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The Forged And The Fallen #1
Through Blood and Dragons
SOON TO BE ADAPTED INTO A VIDEO GAME!
Steeped in blood. Ruled by those with dragons.
Cimeren is a world divided by a mysterious forest and the vast Lake on Fire. Suspicion brews on both sides, and the south has fallen into chaos as battles and quarrels rage between kingdoms.
In the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran Orendain is dealing with the loss of his brother and his lord as he strives to face the mounting challenges of a squire of the dragonguard.
But when Cyran’s guard-master is called to face the most powerful of the southern kings and bear witness to a secret stolen from the north, Cyran is dragged into a war that has been bubbling under the surface for centuries.
Dragons are not only weapons—they are engines of war. And even though Cyran is not trained in the ways of the dragonguard, he must adapt and learn to become one of them or his homeland and all of Cimeren will be destroyed.
But he was not born a champion.
He may break, and he will bleed.
Steeped in blood. Ruled by those with dragons.
Cimeren is a world divided by a mysterious forest and the vast Lake on Fire. Suspicion brews on both sides, and the south has fallen into chaos as battles and quarrels rage between kingdoms.
In the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran Orendain is dealing with the loss of his brother and his lord as he strives to face the mounting challenges of a squire of the dragonguard.
But when Cyran’s guard-master is called to face the most powerful of the southern kings and bear witness to a secret stolen from the north, Cyran is dragged into a war that has been bubbling under the surface for centuries.
Dragons are not only weapons—they are engines of war. And even though Cyran is not trained in the ways of the dragonguard, he must adapt and learn to become one of them or his homeland and all of Cimeren will be destroyed.
But he was not born a champion.
He may break, and he will bleed.
538 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
1266 people are currently reading
5477 people want to read
About the author
R.M. Schultz
32 books434 followersReceive a FREE R.M. Schultz best seller:
https://rmschultzauthor.com/landing-p...
R.M. Schultz is a #1 best-selling author of fantasy and science fiction.
After reading Tolkien, Ryan wrote his first 100,000-word fantasy novel as a freshman in high school. When he’s not saving animals, he continues reading and writing fantasy and science fiction, and has done so for over two decades. Ryan founded and heads the North Seattle Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Group and has published over a dozen novels.
And more than anything, he wants to be knighted by George R.R. Martin.
https://rmschultzauthor.com/landing-p...
R.M. Schultz is a #1 best-selling author of fantasy and science fiction.
After reading Tolkien, Ryan wrote his first 100,000-word fantasy novel as a freshman in high school. When he’s not saving animals, he continues reading and writing fantasy and science fiction, and has done so for over two decades. Ryan founded and heads the North Seattle Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Group and has published over a dozen novels.
And more than anything, he wants to be knighted by George R.R. Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
August 31, 2023
This was fun. It felt like the spiritual successor to the Dragonlance books I read in high school. So many dragons! Loved the different species. Excited to see and learn more. Interesting world, interesting magic system.
4 POVs, but one dominated about 60% of the book. He was a solid character, for sure. But I would have liked to have spent more time with the others. Hope that happens more in subsequent volumes.
Will definitely read more. Solid stuff.
4 POVs, but one dominated about 60% of the book. He was a solid character, for sure. But I would have liked to have spent more time with the others. Hope that happens more in subsequent volumes.
Will definitely read more. Solid stuff.
August 17, 2023
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.
ThroughBlood and Dragons is a new, high fantasy novel with much to bring to the table. I enjoyed the whole essence of this book, and with so many great books with dragons being released right now, I urge any dragon fans to grab this book ASAP! There's a perfect blend of darkness within this book without being overbearing, and I loved learning about the dragonguard! Cimeren is definitely a world I want to read and learn more of and although Cyran is the main character in this book, I hope to hear more of each of the other characters and their backstories too as this series unfolds. I'm so excited for the next book and to see where this series takes me to.
ThroughBlood and Dragons is a new, high fantasy novel with much to bring to the table. I enjoyed the whole essence of this book, and with so many great books with dragons being released right now, I urge any dragon fans to grab this book ASAP! There's a perfect blend of darkness within this book without being overbearing, and I loved learning about the dragonguard! Cimeren is definitely a world I want to read and learn more of and although Cyran is the main character in this book, I hope to hear more of each of the other characters and their backstories too as this series unfolds. I'm so excited for the next book and to see where this series takes me to.
August 14, 2023
In the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran is in training as a squire of the dragonguard. When his guard-master is called to attend a meeting of the southern kings, Cyran finds himself at a war against the north.
Expect dragons, assassins, thieves, mages, soldiers, squires, elves, and even moving trees!
This is reminiscent of Temeraire with military and dragon riding mixing where a team boards a dragon to fly and fight.
I liked the heart of the main protagonists - reminiscent of many coming-of-age fantasies. It hit familiar troupes which was nice to settle into and offered variety so I was not bored with.
P.s. there are illustrations! So if you can’t picture the dragons and their riders and lancers, you can gaze at the incredible drawings!
I would recommend Temeraire and Songs of Chaos if you enjoyed this.
Thank you to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a physical arc in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
Expect dragons, assassins, thieves, mages, soldiers, squires, elves, and even moving trees!
