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Songs of Chaos #3
Defiant
The great powers are stirring, and Holt and Ash are ready to return to the fight.
A summons from the Life Elder sets them on a perilous mission, leading to steaming jungles and blistering islands where ancient secrets will challenge everything they know of magic and dragons.
Talia, the Red Queen, is beset on all sides by pirate raiders and marauding mercenaries. Empress Skadi has abandoned her, battling uprisings in her own lands. As the noose tightens on Feorlen, Talia faces a difficult let her people suffer or turn her powers against mortal foes?
Osric Agravain has found hope with his newly bonded black dragon, but some wounds run deeper than flesh and bone. Along the Fallow Frontier, he seeks the inner peace that has long eluded him.
And within the sanctum at Falcaer, Paragon Adaskar is struggling to unite the fracturing riders. If he fails, ruinous chaos will break across the world.
For when Elders and Paragons quarrel, kingdoms will fall.
A summons from the Life Elder sets them on a perilous mission, leading to steaming jungles and blistering islands where ancient secrets will challenge everything they know of magic and dragons.
Talia, the Red Queen, is beset on all sides by pirate raiders and marauding mercenaries. Empress Skadi has abandoned her, battling uprisings in her own lands. As the noose tightens on Feorlen, Talia faces a difficult let her people suffer or turn her powers against mortal foes?
Osric Agravain has found hope with his newly bonded black dragon, but some wounds run deeper than flesh and bone. Along the Fallow Frontier, he seeks the inner peace that has long eluded him.
And within the sanctum at Falcaer, Paragon Adaskar is struggling to unite the fracturing riders. If he fails, ruinous chaos will break across the world.
For when Elders and Paragons quarrel, kingdoms will fall.
772 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2023
1034 people are currently reading
3312 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Miller
13 books1,208 followersTwo free novellas in ebook AND audiobook for all who sign up to my mailing list. https://www.michaelrmiller.co.uk/signup
Those who use Discord can also join my server by following this link https://discord.gg/C7zEJXgFSc
Redditors can join the community here - https://www.reddit.com/r/MichaelRMiller/
Michael is ‘that guy’ who enjoys - well, enjoyed... - discussing the mad fan theories of Game of Thrones even more than the books or show, and knows more about World of Warcraft than is probably healthy.
You can contact him at michael@michaelrmiller.co.uk
www.michaelrmiller.co.uk
Those who use Discord can also join my server by following this link https://discord.gg/C7zEJXgFSc
Redditors can join the community here - https://www.reddit.com/r/MichaelRMiller/
Michael is ‘that guy’ who enjoys - well, enjoyed... - discussing the mad fan theories of Game of Thrones even more than the books or show, and knows more about World of Warcraft than is probably healthy.
You can contact him at michael@michaelrmiller.co.uk
www.michaelrmiller.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
November 13, 2023
I thought most of this book was really well done, but I struggled with the POVs and storylines of all of the paragons. I felt the jump from 2 or 3 primary POV's to 8 or more was too big of a jump without enough introduction and development of the new POVs prior to them having their own POV. I couldn't keep track of which paragon was which and what their motives/goals were.
Other than the additional POV's the primary storyline lived up to the expectations from the prior books and if you've gotten this far into the series, you should know what to expect - Characters being put into no win situations and struggling to determine what is right, while others struggle to accumulate power.
Other than the additional POV's the primary storyline lived up to the expectations from the prior books and if you've gotten this far into the series, you should know what to expect - Characters being put into no win situations and struggling to determine what is right, while others struggle to accumulate power.
July 7, 2023
Utterly entranced with this series. Ever since I found the first book on Audible and now the build up now for the third book I have loved this series. With everything that has been going on I have been trying to get my friends to read it and get the signed editions from Broken Binding.
Songs of Chaos is what I wanted Eragon to be and it is also so much more. You’ll experience the joys and challenges of the main character and watch them grow and mature. Being able to read this ARC has been one of my highlights and I can’t wait for more.
Don’t hesitate. Jump right into the story. 💖
Songs of Chaos is what I wanted Eragon to be and it is also so much more. You’ll experience the joys and challenges of the main character and watch them grow and mature. Being able to read this ARC has been one of my highlights and I can’t wait for more.
Don’t hesitate. Jump right into the story. 💖
July 15, 2023
He, of all of them, should have known better than to meddle with the natural songs of the world.
Ash and Holt follow a mission set by the Life Elder to recruit the other Elders, where ancient secrets challenge everything they know of magic and dragons.
Talia, the Red Queen, is under attack from all sides as many try to undermine her, leaving with a moral dilemma - let her people suffer or turn her powers against mortal foes?
Osric has found new hope and purpose in his newly bonded black dragon who’s just as fragile as him.
Talia the princess, Talia the girl, had transformed into a Queen and Champion. Amid the rumbling of the dragons, Holt managed to say,
"Hello." Talia beamed. "Hello, pot boy."
This book is all about letting go - of past regrets, grudges, grasping love, childish dreams and imaginings.
It was handled beautifully and my heart ached as each character realised their unattainable wishes and made themselves let go.
”What good is clinging to every ornament of the house if you're left standing in the rubble?"
We continue with the snarky bond between Holt and Ash as they strive to be better, but are faced with the reality that they’ve achieved what most would only dream of and they have run out of natural advantages.
Again, this a very reminiscent of progression fantasy, and would make for an awesome video game concept!
”Maybe you could cook it some vegetables." Ash teased. "The taste might kill it."
Unfortunately, the last 30% lost my interest with just a lot of fighting and action and moving from one place to the next.
Bookstagram
Ash and Holt follow a mission set by the Life Elder to recruit the other Elders, where ancient secrets challenge everything they know of magic and dragons.
Talia, the Red Queen, is under attack from all sides as many try to undermine her, leaving with a moral dilemma - let her people suffer or turn her powers against mortal foes?
Osric has found new hope and purpose in his newly bonded black dragon who’s just as fragile as him.
