Serpent Dominion

The Magelands Dominion #1

by Christopher Mitchell

The Dragon King is dead.

On the tiny Serpent Isle, alone in the vastness of the ocean, Leona has never had it so good. Blessed with one of the Thirteen Gifts of Theodora, she has been rescued from a life on the streets to become an advisor to Friel Laimos, one of the most powerful men on the Serpent Isle.

Friel’s nephew Lahnos Laimos has his own problems to contend with – the horns growing out of his head identify him as a descendant of the Bullan – the most feared and loathed group on the island.

Amid the sunshine and palm trees, a solitary ship arrives at the Serpent Isle, bearing news that will destroy the delicate balance of power and turn the lives of Leona and Lahnos upside down. With revolution in the air, Lahnos has a choice to make – fight for a homeland that hates him, or sit back and watch the Serpent Isle burn?

Genres: Fantasy

430 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2023

About the author

For news and special offers you can join my mailing list through my website where you will receive a FREE copy of From the Ashes , a Magelands prequel novella.

About Me

I love deserts, which is too bad as I live in Scotland, but the mountains, glens and lochs more than make up for it. My other love is Greek Tragedy, especially Euripides, and I also read history, science, fantasy, and pretty much anything about the Beatles…

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Reviews

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has all the makings of an excellent fantasy book but it somehow failed to deliver. It lacks sparkle, the characters were a little flat and the dialogue was frequently stilted. Yet, at times, the action and pace had me spellbound.
I’m at 86% and still waiting to fall in love with one of the characters. In fact I might just DNF the book and hope to find a better story.

Updated to add - I *think* I did go back and finish this - clearly it didn't leave a lasting impression if I did.

[Jessica Haston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I participated in the ARC for this book. Serpent Dominion is another great Magelands installment. It has enough of the same concepts as the previous series, with a whole lot of new characters and ideas. Mitchell’s knack for creating new cultures shines here. You get to see what Dragon Eyre may have been like prior to the gods coming around. The pacing was consistent. There was the link between the last Magelands series and this one. I like that he does that. I found characters I strongly disliked and others I was wishing success for and I think that is a great indicator of a writer’s ability. I think this is a smooth beginning to another Magelands series. I cannot wait for more!

[Terence Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !. What a read...

A wonderful story after I got your head around the so many characters and plots. Now onto book 2.
Wonderful

[Dan Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but didn’t really impress me. Characters were good but seemed to lack something, can’t really put my finger on it, but never really considered the characters “real” so while this was engaging and the world seems interesting it didn’t do enough to make me curious but where the story is going to pick up the next one. Didn’t really leave me wanting more.

[Christina Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book at all. Now it reads like a short story. I say this because, I got a little lost with the different type of species and non background of the reason for the prejudice. I do think with more background on the different types and why the conflict between them, would have turned this book into a novel that it was boasting to be.

[Eileen McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reviewer: Serpent Dominion is the newest book in the Mageland universe and follows the masterful story line which concluded with World's End. The characters that we knew and loved had reached the end of their telling and it was time to move on. After World's End, it was hard to imagine that any new books by Christopher Mitchell could measure up to the stories he had already published. The simple answer is: Astoundingly yes!

Serpent Dominion is an excellent start to a new series in the Mageland universe and, if I understand correctly, follows soon after the conclusion of World's End. In a few opening paragraphs I was quickly engaged in this story filled with magic and dragons and I readily accepted that what I was reading was real and possible. Not too far into the book, we are granted a happy surprise. (No spoilers here.)

Even after 25+ books in the Mageland universe, no two characters are the same; no story feels like a repeat of something that we have read before; and, surprising, no two worlds are quite the same. (What? No earth? Yet?) There is something so compelling about this author's imagination that I hardily recommend his books to all who love fantasy.

Can this series be read without having read all of the books that came before it? Probably, but I wouldn't recommend it. You would be doing yourself a disservice. (Personally, I jumped into the Mageland universe about ten books in and while I waited for new releases, I went back and started with book one. So glad I did!) I am looking forward to reading the next three books in this new story line and hope that Christopher Mitchell continues to share his imagination with us for a really long time. Well done, sir.

[Sara Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been too long since I've leapt into Christopher Mitchell's world, but it was such a delight to return. This is a new world, a new place to dive into his work. I was immediately drawn in to the different races and peoples and dragons. Dragons.

In this world, dragons are worshipped as gods. Until one is killed, giving the rebellion the opportunity they've been waiting for to throw off the chains of their oppressors. Only, this world isn't simply oppressed and oppressor, there are tiers of oppression, as well as a spectrum of beliefs. Told through three POVs, all of whom were completely delightful, surprisingly complicated, and representative of three different factions, it's hard to know who to trust and who is right.

I loved the characters in this new series even more than in Magelands Eternal Siege (and I thought those were fabulous). Christopher writes female main characters better than most male authors I've read. I would love to be any one of them with their important roles and larger-than-life personalities. And I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!

I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed the book gladly.

