Stjepan Varesevac Cobets | Updates

My book's publication date "Heladas Dreams"

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Antonia is one of the many Heladas who are the last hope for their civilization. Only love can save them all.

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The epic fantasy novel To Green Angel Tower by Tad Williams

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

To Green Angel Tower – Part 1: Siege
My rating: 4.9/5

The epic fantasy novel To Green Angel Tower: Siege by Tad Williams is the first part of the monumental finale, and it is an absolute masterpiece. Returning to this world after the buildup of the first two books, you realize how far these characters have come. The transformation of Simon from a clueless kitchen boy into a recognized hero, warrior, and a man named Seoman is one of the best developments I have ever read. The narrative pacing picks up tremendously in this volume, locking you into a gripping story where huge stakes are involved, and the fate of humanity hangs by a thread.

The conflict reaches a boiling point as the rebel forces, led by Prince Josua, gather at the ancient stronghold of the Stone of Farewell. Josua's character shines here as he struggles to balance his role as a reluctant leader with his personal demons. The dark sorcery employed by the Storm King Ineluki has spread across the entire land like a curse, bringing an endless winter and giving no peace to mortals. The battles in this book are fierce, deadly, and fought with merciless ferocity, forcing characters to make terrible, heartbreaking sacrifices. Duke Isgrimnur emerges as a powerhouse character—a gruff, weathered northerner whose fierce loyalty to Josua and hatred for the Norns drive him forward, yet he possesses a deeply compassionate heart. He and other loyalists face overwhelming odds as they try to uncover the secrets of the three legendary swords—Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn—which hold the ultimate key to defeating the undead spirit. The atmospheric tension simply pulls you in, and the constant internal battle inside King Elias himself shows how dark magic destroys a man from within, proving that nobody in Williams' world is purely evil without a tragic reason. It is a phenomenal story that keeps you completely hooked.

To Green Angel Tower – Part 2: Storm
My rating: 4.9/5

The epic fantasy novel To Green Angel Tower: Storm by Tad Williams is the spectacular, mind-blowing conclusion to this monumental trilogy. This is a phenomenal ending that delivers on every single promise made throughout the series, wrapping up a massive, complex story in a way that feels incredibly satisfying. The author's writing is at its absolute peak here, drawing the reader directly into the chaotic heart of the final cataclysm where every single character must face their ultimate destiny and internal reckoning.

All the storylines and armies finally collide at the ancient castle of Hayholt and its terrifying Green Angel Tower. King Elias is preparing to unleash Ineluki’s full demonic power to completely stop time and wipe out the human race. In these final moments, Elias's tragic descent is completed, showing a man completely swallowed by his own hunger for power. Mortals, trolls, and the immortal Sithi—like the enigmatic Prince Jiriki, whose alien perspective on life and deep bond with Simon adds so much flavor to the story—must unite for one final, desperate stand against the pale Norns and their dark magic. Simon and Princess Miriamele find themselves right in the center of the storm, navigating a labyrinth of secrets beneath the tower. Their relationship has evolved beautifully, built on shared trauma and trust rather than simple fantasy tropes. In this climax, they can trust no one but themselves as they try to avert the end of the world. The casualties are catastrophic, and the emotional weight of the story is stronger than ever. The hunger for power and the consequences of ancient hatreds create a problem that seems impossible to solve. In the end, Williams delivers a profound, timeless message about history, myth, and the true nature of evil. I highly recommend this complete masterpiece to every fantasy lover in the world.

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The epic fantasy novel Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My rating: 4.8/5

The epic fantasy novel Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams is a brilliant second book that expands the world of Osten Ard in a breathtaking way. In this sequel, the author continues his masterful character development by fracturing the main group and scattering our heroes across different corners of a dying continent. The writing simply draws you in, creating a dark atmosphere of despair, loneliness, and survival, but also leaving a small glimmer of hope that keeps you turning the pages. The focus here is on how isolation forces the characters to grow or break under pressure.