Talia the princess, Talia the girl, had transformed into a Queen and Champion. Amid the rumbling of the dragons, Holt managed to say,
"Hello." Talia beamed. "Hello, pot boy."
This book is all about letting go - of past regrets, grudges, grasping love, childish dreams and imaginings.
It was handled beautifully and my heart ached as each character realised their unattainable wishes and made themselves let go.
”What good is clinging to every ornament of the house if you're left standing in the rubble?"
We continue with the snarky bond between Holt and Ash as they strive to be better, but are faced with the reality that they’ve achieved what most would only dream of and they have run out of natural advantages.
Again, this a very reminiscent of progression fantasy, and would make for an awesome video game concept!
”Maybe you could cook it some vegetables." Ash teased. "The taste might kill it."
Unfortunately, the last 30% lost my interest with just a lot of fighting and action and moving from one place to the next.
Bookstagram
July 24, 2023
Struggling to setup his final 2 books
I really enjoyed the first two books but this one dragged a good bit for me. In a shift from previous novels, he introduced a ton of new POV characters which took away from the narrative and led to a more fractured form of story telling. It also felt like he hurried through the plot to character deaths in order to setup books 4 and 5. Overall i thought a number of characters had seemingly inconsequential archs that took away from the primary story. I believe Miller would have been better served focusing on his primary characters journey and then perhaps spinning off the paragons into a novella.
I really enjoyed the first two books but this one dragged a good bit for me. In a shift from previous novels, he introduced a ton of new POV characters which took away from the narrative and led to a more fractured form of story telling. It also felt like he hurried through the plot to character deaths in order to setup books 4 and 5. Overall i thought a number of characters had seemingly inconsequential archs that took away from the primary story. I believe Miller would have been better served focusing on his primary characters journey and then perhaps spinning off the paragons into a novella.
May 17, 2024
This series continues to deliver strong and consistent storytelling and writing, with interesting characters, both human and non.
Definitely a series I will recommend and continue.
Definitely a series I will recommend and continue.
January 4, 2024
Where do I even start on this chunky beast of a book? I suppose the quick summary is: everything is on fire, everyone is fighting, nothing goes as planned, your heart will break and Michael is a powerhouse of a writer. Best book of Songs of Chaos so far.
We get a lot more of the Paragons and the flight elders here. Which, if we didn't know by now, more POVs means a lot more action and drama and everything but the kitchen sink. And that is 100% the case. I found myself at times groaning a little bit when we'd circle back to the Paragons stories but they ended up being hugely dramatic. I have no idea what is going to happen now with the Order as it is. And the same goes for the wild flights. It says a lot that the POVs I wasn't captivated by have left me with the most questions and asking what comes next.
Talia is fierce this time. Where in the last book I felt her story fell a bit flat, this time she was shining. She made some questionable choices but you know what? That's fine. I absolutely loved all she was and did this time. She has gone from rider to royal to juggling the two roles to now running things her way and nuts to the old ways. I can't wait to see how her and Pyra (as well as Pyra and Fynn) keep going in the next books. Also, poor Fynn. Michael, you did him dirty. Talia and Pyra's bond changes and what they understand about it is changing because really they're experiencing everything without the guidance of older fire riders to advise them. I hope that means we're going to see new bonds, skills and situations for these two as a result.
Speaking of new bonds and skills. Holt and Ash. There hasn't been a better pairing since macaroni and cheese. These two have seriously learned the road to hell is paved with good intentions. They made some bad choices they couldn't have known at the time would be as bad as they were. I'm very interested in this sword and its spirit. I can't wait to see how that develops with Ash and Holt together. One thing I've really loved is how loving they are, not just with each other but for Rake, Talia and Pyra, for Aberanth and those they've lost. It's really wonderful that with all they've gone through it hasn't changed that part of them and while they're getting stronger and their story more complicated, they're all the more loving, protective and loyal of things.
This time, I found myself looking forward to Osric's POV, and not only because I love his little shadow dragon to pieces. Granted their conversations and sharing their lives was really beautiful. "I'll take you anyway." has lived rent free in my head since I read it. This bond really shaped the redemption arc that was waved throughout the book. Osric by no means should be forgiven for his past and that is touched upon a lot but he can still do good and his dragon's I'll take you anyway really sums that up. Gea's reappearance in this book as weaves into the same arc and I found myself so sad for her ending.
The highlight of this book is the emotion that Michael writes with. We know Thrall is bad. We know his horde of dragons are not on the 'good side', we know the fire flight is unhinged and obsessed with power, and I still found myself feeling a little sad for some of their endings. Yes, they're 'the bad guys' but the emotion written into their fights, thrashing to get free and flee, roaring, it puts an image of strength to helplessness. While, for the good of the story and its world, these characters had to go, it didn't feel triumphant to me.
My only real negative comment is the amount of therapy I need to recover from Holt bringing Aberanth out of his den.
We get a lot more of the Paragons and the flight elders here. Which, if we didn't know by now, more POVs means a lot more action and drama and everything but the kitchen sink. And that is 100% the case. I found myself at times groaning a little bit when we'd circle back to the Paragons stories but they ended up being hugely dramatic. I have no idea what is going to happen now with the Order as it is. And the same goes for the wild flights. It says a lot that the POVs I wasn't captivated by have left me with the most questions and asking what comes next.
Talia is fierce this time. Where in the last book I felt her story fell a bit flat, this time she was shining. She made some questionable choices but you know what? That's fine. I absolutely loved all she was and did this time. She has gone from rider to royal to juggling the two roles to now running things her way and nuts to the old ways. I can't wait to see how her and Pyra (as well as Pyra and Fynn) keep going in the next books. Also, poor Fynn. Michael, you did him dirty. Talia and Pyra's bond changes and what they understand about it is changing because really they're experiencing everything without the guidance of older fire riders to advise them. I hope that means we're going to see new bonds, skills and situations for these two as a result.
