Gods and Guardians II continues the saga of Arthur, Samuel, and their companions as they’re pulled through portals, thrown aboard Elvish starships, and forced into battles that stretch across galaxies and gods’ domains. Author R.W. Dove blends science fiction with fantasy so smoothly that I sometimes forgot where one ended and the other began. The pacing swings from quiet, reflective moments to grand, cinematic scenes filled with tension, friendship, and wonder. There’s a sense of adventure in every chapter, like the book itself refuses to slow down, and you’re pulled along whether you’re ready or not.

What I liked most was Dove’s ability to make everything feel alive. The ships, the crystals, even the air in the alien halls hum with a kind of magic. The writing has a rhythm that’s old-fashioned in a good way, like classic fantasy storytelling where the author truly believes in the world they’ve built. At times, the descriptions stretch long, yet they never lose heart. I could tell Dove poured himself into this, weaving myth and technology together with such sincerity that it’s hard not to admire it. I felt that some parts could have used tighter dialogue, but even then, the sheer imagination keeps it moving. The story feels vast, full of purpose, and though it leans heavily into the moral struggle between light and dark, it never loses sight of its human center, courage, loyalty, and belief in something bigger.

Emotionally, the book surprised me. I found myself caring about Arthur’s confusion and fear, about the weight of destiny he didn’t ask for. I liked how friendship drives much of the plot; even when gods and kings are scheming, the heart of the book is still about people just trying to do what’s right. Dove’s writing feels hopeful, even when the world he’s describing teeters on the edge of ruin.

If you love sprawling worlds, moral stakes, and a touch of classic heroism, Gods and Guardians II: Escape from Durgurrum is worth your time. This is a story for dreamers, for those who miss the feel of true adventure and heartfelt imagination. It’s a long ride, but one filled with light, danger, and just enough wonder to make you believe in magic again.

Pages: 278 | ISBN : 1968973427