed since she pushed Kellan through the portal in Fingal’s Cavern, and she has begun to lose hope. However, like many times before, strange events conspire to cast light in dark places.

The first glimmer comes from James Clinton and his AI friend Jarvis who believe they can break the code surrounding Kellan’s mysterious disappearance. Shannon, Meghan, and the Council of Havilah use this new found information to try and summon an enigmatic Mantle of unimaginable power. However, in doing so, they risk bringing down upon themselves the very Incarnation of Destruction.

Even if they succeed in avoiding this Incarnation’s grasp and enlisting the Mantle’s help to retrieve Kellan from ancient Rome, how will his friends save the new Sentinel of Chaos from himself.

©2020 Robert W. Ross (P)2020 Robert W. Ross

Another great installment!

I loved how the cliffhanger from the last book was resolved! The characters remain compelling, and the world building fantastic. And Podehl's narration is topnotch. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.

Why aren't these being made into movies?

Another excellent book

If you made it this far then you won’t be disappointed with this installment in the series. It’s fun and the story progresses nicely. Nick as always is the man when it comes to narration. Can’t wait for the next 2 books.

good series

I enjoyed this series and look forward to the two remaining books to be released. I'm glad I found this series. it's worth your time.

Umm... witty review title here

This book was good, not great like the previous books, but good. Definitely still worth the credit. My only issue with this one was how long it took Shannon to go rescue Kellan. I did, however, really like the Mantle of Time's personality, which made up for the rescue delay.

Wow! What a Fun-Filled Ride!!

Concluding my binge reviews of books 1-5...

Did you guys notice how the title of this book is in Red...nice touch Robert Ross. There's a reason for that. So, in this book we have two separate plot lines that converge into the first of TWO climaxes. Yep, I thought the book was over and then wooomp...there's another thing that happens. It's like one of those roller coaster where an unexpected drop happens.

Anyway, we find Kellan as a gladiator in ancient Rome and, because it's a Sentinels book, we get treated to lots of super cool historical goodness mashed into Kellan's time there. Let's just say his "roommate," is someone of note.

We see Shannon and the Atlanta crew desperately trying to find him and I really loved how both Kellan and Shannon are completely self-actualized humans, but really are so much better together than apart.

My favorite part which is a super-minor spoiler is when Shannon time travels and meets younger versions of herself IN CONTEXT with earlier books. Because I'm a nerd, I went back to those previous books and reread the scenes. I wonder if Ross planned this from the beginning or just made sure things lined up.

Anyway...Rome, The Watchmen, Bladerunner, Angels, Demons, Lucifer, Loves lost and Found...what the heck...this is awesome!

Love this series

i have loved all the books in thisbseries so far. the pop references are great. This book had a lot of time travel so i had to listen to several parts over and over to figure it out. Time travel is my weakness!!

Yeah, another amazing one.

I can't wait for the next one! I love the banter between the characters. It feels so real. I am secretly hoping for this to be turned into a movie and wish it to be so.

Nick Podehl, you amazing man. Another amazingly flawless performance.

So kick ass. Very very awesome.

Was sad when I saw this was the last book in the series. I want and need more. Once again take my money or credits.

Unique storyline that never lulls

Great character development and story line, and of course best voice actor. I need more

Better than the last two.

This is an entertaining series, but I was really not a fan of the last two books due to some severe character flaws. This book was actually very good because the MC was separated from the other characters. When they are all together I find their banter sexist annoying and offensive. The MC is on his own for most of the book and you're introduced to another character that's very likable. I would recommend reading this one especially if you were able to get through the last two.