Simon is no longer just a kitchen boy; his experiences are hardening him. Traveling with the brave, wise, and fiercely loyal troll Binabik—who remains one of the best and most unique characters in the series—Simon must face deadly anomalies, freezing storms, and ancient magic as they try to reach the Stone of Farewell. Binabik acts as Simon's anchor, but even he has his own secrets and tribal obligations that complicate things. Meanwhile, Princess Miriamele undergoes incredible development. She flees the corruption of her father's court, disguised and trapped in a world filled with greed, pirates, and betrayal. She is independent, headstrong, and determined, refusing to be a typical damsel in distress, though she must constantly battle with the guilt of turning against her own father, King Elias. At the same time, Prince Josua Lackhand, the king's brother, tries to lead a broken rebellion despite his own deep self-doubt and physical limitations. Osten Ard is being brought to ruin by the merciless forces of the pale-skinned Norns, who commit horrible atrocities against the human race. Huge armies are marching, and all the lords of the world want a piece of the pie, fighting for power while the real demonic threat grows. Williams weaves these complex character arcs together like a master weaver, creating a phenomenal narrative where the line between good and evil becomes completely blurred.

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The epic fantasy novel The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My rating: 4.8/5

The epic fantasy novel The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams is a phenomenal start to the legendary Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy. The author has created a massive, rich world, and his slow-burn writing style is exactly what draws you to read it. I absolutely love the character development in this book, especially how Tad Williams takes Simon, a simple, lazy, and clumsy kitchen boy in the great castle of Hayholt, and slowly shapes him into someone who must carry the weight of the world. Williams draws us in like a true artist, building the history and myths of Osten Ard so deeply that the world feels completely alive and dangerous. Simon is not a typical hero; he spends his days daydreaming, making mistakes, and avoiding work, which makes his eventual transformation feel incredibly real.

The story begins with the death of the old High King Prester John, a legendary hero who once united the lands of men. His eldest son, Prince Elias, ascends the dragonbone throne, but he soon falls under the dark and sinister influence of the priest Pyrates. Pyrates is a chilling character—ambitious, cruel, and completely driven by a hunger for dark power that creates a huge problem for everyone. He uses forbidden magic to help Elias gain absolute control, which plunges the entire kingdom into a terrifying, unnatural winter where crops die and people starve. Elias himself is tragic; he is not just a villain, but a desperate king caught in a constant battle with his own choices. When Simon accidentally discovers dark secrets hidden beneath the castle, he is forced to flee for his life. He embarks on a deadly journey across frozen wastes and ancient forests, where he is hunted by terrifying creatures. Along the way, we learn that the true threat is Ineluki the Storm King, an undead spirit of demonic power who wants to wipe out the human race. The story simply draws you in as you read it, and there's nothing you can do about it. The internal battles within the characters and the political plotting leave you wondering who is truly good and who is not, making this book a timeless masterpiece for all fans of epic fantasy.

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A Perfect Return to Osten Ard: My Review of The Heart of What Was Lost

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My rating: 4.8/5

The epic fantasy novel The Heart of What Was Lost by Tad Williams is an excellent continuation of the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, picking up right after the events of To Green Angel Tower. Returning to this world after a long hiatus, the author delivers a bridge novel that masterfully sets the stage for his new series, The Last King of Osten Ard. I absolutely love Williams' writing style and character development; he draws the reader in like a true artist, ultimately leaving you to question who is truly good and who is not.

The world was nearly brought to ruin when the Storm King Ineluki, an undead spirit of terrifying demonic power, almost stopped time and wiped out the human race. He was ultimately defeated by a coalition of mortals and his immortal kin, the Sithi. The surviving loyalists of Ineluki, the Norns, retreated north toward their mountain kingdom, committing atrocities against human villages along the way. In hot pursuit was an army of northerners led by Duke Isgrimnur, who fought the Norns with merciless ferocity. Driven by the horrors the Norns left in their wake, the Duke became determined to eradicate their kind at all costs. The clashes with the surviving, pale-skinned Norns were deadly, leaving everyone uncertain if they would survive to see the next day. To make matters worse, the dark sorcery employed by the Norns hung heavily over the conflict. Despite their formidable magic, the Norns were severely outnumbered, a tactical advantage Duke Isgrimnur fully intended to exploit. Losses on both sides were catastrophic, yet the Duke refused to halt his advance until the threat was permanently destroyed. Whether he would succeed, only the Gods knew.

