The Hounds

A Soldier's Life, Book 4

De: Always RollsAOne, Erick Thiemke

Narrado por: Nikola Hamilton

The company returns to the capital of the Telhian Empire, but our hero is not safe. First Citizens plot against him, but he finds allies and reluctantly joins the conspiracy against the Emperor. His tribulations are not over, as he must now survive becoming one of the Empire's elite Hounds.

©2024 Erick Thiemke (P)2025 Erick Thiemke

Love the story, MC is a bit annoying

I’ve really loved this story because the MC isn’t OP and actually struggles to survive in a brand new world. The side characters and their development are great. There’s a lot of depth to them and it makes the interpersonal relationships more engaging and realistic.

The MC overall is pretty good, but has a few really annoying character traits. I totally admit my opinion is probably biased because these traits are huge pet peeves of mine. Examples - he tries very hard to hide his origins/powers, but still uses Earth quips that clearly don’t translate and make it obvious he’s not a local. He also tends to be weirdly petulant toward some of his allies and seems to take their help for granted. I get he’s suspicious, but holy cow he comes off as a spoiled brat at times. It’s like he’s not aware of how much leeway he gets.

Anyway, story good, side characters great, MC a bit of a dumb spoiled brat.

Finally, REALLY not a fan of the AI gen cover art.

finally this book is out on audible!

I happened across this series awhile ago, ive been checking back every week for this book, such a good book. cant wait for more

more more more

very good series, fast pacing. don't end it rushed though, make the ending if any arc the longest and juiciest.

A great series that I go through far too quickly.

I got to this series just recently, and finished shimmering labyrinth just as the next several chapters were released on Royal Road. I eagerly awaited each new chapter every few days, until chapter 203, when book 4 released here. Now I’m far ahead of the free chapters online. Patreon here I come.

Great story

Fun listen on a 15 hour drive -- will keep you awake the whole way

what an ending....

binged through all 4 books and highly exciting for the next one. was saddened when narrator changed but new one is good as well. Just different

A really great story

This series really has me waiting for the next set of books. The narrator is really doing justice to the story. Good job to all involved with this production. I hope that the next book will be soon.

Not an honest character, not an honest writer

After the first two book’s interesting focus on the world and the actions the protagonist wanted to take to survive, the series is slowly inching towards your typical male-oriented fantasy with constant low-stakes progress and surface-level interactions. Struggle against higher authority, bro with military bros, tend to random dependents, transact with vendors, have innuendo-laced conversations with nearly every woman. It’s okay if that’s up your alley. The one thing that has been irking me about this series is that the writer is not honest with his portrayal of the protagonist unless it’s intended that the character is supposed to look hypocritical or neurologically atypical. The character behaves and thinks extremely selfish still, and that in itself is fine. But the writing often tries to justify and reward the character with scenarios and writing that don’t make sense. One such line and resulting scenario that bothers me as it’s very counter to the character’s nature: “My protective nature had me thinking of the two as younger sisters”. Only in this area the writing is always inconsistent and disingenuous, like how the character is to everyone he meets.

Trust issues

Love these novels. Gone through all 4 in 3 weeks!! One thing I’m not understanding with the main character is the bipolar trust issues he seems to have. Going from empathy, generosity, and engaging with complete strangers; but then is mistrusting, stingy and unapproachable with people he has known the longest and had decent relationships with. Is there trauma in the past? Is it paranoia from being in a new place and people he is expecting to betray him?
Keep making quality novels like these and I will continue to be a loyal reader.

You should read this series.

Smooth story line with great character development.I'm looking forward to more from this author. i enjoy the narration, although I like the the narrator from the first two books a bit more than the second guy. both provide a solid performance.