[Topsy Tucknott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advance copy review

Having read all the previous Magelands epic series from Christopher, I entered this new world wondering if the characters would stand up against their predecessors and if the new world and story line was able to stand on its own feet.
Well I was NOT disappointed, world building in a epic fantasy can sometimes feel clunky and on occasions boring but somehow Mr Christopher Mitchell describes the world and its people with such ease and eloquence that you don’t notice.
The characters are strong and engaging even if you are not sure if you will like them all, the story is unique and exciting.. Dragons, humans, horned guards and mixed races, some with “gifts”
I got to the end and was looking to turn the page.. it wasn’t so much a cliff hanger but I so desperately wanted to keep reading…
Thanks for an awesome new book, I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Mitchell is never one to disappoint. Serpent Donimion is the next installment in the Magelands so the setting is familiar even though the faces are not. The characters featured here are just as compelling and complex as the ones we're used to but new readers would feel able to jump in without feeling lost in the storyline.

I was very sad after World's End because I felt so attached to everything. I thought it might be hard to get into this installment because I would be comparing it to the later books and not the beginning but man, was I impressed. This new cast made me want to find out more about them, see their journeys, and watch as they develop. I feel we have so much to learn and I cannot wait for book 2!

I participated in the ARC and enjoyed it so much that I also purchased the book.

[Shoaib Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started Serpent Dominion Book 1 with apprehension - how could Mitchell possibly follow up with anything as engaging as what the Holdfasts went through in the Magelands epics? And how could he do it without our heroes from the previous books?

That apprehension was unfounded as our master storytellers quickly creates new heroes for us to follow coming as a well rounded as the previous ones. There are links to the previous books throughout which helps ease the transition for us veteran Mitchell readers into the new world we're thrown into. Lots feel like it happens very quickly and we're left wanting to read the wider resolutions in the next few installments (which I believe we thankfully don't have to wait for!)

5/5 from me once again!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serpent Dominion: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (The Magelands Dominion Book 1), my twenty-first read from prolific author Christopher Mitchell, 430-pages of epic fantasy. When I want to read epic fantasy I first look for author Christopher Mitchell. How does he do it? He finishes his 29 book Mageland series in March and comes out with this obviously well-planned book just 3 months later. I look forward to reading more from this author, Now I need to go to the Magelands Epics Series starting with Needs of the Empire. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it, in fact I liked it so much I went out & bought it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Andy Macauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

New characters and new worlds, but with links to the past.

Serpent Dominion is the latest installment in the Magelands saga by Christopher Mitchell and it does not disappoint. Young Lahnos is dragged into a rebellion he wants nothing to do with, but with the death of the Dragon King everyone on the Serpent Isle will have to fight if they wish to survive the aftermath.

Christopher Mitchell is up there with the best fantasy writers in the world, and Serpent Dominion is another example of why he's held in such high regard. Brilliant storytelling once again.

[Steve Filson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lahnos doesn't care what others think about his appearance , He has fought all his life against the prejudice of people on the island,But then the unthinkable happens The Dragon God gets killed. I am an Honest ARC reviewer this story-line is great , the World building is ok. Lots of twists and turns and Family ties are stretched at times. Nice opening salvo.

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book. I loved it from start to
finish. The characters are realistic and
lovable. We are fighting for freedom and if
you've read any other books by Christopher
you'll have a gist where this is going. A
Demon Witch... i can't wait to see what she
does... A possibility of a bit of romance
starting also.. I'm looking foward to the
developments

[Nicole Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Christopher Mitchell has expanded his Magelands Universe and I am pleased that it is really different from the prior stories. New world, new characters and the story was great. Action, love, magic, different cultures and races, and so much more. I am excited for the next installment!

[RoseAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

happy to have a new series

I’m glad that Christopher his the nail on the head again and even though it’s a new story I love that he included the “demon witch” to, in a way, pick up from his last series. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this book as much as all the previous books.

[Paul Clements]

If you loved the Magelands but wanted More - More is here! Dragons, mage powers, tie ins with old characters, twists, turns and enough suspense to satisfy the most suspense hungry. Oh and just when you thought you knew what all the mage powers are - there are more.

[Chris Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in the new series and it didn't disappoint. Same standard as with all Chris Mitchell's books, you can't put it down. Already falling for some of the characters. Can't wait for the next books. Thanks Chris

[Murphies_law · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reader unfriendly start

DNF at 6%

The book starts very abrupt, not bothering with setting the plot up at all, instead throwing around terms as if they should mean something to the reader rumbling about horns and racism..

As nothing interesting happened i gave up..

[Patrick Ryer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Start

I enjoyed Serpent Dominion. There is plenty of action here, and the read went quickly. For those out there who Mageland Saga, this will not disappoint.

[Heidi Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start for a series

I really enjoyed this book and lost several hours of sleep to read it. I am so looking forward to the next one being released in a couple days.

[Darnell Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down a Christopher Mitchell book. He writes compelling characters that you love and some that you hate. His Magelands series is top tier fantasy.

[Matt Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sold, but then about 50% in I was. Reading the sequel next.

[Marta Esterkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

But not like the previous Mageland volumes yet. Perhaps the following books will change that? I intend to find out.

[John Hassey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talking dragons. What more do I have to say. A fun grim dark type of fantasy. Will definitely be picking up the rest of this series.

[Benny Mullinax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and full of action with super characters and story line. It has been awhile since I have read any of the Magelands books, but this is a great continuation of the genre.

[KertuL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dunno about you but this was super fun. I love political fantasies.

[Nadin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite well written, however given this was my first novel in his Mageland universe, it was really hard to keep up with all the complicated names and details here.
Overall too political and too much about warfare (literally 95% of the book) for my personal taste, but still a good read. Undecided yet if I continue this series, but I'll definitely at least check out other books from him!