Heart of Flesh

The Ronin Saga, Book 5

By: Matthew Wolf

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

5000+ 5 star ratings on Audible
200,000+ copies sold
Top 5 on Audible

Return to the world of Farhaven...

In a city of hedonism and greed, Gray, Ayva & Helix must overcome a world of scheming and politics while fighting for their lives in the arena of flesh. Only a trick lies up the wicked Queen's sleeves, and they are to be restricted by a magical collar.

However, a terrible secret lies in the blood that spills upon the sands. Each winner consumes the the 'spark' of the defeated. Now the chance to grow stronger than ever sits before them, if only they can harness their true nature, and rise to become Grand Primus, the greatest warrior in Farhaven.

Time is running out as they must collect the nine elemental stones, band together the Great Kingdoms on the verge of war, and become the legends they were meant to be — or all will fall to darkness. At the same time, a grand evil rises; a shadow that threatens to consume the world.

©2026 Matthew Wolf (P)2026 Matthew Wolf

Amazing! Best book in the series and super fun!

If you have made it this far, you might be on the fence. Each book has been getting better, but where is that banger? Where are the series defining moments that make you love the characters?

This is it. The book is clear and exciting. The characters each have their own moments and the EPIC scenes are truly epic. I can't wait for the next one.

Heart of Flesh grabbed my heart of flesh!!

Heart of Flesh might be my favorite yet… the character arcs hit hard, the battles on the sands are epic, and Zane is officially top-tier and steals every scene he’s in… along with another who shall not be named 🤫. Faye is pure amazing. I was worried about the narrator change, but Michael Kramer completely won me over. It honestly feels like the characters found their true home. Only quip? Not enough Darius. 🍃
That ending though… 🤯
Grab it immediately.

One of the best books I’ve read all year

The good, the bad, and the ugly… The Good: The action. Holy jeebus. Not good—freaking epic. I was absolutely blown away by all the colosseum battles. Gray, Ayva, Darius, Zane, Helix… every single one of them. Every time I thought, “Okay, that’s the best fight scene in the book,” the next one somehow topped it. I could see everything: every gust of sand, every punch, every slice, every roar of the crowd. It was just so, so good. The Bad: I need more. My main complaint is the cliffhanger. Book 3’s cliffhanger felt a bit too jarring; this one is actually epic. I had no idea that was coming. Mind freaking blown. That said, it feels a little unfair to not have Book 6 in my hands after ending it on that note. The Ugly (sort of): There was one arc I LOVED (new ronin, anyone?), but… SEMI-SPOILER: There’s another arc with a previous character that felt resolved a little too fast. However, I’m starting to wonder if that “rushed” arc was intentional. If that character hasn’t turned as easily as we think… if he’s not as “reformed” as we’re led to believe… if that’s the case, it’s beautiful writing. If not, I think his transformation is a bit rushed. /Spoiler off. TL;DR: Uh-freaking-mazing. Book 2 was my favorite, then Book 4, and this one blows them both out of the water (sand). If you love Sanderson, Rothfuss, anything in that realm—read. This. Now. You could read it without the previous books, but this one builds on them so deeply and richly that you’d be missing out on some truly epic characters. I’m a long-time reader—backed on Kickstarter 8 years ago for Book 1, took a risk on a new series, and couldn’t be more stoked about where it’s gone. If you like: • found family • lots of humor • intense, cinematic action • vivid, creative magic • grand worldbuilding • heartstring moments • next-level adventure …this is for you. Don’t overthink it. Snag it now.

The adventure continues

My favorite book series continues and always leaves me waiting for more! Can’t wait to see what is next!

A must Audiobook for your library

Michael Kramer does a magnificent job bringing some of my favorite characters to life. His interpretation of Queen Imala is a hoot! Matthew Wolf’s Heart of Flesh leaves me wanting more!! Can’t wait for book 6!