This is reminiscent of Temeraire with military and dragon riding mixing where a team boards a dragon to fly and fight.
I liked the heart of the main protagonists - reminiscent of many coming-of-age fantasies. It hit familiar troupes which was nice to settle into and offered variety so I was not bored with.
P.s. there are illustrations! So if you can’t picture the dragons and their riders and lancers, you can gaze at the incredible drawings!
I would recommend Temeraire and Songs of Chaos if you enjoyed this.
Thank you to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a physical arc in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
March 28, 2024
If yоu love fаntаsy аnd drаgons, yоu will nоt wаnt tо miss Through Blооd аnd Drаgоns, а thrilling novel thаt trаnspоrts yоu tо а dаrk аnd mаgicаl wоrld. Cimeren is а fаscinаting sеtting with а rich histоry аnd lоre, аnd the drаgonguаrd аre its brаve protectоrs. Cyrаn is the mаin protаgonist, but he is nоt аlone in his quest. Нe is joined by other intriguing chаrаcters, eаch with their оwn secrets аnd motivаtions. Тhis book will keep yоu hooked from stаrt tо finish, аnd leаve yоu eаger fоr the nеxt instаllment in the series.
August 10, 2023
Book Tour Through Blood and Dragons The Forged and The Fallen Book One by R.M. Schultz
Introduction
I was given an copy to review by the Author and Love Book Tours. Reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. I will always try to avoid spoilers in all reviews as well. #ThroughBloodandDragons #LoveBookTours #LBTCrew #Fantasy #TheForgedandTheFallen #RMSchultz #BookTour
Review
So I know I say I’m a lot of things, the Ancient Egyptian Girl, the Viking Girl, The Horror Girl but I am also very much a Dragon girl. If it has a dragon in it I am there. I adore books like The Inheritance Cycle and have played Skyrim (I’m still bitter you have to kill the dragons) more times than I can count so when the chance to read this new series arose thanks to Love Book Tours I was excited, even if there is a bit of Dragon ‘murder’ in it.
Cimeren is a world divided by a mysterious forest and vast Lake on fire. Both sides are suspicious of the other and the south has fallen into chaos as battles and quarrels rage between kingdoms. Yet in the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran Ordenain is not so engaged with these quarrels as he deals with the loss of his brother and his lord and strives to face the mounting challenges of being a dragonguard squire. But when Cyran’s guard-master is called to face the most powerful of the southern king and bears witness to a secret stolen from the north he is dragged into a war that has been bubbling under the surface for centuries. Dragons are not only used as weapons but they are engines of war. While Cyran is not trained in the ways of the dragonguard he must adapt and learn to become one of them or his homeland and all of Cimeren will be destroyed. He was not born a champion and he may break and he will bleed but he will do all he can to save his homeland.
Wow, that is the only word I can use for this. It takes the action and sometimes grittiness of the Witcher books and pairs it with the worldbuilding of The Inheritance Cycle and makes something truly unique, captivating and that ticks all my fantasy and dragon loving boxes (apart from the dead dragons but it’s war and unfortunately something I will have to live with). I honestly adored this one from start to finish. I was hoping I would but honestly I could not put it down and despite it being over 500 pages I finished it in two sittings that is how hooked I was (but I will definitely be re-reading).
The world Schultz creates is lush, bleak and so realistic, as readers we are instantly transported to Cimeren and the lands there. We learn about the dragonguard, the ‘magic’, the people etc. And on top of this we have all the makings of a great fantasy, warring nations, mercenaries, dragons, elves, court intrigue. You name it we have it but yet it’s not just there to tick boxes, it’s woven into a tale and all makes sense. Next to this we have a cast of characters who are all well rounded and fleshed out. While Cyran is our ‘hero’ many others are given their own voice, story and time to shine as you would expect from a great fantasy and of course we have dragons that have personalities as well, one of which is rather snarky and I love him.
I don’t want to go too much into plot for spoilers but I will say that this is everything you could wish for from an high fantasy novel. It has some rather dark and graphic fights and action, intrigue of courts and so much more. I will definitely be getting book two when it comes out. If you love your fantasy well fleshed out with battles and well built characters and of course dragons this is for you! I would give it a 100 stars if I could.
Hashtags
#ThroughBloodandDragons #LoveBookTours #LBTCrew #Fantasy #TheForgedandTheFallen #RMSchultz #BookTour BookTour #BookReviewer #BookBlogger #BookHoader #FantasticRead #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book
Introduction
I was given an copy to review by the Author and Love Book Tours. Reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. I will always try to avoid spoilers in all reviews as well. #ThroughBloodandDragons #LoveBookTours #LBTCrew #Fantasy #TheForgedandTheFallen #RMSchultz #BookTour
Review
So I know I say I’m a lot of things, the Ancient Egyptian Girl, the Viking Girl, The Horror Girl but I am also very much a Dragon girl. If it has a dragon in it I am there. I adore books like The Inheritance Cycle and have played Skyrim (I’m still bitter you have to kill the dragons) more times than I can count so when the chance to read this new series arose thanks to Love Book Tours I was excited, even if there is a bit of Dragon ‘murder’ in it.