Speaking of new bonds and skills. Holt and Ash. There hasn't been a better pairing since macaroni and cheese. These two have seriously learned the road to hell is paved with good intentions. They made some bad choices they couldn't have known at the time would be as bad as they were. I'm very interested in this sword and its spirit. I can't wait to see how that develops with Ash and Holt together. One thing I've really loved is how loving they are, not just with each other but for Rake, Talia and Pyra, for Aberanth and those they've lost. It's really wonderful that with all they've gone through it hasn't changed that part of them and while they're getting stronger and their story more complicated, they're all the more loving, protective and loyal of things.
This time, I found myself looking forward to Osric's POV, and not only because I love his little shadow dragon to pieces. Granted their conversations and sharing their lives was really beautiful. "I'll take you anyway." has lived rent free in my head since I read it. This bond really shaped the redemption arc that was waved throughout the book. Osric by no means should be forgiven for his past and that is touched upon a lot but he can still do good and his dragon's I'll take you anyway really sums that up. Gea's reappearance in this book as weaves into the same arc and I found myself so sad for her ending.
The highlight of this book is the emotion that Michael writes with. We know Thrall is bad. We know his horde of dragons are not on the 'good side', we know the fire flight is unhinged and obsessed with power, and I still found myself feeling a little sad for some of their endings. Yes, they're 'the bad guys' but the emotion written into their fights, thrashing to get free and flee, roaring, it puts an image of strength to helplessness. While, for the good of the story and its world, these characters had to go, it didn't feel triumphant to me.
My only real negative comment is the amount of therapy I need to recover from Holt bringing Aberanth out of his den.
November 29, 2024
The songs of chaos became a little too chaotic for me.
I liked the previous two books more because they were more straightforward and focused on Ash and Holt.
I liked the previous two books more because they were more straightforward and focused on Ash and Holt.
March 13, 2025
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders
Defiant is Miller’s third entry into his epic dragon rider series: Songs of Chaos. Defiant expands the world, introducing tons of new characters while staying faithful to our core team, focusing the majority of its time on developing their arcs. Holt and Ash continue to have a wonderful, heart-felt bond and I enjoyed watching Osric nurture his bond with the shadow dragon.
While I didn’t get much of a sense that this was going to be progression fantasy from Ascendant, it was clear by Unbound that this series was firmly categorizing itself within the progression fantasy subgenre. I’ve never read a progression fantasy series, and it has taken me a little while to really embrace it. I DO really enjoy what Miller has done with the Songs of Chaos so far and am eagerly anticipating having the opportunity to read his next book, Reckoning. However, it did take me a little while to really settle into Defiant, and for me, I think it was that background feeling of progression fantasy, moving our characters from one challenge to the next with a goal of “leveling them up.” That being said, Miller’s expert story telling and expansive vision for this world and this series eventually took over and I really enjoyed myself throughout this book.
Defiant finally delves deep into The Pact and how the Paragons of The Order and the Elder’s interact or, historically, how they have actively avoided each other to preserve the peace. We get to journey with the Paragons and Elders as they begin pushing at the edges of The Pact and sometimes outright breaking it in an attempt to gain an advantage over Thrall. Personally, I really enjoyed these interactions and getting to learn more about this complex lore that dates back to before the Scourge was created. Paragons and Elders are both terrible forces to reckon with, as we see throughout the book. Chaos reigns.
The book is filled with action, shocks, and twists. Miller went harder than I had expected him to with some of the deaths in this book. I should have known that he wasn’t scared to kill off main characters from Ascendant and Unbound, but he still shocked me with his lack of plot armor for multiple characters and I loved it.
Defiant does suffer some from middle book syndrome. This is book 3 in a planned 5 book series, and it does feel a little like Miller had to move some players around and set up a few things in order to position everyone where they needed to be for the big finale in the next two books. That being said, at no time during this book did I feel like it was slow or meandering. Miller is just still holding back on answering questions and still giving us new questions to gnaw at our souls as we wait for him to finish the series.
Along that same vein, as the story has expanded and more and more characters are taking center stage, Miller has done a fantastic job of having very strong arcs for each of them. I’ve certainly read long series where characters feel like they’re just walking around in circles because the author didn’t really know what to do with them for a while (I love you Wheel of Time, but yes, I’m looking at you). I felt like everyone’s arcs progressed and expanded throughout Defiant. There was never a chapter or character POV that I started and was disappointed to have to read.
It's always hard to write a spoiler-free review for a book this deep into a series, but if you’re still reading this and haven’t started Songs of Chaos, definitely do yourself a favor and try it out, especially if you like epic, dragon rider fantasy or progression fantasy. Defiant is a fantastic entry in this essential dragon rider series, weaving epic worldbuilding with the development of bonds powerful enough to reminds us why we love fantasy.
Defiant is Miller’s third entry into his epic dragon rider series: Songs of Chaos. Defiant expands the world, introducing tons of new characters while staying faithful to our core team, focusing the majority of its time on developing their arcs. Holt and Ash continue to have a wonderful, heart-felt bond and I enjoyed watching Osric nurture his bond with the shadow dragon.
While I didn’t get much of a sense that this was going to be progression fantasy from Ascendant, it was clear by Unbound that this series was firmly categorizing itself within the progression fantasy subgenre. I’ve never read a progression fantasy series, and it has taken me a little while to really embrace it. I DO really enjoy what Miller has done with the Songs of Chaos so far and am eagerly anticipating having the opportunity to read his next book, Reckoning. However, it did take me a little while to really settle into Defiant, and for me, I think it was that background feeling of progression fantasy, moving our characters from one challenge to the next with a goal of “leveling them up.” That being said, Miller’s expert story telling and expansive vision for this world and this series eventually took over and I really enjoyed myself throughout this book.
