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The Legend of Vanx Malic #2
Dragon Isle
Vanx, Trevin, and Darbon, along with Prince Russet and the crew of the Sea Hawk, sail to Vanx's homeland to find an old friend who just might know the wyrm lore needed to make their quest to Dragon Isle seem survivable.
Meanwhile Coll and Duke Martin have set their shadowy schemes in motion in Dyntalla where Quazar is keeping the princess from death with all he has.
What will King Oakarm do about Duke Martin's treachery when he arrives? Will Matty the one-handed whore get her wish? Can two High Wizards of the Royal Order hold off the ogres, and the even darker thing that is seeking the Bloodstone? And what will happen on Dragon Isle, where our hero and his friends have become little more than prey under the revealing light of Aur's Moon.
You can only find out by reading: The Legend of Vanx Malic Book Two - Dragon Isle
Meanwhile Coll and Duke Martin have set their shadowy schemes in motion in Dyntalla where Quazar is keeping the princess from death with all he has.
What will King Oakarm do about Duke Martin's treachery when he arrives? Will Matty the one-handed whore get her wish? Can two High Wizards of the Royal Order hold off the ogres, and the even darker thing that is seeking the Bloodstone? And what will happen on Dragon Isle, where our hero and his friends have become little more than prey under the revealing light of Aur's Moon.
You can only find out by reading: The Legend of Vanx Malic Book Two - Dragon Isle
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2012
71 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Mathias
89 books397 followersM. R. Mathias is a member of the Authors Guild who cares for his wife, a Breast Cancer Warrior who has Parkinson's. After raising two boys into fine young men, they and two dogs split their time between a modest smalltown home, and an apartment built on a floating dock on Lake Ultura (aka Lake Texoma) which foots into an amazing State Park brimming with all sorts of wildlife. Like the wizards of old, he tends to the animals who share the area and inspire the creatures in his works. He likes to fish, write, play guitar, and he builds all sorts of things out of reclaimed wood. He sold over two million eBooks most of them before eBooks were cool. His work is critically acclaimed, and has earned multiple literary awards, including a coveted Locus Poll nomination.
**Featured in the March 2020, Publisher's Weekly article, "As Luck Would Have It"
"The Master of Epic Fantasy" - Kindle Nation Daily, Nov. 2017
Mathias has authored several fantasy series and compiled an admirable list of accolades along the way.
--Devious Arcana, (ongoing)
--The Wardstone Trilogy (3 Books)
-- Perpetual Fantastica Fantastica (4 Books)
--The Dragoneer Saga (6 Books)
--The Legend of Vanx Malic (10 Books)
--The Crimzon and Clover Short Story Series (8 Books)
--Master Zarvin's Adventures (3 Books)
--Dragon Racers (3 books)
If you are a Kindle Unlimited user, treat yourself to some of the best "hidden gem" fantasy ever written.
Find M. R. Mathias online: mrmathiasbooks .com
Here is what others are saying about M. R. Mathias:
"There are few writers in the genre of fantasy that can equal the creative mind of M.R. Mathias - now acknowledged as a master in this genre of dragons and dwarves, and magic, and spells, and all aspects of fantasy."-- Top 100, Hall of Fame, Vine Voice, Book Reviewer, Grady Harp
"M.R. Mathias imagines a setting that will entice readers and lead them, along with his characters, on a breathtaking adventure." -- Readers Favorite Book Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2017 Award Winning novel "A Gossamer Lens" from The Legend of Vanx Malic series
"M.R. Mathias is a master at world building and is so good with creative descriptions that you can almost feel the wind whipping through your hair as you soar along on the back of a dragon." -- Readers Favorite Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2015 "Gold Medal" Award Winning novel "Blood and Royalty" from The Dragoneer Saga"
"You've (Mathias) already achieved much, much more than so many people who like to think of themselves as writers." -- @Gollancz The Deputy Publishing Director of SF, Fantasy & Horror list of the Orion Publishing Group, 2013
**Featured in the March 2020, Publisher's Weekly article, "As Luck Would Have It"
"The Master of Epic Fantasy" - Kindle Nation Daily, Nov. 2017
Mathias has authored several fantasy series and compiled an admirable list of accolades along the way.
