Katabasis: 4 (The Mongoliad Cycle, 4) Paperback – 29 Oct. 2013

The Fourth of the Foreworld Saga series brings to an end the story of Ferronantus and his companions as they struggle to reach their home. In the aftermath of the deaths of the 2 of the Great Khans this is how the survivors fight the elements, the geography and their enemies to try and return home. Concentrating this time on only one thread of the story it is tighter and more focused than 2 and 3. In it Ferronantus' obsession with the great Spirit Banner, and it's inherent power, are finally realised. In the final battle scenes the strength of the last Shield Brethren and Shield Maidens are tested in an epic struggle with the Livonians. Is there more to come in this series? Book 3 left many loose ends which could be explored in further stories, but this seems a natural ending.

The Mongoliad cycle continues to describe location, battle and emotion with great depth. The only criticism of book 4 is the story line has accelerated rapidly with parts of the character time line that would have been laid out in greeter detail in the earlier books

I've loved the previous 3 books in the series. This one is as well written as the others, but the storyline is getting a little repetitive and predictable. I want to get the next book in a series because I'm looking forward to it with an expectation it'll be as good as or better than what's gone before rather than feeling I have to "complete the set".

an enjoyable novel written in a fast narrative but tended to flit from character to character to quickly making it difficult to understand fully what is going on but I have bought all the books in this series and the authors managed to keep my interest right until the last word

If book three was a bit of a dip with too many stories at once this is much better one, the stories all tie up in a great ending. Probably the best in the series so far.

I read the four books in the cycle straight through with great enjoyment and wonder at the attention to detail in a period of history and part of the world that I knew so little about. An excellent read. Tony H

Fast and interesting reading fascinating interpretation of historic events clouded by religious magicWarmly recommended reading that won't be dissapoonting

All comments made about the other books in the series apply to this one as well. It fits into the storyline where the other book finished and carries the story forward towards the conclusion in book 5.

A well crafted story that completes a legend. The history it is based on is arguable but generally true. This makes it more interesting. A good read.

A very unusuAl medieval tale, true enough to to the facts but people woven in to the tale all shine in their own stories

Katabasis was a joy to read, perhaps, because it tied up a few loose ends and gave the reader a sense of completion. There was greater warmth in human relationships, yet the sharp edges of conflict continued between the black and white hats. I appreciated the addition of moments of humor, as well as the fact that the characters were made more realistic in terms of human frailty. Simply put, Book 4 was smartly written and engaging in a way the previous books lacked. I am in Book 5 and have no desire to see this unique, exciting series end. -- Beth Hill

This is an adventure story that keeps you interested and reading on. The first books of Mongoliad were so good it is nice to be able to read on and find out what happened to many of the characters I recommend it to anyone who gas read the previous trilogy.

Disparate silken threads skilfully woven into a sumptuous sheet. Long may it meander through our imaginations and warm our hearts.