Cimeren is a world divided by a mysterious forest and vast Lake on fire. Both sides are suspicious of the other and the south has fallen into chaos as battles and quarrels rage between kingdoms. Yet in the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran Ordenain is not so engaged with these quarrels as he deals with the loss of his brother and his lord and strives to face the mounting challenges of being a dragonguard squire. But when Cyran’s guard-master is called to face the most powerful of the southern king and bears witness to a secret stolen from the north he is dragged into a war that has been bubbling under the surface for centuries. Dragons are not only used as weapons but they are engines of war. While Cyran is not trained in the ways of the dragonguard he must adapt and learn to become one of them or his homeland and all of Cimeren will be destroyed. He was not born a champion and he may break and he will bleed but he will do all he can to save his homeland.
Wow, that is the only word I can use for this. It takes the action and sometimes grittiness of the Witcher books and pairs it with the worldbuilding of The Inheritance Cycle and makes something truly unique, captivating and that ticks all my fantasy and dragon loving boxes (apart from the dead dragons but it’s war and unfortunately something I will have to live with). I honestly adored this one from start to finish. I was hoping I would but honestly I could not put it down and despite it being over 500 pages I finished it in two sittings that is how hooked I was (but I will definitely be re-reading).
The world Schultz creates is lush, bleak and so realistic, as readers we are instantly transported to Cimeren and the lands there. We learn about the dragonguard, the ‘magic’, the people etc. And on top of this we have all the makings of a great fantasy, warring nations, mercenaries, dragons, elves, court intrigue. You name it we have it but yet it’s not just there to tick boxes, it’s woven into a tale and all makes sense. Next to this we have a cast of characters who are all well rounded and fleshed out. While Cyran is our ‘hero’ many others are given their own voice, story and time to shine as you would expect from a great fantasy and of course we have dragons that have personalities as well, one of which is rather snarky and I love him.
I don’t want to go too much into plot for spoilers but I will say that this is everything you could wish for from an high fantasy novel. It has some rather dark and graphic fights and action, intrigue of courts and so much more. I will definitely be getting book two when it comes out. If you love your fantasy well fleshed out with battles and well built characters and of course dragons this is for you! I would give it a 100 stars if I could.
Hashtags
#ThroughBloodandDragons #LoveBookTours #LBTCrew #Fantasy #TheForgedandTheFallen #RMSchultz #BookTour BookTour #BookReviewer #BookBlogger #BookHoader #FantasticRead #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book
August 4, 2023
In the world of Cimeren, ruled by draconian power and divided by an enigmatic forest and Lake on Fire, kingdoms clash in chaos. At Nevergrace outpost, Cyran Orendain, a dragonguard squire, faces loss and challenges. Fate leads him to a war and a stolen secret that could reshape the realm. In this captivating narrative, Cimeren's evocative world comes alive, fuelled by suspense and intrigue. Cyran's transformation from a grieving squire to an unlikely champion is riveting, portraying the essence of human strength and resilience. Dragons' portrayal as powerful war engines add depth, making this tale an immersive experience. Brace yourself for thrilling twists, as this emotional journey will leave your heart racing until the very end.
August 10, 2023
The story immerses readers in a captivating epic fantasy world. The intricately woven narrative paints a vivid picture of Cimeren, a realm divided by intrigue and power struggles. Amid this turmoil, Cyran Orendain emerges as a relatable protagonist grappling with loss and adversity. Schultz's masterful storytelling skillfully intertwines personal growth with the impending war, as Cyran is thrust into a battle fueled by ancient secrets and the might of dragons. With prose that flows like a lyrical melody, the book draws readers into a realm of magic, courage, and sacrifice. The promise of a video game adaptation speaks to the story's immersive potential, making "Through Blood and Dragons" a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts seeking an enthralling and cinematic experience.
August 10, 2023
Through Blood and Dragons is the first book in The Forged and The Fallen series by R.M. Schultz. Here, the author takes Mythical Creatures fictions´ status on a new level by showing dragons´ true nature in this gripping tale. The protagonists are also quite alluring. Each of them was masterfully thought and created, and they are diverse and at the same time multidimensional. They display courage in face of adversity and challenges which makes this epic fantasy story amazing. I was also impressed by the world building and the imaginative spin of events.
All in all, this is a vivid, shocking and thrilling venture which won't leave even the most cold-hearted reader untouched.
All in all, this is a vivid, shocking and thrilling venture which won't leave even the most cold-hearted reader untouched.
October 1, 2023
‘Through blood and dragons’ is an engaging epic fantasy novel set in a world divided by a mysterious forest and a volatile body of water known as the Lake on Fire. The story revolves around Cyran Orendain, a squire of the dragonguard, who is grappling with personal loss and the chaos of warring kingdoms in the south.
The author effectively creates a sense of tension and suspense as suspicion foments between the divided sides of Cimeren. The backdrop of battles and quarrels adds to the overall atmosphere of the story, showcasing the pervasive conflicts in the region.
Cyran's character development is a central focus of the narrative. Haunted by the loss of his brother and lord, he is faced with the daunting task of navigating the challenges of being a squire in Nevergrace, a border outpost. As he is thrust into a larger, long-standing war, the stakes are raised, and readers are sure to be intrigued by the secret stolen from the north that Cyran becomes entangled with.