--Devious Arcana, (ongoing)
--The Wardstone Trilogy (3 Books)
-- Perpetual Fantastica Fantastica (4 Books)
--The Dragoneer Saga (6 Books)
--The Legend of Vanx Malic (10 Books)
--The Crimzon and Clover Short Story Series (8 Books)
--Master Zarvin's Adventures (3 Books)
--Dragon Racers (3 books)
If you are a Kindle Unlimited user, treat yourself to some of the best "hidden gem" fantasy ever written.
Find M. R. Mathias online: mrmathiasbooks .com
Here is what others are saying about M. R. Mathias:
"There are few writers in the genre of fantasy that can equal the creative mind of M.R. Mathias - now acknowledged as a master in this genre of dragons and dwarves, and magic, and spells, and all aspects of fantasy."-- Top 100, Hall of Fame, Vine Voice, Book Reviewer, Grady Harp
"M.R. Mathias imagines a setting that will entice readers and lead them, along with his characters, on a breathtaking adventure." -- Readers Favorite Book Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2017 Award Winning novel "A Gossamer Lens" from The Legend of Vanx Malic series
"M.R. Mathias is a master at world building and is so good with creative descriptions that you can almost feel the wind whipping through your hair as you soar along on the back of a dragon." -- Readers Favorite Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2015 "Gold Medal" Award Winning novel "Blood and Royalty" from The Dragoneer Saga"
"You've (Mathias) already achieved much, much more than so many people who like to think of themselves as writers." -- @Gollancz The Deputy Publishing Director of SF, Fantasy & Horror list of the Orion Publishing Group, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 25, 2017
Disappointing
I was very disappointed with this book, I had a very hard time reading it and ended up not being able to finish it. Which is very unlike me, I have it numerous tries. But I just couldn't get into it. It seemed to Drag at points and was just slow. I've very seldom just given up on a book, but this one I just had to.
I was very disappointed with this book, I had a very hard time reading it and ended up not being able to finish it. Which is very unlike me, I have it numerous tries. But I just couldn't get into it. It seemed to Drag at points and was just slow. I've very seldom just given up on a book, but this one I just had to.
March 23, 2021
Exciting adventure to get a cure for a loved one
I loved the diversity of the characters and how they interacted with each other. Vanx has lots of help while on his quest. The dragons are always a favorite of mine, but we also encounter ogres, a demon, and lots of heroes. Always enjoy a satisfying ending, even if there is pain along the way.
I loved the diversity of the characters and how they interacted with each other. Vanx has lots of help while on his quest. The dragons are always a favorite of mine, but we also encounter ogres, a demon, and lots of heroes. Always enjoy a satisfying ending, even if there is pain along the way.
July 5, 2022
Vanx Malic: Dragon Isle
This book picks up right where the last one left off. Vanx is off on a quest to save the princess by facing down a dragon. Things don't work out exactly as planned but he does end up with a new companion.
The ending to this book was really awesome but also heartbreaking. I'm not sure where Vanx will go from here but I'm looking forward to finding out.
This book picks up right where the last one left off. Vanx is off on a quest to save the princess by facing down a dragon. Things don't work out exactly as planned but he does end up with a new companion.
The ending to this book was really awesome but also heartbreaking. I'm not sure where Vanx will go from here but I'm looking forward to finding out.
June 24, 2018
Liked the story. There were a few grammatical errors, but overall good story.
August 22, 2013
This picks up immediately where the first book left off and if you haven’t read the first one you’ll be lost among the half-dozen or so characters that fill the beginning. Vanx has offered to venture forth to the Dragon Isle to fetch the blood of a wyrm to save the Princess who is still hanging precariously close to death back at the castle. Prince Russet, who was revealed to be her half-brother, is desperate to save her so he accompanies Trevin, Darbon, Vanx, and a motley crew on the journey.