Defiant finally delves deep into The Pact and how the Paragons of The Order and the Elder’s interact or, historically, how they have actively avoided each other to preserve the peace. We get to journey with the Paragons and Elders as they begin pushing at the edges of The Pact and sometimes outright breaking it in an attempt to gain an advantage over Thrall. Personally, I really enjoyed these interactions and getting to learn more about this complex lore that dates back to before the Scourge was created. Paragons and Elders are both terrible forces to reckon with, as we see throughout the book. Chaos reigns.
The book is filled with action, shocks, and twists. Miller went harder than I had expected him to with some of the deaths in this book. I should have known that he wasn’t scared to kill off main characters from Ascendant and Unbound, but he still shocked me with his lack of plot armor for multiple characters and I loved it.
Defiant does suffer some from middle book syndrome. This is book 3 in a planned 5 book series, and it does feel a little like Miller had to move some players around and set up a few things in order to position everyone where they needed to be for the big finale in the next two books. That being said, at no time during this book did I feel like it was slow or meandering. Miller is just still holding back on answering questions and still giving us new questions to gnaw at our souls as we wait for him to finish the series.
Along that same vein, as the story has expanded and more and more characters are taking center stage, Miller has done a fantastic job of having very strong arcs for each of them. I’ve certainly read long series where characters feel like they’re just walking around in circles because the author didn’t really know what to do with them for a while (I love you Wheel of Time, but yes, I’m looking at you). I felt like everyone’s arcs progressed and expanded throughout Defiant. There was never a chapter or character POV that I started and was disappointed to have to read.
It's always hard to write a spoiler-free review for a book this deep into a series, but if you’re still reading this and haven’t started Songs of Chaos, definitely do yourself a favor and try it out, especially if you like epic, dragon rider fantasy or progression fantasy. Defiant is a fantastic entry in this essential dragon rider series, weaving epic worldbuilding with the development of bonds powerful enough to reminds us why we love fantasy.
January 30, 2024
I'm really enjoying the series so far. I was struggling with the POV chapters however I liked the plot and the world expansion. These characters are written so brilliantly that i'm excited for Michael to start book 4.
This is a highly recommended series.
This is a highly recommended series.
July 25, 2023
Michael R. Miller’s new novel Defiant is a love letter to the fantasy genre, and as the author matures in his craft, so does his characters. The third novel of the Song’s of Chaos series takes a deeper dive into the lore of a world filled with magic, dragons, and monsters, and explores the real-life themes of prejudice, politics, zealots and the human condition.
In this book the main characters wrestle with the weight of their actions. Some grow beautifully as a result, while others fall into prisons of their own making. Every chapter requires your attention, not because it is a laborious read, but rather because the author is able to enrapture you into the story.
Miller deals with the light and darkness of the soul in this novel, and how one can be redeemed through being honest with oneself. He also plays the audience’s emotions like a lute, taking you on an unpredictable ride that leaves you hungry for more.
This young author has a brilliant future, and his characters are nuanced and complex enough to feel real.
In this book the main characters wrestle with the weight of their actions. Some grow beautifully as a result, while others fall into prisons of their own making. Every chapter requires your attention, not because it is a laborious read, but rather because the author is able to enrapture you into the story.
Miller deals with the light and darkness of the soul in this novel, and how one can be redeemed through being honest with oneself. He also plays the audience’s emotions like a lute, taking you on an unpredictable ride that leaves you hungry for more.
This young author has a brilliant future, and his characters are nuanced and complex enough to feel real.
July 26, 2023
And done! Man was that a gut punch of a book. Completely different direction than I thought the story would go but awesome none the less. Think it’s time for me to do a Why You Should Read Post about this series. Look out for that this weekend!
September 27, 2023
I did start to read this book, I felt this was a trilogy but there seem to be 2 more books planned. Completing this book at such a quick pace for an 800+ page novel says a lot about how well-paced, adventurous, brilliant plot line and excellent character work of all perspectives present in this novel. Defiant is the best of the 3 books in this series and I am very much excited for the next novels of this series.
October 7, 2023
I’m DNFing this book at around 60%
I’ll start by saying I do truly believe this book and this series has a lot to offer to many readers. There are many aspects I think others will love. Unfortunately this review is hard to write for me as I have come to realise this series is just not for me any longer. Every reader has their own tastes, and this book showed me that this isn’t really my thing.
What I did like:
- I do love the story of Holt and Ash, and Talia and Pyra. I’ve enjoyed seeing them both grow as characters.
-I love seeing how Talia deals with the political side and all the struggles she faces.
-The story overall at the core is really great. Fighting the scourge, rebuilding a fractured kingdom, bonding with your dragon. That’s all great stuff.
-I enjoyed the reunion between Talia and Holt and way their relationship is dealt with.
However, while I can see the characters having a lot of potential and a lot of heart , that’s not enough to elevate this book above other aspects that I just didn’t enjoy.
What I didn’t like:
The writing takes some turns that I found interesting, namely by taking all the mystery out of the bad guys in the last book to the point where I don’t really feel like I care that much about them.
The writing is both too much and not enough at the same time. Where I would have liked more description (physical characteristics of ppl or dragons to set them apart in my mind etc or clarification of how a dragon physically does some things, like make experiments or how Rake even looks as a half dragon) there was a feeling of lack. And at other times I really felt like some parts were too drawn out and could have been tighter.
There are also a tonne of new characters in this book and I honestly found it really hard to keep track of who was who and even who was a dragon and who was a human character in some places. There are just too many new people to follow and I don’t care about them. At all. I was really invested in Holt and Talia but so much of this book moves away from them.
This choice also made the story itself feel so fractured. Everyone was off doing things that were not really connected enough to feel invested in any of them that much. It’s so at odds to how I felt in book one where there was a nice found family feel in the group.
Many scenes felt too drawn out that the pace of this book was so achingly slow, and I don’t usually mind slow books but here it was not enjoyable due to my previous point about the characters.
The magic system also continues to take a progression style which has always been the case but it’s also a style that I personally don’t love. This is a preference thing, but the emphasis on levelling up and the time given to those parts of the story in this book dragged a lot for me.