The concept of dragons as not only weapons but also engines of war adds depth to the world-building. This idea sets the stage for an epic conflict where Cyran must adapt and learn the ways of the dragonguard, even though he lacks formal training. This aspect of the story promises exciting action sequences and showcases the protagonist's resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Cyran faces many struggles and challenges throughout the novel. There is a great deal of emotional depth to the characters, which I absolutely loved!
Overall, the tale offers an intriguing blend of world-building, political intrigue, and thrilling battles. The protagonist's personal journey, coupled with the richly imagined world, promises an immersive and entertaining read for any epic fantasy fan! I want more!
The author effectively creates a sense of tension and suspense as suspicion foments between the divided sides of Cimeren. The backdrop of battles and quarrels adds to the overall atmosphere of the story, showcasing the pervasive conflicts in the region.
Cyran's character development is a central focus of the narrative. Haunted by the loss of his brother and lord, he is faced with the daunting task of navigating the challenges of being a squire in Nevergrace, a border outpost. As he is thrust into a larger, long-standing war, the stakes are raised, and readers are sure to be intrigued by the secret stolen from the north that Cyran becomes entangled with.
The concept of dragons as not only weapons but also engines of war adds depth to the world-building. This idea sets the stage for an epic conflict where Cyran must adapt and learn the ways of the dragonguard, even though he lacks formal training. This aspect of the story promises exciting action sequences and showcases the protagonist's resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Cyran faces many struggles and challenges throughout the novel. There is a great deal of emotional depth to the characters, which I absolutely loved!
Overall, the tale offers an intriguing blend of world-building, political intrigue, and thrilling battles. The protagonist's personal journey, coupled with the richly imagined world, promises an immersive and entertaining read for any epic fantasy fan! I want more!
October 3, 2023
From the first page you are totally immersed in this captivating world of dragons and fantasy. The plot unfolds swiftly and the twists in the story generated excitement making me feel like I was on a journey full of surprises and constant emotions. R M Schultz has meticulously crafted a universe of magic, dragons, war, battles and political intrigue. Although the novel is long I enjoyed how the author seamlessly blended fantasy, action and suspense in such a way that I couldn’t put the book down. This is a wonderful story with compelling detailed characters and clever well-developed dialogues.
If you are a fan of epic fantasy, good world-building and plenty of twists and turns I really think you will love this.
I am sure there is plenty more of this world of dragons and fantasy to come and I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment 🐲🐉
If you are a fan of epic fantasy, good world-building and plenty of twists and turns I really think you will love this.
I am sure there is plenty more of this world of dragons and fantasy to come and I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment 🐲🐉
October 1, 2023
Oh My Dragons… this was so good!! I seldom read fantasy, or high fantasy, that really isn’t romantasy, so on that front I was a little skeptical about how much I would like this one; but I proved myself wrong! I loved it! The world building was incredible, and yes I got lost with the names sometimes, but that’s on me LOL There are some loose ends at the end of the book, so I hope (and expect) that the next book will address these and I can’t wait to read it!
The adventure really ropes you in and this is a perfect read if you like books about the underdog who ends up being pretty kickass. There’s a Dragon Queen, questioning of loyalties, dragon battles, a mystical forest that has something ominous hidden in it, dragons that talk through the minds, and so much more. You are in for a treat if you decide to take a chance on this book which I sure hope that you do!
Thank you to the author and Love Books Tours for this copy!
The adventure really ropes you in and this is a perfect read if you like books about the underdog who ends up being pretty kickass. There’s a Dragon Queen, questioning of loyalties, dragon battles, a mystical forest that has something ominous hidden in it, dragons that talk through the minds, and so much more. You are in for a treat if you decide to take a chance on this book which I sure hope that you do!
Thank you to the author and Love Books Tours for this copy!
October 4, 2023
What a brilliant book! For me it’s what I like to call an “everything book” because it has it all: dragons, battles, a bit of romance, action and DRAGONS! It’s told from 4 different points of view which really adds to the story and gives it a more well-rounded aspect. The descriptive language and detail is fantastic and throws you right in and envelopes the senses. It’s a gripping, thoroughly engaging read. Loved it!
September 29, 2023
Through Blood and Dragons is fantasy of the highest order. Full of action and intrigue, with a dash of treachery and politics here and there.
It's quite a complex read, but in a good way.
Character development is top notch and if you love Dragons, this is the book for you, as it's absolutely packed with the flying beasts.
We meet characters such as Jaslin, Cyran, Paltere, Sirra and Pravon in a wonderfully imagined world in this fantastical coming of age tale.
If you love fantasy, Through Blood and Dragons certainly will not disappoint.
A massive 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
It's quite a complex read, but in a good way.
Character development is top notch and if you love Dragons, this is the book for you, as it's absolutely packed with the flying beasts.
We meet characters such as Jaslin, Cyran, Paltere, Sirra and Pravon in a wonderfully imagined world in this fantastical coming of age tale.
If you love fantasy, Through Blood and Dragons certainly will not disappoint.
A massive 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
September 30, 2023
4.5 ⭐
This is the first book in a new fantasy series.
It was very well-written. The world building was fantastic, everything was incredibly detailed.
It had a great plot. I lost myself in the story. The epic battles were captivating. It was gripping, fast-paced and full of action.
I enjoyed seeing the development of Cyran's character, but my favourite character was Jaslin. I found her really intriguing and I'm hoping we get to know her better in the next book.