The book spends more time focusing on Vanx’s background and explaining that he has always been different since he never quite belonged in either Zythian world or human. I found his back story to be quite sad, but the author kept it from getting too maudlin by throwing in enough adventure and a little raunchiness to keep readers on their toes. I think that the author has a great likeness for the female form, especially breasts, because he describes them rather extensively in both this book and the last. It certainly adds a bit of descriptiveness to the story!
Just like in the first book there are plenty of vivid descriptions of the battles, beasts, and breathtaking landscape. I particularly liked the opening pages describing the Zythian coast and village. The ogres and dragons are scary enough, but the villains still haven’t found their voice completely in this book. I look forward to the conclusion in book three and hope for a heaping helping of confrontation between the hero and villains.
The book spends more time focusing on Vanx’s background and explaining that he has always been different since he never quite belonged in either Zythian world or human. I found his back story to be quite sad, but the author kept it from getting too maudlin by throwing in enough adventure and a little raunchiness to keep readers on their toes. I think that the author has a great likeness for the female form, especially breasts, because he describes them rather extensively in both this book and the last. It certainly adds a bit of descriptiveness to the story!
Just like in the first book there are plenty of vivid descriptions of the battles, beasts, and breathtaking landscape. I particularly liked the opening pages describing the Zythian coast and village. The ogres and dragons are scary enough, but the villains still haven’t found their voice completely in this book. I look forward to the conclusion in book three and hope for a heaping helping of confrontation between the hero and villains.
March 10, 2014
This book starts right off where the last one ended, our half Zythian Hero Vanx is off on an adventure to the Dragon Isle, on a quest for dragon's blood to help the princess.
This is a stunning adventure that had me absorbed from the beginning (I barely got out of my computer chair!). A brilliant and extraordinary fantasy adventure loaded with great drama and even greater action sequences.
From the story to the extremely in-depth characters, this book is one that I will remember forever. This is not just a journey, this is an exploration that will never be too long! I am so happy I have more of his story available!
As I said in my review of book one... this needs to be made into a trilogy of movies. The action scenes are so intense, and the dramatic tension builds perfectly, with twists and turns that you don't expect, it kept me reading page after page in rapt attention.
Ogre's, Dragons, and a demon, a quest to rescue the Princess, and chair gripping action scenes... this is a book that I would recommend to anyone!
P.S. I read both book one and book two in less than 24 hours.... I couldn't stop!
This is a stunning adventure that had me absorbed from the beginning (I barely got out of my computer chair!). A brilliant and extraordinary fantasy adventure loaded with great drama and even greater action sequences.
From the story to the extremely in-depth characters, this book is one that I will remember forever. This is not just a journey, this is an exploration that will never be too long! I am so happy I have more of his story available!
As I said in my review of book one... this needs to be made into a trilogy of movies. The action scenes are so intense, and the dramatic tension builds perfectly, with twists and turns that you don't expect, it kept me reading page after page in rapt attention.
Ogre's, Dragons, and a demon, a quest to rescue the Princess, and chair gripping action scenes... this is a book that I would recommend to anyone!
P.S. I read both book one and book two in less than 24 hours.... I couldn't stop!
July 8, 2016
Vanx Malic is back in Dragon Isle, the second installment of M. R. Mathiass series about the character. This time around we're seeing Vanx with Trevin, Darbon, and Prince Russet as they are heading to Dragon Isle. On the way, they are stopping where Vanx came from to visit an old friend who has quite a bit of knowledge of wyrms to hopefully make their journey just a tad bit safer.
I do have to say that I much preferred the sequel to the original book and knew that having faith in Mathiass work would pay off. Just like the first installment the action is nonstop though this time around you get a much better feeling of both the characters and what direction we're actually going with instead of the book coming to a close and making you felt that you were at a chapter end instead of a book end.
If you enjoyed the first book and want to know more it is a no brainer to pick this one up and if you had any reserves from the prior one, this one will absolutely satisfy your want for better characters and a more structured plot. Mathias almost felt like he was slipping with the first novel in this series but here he is not only back on his game but is surpassing expectations. A great read!