I’ll restate that I have put this book aside for now and will come back to end in future maybe, so who knows? The end could be what makes this book. But the beginning half was not for me. It really sucks for me to DNF this book as I put a tonne of time into reading this series. But I’m just not enjoying it nearly as much as book one sadly .
I’ll start by saying I do truly believe this book and this series has a lot to offer to many readers. There are many aspects I think others will love. Unfortunately this review is hard to write for me as I have come to realise this series is just not for me any longer. Every reader has their own tastes, and this book showed me that this isn’t really my thing.
What I did like:
- I do love the story of Holt and Ash, and Talia and Pyra. I’ve enjoyed seeing them both grow as characters.
-I love seeing how Talia deals with the political side and all the struggles she faces.
-The story overall at the core is really great. Fighting the scourge, rebuilding a fractured kingdom, bonding with your dragon. That’s all great stuff.
-I enjoyed the reunion between Talia and Holt and way their relationship is dealt with.
However, while I can see the characters having a lot of potential and a lot of heart , that’s not enough to elevate this book above other aspects that I just didn’t enjoy.
What I didn’t like:
The writing takes some turns that I found interesting, namely by taking all the mystery out of the bad guys in the last book to the point where I don’t really feel like I care that much about them.
The writing is both too much and not enough at the same time. Where I would have liked more description (physical characteristics of ppl or dragons to set them apart in my mind etc or clarification of how a dragon physically does some things, like make experiments or how Rake even looks as a half dragon) there was a feeling of lack. And at other times I really felt like some parts were too drawn out and could have been tighter.
There are also a tonne of new characters in this book and I honestly found it really hard to keep track of who was who and even who was a dragon and who was a human character in some places. There are just too many new people to follow and I don’t care about them. At all. I was really invested in Holt and Talia but so much of this book moves away from them.
This choice also made the story itself feel so fractured. Everyone was off doing things that were not really connected enough to feel invested in any of them that much. It’s so at odds to how I felt in book one where there was a nice found family feel in the group.
Many scenes felt too drawn out that the pace of this book was so achingly slow, and I don’t usually mind slow books but here it was not enjoyable due to my previous point about the characters.
The magic system also continues to take a progression style which has always been the case but it’s also a style that I personally don’t love. This is a preference thing, but the emphasis on levelling up and the time given to those parts of the story in this book dragged a lot for me.
I’ll restate that I have put this book aside for now and will come back to end in future maybe, so who knows? The end could be what makes this book. But the beginning half was not for me. It really sucks for me to DNF this book as I put a tonne of time into reading this series. But I’m just not enjoying it nearly as much as book one sadly .
December 10, 2024
As book three in a series, I’m not going to say too much about this one because if you get this far, you should already know what to expect and if it’s going to work for you or not. I’ve been enjoying the audiobooks for this series, it’s a good narration, but that doesn’t really matter if the story isn’t there to back it up, and here, I’m pleased to say I’m enjoying the story as well.
There are some good characters in here, and there’s some good variation as well, with the different characters you spend time with, and seeing not only different viewpoints, but also different parts of the world and different elements of the story.
As I continue my way through this series, I’m enjoying the development of the characters and the progression of the story. The book covers show the progression of the two main characters, Holt and Ash, but I also like how they develop their relationships with the other characters they meet along the way.
There are some good characters in here, and there’s some good variation as well, with the different characters you spend time with, and seeing not only different viewpoints, but also different parts of the world and different elements of the story.
As I continue my way through this series, I’m enjoying the development of the characters and the progression of the story. The book covers show the progression of the two main characters, Holt and Ash, but I also like how they develop their relationships with the other characters they meet along the way.
August 30, 2025
Honestly this series just keeps getting better, every book building on the last. At this point, it feels as if something has got to give. As book 3 of 5, Defiant definitely is very "middle book" in style but not execution. It sets up a lot and develops on even more.
Is it cliche that Holt finds that super special thing just for him and Ash? Yes.
Is it still fun that they get a super special thing? Yes!
This is what it looks like when an author does YA very well and then pairs it with well done High Fantasy. That is to say, I liked this one.
One larger thing held this back from being a stellar read (imo) and that was shockingly Talia's chapters. So much was happening with Holt/Ash, Rake (and another), Osric/Soot, the fire flights, the 'parasyte', the 'yetis', the Paragons, and ofc our lovely Abernath (who is my favourite character and made me tear up at one point - those who read the book know when). Not to mention... you know... the scourge/Thrall!? Just to name a few. ALL of this is happening simultaneously while also, there's Talia politicking. Her chapters dragged for me, and were hard to keep my attention on.
Additionally, though I was able to do it eventually, I think we have too many characters and places being tossed into the mix. It was hard to keep track of who is who for a good chunk of the book.
All in all though, a fantastic read. This series is among my top favourites and it has impressed me so much that I eagerly await the next book. Now I only have to wait... let me check... two weeks until its released!? What am I going to do now...
Is it cliche that Holt finds that super special thing just for him and Ash? Yes.
Is it still fun that they get a super special thing? Yes!
This is what it looks like when an author does YA very well and then pairs it with well done High Fantasy. That is to say, I liked this one.
One larger thing held this back from being a stellar read (imo) and that was shockingly Talia's chapters. So much was happening with Holt/Ash, Rake (and another), Osric/Soot, the fire flights, the 'parasyte', the 'yetis', the Paragons, and ofc our lovely Abernath (who is my favourite character and made me tear up at one point - those who read the book know when). Not to mention... you know... the scourge/Thrall!? Just to name a few. ALL of this is happening simultaneously while also, there's Talia politicking. Her chapters dragged for me, and were hard to keep my attention on.
Additionally, though I was able to do it eventually, I think we have too many characters and places being tossed into the mix. It was hard to keep track of who is who for a good chunk of the book.