I adored all the different kinds of dragons and their personalities. Love how sassy some of them can be 🤣
I thought the maps, glossary and beautiful illustrations throughout were a wonderful touch.
If you're looking for your next dragon fix then look no further!
This is the first book in a new fantasy series.
It was very well-written. The world building was fantastic, everything was incredibly detailed.
It had a great plot. I lost myself in the story. The epic battles were captivating. It was gripping, fast-paced and full of action.
I enjoyed seeing the development of Cyran's character, but my favourite character was Jaslin. I found her really intriguing and I'm hoping we get to know her better in the next book.
I adored all the different kinds of dragons and their personalities. Love how sassy some of them can be 🤣
I thought the maps, glossary and beautiful illustrations throughout were a wonderful touch.
If you're looking for your next dragon fix then look no further!
August 27, 2023
https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/202...
Today is my stop on the Escapist Book tour and I am presenting my review for Through Blood and Dragons by R.M. Schultz. This is a different take on the “Dragon Rider” troupe we have seen time and time again in the fantasy genre, but seen from a different perspective. With a large scope and many different characters in the fray, this debut novel will be sure to excite all fans of the genre.
The world of Cimeran is divided in half by a mysterious forest and a Lake on Fire. The North and The South are at each others throats with the breakout of war all but inevitable. In the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran Orendain is a squire of the dragonguard along with his friends. Dragons can very much communicate with the humans and Cyran’s job is to take care of them and the mount them with weapons of war. Dragons are the most powerful creatures and in the land and can tip the scales of battle and the ultimate war. When Cryan’s guard master is called to arms he is left behind to deal with the horrible event of his brothers death and consoling his sister in the process. Eventually the war will be coming to Cryan and he will have to learn and adapt if he is to survive what is to come.
This is a multi-POV epic fantasy story with most of the focus on Cryan and his quest and mission to be one of the dragonguards. More of a focus is put on the actual dragon and rider bonds as well as the squires that attend to the duo. It reminded me a bit of horse trainers and jockey’s getting the thoroughbred ready for the big race. Now when you through in battles, assassins, Kings & Queens, and magic then you are cooking with fire. The ties of family and the bonds that they hold will also have a big influence for readers looking to dive into something new. The beginning can be a bit on the slow side but it will gain steam in no time at all.
Epic fantasy fans will enjoy this novel and even more because the sequel is already out. Jumping into the next book in the series will be a must so that is the best gift the author could provide us. Looking forward to continuing my journey in this series.
Cheers!
Today is my stop on the Escapist Book tour and I am presenting my review for Through Blood and Dragons by R.M. Schultz. This is a different take on the “Dragon Rider” troupe we have seen time and time again in the fantasy genre, but seen from a different perspective. With a large scope and many different characters in the fray, this debut novel will be sure to excite all fans of the genre.
The world of Cimeran is divided in half by a mysterious forest and a Lake on Fire. The North and The South are at each others throats with the breakout of war all but inevitable. In the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran Orendain is a squire of the dragonguard along with his friends. Dragons can very much communicate with the humans and Cyran’s job is to take care of them and the mount them with weapons of war. Dragons are the most powerful creatures and in the land and can tip the scales of battle and the ultimate war. When Cryan’s guard master is called to arms he is left behind to deal with the horrible event of his brothers death and consoling his sister in the process. Eventually the war will be coming to Cryan and he will have to learn and adapt if he is to survive what is to come.
This is a multi-POV epic fantasy story with most of the focus on Cryan and his quest and mission to be one of the dragonguards. More of a focus is put on the actual dragon and rider bonds as well as the squires that attend to the duo. It reminded me a bit of horse trainers and jockey’s getting the thoroughbred ready for the big race. Now when you through in battles, assassins, Kings & Queens, and magic then you are cooking with fire. The ties of family and the bonds that they hold will also have a big influence for readers looking to dive into something new. The beginning can be a bit on the slow side but it will gain steam in no time at all.
Epic fantasy fans will enjoy this novel and even more because the sequel is already out. Jumping into the next book in the series will be a must so that is the best gift the author could provide us. Looking forward to continuing my journey in this series.
Cheers!
September 7, 2023
After reading the prequel I was so hyped for this. And dont get me wrong I still am..
Im loved this book though! This hardcore dragon tale! The world is complex, and the tale is so in depth, which I like. I also like how the main character is like real, if that makes sense, his not perfect, he makes mistakes but does what he can..
I also have to say that ive lost a few hours sleep as its hard to put down! Gripping me from the first page (and the prequel).
A must read for dragon lovers!
Also book 2 is coming next year and ready to preorder (ebook at present time) and I already know I will be preordering when paperback is available!
As well as:
SOON TO BE ADAPTED INTO A VIDEO GAME! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯😍
Im loved this book though! This hardcore dragon tale! The world is complex, and the tale is so in depth, which I like. I also like how the main character is like real, if that makes sense, his not perfect, he makes mistakes but does what he can..
I also have to say that ive lost a few hours sleep as its hard to put down! Gripping me from the first page (and the prequel).
A must read for dragon lovers!
Also book 2 is coming next year and ready to preorder (ebook at present time) and I already know I will be preordering when paperback is available!
