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pagesinkedinshadows's review
4.0
Vahly is the last of her kind, will she gain the powers to save her family?
This was the beginning of a fun magical adventure.
This was the beginning of a fun magical adventure.
shereadsontrains's review
4.0
Entertaining listen about the last human, warring dragons, see what I did there? and elves. Great introduction to a series and I am interested to see how the characters develop! Here for the Earth Queen!
Thanks to Alisha Klapheke for a review copy. Opinions are my own.
Thanks to Alisha Klapheke for a review copy. Opinions are my own.
teri_b's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am in for some stories about dragons and elves and merpeople, and this series promises just that.
Loved beginning of this story and look forward to see what happens further as the quest for understanding really starts.
Loved beginning of this story and look forward to see what happens further as the quest for understanding really starts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Fire/Fire injury
purplebookfox's review
3.0
The storyline is interesting, but never just flowed. It felt choppy like it jumped scenes. The main villain is a bit cartoonish and her reasoning for her crimes is just for power. It seems hard to believe an entire race would blindly follow and not revolt. The FMC is strong and likable. The MC and romantic interest is what is to be expected. Their connection and insta lust predictable but they show a level of clear headed adults that know they have more to do then fall into bed. The best friend is my favorite character. It was lovely to see female friendship and support without bickering and backstabbing. I will read on and hope the flow improves.
misyannie's review
5.0
Such an amazing listen! Thoroughly enjoyed this story and meeting Vahly! I really like how different this story was from most fantasy books I have read- the narrator really gives it life and gets you invested with the telling. I need to read the next book!
aconitecafe's review
2.0
The title of this book is soooo misleading. Originally, I didn't pick it up because I didn't really want to read a book about dragons. But after reading an interview, and some reviews I decided to give it a shot. "Fate of Dragons" and "Dragons Rising" seem like the author is trying to capitalize of the dragon hype currently going on. This book is about way more kinds of beings than dragons. I don't even think we spend over 50% of the time with dragons. All of the beings were pretty equally covered. (Dragons/Elves/Merpeople/human) It seems like it's more about "Fate of Kynds" and "Earth Queen Rising" but maybe it will become more clear in future books why the titles are dragon focused.
Overall this looks to be an interesting start to a series. Lots of political intrigue, and drama. I was instantly drawn in by the idea that there was only one human left, and different kynds would have to work together to fight a common foe.
The head hoping was a little jarring at places. I love multi pov stories, I just can't put my finger on what was off about this one. Maybe the characters were too similar in voice? I don't know, multiple times I had to figure out whose head I was in.
The one sided insta love was weird. I was completely confused at the nude scene, why/how/wtf, and at first I thought her attraction was an affect of the spell she was under, but I guess it wasn't? I assume this is apart of the "every book MUST have a love interest" movement. It wasn't needed in this story, and really just cheapened her.
Overall this looks to be an interesting start to a series. Lots of political intrigue, and drama. I was instantly drawn in by the idea that there was only one human left, and different kynds would have to work together to fight a common foe.
The head hoping was a little jarring at places. I love multi pov stories, I just can't put my finger on what was off about this one. Maybe the characters were too similar in voice? I don't know, multiple times I had to figure out whose head I was in.
The one sided insta love was weird. I was completely confused at the nude scene, why/how/wtf, and at first I thought her attraction was an affect of the spell she was under, but I guess it wasn't? I assume this is apart of the "every book MUST have a love interest" movement. It wasn't needed in this story, and really just cheapened her.
trinah's review
5.0
Great fantasy, different view of the dragons to other books read. Love all the surprises around the corner for Vahly, would love to read book 2 to see what is next but beyond my price range, will have to wait for it to come on special or someone give me a Christmas present. listened to it as an audio very well narrated.
stephbookshine's review
4.0
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Fate of Dragons is a classic epic fantasy series-starter, with a cast of dragons, elves, merfolk and one solitary human hero.
Vahly, is the main character and – unusually for epic fantasy – she was supposed to be the Chosen One, but something has gone very wrong. The four elements of earth, air, water and fire are out of balance, as are the respective races. Humans (earth magic) are almost extinct; the elves (air magic) have isolated themselves; the dragons (fire magic) fight amongst themselves and watch anxiously as the magic waters of the merfolk – toxic to the dragons – spread insidiously across the land, swallowing everything and everyone in their way.
With the help of a rogue elf and a roguish band of dragon allies, Vahly sets out on a last ditch attempt to ignite her dormant Earth powers before the waters take the world. Meanwhile beneath the sea, Ryton, right-fin man of the Sea Queen, attempts to balance his duties to his family, friends and the rest of his people, whilst curbing his queen’s power hungry excesses. Let the war games begin!