I do have to say that I much preferred the sequel to the original book and knew that having faith in Mathiass work would pay off. Just like the first installment the action is nonstop though this time around you get a much better feeling of both the characters and what direction we're actually going with instead of the book coming to a close and making you felt that you were at a chapter end instead of a book end.
If you enjoyed the first book and want to know more it is a no brainer to pick this one up and if you had any reserves from the prior one, this one will absolutely satisfy your want for better characters and a more structured plot. Mathias almost felt like he was slipping with the first novel in this series but here he is not only back on his game but is surpassing expectations. A great read!
July 29, 2016
Dragon Isle by M. R. Mathias is Book 2 in The Legend of Vanx Malic series, a book that features very powerful characters and a gripping plot. Vanx and his companions, including Darbon and Prince Russet, are about to set out on a very dangerous mission, but they must first travel to Vanx's birthplace and meet with a friend who might have what they need to survive Dragon Isle. In this second installment in the series, the author takes readers on another exciting fantasy ride, only he makes everything feel so real the reader would think and feel like part of the story. Read about heroes and their battles.
The humor is suave and rings through with some old-fashioned jargon that will take readers far away from their immediate environment and thrust them into the midst of action in a setting fraught with danger and charm. The themes are powerfully presented and readers will discover enticing patterns of friendship, courage, and loyalty. Again, the story is told excellently with so many literary devices to make it entertaining. It's no wonder that readers will have to read on with baited breath, wanting to know what happens next. M. R. Mathias knows how to make readers fall in love and be utterly smitten by his characters.
The humor is suave and rings through with some old-fashioned jargon that will take readers far away from their immediate environment and thrust them into the midst of action in a setting fraught with danger and charm. The themes are powerfully presented and readers will discover enticing patterns of friendship, courage, and loyalty. Again, the story is told excellently with so many literary devices to make it entertaining. It's no wonder that readers will have to read on with baited breath, wanting to know what happens next. M. R. Mathias knows how to make readers fall in love and be utterly smitten by his characters.
August 20, 2013
I really liked the first book in this series, ‘Through the Wildwood’ and was excited to read this one when it came out. I am happy to say I was not disappointed in anything other than the fact that I have to wait to see how the story will end. I like the way the story is structured and divided into a series of books; it makes if feel like more of an epic journey worth waiting for.
I liked the characters from the first book, and was happy to see Vanx’s homeland used as the backdrop to part of this story. His backstory is really good, and kind of sad, too. It adds to the depth of the characters, I think. The author isn’t stingy when it comes to filling in details such as pet names for parents and the fact that locals have a different name for certain towns. It makes it easier to really step into the book and enjoy getting lost in this strange world!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I was mad that this one ended so quickly, but when you think about it, the book is around 300 pages long, so I guess it just seemed to end quickly because it was a quick paced read. But still a really enjoyable book.
I liked the characters from the first book, and was happy to see Vanx’s homeland used as the backdrop to part of this story. His backstory is really good, and kind of sad, too. It adds to the depth of the characters, I think. The author isn’t stingy when it comes to filling in details such as pet names for parents and the fact that locals have a different name for certain towns. It makes it easier to really step into the book and enjoy getting lost in this strange world!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I was mad that this one ended so quickly, but when you think about it, the book is around 300 pages long, so I guess it just seemed to end quickly because it was a quick paced read. But still a really enjoyable book.
August 25, 2013
Read this if you’re bored on a Saturday, spending the night alone with nothing to do. This is not a life-altering book, but it can provide one hell of a good entertainment. Skip watching the tellie gossips and read this instead. My only complaint is that I wish it’s a little more on the raunchy side, à la Game of Thrones or the awesome STARZ TV series - Spartacus. Looks like the author is aiming for younger readers that he’s trying not to be offensive. Or he probably wants to break away from the old presumption that the fantasy genre is fiction for males. I only read two fiction genres and that is – Horror and Fantasy. Still, I want my books filled with action, intrigue and sex. It doesn’t hurt to be more daring, Mr. Mathias. It doesn’t need to be as graphic and lame as Fifty Shades of Grey. But sex, blood, magic and dragons can be quite a stir. It just lies on the author’s ability to make powerful love scenes that are not misplaced and not on a bad taste. Other than that, I’m happy with this read and I will continue supporting the author; especially if he decides to expand The Legend of Vanx Malic into a saga.