As well as:
SOON TO BE ADAPTED INTO A VIDEO GAME! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯😍
August 9, 2023
R.M. Schultz is the author of “Through Blood and Dragons: Epic Fantasy” the first book in the The Forged and The Fallen series. In this book, Cryran is called upon to confront the mightiest of the southern kings and bear witness to a secret stolen from the north, and he finds himself drawn into a war that has been bubbling beneath the surface for centuries.
I really enjoyed this read a lot. It is not the first time I have read a book by the author and the truth is that Schultz never ceases to amaze me. The characters he creates are very well described, the scenes are super real and the plots of his works are very original.
I really enjoyed this read a lot. It is not the first time I have read a book by the author and the truth is that Schultz never ceases to amaze me. The characters he creates are very well described, the scenes are super real and the plots of his works are very original.
August 8, 2023
New Lit RPG
I don't often read RPGs novels however this one blew me away. The first and a new series we are thrust into a world that is divided and on edge. Our hero Cyran is unsure of his role when he is informed that he must join the fight, but the author builds his character and development with ease and we see his transformation into a confident and masterful man. The descriptions of places and world building is rich and beautiful in prose. I really loved losing myself in the story and am eager for the second book.
I don't often read RPGs novels however this one blew me away. The first and a new series we are thrust into a world that is divided and on edge. Our hero Cyran is unsure of his role when he is informed that he must join the fight, but the author builds his character and development with ease and we see his transformation into a confident and masterful man. The descriptions of places and world building is rich and beautiful in prose. I really loved losing myself in the story and am eager for the second book.
July 21, 2024
Dragons battle. The horizon aflame. History warns of its horrors. Years later a squire is forced to adapt quickly. For battle is again joined. Screams fill the skies.
Dragons, dragons & even more dragons! Excitement overload! Awesome prequel (free on authors webpage) & start to series! Some pretty great illustrations in here too!
Dragons, dragons & even more dragons! Excitement overload! Awesome prequel (free on authors webpage) & start to series! Some pretty great illustrations in here too!
August 13, 2023
Dragons like I've never seen before
Excellent fantasy! Hard to put down. Will be waiting impatiently for the next episode. A different twist on dragon battles.
Excellent fantasy! Hard to put down. Will be waiting impatiently for the next episode. A different twist on dragon battles.
October 4, 2023
Oh my, this book. Where do I start. From the start I suppose. When I first started reading this book I didn’t know where it was going to go. But I am so glad that I have read this book. There was something about this book that gripped me and I wanted to read it. The way the story developed througout the book was very intriguing with the amount of twists and turns I couldn’t help but be intrigued that there was some mystery with wants going on behind them. The plot of the book was also intriguing there was something about it that meant there was soemthing confusing and there was something in which you knew something was going on in the background. The characters in which you followed in this book, they all seemed to be developing throughout the book. There was many challenges and in the tests that they had to go through allowed them to develop into very interesting characters as they needed to change, and become who they are meant to be. WIth how the book has ended I am intrigued to where the series will go next and I will be picking up the book as soon as it is avaliable.
August 18, 2023
Ok, it’s got dragons on the cover and in the title - I’m sold. This is the 1st instalment in The Forged and The Fallen series and boy what an opener!! A complex world with a multitude of characters- be warned it does take a bit to get into but that’s to be expected- the twists and turns within we’re stunning and I just couldn’t put it down. Read on for the blurb, I’m now off to do my re-read so I can go back and annotate to my hearts content. A massive thank you to @rmschultzauthor and @lovebookstours for my #gifted copy and this was my honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steeped in blood. Ruled by those with dragons. Cimeren is a world divided by a mysterious forest and the vast Lake on Fire. Suspicion brews on both sides, and the south has fallen into chaos as battles and quarrels rage between kingdoms. In the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran Orendain is dealing with the loss of his brother and his lord as he strives to face the mounting challenges of a squire of the dragonguard. But when Cyran’s guard-master is called to face the most powerful of the southern kings and bear witness to a secret stolen from the north, Cyran is dragged into a war that has been bubbling under the surface for centuries. Dragons are not only weapons—they are engines of war. And even though Cyran is not trained in the ways of the dragonguard, he must adapt and learn to become one of them or his homeland and all of Cimeren will be destroyed. But he was not born a champion. He may break, and he will bleed
Steeped in blood. Ruled by those with dragons. Cimeren is a world divided by a mysterious forest and the vast Lake on Fire. Suspicion brews on both sides, and the south has fallen into chaos as battles and quarrels rage between kingdoms. In the border outpost of Nevergrace, Cyran Orendain is dealing with the loss of his brother and his lord as he strives to face the mounting challenges of a squire of the dragonguard. But when Cyran’s guard-master is called to face the most powerful of the southern kings and bear witness to a secret stolen from the north, Cyran is dragged into a war that has been bubbling under the surface for centuries. Dragons are not only weapons—they are engines of war. And even though Cyran is not trained in the ways of the dragonguard, he must adapt and learn to become one of them or his homeland and all of Cimeren will be destroyed. But he was not born a champion. He may break, and he will bleed
August 9, 2023
"Through Blood and Dragons: Epic Fantasy" by R.M. Schultz immerses readers in a world of captivating complexity, where kingdoms collide and dragons reign supreme. The vivid narrative unravels the enigma surrounding the Lake on Fire and a mysterious forest, pitting divided lands in a cauldron of turmoil. Schultz's skillful storytelling follows Cyran Orendain's journey from grief-stricken squire to a vital player in a timeless war. As the ominous shadow of war deepens, the narrative's strength lies in its portrayal of Cyran's evolution—raw, real, and remarkably relatable. Schultz paints a vivid tapestry, weaving intricate battles, secrets, and a struggle for survival that will undoubtedly keep readers on the edge of their seats.