I was pulled straight into the world Alisha Klapheke has created here, and was caught up in the action for the majority of the book. There was just one point towards the middle of the plot where I completely lost the thread. There is a jump in the action which left me floundering and confused, flicking back to what I had read previously and wondering if there were missing pages in my ebook. My confusion lasted right up until the author revealed that there was a logical and necessary reason for my bewilderment and suddenly it all made complete sense again!
The ending resolves the immediate issues, whilst setting the scene for the further quests and battles to come. The worldbuilding of the four elements, races and powers, and the engaging characters of Vahly and her brave band of misfits make this fantasy stand out from the crowd and hook you into wanting to find out what happens next.
Fans of classic dragons-and-magic epic fantasy will enjoy this and I will be waiting eagerly to find out where the series goes next.
The humans, eyeing her from their settlement below, had first reported the signs of the Sea Queen’s growing power. Rumbling earth. Beached sea life. Afraid and lacking the earth magic they once used to fight the sea, the humans had given the dragons permission to soar over their territory. Unlikely allies against a common enemy.
– Alisha Klapheke, Fate of Dragons
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2019/09/09/fate-of-dragons-alisha-klapheke/
Fate of Dragons is a classic epic fantasy series-starter, with a cast of dragons, elves, merfolk and one solitary human hero.
Vahly, is the main character and – unusually for epic fantasy – she was supposed to be the Chosen One, but something has gone very wrong. The four elements of earth, air, water and fire are out of balance, as are the respective races. Humans (earth magic) are almost extinct; the elves (air magic) have isolated themselves; the dragons (fire magic) fight amongst themselves and watch anxiously as the magic waters of the merfolk – toxic to the dragons – spread insidiously across the land, swallowing everything and everyone in their way.
With the help of a rogue elf and a roguish band of dragon allies, Vahly sets out on a last ditch attempt to ignite her dormant Earth powers before the waters take the world. Meanwhile beneath the sea, Ryton, right-fin man of the Sea Queen, attempts to balance his duties to his family, friends and the rest of his people, whilst curbing his queen’s power hungry excesses. Let the war games begin!
I was pulled straight into the world Alisha Klapheke has created here, and was caught up in the action for the majority of the book. There was just one point towards the middle of the plot where I completely lost the thread. There is a jump in the action which left me floundering and confused, flicking back to what I had read previously and wondering if there were missing pages in my ebook. My confusion lasted right up until the author revealed that there was a logical and necessary reason for my bewilderment and suddenly it all made complete sense again!
The ending resolves the immediate issues, whilst setting the scene for the further quests and battles to come. The worldbuilding of the four elements, races and powers, and the engaging characters of Vahly and her brave band of misfits make this fantasy stand out from the crowd and hook you into wanting to find out what happens next.
Fans of classic dragons-and-magic epic fantasy will enjoy this and I will be waiting eagerly to find out where the series goes next.
The humans, eyeing her from their settlement below, had first reported the signs of the Sea Queen’s growing power. Rumbling earth. Beached sea life. Afraid and lacking the earth magic they once used to fight the sea, the humans had given the dragons permission to soar over their territory. Unlikely allies against a common enemy.
– Alisha Klapheke, Fate of Dragons
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2019/09/09/fate-of-dragons-alisha-klapheke/
camilleareads's review
2.0
Alisha Klapheke is one of my favourite authors for her fascinating world-building and the adventurous stories she always gives her readers. This year she brings us a book of dragons, elves, sea folk, and the last human. If you love your fantasy book to have fun adventures and high stakes, then this might be it for you!
Fate of Dragons is an adventure book centering on sort of dystopic-fantasy setting where the world is flooded and the human race is extinct. I’m a big fan of Alisha Klapheke’s Uncommon World series, so I always make it a point to pick up any book she releases. The setting of this book played a part as well.
Vahly is the last of the human race, and had been adopted into the Lapis dragon clan. Her adopted mother, the matriarch, believes Vahly has the power to fight against the Sea Queen and the Sea Folk who plan on wiping out every other race. Although Vahly possesses the Blackwater mark on her forehead – the mark of the Earth Queen – she possesses no powers to save her clan.
From the beginning the book clearly plays on the chosen one trope which does not diminish the fun of the story-telling in any way. I was taken in by the beautiful world Alisha created. The dragons described in her story had the ability to shift into a form that was a mix of human and dragon.
I adored the world-building in Fate of Dragons; from the scaled humanoid dragons to their currency of Lapis Lazuli. I really liked the idea of dragons looking like humans but with scales, reptilian eyes, and talons on their hands. The dragon’s world was interesting to know off from Vahly’s eyes, to see how differently they lived and how she had adapted to the dragon culture. I found the elves magic to be far more interesting! The elves were known to be very secretive and have air magic. What amazed me were the elves’ ability to sort of control light and darkness. Then there are the sea folk who are at war with the dragons. From what I read their society seemed to be more militaristic. The Sea Queen rules with an iron fist winning her battles with cunning and brute force. I was definitely interested by her character and look forward to her arc in book two.