August 28, 2013
This has been a fun series so far. The first book had some subtle humor and was a good story but this book is even better. This book picks up right where book one ended. The transition was smooth. We did have the preview of this book in book one so that helped the transition too.
This series is the best one I have read from M.R. Mathias. The Royal Dragoneers is a close second though. He always has good stories to tell. This book is not weighed down with an overabundance of details. Too many details will overshadow a story. What detail there is fits into the story.
Vanx is on the trip to Dragon Isle to get blood from the red dragon queen Pyra. Her blood is the only thing that will save the princess. It has to be taken at a certain time of the moon cycle or it will not work. So that makes it doubly hard.
The descriptions of the island and the dragons on it were fabulous. The dragons all have different powers that make them more formidable. The story moves from Dragon Isle to the castle under siege with every other chapter. It gives the reader a nice change of pace.
This series is the best one I have read from M.R. Mathias. The Royal Dragoneers is a close second though. He always has good stories to tell. This book is not weighed down with an overabundance of details. Too many details will overshadow a story. What detail there is fits into the story.
Vanx is on the trip to Dragon Isle to get blood from the red dragon queen Pyra. Her blood is the only thing that will save the princess. It has to be taken at a certain time of the moon cycle or it will not work. So that makes it doubly hard.
The descriptions of the island and the dragons on it were fabulous. The dragons all have different powers that make them more formidable. The story moves from Dragon Isle to the castle under siege with every other chapter. It gives the reader a nice change of pace.
July 1, 2014
One of the Best Fantasy Novels on Amazon
I was sucked into the first book of the Legend of Vanx Malic series, and the author has out done himself again. This is the second book in the series, and continues Vanx Malic's adventures and trials. This is an amazing fantasy that is extremely well written. The author not only pulled me into this fantasy world, where I could feel and see everything I was reading, but I felt like I was actually walking with the characters. It was the author's detailed descriptions and complex characters that brought this incredible world to life. His characters are so well written that I could feel his characters turmoil within the perils of their journey. This is some of the best fantasy writing I have discovered since Tolkien, and I have always rated him as one of the leading fantasy authors.
I highly recommend this series to everyone. I believe that even people who normally do not read fantasy would truly enjoy this series, simply because of how well written it is, and the phenomenal world the author has shared with his readers. It leaves the reader waiting for the next book in the series.
I was sucked into the first book of the Legend of Vanx Malic series, and the author has out done himself again. This is the second book in the series, and continues Vanx Malic's adventures and trials. This is an amazing fantasy that is extremely well written. The author not only pulled me into this fantasy world, where I could feel and see everything I was reading, but I felt like I was actually walking with the characters. It was the author's detailed descriptions and complex characters that brought this incredible world to life. His characters are so well written that I could feel his characters turmoil within the perils of their journey. This is some of the best fantasy writing I have discovered since Tolkien, and I have always rated him as one of the leading fantasy authors.
I highly recommend this series to everyone. I believe that even people who normally do not read fantasy would truly enjoy this series, simply because of how well written it is, and the phenomenal world the author has shared with his readers. It leaves the reader waiting for the next book in the series.
March 16, 2015
A Great Fantasy you will enjoy.
Dragon Isle (The Legend of Vanx Malic Book 2) is a great fantasy with plenty of tension and action.
Vanx Malic is the main character in this fantasy. He makes a wonderful alpha male hero, a bit wicked, but you will love him. His character is portrayed to perfection. There is two main stories intertwined in this thrilling saga, and they are seamlessly combined resulting in a smooth flowing and excellent story.