All in all though, a fantastic read. This series is among my top favourites and it has impressed me so much that I eagerly await the next book. Now I only have to wait... let me check... two weeks until its released!? What am I going to do now...
December 11, 2023
3.75⭐️
I need to start doing a thorough research in these series. I thought this was a trilogy, only to find out there are supposed to be 2 more books.😭
If I had known that I probably would’ve waited.
But anyway, what's done is done, this wasn’t a bad read. There were so many problems within this book I couldn’t look past, but I'm only going to put my most major problem with this book.
Defiant was well-written, and had a good storyline, and it was really easy to fall in love with characters. I was also happy to finally get a map, with Ash and Holt flying everywhere. It was nice to refer back to the map- though it felt incomplete.
And though those are good factors, this book was all over the place. Literally.
There were so many P.O.V.s I didn’t know who I was following until I got two pages in. And I only loved following the 4 major main characters. Rake, Holt, Talia, and Osric. the rest were irrelevant.
I do hope the author fixes this where it makes a little more sense. I will be finishing the series, because like I said it wasn’t bad. But it definitely could be touched upon in the aspect of everyone and their mama having a say.
The mystery or the build-up in not knowing what the character's intention is towards the end is much needed, because without it, it makes things a tad bit boring and mundane.
Until the next read.
Thank you, 💋
”Become the hunter- not the prey.”
I need to start doing a thorough research in these series. I thought this was a trilogy, only to find out there are supposed to be 2 more books.😭
If I had known that I probably would’ve waited.
But anyway, what's done is done, this wasn’t a bad read. There were so many problems within this book I couldn’t look past, but I'm only going to put my most major problem with this book.
Defiant was well-written, and had a good storyline, and it was really easy to fall in love with characters. I was also happy to finally get a map, with Ash and Holt flying everywhere. It was nice to refer back to the map- though it felt incomplete.
And though those are good factors, this book was all over the place. Literally.
There were so many P.O.V.s I didn’t know who I was following until I got two pages in. And I only loved following the 4 major main characters. Rake, Holt, Talia, and Osric. the rest were irrelevant.
I do hope the author fixes this where it makes a little more sense. I will be finishing the series, because like I said it wasn’t bad. But it definitely could be touched upon in the aspect of everyone and their mama having a say.
The mystery or the build-up in not knowing what the character's intention is towards the end is much needed, because without it, it makes things a tad bit boring and mundane.
Until the next read.
Thank you, 💋
July 27, 2023
exceptional and enthralling read
I am captivated by this series. Holt and Ash are amazing characters along with all others in the storyline. The authors ability to weave their story, craft the characters, the world building and keep you on the edge of your seat is stellar. It’s a page turner that you can’t put down, eager to follow all the varied paths. The writer has done a great job of threading the action, In what could have been a very disjointed mess, into a flow that works amazingly well. It’s long, but worth the investment, I’m sad it’s over and eager for the next instalment. He said 2 more books but Ash and Holt are such incredible characters, they and we deserve more from them I feel and would wish for more books and adventures beyond the 2 confirmed.
I am captivated by this series. Holt and Ash are amazing characters along with all others in the storyline. The authors ability to weave their story, craft the characters, the world building and keep you on the edge of your seat is stellar. It’s a page turner that you can’t put down, eager to follow all the varied paths. The writer has done a great job of threading the action, In what could have been a very disjointed mess, into a flow that works amazingly well. It’s long, but worth the investment, I’m sad it’s over and eager for the next instalment. He said 2 more books but Ash and Holt are such incredible characters, they and we deserve more from them I feel and would wish for more books and adventures beyond the 2 confirmed.
August 6, 2023
Very creative idea
I really liked the story. It was developed well. Easy reading. All the things we all enjoy about reading - but the third book too many new characters at once. Too many people (and dragons) going to too many places. It all got a bit confusing. And finally (I say this because it seemed to go stagnant for a moment - too many people and places introduced thing), and all of a sudden, it all pulled together. The excitement lifted, and it all pulled together nicely. So it all turned quiet good. I really enjoyed this story.. it is unique.
I really liked the story. It was developed well. Easy reading. All the things we all enjoy about reading - but the third book too many new characters at once. Too many people (and dragons) going to too many places. It all got a bit confusing. And finally (I say this because it seemed to go stagnant for a moment - too many people and places introduced thing), and all of a sudden, it all pulled together. The excitement lifted, and it all pulled together nicely. So it all turned quiet good. I really enjoyed this story.. it is unique.
August 7, 2023
I have always loved Eragon, so when I discovered the Songs of Chaos, I knew I had to check it out. This series "fixes" a lot of the issues that I had with the Inheritance Cycle, chief of which was the main character. Holt has had to face challenge after challenge, especially being a low-born. Michael keeps drawing you into his universe, and Defiant is no different. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I am excited to see where he takes us with his next books!
P.S. AND IT HAS NO SMUT!!
P.S. AND IT HAS NO SMUT!!
August 6, 2023
Astounding
I am amazed with this book. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the power progression even more the the previous ones. I absolutely love the lessons learned, the hardships faced by all of our protagonists. I will wait with immense anticipation for the next book in this series. Congrats on a job well done Michael Miller!
I am amazed with this book. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the power progression even more the the previous ones. I absolutely love the lessons learned, the hardships faced by all of our protagonists. I will wait with immense anticipation for the next book in this series. Congrats on a job well done Michael Miller!
August 5, 2023
A great addition to the series
From start to finish, this third book in this growing series never fails to delight. Effervescent characters, brilliant dialog, and a rich living world stir together make you feel every thrill and disappointment. I can't wait for more!
From start to finish, this third book in this growing series never fails to delight. Effervescent characters, brilliant dialog, and a rich living world stir together make you feel every thrill and disappointment. I can't wait for more!
