Critical Failures X

Caverns and Creatures, Book 10

De: Robert Bevan

Narrado por: Jonathan Sleep

Having established leverage over Mordred and influence in the Cardinian government, Tim is ready to move forward with the next phase of his plan. But Mordred has an ace up his sleeve that could shift the balance of power back in his favor.

Cooper and Nabi attempt to reunite with the rest of the gang.

Stacy and Dave are forced to put their differences aside and work together to avoid capture and execution.

Julian tries to find something productive to do while Chaz goes a little too far with the rockstar lifestyle.

Katherine is done taking shit from old foes.

Randy struggles with moral quandaries. Denise does not.

©2025 Robert Bevan (P)2025 Robert Bevan

just getting better and better

I second so many who say that unlike many other series, Bevan's work continues to improve. The characters develop, incrementally. It's tricky; long running sitcoms struggle with this. You don't want them to become one trick ponies (Seinfeld quit on top b/c of this), but you also don't want them all becoming so human and relatable that they're boring (MASH). The gang here continue to screw up in predictable fashion, but do learn a little as they go, and it's enjoyable and rewarding

The story and world continue to unfold at an interesting comprehensible rate. Enough new to be fun, not so detailed you have to reread 3 books to have any idea what's going on.

Happy to see the excellent work with Sleep continues, as well. Now to wait until 11....

Great character development

For a long time in this series many of the characters were one-dimensional, Cooper especially, the changes over the past couple books are great. nothing feel drastic or forced.

10 Books in and I'm still smiling

Full disclosure: I know Bob, I play D&D w/Bob, but before I met him/became friends, I was a fan of his books. So I will keep this short and sweet...

If you loved the previous nine books, then CF 10 will be like stepping into a party with old friends. There are a few surprises and twists that I wasn't expecting and I can't wait to see how it all plays out. For me, I tend to drop long-winded series around book 7, because I feel that many authors have lost the thread of their plot and are spinning their wheels for paychecks. But Bevan and his gang of literary misfits have a special place in my heart. By the end of CF X, It feels like my boy Bob's just getting started. Kudos!

adjust narration speed

good charecter development story moved only a little. noticed i had to shift narration speed up to make it match previous books. not a fan making books "longer" by speed manipulation

Yes!!!

Another great installment. More serious than most. Happy to know there will be an 11

worth the wait

I've been a longtime reader of the series and this book did not disappoint. same humor but this book really showed character growth. I could go deeper into the subject but I don't want to give any spoilers.

A beefier caverns and creatures

As always Jonathan Sleep does an amazing job. This book seems beefier than the previous books in terms of character development.

We’re on to a new stage, and that’s a good thing

The series isn’t what it used to be. The plot moves slower than the first four books, there’s a lot more character and feelings than action, and (for better or worse) there appears to be more flanderization going on. It’s just how this series is evolving; and I’m cool with that.

It’s still funny, witty, thoughtful and the same series at the core, but I’m totally okay with this book having a slightly different personality than the early books.

Still not sure I’m sold on the blatant retcon, Chaz getting dumber by the second, or Cooper being so sad all the time. I miss when he was kind of mean but funny and now he’s a total wet blanket.

On the whole, it’s still my favorite series of all time, and even though Sleep’s voice is changing as he grows older, it’s like fine wine. Thanks for the book Robert.

Fantastic series

I really enjoy this series. There's multiple times where I actually will laugh out loud while listening. The only bad thing I would say is that these books have ruined bards for me in all others books because I expect them to be this good!!!

The series that keeps on giving.

Most of the time by Book 10 of any series I’m bored, frustrated with how it’s changed, or simply tired of the main character(s). Critical Failures stands out for me because I’m still just as invested Book 10 as I was Book 1.

The way Robert Bevan evolves his characters (particularly Kat) is so mature and subtle it creeps up and lends a seriousness and dramatic legitimacy to a comedy/fantasy series built on farts.

How this isn’t a bigger and more well known series, and how Robert Bevan isn’t being passed around on various platforms is a mystery.