M. R. Mathias has a vivid imagination. The author’s ability carries the reader along for a great adventure. I did wish that I had read the first book in The Legend of Vanx Malic series so I could fully understanding all that had happened prior to this story. I got so caught up in the adventures of Vanx, I am eager to read back to see what brought him and the other characters to the point in time where Dragon Island Book 2 begins.
I give Dragon Island five stars. I really enjoyed the book. I recommend it to others who enjoy a good fantasy read. This book is a real man’s adventure—nothing tame about it. There is plenty of action adventure.
Dragon Isle (The Legend of Vanx Malic Book 2) is a great fantasy with plenty of tension and action.
Vanx Malic is the main character in this fantasy. He makes a wonderful alpha male hero, a bit wicked, but you will love him. His character is portrayed to perfection. There is two main stories intertwined in this thrilling saga, and they are seamlessly combined resulting in a smooth flowing and excellent story.
M. R. Mathias has a vivid imagination. The author’s ability carries the reader along for a great adventure. I did wish that I had read the first book in The Legend of Vanx Malic series so I could fully understanding all that had happened prior to this story. I got so caught up in the adventures of Vanx, I am eager to read back to see what brought him and the other characters to the point in time where Dragon Island Book 2 begins.
I give Dragon Island five stars. I really enjoyed the book. I recommend it to others who enjoy a good fantasy read. This book is a real man’s adventure—nothing tame about it. There is plenty of action adventure.
February 17, 2016
The second installment of the Vanx Malic saga, Dragon Isle, promised much and delivered on more. I found the entire novel to be paced excellently. The rise and fall of danger and the unexpected twists were fun and left me turning page after page. The introductory story in Through the Wildwood is completed in Dragon Isle. I was impressed.
What's Good?
I still enjoy the banter between characters, it adds realism to the people in the story. There is some real tragedy in this book and that is a good thing. Tragedy breeds drama and drives plot and character development. The world-building only gets better and we get to see a larger part of this world.
What's Bad?
I feel like the subplots grew a bit large and weren't tied up as nicely as I would have liked. I mentioned something similar in regards to the first book of the series Through the Wildwood and I feel that the author does this on purpose. I am not sure how I feel about that.
Recommendation?
Yes, I would recommend "Dragon Isle" it was a fun read. I am still feeling enticed to read the next novel, so Mathias is doing something right.
What's Good?
I still enjoy the banter between characters, it adds realism to the people in the story. There is some real tragedy in this book and that is a good thing. Tragedy breeds drama and drives plot and character development. The world-building only gets better and we get to see a larger part of this world.
What's Bad?
I feel like the subplots grew a bit large and weren't tied up as nicely as I would have liked. I mentioned something similar in regards to the first book of the series Through the Wildwood and I feel that the author does this on purpose. I am not sure how I feel about that.
Recommendation?
Yes, I would recommend "Dragon Isle" it was a fun read. I am still feeling enticed to read the next novel, so Mathias is doing something right.
December 27, 2012
As much as I liked the first book (Through the Wildwood (The Legend of Vanx Malic #1)), this one flowed better. There was a clearer picture of where the characters were headed, as well as many surprises I was not expecting. **SPOILERS** I think in many sci-fi Fantasy books, the authors kill off characters only as a last resort. However, not many will introduce you many of the secondary characters and give you some history then kill them off. It was shocking, and different. But since in this fantasy, there are dragons and other nasties that eat, maim and otherwise kill things. It happens. Get over it. I thought the way he was able to do this over and over throughout his books is admirable and tricky, but he is able to pull it off quite well. Many authors seem to try to stick to the same pattern as every other author. I like that he is able to maintain his story, maintain his principles and keep to his form of fantasy. Its well worth the read as I find them thoroughly enjoyable.
July 15, 2016
Vanx Malic has to go to Dragon Isle to save Gallarael, the daughter of his former lover. To do that he has to get the blood of the most vicious dragon there, the crimson fire breather Pyra. He has help, but knows it will likely come down to him. What he doesn’t realize is his goddess will give him his own calling that will lead him to adventures he never anticipated.