October 5, 2023
Top-tier! Flew through it! The battles were intense could never tell what was gonna happen, I enjoyed the different povs; the soul introspection adds dimension and conviction to the different characters! Made me sympathetic to alot of the new voices! Had no idea where the story was gonna go but I enjoyed the ride! The characters are well developed, the pacing was fast, and the battle scenes were vivid. Can't wait for the next book! Side note I really appreciated the quick recap at the start!
July 27, 2023
Extraordinary. Full of mind-boggling revelations. A great read through and through.
July 4, 2023
Dragons, Magic, Intrigue, War, Love, Devotion, Sacrifice. These and more are masterfully interwoven in Defiant. Quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, Michael continues to captivate the imagination in Defiant.
May 23, 2025
“What truths define you today may not be the same tomorrow...” - Rake
I am upset. And ecstatic! And obviously screaming like a banshee because someone needs to reel Miller in, this man is a danger to my mental well-being AND the panacea that soothes my soul all at once!
Just when you think you know everything there is to know about Aldunei, new things keep popping up. Legends that were ignored or never told, enemies, allies. You keep thinking you know who the true villains are, who is good or bad, always forgetting that Miller hasn't made a crystal clear world. Aldunei is real at this point in every sense of the word - it is gritty, and flawed, and no one is truly good or truly evil. Everyone has a hidden agenda, and no matter how good someone's intentions are, mistakes are for both humans and dragons to make.
And oh, what glorious mistakes! What a mess our heroes have made! All the while trying to help, trying to end cruelty and the Scourge and Thrall. Trying to keep their heads above water. And with Miller's unique way of telling a story, of showing us what goes on inside a Paragon's mind, inside Osric's - what makes all those people we initially thought are the bad guys tick, why they do what they do, why they treat our protagonists this way - you can't help but wonder, who is truly the main problem here? Each and every one of those characters has their own reasons for acting and reacting certain ways, none of them necessarily right or wrong, and in the end you can't 100% hate or love anyone!
I am scared that there is a person like Michael R. Miller out there in the world, to be honest. A man who has understood human nature so perfectly, he puts it all organically on the paper for us to see, and it's like a mirror on how our race behaves and thinks. It's a scary thing to witness, the clarity and the realness of it all, even if it's presented through a fantasy scope. Holt's dreams being shattered while he was trying to forge that sword during the wedding (plus the realization? oof, that was so good!), Talia becoming the reason for Pyra going berserk, Osric and his personal journey of growth, Rake opening up to feelings for his comrades and getting hurt again for having said feelings...
I can't recommend this series enough. I already have the books but I'm buying them again to gift them to everyone I know, such a masterpiece should be celebrated and feared, and I'll say it again, Miller needs to teach classes!
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com
I am upset. And ecstatic! And obviously screaming like a banshee because someone needs to reel Miller in, this man is a danger to my mental well-being AND the panacea that soothes my soul all at once!
Just when you think you know everything there is to know about Aldunei, new things keep popping up. Legends that were ignored or never told, enemies, allies. You keep thinking you know who the true villains are, who is good or bad, always forgetting that Miller hasn't made a crystal clear world. Aldunei is real at this point in every sense of the word - it is gritty, and flawed, and no one is truly good or truly evil. Everyone has a hidden agenda, and no matter how good someone's intentions are, mistakes are for both humans and dragons to make.
And oh, what glorious mistakes! What a mess our heroes have made! All the while trying to help, trying to end cruelty and the Scourge and Thrall. Trying to keep their heads above water. And with Miller's unique way of telling a story, of showing us what goes on inside a Paragon's mind, inside Osric's - what makes all those people we initially thought are the bad guys tick, why they do what they do, why they treat our protagonists this way - you can't help but wonder, who is truly the main problem here? Each and every one of those characters has their own reasons for acting and reacting certain ways, none of them necessarily right or wrong, and in the end you can't 100% hate or love anyone!
I am scared that there is a person like Michael R. Miller out there in the world, to be honest. A man who has understood human nature so perfectly, he puts it all organically on the paper for us to see, and it's like a mirror on how our race behaves and thinks. It's a scary thing to witness, the clarity and the realness of it all, even if it's presented through a fantasy scope. Holt's dreams being shattered while he was trying to forge that sword during the wedding (plus the realization? oof, that was so good!), Talia becoming the reason for Pyra going berserk, Osric and his personal journey of growth, Rake opening up to feelings for his comrades and getting hurt again for having said feelings...
I can't recommend this series enough. I already have the books but I'm buying them again to gift them to everyone I know, such a masterpiece should be celebrated and feared, and I'll say it again, Miller needs to teach classes!
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com
October 30, 2023
This is another strong entry into The Songs of Chaos series and Michael Miller delivers yet again with strong character development and progression.
I’ve listened to this whole series on audio and as I start to listen to more audio books I think I’m good at picking the skilled narrators and the duds and Peter Kenny knocks it out of the park 🏟⚾️
This book did often see the characters go off on side quests at times, which usually disengages me as I’m a person who tends to get distracted easily, but whenever I was pulled out Holt and Ash pulled me right back in. I just love Holt I think he’s a fantastic character and for me carries the story. To me he has that Straw Hat Luffy quality where he is able to just draw people in and is just so noble and lovable that people can’t help but to want to help him.
The other characters were good too. I did find myself blanking out a little over the Talia parts of the story, but that’s not because they were poorly written, probably just because I wanted more Holt 😂
—
This series is a must read for dragon fantasy fans! There is talking dragons, epic battles, elemental magic and also elder dragons based on each element. The conflict is fantastic, the progression real and realistic. The CHARACTERS are awesome and I can’t wait for the 4th book already 🔥🐲
—
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve listened to this whole series on audio and as I start to listen to more audio books I think I’m good at picking the skilled narrators and the duds and Peter Kenny knocks it out of the park 🏟⚾️
This book did often see the characters go off on side quests at times, which usually disengages me as I’m a person who tends to get distracted easily, but whenever I was pulled out Holt and Ash pulled me right back in. I just love Holt I think he’s a fantastic character and for me carries the story. To me he has that Straw Hat Luffy quality where he is able to just draw people in and is just so noble and lovable that people can’t help but to want to help him.