July 12, 2023
This was a great read that I couldn't put down. My favorite part had to be the dragons! The story had mystery, action, tragedy and lots and lots of different types of dragons...more than Game of Thrones! The characters were well developed and the writing style of the author really makes it easy to envision what is happening in the book. It was interesting to read how the hero matured over the course of the story. I look forward to reading Book 2.
September 5, 2023
I was supplied a copy of the book for a book tour in exchange for an honest review.
This is self-pub fantasy at its best. There's been a lot of hype around a certain dragon book lately, and whilst I haven't read that one, I've loved reading about dragons previously (Eragon, ASOIAF etc). This book ticks all the right boxes for a rich dragon/rider story. Illustrations show the huge scale of the dragons and its crew.
The story revolves around family, friendship, royal and political underhandedness, betrayal and finding your place. A few story trails weave off hopefully into the sequels; messengers, mystical creatures, and the largely unexplored dragon realm.
I've got the free prequel downloaded, ready to read, and will 100% be picking up the rest of the series. An epic story!
This is self-pub fantasy at its best. There's been a lot of hype around a certain dragon book lately, and whilst I haven't read that one, I've loved reading about dragons previously (Eragon, ASOIAF etc). This book ticks all the right boxes for a rich dragon/rider story. Illustrations show the huge scale of the dragons and its crew.
The story revolves around family, friendship, royal and political underhandedness, betrayal and finding your place. A few story trails weave off hopefully into the sequels; messengers, mystical creatures, and the largely unexplored dragon realm.
I've got the free prequel downloaded, ready to read, and will 100% be picking up the rest of the series. An epic story!
August 8, 2023
This is an enthralling mystery book that takes readers to the magical but dangerous land of Cimeren. The protagonist of the tale is Cyran Orendain, who is dragged into a war for which he is not prepared. Or is he?
The planet of Cimeren, where tensions are high between the northern and southern provinces, is vividly described in the novel's pages. The author deftly establishes the scene by describing the turmoil and instability that have spread and resulted in conflicts and fights.
I always thought that a story with dragons among its characters would be a childish and not very credible story, but I was extremely wrong. This title caught me from beginning to the end.
The planet of Cimeren, where tensions are high between the northern and southern provinces, is vividly described in the novel's pages. The author deftly establishes the scene by describing the turmoil and instability that have spread and resulted in conflicts and fights.
I always thought that a story with dragons among its characters would be a childish and not very credible story, but I was extremely wrong. This title caught me from beginning to the end.
August 21, 2023
Wooooo!! I really enjoyed this epic fantasy book! DRAGONS!! And I read it so fast, I was surprised how easy it was to go through it because is not a small book (more than 500 pages).
There is a lot going on... with lots of different characters with abilities, including dragons! The main character is not the typical hero in the story, he accepts his flaws and mistakes and it is interesting how this character evolves throughout the story.
If you like epic fantasy, go grab it!
There is a lot going on... with lots of different characters with abilities, including dragons! The main character is not the typical hero in the story, he accepts his flaws and mistakes and it is interesting how this character evolves throughout the story.
If you like epic fantasy, go grab it!
October 7, 2023
This is an epic fantasy adventure reminiscent of “Game of Thrones” or “Lord of the Rings,” and every bit as worthy of space on your shelf.
This coming-of-age story of a young dragonsquire faced with adventure, battles, heartbreak, and betrayal is sure to tickle the fancy of avid fantasy fans. If you’ve been a fan of any major epic fantasy through the years, you will enjoy this. The author has created a beautifully, wonderfully complex world. Filled with a unique magic system, a divisive government, and a probably corrupt system of power, this is filled with all of the things fantasy lovers show up for.
There are multiple types of dragons in this book, each type more fascinating and beautiful than the last. They connect with their mages in an intricate and beautiful way, and they live by a special code. And, while he’s not called that, our male main character, seems like he might be a chosen one. So if that’s one of your favorite fantasy tropes, that’s another one you’ll find within these pages! We definitely find out that everything isn’t what it seems about his past.
The author has effectively developed several relationships, between humans and each other and humans and dragons, which is an interesting new perspective. I enjoyed the complicated relationship of blending loyalty and grief between the dragon and the new dragon mage. The twists, turns, and surprises brought on were also exciting and made the book hard to put down toward the end. The beginning was a bit slow after the first chapter battle – which is something I don’t prefer as battle scenes make my eyes glaze over a bit – but after a few chapters, the action picked up and really kept the pages turning.