Dragon Isle picks up immediately where book 1 of the series left off, with what’s left of the group fighting to save Gallarael. While an interesting read, and I enjoyed the change in scenery, it felt very much like a bridge or filler book. It didn’t quite measure up to the first book, even though it clearly moved the story along, which I appreciated. I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t quite as invested in these characters like the Wardstone trilogy or even the first book of the Vanx Malic series. It was a quick read and enjoyable, just superficial comparatively.
Dragon Isle picks up immediately where book 1 of the series left off, with what’s left of the group fighting to save Gallarael. While an interesting read, and I enjoyed the change in scenery, it felt very much like a bridge or filler book. It didn’t quite measure up to the first book, even though it clearly moved the story along, which I appreciated. I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t quite as invested in these characters like the Wardstone trilogy or even the first book of the Vanx Malic series. It was a quick read and enjoyable, just superficial comparatively.
August 22, 2013
I enjoyed this book a lot. This picked up right where book one ended. We did have a teaser at the end of book one. This is a fast paced book and takes no time at all to read. I finished it in one day. I am a fast reader but it isn’t a long book.
The character of Vanx was explored more we find out more about his parents and his people. It also focused more on the story than the first book. There are a lot less battles and more dialogue. The descriptions of the dragons on Dragon Isle are great. One of the main characters was killed off and it sucked a little because she was one of my favorites.
This book is really good and I look forward to another Vanx Malic book. I think it is the best series M.R. Mathias has written so far. He captures a lot of detail and has memorable characters.
The character of Vanx was explored more we find out more about his parents and his people. It also focused more on the story than the first book. There are a lot less battles and more dialogue. The descriptions of the dragons on Dragon Isle are great. One of the main characters was killed off and it sucked a little because she was one of my favorites.
This book is really good and I look forward to another Vanx Malic book. I think it is the best series M.R. Mathias has written so far. He captures a lot of detail and has memorable characters.
August 24, 2013
This book the second in a new series from MR Mathias is a good book. I am fond of MR Mathias’s work most of the time but this series and this book in particular are some of his finer work. It has a nice backstory and good characters. The flow is easy and does not ramble on.
Vanx is one of those characters you just have to like. He is a scoundrel who has a good heart. He will do anything to help a friend and proves it when he takes on the red dragon queen to save the princess. He does not do that out of love but friendship. If you read the first book this book follows up nicely. If you have not read the first book this can be read as a standalone but it might be confusing. There is a lot of carryover from book one.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book about Vanx. He has become one of my favorite characters. I actually like all the characters in this book.
Vanx is one of those characters you just have to like. He is a scoundrel who has a good heart. He will do anything to help a friend and proves it when he takes on the red dragon queen to save the princess. He does not do that out of love but friendship. If you read the first book this book follows up nicely. If you have not read the first book this can be read as a standalone but it might be confusing. There is a lot of carryover from book one.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book about Vanx. He has become one of my favorite characters. I actually like all the characters in this book.
August 26, 2013
This book carries on right where book one left off. Even though we got a preview at the end of book one it didn’t due this book justice. I was taken right back into the story from page one. Dragon Isle was described well and so were the dragons that inhabited it. He did a great job of having different powers for different colored dragons. Not all the dragons breathed fire they all did different things.
This book moved between two stories within the story. He did a good job with that and everything wove together well. Each new chapter was from the different story. One chapter followed Vanx, the next chapter followed the castle siege and so on.
It is really good book and I can’t wait for the next one. This book and this series are better books in the fantasy genre to come out in the last few years. An excellent story with good writing.
This book moved between two stories within the story. He did a good job with that and everything wove together well. Each new chapter was from the different story. One chapter followed Vanx, the next chapter followed the castle siege and so on.
It is really good book and I can’t wait for the next one. This book and this series are better books in the fantasy genre to come out in the last few years. An excellent story with good writing.
September 22, 2015
All the things that made me love the first one are either missing or in very short supply in this one. All the camaraderie in the group was gone. The gang got split up basically from page one.