I highly recommend this book to all fans of epic fantasy.

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The 1972 Sci-Fi Novel That Feels Like It Was Written Today: Roadside Picnic Review

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My rating: 5.0/5

Reading 250 pages of a book in a single afternoon can only mean one thing: the book is fantastic. The science fiction novel "Roadside Picnic" by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky is exactly the kind of book that compels you to keep reading. It features a phenomenal story, captivating characters—none of whom are inherently good—and a protagonist locked in a constant internal battle between good and evil. The narrative simply pulls you in, and there is nothing you can do about it. The fact that it was written in 1972 does not diminish its impact; it feels as if it were written today. In fact, it is timeless.

Alien invaders known as the Visitors appeared in six different locations across Earth and quickly departed, leaving behind six Visitation Zones where the laws of physics no longer apply. In these zones, they left various artifacts, some of which pose an extreme danger to the planet, prompting the authorities to cordon off the areas. However, illegal scavengers known as Stalkers soon emerged to retrieve these artifacts, even though most who enter the zones perish due to deadly anomalies. One of these Visitation Zones encompasses the town of Harmont, where the protagonist, Redrick Schuhart, lives. Redrick, as he is known, is one of the most famous Stalkers, which lands him in deep trouble with the UN Police guarding the Zone. Yet, an inner restlessness gives him no peace, driving him back into the Zone time and again despite the immense risks. With huge sums of money at stake, global corporations are desperate for a piece of the pie. Redrick soon finds himself clashing with the authorities, who want absolute control over the artifacts. He can trust no one but himself, and even that is questionable once inside the Zone. His hunger for artifacts is stronger than his fear, forcing him to risk his life repeatedly. A legend among stalkers claims that the Golden Sphere, an artifact that grants wishes, is hidden deep within the Zone. Though Red is a skeptic, life forces his hand, sending him on a quest for the Stalkers' Holy Grail.

I highly recommend this masterpiece to all fans of science fiction.

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THE PERFECT SCI-FI FINALE THAT BEAUTIFULLY REWARDS THE READER'S PATIENCE!

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My Rating: 4.6/5

Ancillary Mercy (Imperial Radch, #3) by Ann Leckie is a spectacular and deeply satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. After the slower, more localized pacing of Ancillary Sword, this final installment successfully raises the stakes once again and rewards the reader's patience. Leckie masterfully brings her complex space opera to a close, beautifully balancing the intense political maneuvering with the emotional payoffs and answers we have been waiting for since the first book.

A Glimpse into the Story:

The narrative returns to Athoek Station, where Breq is still trying to maintain a fragile peace while managing her crew. However, the domestic and political issues of the station are quickly overshadowed when a search in the slums uncovers someone who shouldn't exist—a discovery that threatens to alter everything. To make matters worse, a mysterious messenger from the dangerous, alien Presger empire arrives, and Breq’s ultimate enemy, the divided ruler Anaander Mianaai, descends upon the system with a warship, bringing her internal civil war directly to Athoek. Running away to save herself is an option, but Breq refuses to leave the people of the station to the mercy of a mad tyrant. Caught between alien diplomacy and explosive confrontations, Breq must utilize her unique AI capabilities, multiple viewpoints, and tactical brilliance to execute a desperate, near-impossible plan to secure their survival.

Ultimately, this book completely redeems the slower buildup of the second novel. It delivers a tense, thought-provoking finale that handles profound questions about identity, justice, and humanity with absolute grace. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has followed Breq's journey and wants to see a groundbreaking sci-fi trilogy reach a truly rewarding end.

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A SLOWER, MORE INTIMATE SCI-FI SEQUEL FOCUSED ON LOCAL POLITICS!

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My Rating: 4.1/5

The science fiction book Ancillary Sword (Imperial Radch #2) by Ann Leckie is, in my opinion, a shade weaker than the first installment. I honestly expected more action because the ending of the first book seemed to promise it. Instead, this sequel suffers a bit from "middle book syndrome," shifting its focus from a galaxy-spanning space opera to local politics and character development.