The other characters were good too. I did find myself blanking out a little over the Talia parts of the story, but that’s not because they were poorly written, probably just because I wanted more Holt 😂
—
This series is a must read for dragon fantasy fans! There is talking dragons, epic battles, elemental magic and also elder dragons based on each element. The conflict is fantastic, the progression real and realistic. The CHARACTERS are awesome and I can’t wait for the 4th book already 🔥🐲
—
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 3, 2024
I'll start with the good, the book was enjoyable and engaging and I found myself desperate to get back everytime I wasn't reading. Story of the originals was fantastic.
However, what holds this back from being a 5 star book is the directional change and doubling of POV characters. I think the stories of the paragons & anticlimactic stories of the elders in this do not fit with the original promise of the story. I think the conclusion of the paragon stories actually hurt primarily Talia and Rake. Trying not to spoil but it's a huge shame there was no final moment of reconciliation of a paragon and Talia, and a huge shame one paragon could do what Rake couldn't without the same fate that befell him. Think it would have been more interesting narratively if the final barrier is what has happened to Rake.
The Elder dragons feel very much like the wizard of Oz, alot of smoke and mirrors that ultimately deceive their just normal dragons. In one aspect that's actually a real shame seeing the curtain drawn back.
I think Michael originally set out to write a modern Eragon and has accidentally started writing Wheel of Time.
However, what holds this back from being a 5 star book is the directional change and doubling of POV characters. I think the stories of the paragons & anticlimactic stories of the elders in this do not fit with the original promise of the story. I think the conclusion of the paragon stories actually hurt primarily Talia and Rake. Trying not to spoil but it's a huge shame there was no final moment of reconciliation of a paragon and Talia, and a huge shame one paragon could do what Rake couldn't without the same fate that befell him. Think it would have been more interesting narratively if the final barrier is what has happened to Rake.
The Elder dragons feel very much like the wizard of Oz, alot of smoke and mirrors that ultimately deceive their just normal dragons. In one aspect that's actually a real shame seeing the curtain drawn back.
I think Michael originally set out to write a modern Eragon and has accidentally started writing Wheel of Time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
Defiant • Michael R. Miller • Rating: 9️⃣/🔟
"Challenge from friends makes us stronger. Only enemies seek to dominate"
As the conflict deepens, the stakes rise higher than ever. Political tension threatens to tear the order apart, while the delicate balance of power among the elders grows increasingly unstable. Holt and Ash continue to forge their bond, but it's Talia and Pyra who step into the spotlight, with challenges that will test their strength, their fire, and their hearts 👀
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and really feel like the series came into its own with this instalment 😍 The story feels like it's starting to mature, and the political manoeuvring between the paragons had me hooked! I also loved seeing more of the elders, and witnessing just how powerful they really are 💪
Rake is still my number one guy, but I really think Talia was the star of this book. Her character growth was fantastic, and I especially enjoyed seeing a softer side to Pyra too, it made their bond feel even richer and more meaningful 🥹 An honourable mention for Aberanth as well, I love that little guy 😅
🪬Book vibe🪬
- Political tension
- Dragon bonds
- Power struggles
- Found family
- Epic fantasy
Overall, this was a brilliant continuation of the series, and it honestly feels like each book just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to dive into Reckoning to see what's waiting for me next 😁
"Challenge from friends makes us stronger. Only enemies seek to dominate"
As the conflict deepens, the stakes rise higher than ever. Political tension threatens to tear the order apart, while the delicate balance of power among the elders grows increasingly unstable. Holt and Ash continue to forge their bond, but it's Talia and Pyra who step into the spotlight, with challenges that will test their strength, their fire, and their hearts 👀
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and really feel like the series came into its own with this instalment 😍 The story feels like it's starting to mature, and the political manoeuvring between the paragons had me hooked! I also loved seeing more of the elders, and witnessing just how powerful they really are 💪
Rake is still my number one guy, but I really think Talia was the star of this book. Her character growth was fantastic, and I especially enjoyed seeing a softer side to Pyra too, it made their bond feel even richer and more meaningful 🥹 An honourable mention for Aberanth as well, I love that little guy 😅
🪬Book vibe🪬
- Political tension
- Dragon bonds
- Power struggles
- Found family
- Epic fantasy
Overall, this was a brilliant continuation of the series, and it honestly feels like each book just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to dive into Reckoning to see what's waiting for me next 😁
May 17, 2024
3.5
Although I love the main characters Holt and Ash, Osric and Soot, Rake, Talia and Pyra, I find this book to be too long. Being introduced to so many new characters is difficult to keep track. Because we need to get to know these people, it does take time to develop a relationship with the reader. But, for me, the book would’ve been more enjoyable if divided into two.
Maybe the epic fantasy is just too much for me right now and I need a break. But my enthusiasm was tested whilst reading this story.
The writing is solid and again the characters are great. The last 100 pages are truly amazing with all the battles and confrontations. And no one will accuse Miller of being afraid to kill off characters. The addition of the phoenix is wonderful albeit a short appearance. I hope to see more in the following book.
So a very good story that just drained me to get through 900 pages.
Although I love the main characters Holt and Ash, Osric and Soot, Rake, Talia and Pyra, I find this book to be too long. Being introduced to so many new characters is difficult to keep track. Because we need to get to know these people, it does take time to develop a relationship with the reader. But, for me, the book would’ve been more enjoyable if divided into two.
Maybe the epic fantasy is just too much for me right now and I need a break. But my enthusiasm was tested whilst reading this story.
The writing is solid and again the characters are great. The last 100 pages are truly amazing with all the battles and confrontations. And no one will accuse Miller of being afraid to kill off characters. The addition of the phoenix is wonderful albeit a short appearance. I hope to see more in the following book.
So a very good story that just drained me to get through 900 pages.
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