I was still rooting for Trevin the whole way through, until he too was too injured to be part of the story and I was left rooting for Vanx. I know, you are thinking, it's called the legend of Vanx Malic, but at no point do I ever know just what it is that Vanx wants. What makes him tick. He's just doing it cause he got them into it, so he's going to get them out. Very noble.
Also M.R. Mathais does the unthinkable for me. No spoilers but it went from a possible 4 star to a 3 immediately.
At least the ending felt like a true ending and didn't seem to end mid chapter.
I was still rooting for Trevin the whole way through, until he too was too injured to be part of the story and I was left rooting for Vanx. I know, you are thinking, it's called the legend of Vanx Malic, but at no point do I ever know just what it is that Vanx wants. What makes him tick. He's just doing it cause he got them into it, so he's going to get them out. Very noble.
Also M.R. Mathais does the unthinkable for me. No spoilers but it went from a possible 4 star to a 3 immediately.
At least the ending felt like a true ending and didn't seem to end mid chapter.
February 5, 2014
Second book picks up right where the first one finishes, which I found is common for Mathias' style. These are relatively short, quick reads which I'm also learning is more common in the indie or self-published world. Some new characters, and dragons! What's not to like? :)
* Couldn't finish
** I had nothing else to do
*** Passed the time, would be **** for genre / author fans
**** Everyone could enjoy this book
***** Everyone should read this book, I'll read it again
* Couldn't finish
** I had nothing else to do
*** Passed the time, would be **** for genre / author fans
**** Everyone could enjoy this book
***** Everyone should read this book, I'll read it again
August 6, 2016
This book is a suspense filled fantasy! Definite page turner! You must read the first, keep that in mind. This will definitely attract fantasy readers and keep them reading! Who doesn't want to read about a half human who's on a journey to save a girl?
The sexual content really has me saying that parents should read it before letting their children read it so they know what's in it first before agreeing to let them (depending on the age of the child, of course).
The sexual content really has me saying that parents should read it before letting their children read it so they know what's in it first before agreeing to let them (depending on the age of the child, of course).
May 21, 2015
Hoped for more...
First book was pretty good. This book felt like a step back. Very predictable not much character growth. Many points seemed tagged on with no purpose, except as blatant lingering plot derivatives... Not foreshadowing but the feeling of pushed in unconnected plot bits. Might read book three to see if this was just a rough patch.
First book was pretty good. This book felt like a step back. Very predictable not much character growth. Many points seemed tagged on with no purpose, except as blatant lingering plot derivatives... Not foreshadowing but the feeling of pushed in unconnected plot bits. Might read book three to see if this was just a rough patch.
June 22, 2014
Enjoyed the story line and the characters. Really like Mathias' world. One problem I had is that there are several errors in the book that jolted me out of the story, including one in which a wrong name was used.
July 12, 2014
Tricks and Trix
Here the author allows his hero to be stabbed, cut, burned, poisoned, and crushed. But in the end it is his wits that save him. In this book you will be marveled by the New characters and friends that are brought out.
Here the author allows his hero to be stabbed, cut, burned, poisoned, and crushed. But in the end it is his wits that save him. In this book you will be marveled by the New characters and friends that are brought out.
August 2, 2015
I thoroughly enjoy the realism of the adventures of Vanx in this fantasy. I can't seem to put these down once I start them, so I have to choose when to read the next in the series. Very good character development and realistic personalities.
Good job, Moving on to book 3.
Good job, Moving on to book 3.
May 2, 2013
I thought the book over all was written well. Fast paced, and detailed world. Loose ends were tied up. I thought it was short but again I thoroughly enjoyed the read regardless.
November 2, 2015
Good book
A fine story,will be reading the next in this series it was a shame, that so much time passed between the two books
A fine story,will be reading the next in this series it was a shame, that so much time passed between the two books
August 12, 2015
Books one and two
The book was entertaining and captivating in spite of the typo's. I have read Mathias's books before and I honestly think he is getting better.
The book was entertaining and captivating in spite of the typo's. I have read Mathias's books before and I honestly think he is getting better.
October 8, 2014
not bad, but still a bit juvenile in places. on to the next one!
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