The entire plot is confined to Athoek Station and a small part of a planet where tea is grown. While the writing remains great, the pacing is much slower. I honestly miss the intense space battles, which I felt were the true essence of the first novel. Also, you can expect a lot of tea drinking in this book, which Leckie deliberately uses as a thematic nod to historical cultural colonialism, showing how the Radch Empire forces its customs onto annexed planets.

Now, a little about the story:

The plot follows Breq, an AI from the ship Ancillary Justice now inhabiting a single human body. Breq ends up entangled in a series of mysteries that kept me intrigued. In the first act, as the ship prepares to travel to Athoek Station, Breq is incredibly tightly wound, tense, and angry with the crew, leaving both them and the reader completely in the dark as to why. The ultimate revelation of the problem and its solution is clever, cruel, and harsh. It also gives the reader deeper, chilling insight into the process of creating ancillaries and the empire's utter callousness toward human life.

Upon arriving through the Gate, they face another puzzle: an ancillary ship running away from them toward a permanent Ghost Gate, despite being hailed as friends. Once that is somewhat resolved, Breq is confronted at the station with the mystery of the "Underground"—an unsanctioned habitation area that was previously damaged and left unrepaired. What makes these segments interesting is Leckie’s unique narrative style. Even though Breq is stuck in one body, she can occasionally connect to the AI of other ships, allowing her to see events from multiple viewpoints at once. To navigate this complex web of puzzles and lies, Breq will have to use every bit of her AI-driven intelligence.

Ultimately, while it lacks the explosive action of the first book, it does a fantastic job of setting the stage for the grand finale in Ancillary Mercy. I would highly recommend this book to any fan of space opera sci-fi who appreciates deep worldbuilding.

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A MASTERFUL SPACE OPERA WITH A DEEPLY UNIQUE AI PROTAGONIST!

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My Rating: 4.6/5

Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch, #1) by Ann Leckie is a masterfully written science fiction novel that offers a fascinating exploration of artificial intelligence and a deeply unique military empire. With its rich world-building, compelling characters, and a seamless narrative, Leckie delivers a standout story that perfectly captures the scale of a sprawling galactic empire.

A Glimpse into the Story:

The narrative follows Breq, a unique protagonist who was once a massive, sentient troop carrier starship. The Radch Empire, having expanded across the galaxy, now stands on the brink of a civil war triggered by its ruler, Lord Anaander Miannai. Anaander is a multi-bodied entity, divided into thousands of interconnected subordinates acting as a single ruler. However, when these bodies fracture into opposing factions, an inevitable internal war erupts. Breq, now an AI stripped of her ship and trapped in a single human body, is caught in the vortex of this chaos. Trusting the Ruler was a luxury that cost Breq everything. Driven by loss and the destruction of everyone she ever loved, she embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance to assassinate Anaander Miannai—no matter the impossible odds or the consequences. For Breq, revenge is the only path forward.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves complex space operas and military science fiction.

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Preorder for my new book "Heladas dreams"

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A quote from my new book, Heladas Dreams. Pre-orders start August 1st!

"It was a subtle lie, but a lie nonetheless. A spark of cold fear ignited in Antonia’s chest—the chilling realization that her promise was a ghost, and she was already gone."

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Writing new book

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I am currently working on a new Sci-Fi book, "Sendero Box," and have written 20,000 words. I am very pleased with the result of the writing.

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My new book "Helada's Dream"

Stjepan Varesevac Cobets — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I have finished my new book, Helada's Dreams, and the preorder starts on September 23rd if everything goes well. If anyone is interested in reviewing it before publication, I would be happy to send you an ARC of my book once editing is finished. The book is scheduled for release on October 22nd of this year. Let me know if you would like to receive a copy, as I would love to hear your thoughts! It is a standalone Sci-Fi novel of about 260 pages (though this may vary slightly after final editing). I have attached the current blurb so you can see what the story is about. If you are interested, please send me a direct message on my profile!

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