I really appreciated the strong female characters in this story. Sometimes in fantasy stories, women are used as “damsels” or simply as love interests. While there is some of that, the women in this story are strong in their own right. One is a strong villain, a few are strong, independent strategists in their own right, and even the “love interest” seems quite capable. One woman was expecting to be married off to someone, but that didn’t come to fruition. I am very pleased that even in this setting, which seems primitive, the women don’t seem as restricted as we might expect. I hope that trend continues in future books.
The book was told from multiple points of view, which can be confusing if not done well. However, the author did a great job. He also didn’t fall into the trap of retelling everything from the perspective of each character, which always annoys me in multiple POVs. He left a number of questions unanswered, which is great for a sequel – except of course that then you have to wait! I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Who’s It For
Epic, high fantasy lovers will love this book. R.M. Schultz has imagined a gorgeous, atmospheric new world, full of beautiful, dangerous dragons and equally dangerous human adversaries. Political intrigue and maneuvering overtake the simple lives of these squires in a short time during the outbreak of sudden war. If that sounds good, you will love this! Great for fans of “Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones.”
Content Warnings: Graphic Violence, Adult Language, Murder, Religious Ideology, Sexual Assault, and more
This coming-of-age story of a young dragonsquire faced with adventure, battles, heartbreak, and betrayal is sure to tickle the fancy of avid fantasy fans. If you’ve been a fan of any major epic fantasy through the years, you will enjoy this. The author has created a beautifully, wonderfully complex world. Filled with a unique magic system, a divisive government, and a probably corrupt system of power, this is filled with all of the things fantasy lovers show up for.
There are multiple types of dragons in this book, each type more fascinating and beautiful than the last. They connect with their mages in an intricate and beautiful way, and they live by a special code. And, while he’s not called that, our male main character, seems like he might be a chosen one. So if that’s one of your favorite fantasy tropes, that’s another one you’ll find within these pages! We definitely find out that everything isn’t what it seems about his past.
The author has effectively developed several relationships, between humans and each other and humans and dragons, which is an interesting new perspective. I enjoyed the complicated relationship of blending loyalty and grief between the dragon and the new dragon mage. The twists, turns, and surprises brought on were also exciting and made the book hard to put down toward the end. The beginning was a bit slow after the first chapter battle – which is something I don’t prefer as battle scenes make my eyes glaze over a bit – but after a few chapters, the action picked up and really kept the pages turning.
I really appreciated the strong female characters in this story. Sometimes in fantasy stories, women are used as “damsels” or simply as love interests. While there is some of that, the women in this story are strong in their own right. One is a strong villain, a few are strong, independent strategists in their own right, and even the “love interest” seems quite capable. One woman was expecting to be married off to someone, but that didn’t come to fruition. I am very pleased that even in this setting, which seems primitive, the women don’t seem as restricted as we might expect. I hope that trend continues in future books.
The book was told from multiple points of view, which can be confusing if not done well. However, the author did a great job. He also didn’t fall into the trap of retelling everything from the perspective of each character, which always annoys me in multiple POVs. He left a number of questions unanswered, which is great for a sequel – except of course that then you have to wait! I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Who’s It For
Epic, high fantasy lovers will love this book. R.M. Schultz has imagined a gorgeous, atmospheric new world, full of beautiful, dangerous dragons and equally dangerous human adversaries. Political intrigue and maneuvering overtake the simple lives of these squires in a short time during the outbreak of sudden war. If that sounds good, you will love this! Great for fans of “Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones.”
Content Warnings: Graphic Violence, Adult Language, Murder, Religious Ideology, Sexual Assault, and more
August 5, 2023
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. Such a riveting journey for a squire whose path will take him on an epic quest. Beautifully written with a gripping plot. The story will hold your attention from the first page with a plot that will have you intrigued and caught up in the world of mages, dragons, epic battles, and more as you follow one particular squire who will eventually become a dragon knight. That is, if he can stay alive. Fast paced with lots of action packed scenes, nail biting moments and emotional turmoil, will have you reading well into the night!
September 30, 2023
"Through Blood and Dragons" by R. M. Schultz invites readers into a world where power resides with dragons and blood holds the key to ancient mysteries. This riveting fantasy novel unfolds in the divided realm of Cimeren, split by a mysterious forest and the imposing Lake on Fire.
In the midst of simmering tension between northern and southern kingdoms, we meet Cyran Orendain, a young man grappling with the loss of his brother and lord. Cyran's journey takes an unexpected turn as he navigates the challenges of being a squire in the dragonguard, a prestigious but enigmatic order.
The narrative takes a thrilling twist when Cyran's guard master is called to face the most formidable of southern kings, and the secrets of the north are suddenly thrust into the spotlight. As a war that has smoldered beneath the surface for centuries ignites, Cyran must transform himself into a warrior, even though he was never destined to be one.
R. M. Schultz has crafted a richly imagined world where dragons are not just fearsome creatures but also the engines of war. The vivid descriptions and intricate world-building draw readers into the heart of Cimeren, making it easy to visualize its landscapes, characters, and epic battles.
While I thoroughly enjoyed "Through Blood and Dragons," I rated it four stars because I felt that certain character developments could have been more nuanced. Nevertheless, the story's pacing and the author's ability to create a sense of impending conflict kept me eagerly turning the pages.
What I truly appreciated about this book was its exploration of heroism in unexpected places. Cyran's transformation from an ordinary young man into a vital player in Cimeren's destiny was a captivating journey to witness.
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