While the world was beautifully imaginative, the characters did not keep up. They are likable but I, personally, found them lacking. Their collective goal was to awaken the Earth Queen’s power and save their clans but individually the characters did not stand out. Vahly is a girl who constantly doubts herself which is expected of a chosen one who doesn’t quite live up to the expectations. I do like her tendency to push through difficult situations in spite of her many obstacles. While I did enjoy the group of characters, there was nothing that drew me to them individually. The lack of flaws and quirks, and individual motivations took away from what could have been a great and fun group to ride along with.
This particular lacking in the novel also made the romance felt out of place in this book that I couldn’t quite warm up to it. I really wanted to root for the two of them because I found Arcturus to be a character with great potential. However, there was not enough natural chemistry between the characters.
The problem I encountered with this book was that the story-telling which was a bit choppy. Though the scenes are wonderful on their own, the flow from one to the next felt inconsistent. The book is certainly plot driven which, for someone who enjoy a deeper understanding of the culture, made it less satisfying.
I’m a bit divided on this book because I did enjoy the storyline and the adventure, and I would continue with book two, however, I would like the characters and story-flow to be as complex as the world-building.
Although this book didn’t make it for, I believe others would enjoy it for
🌺 A fantasy apocalyptic world
🌺 Found family
🌺 A cutthroat clan of sea-folk & shape-shifting dragons
🌺 An imaginative world and culture
🌺 Elemental magic
🌺 A strong mother-daughter bond
Thank you to the author, Alisha Klapheke, for providing me with a review copy of the book. This does not affect my review in any way!
Fate of Dragons is an adventure book centering on sort of dystopic-fantasy setting where the world is flooded and the human race is extinct. I’m a big fan of Alisha Klapheke’s Uncommon World series, so I always make it a point to pick up any book she releases. The setting of this book played a part as well.
Vahly is the last of the human race, and had been adopted into the Lapis dragon clan. Her adopted mother, the matriarch, believes Vahly has the power to fight against the Sea Queen and the Sea Folk who plan on wiping out every other race. Although Vahly possesses the Blackwater mark on her forehead – the mark of the Earth Queen – she possesses no powers to save her clan.
From the beginning the book clearly plays on the chosen one trope which does not diminish the fun of the story-telling in any way. I was taken in by the beautiful world Alisha created. The dragons described in her story had the ability to shift into a form that was a mix of human and dragon.
I adored the world-building in Fate of Dragons; from the scaled humanoid dragons to their currency of Lapis Lazuli. I really liked the idea of dragons looking like humans but with scales, reptilian eyes, and talons on their hands. The dragon’s world was interesting to know off from Vahly’s eyes, to see how differently they lived and how she had adapted to the dragon culture. I found the elves magic to be far more interesting! The elves were known to be very secretive and have air magic. What amazed me were the elves’ ability to sort of control light and darkness. Then there are the sea folk who are at war with the dragons. From what I read their society seemed to be more militaristic. The Sea Queen rules with an iron fist winning her battles with cunning and brute force. I was definitely interested by her character and look forward to her arc in book two.
While the world was beautifully imaginative, the characters did not keep up. They are likable but I, personally, found them lacking. Their collective goal was to awaken the Earth Queen’s power and save their clans but individually the characters did not stand out. Vahly is a girl who constantly doubts herself which is expected of a chosen one who doesn’t quite live up to the expectations. I do like her tendency to push through difficult situations in spite of her many obstacles. While I did enjoy the group of characters, there was nothing that drew me to them individually. The lack of flaws and quirks, and individual motivations took away from what could have been a great and fun group to ride along with.
This particular lacking in the novel also made the romance felt out of place in this book that I couldn’t quite warm up to it. I really wanted to root for the two of them because I found Arcturus to be a character with great potential. However, there was not enough natural chemistry between the characters.
The problem I encountered with this book was that the story-telling which was a bit choppy. Though the scenes are wonderful on their own, the flow from one to the next felt inconsistent. The book is certainly plot driven which, for someone who enjoy a deeper understanding of the culture, made it less satisfying.
I’m a bit divided on this book because I did enjoy the storyline and the adventure, and I would continue with book two, however, I would like the characters and story-flow to be as complex as the world-building.
Although this book didn’t make it for, I believe others would enjoy it for
🌺 A fantasy apocalyptic world
🌺 Found family
🌺 A cutthroat clan of sea-folk & shape-shifting dragons
🌺 An imaginative world and culture
🌺 Elemental magic
🌺 A strong mother-daughter bond
Thank you to the author, Alisha Klapheke, for providing me with a review copy of the book. This does not affect my review in any way!
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