What do you think?
Rate this book
Kagen the Damned #3
The Dragon in Winter
The Dragon in Winter brings New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry's epic Kagen the Damned Trilogy to a wild conclusion!
War is coming! War is here! The Witch-king of Hakkia, aided by terrifying dark forces, sits uneasy on his stolen throne. His enemies, led by Kagen the Damned and the Bloody Bastards have found the secrets of ancient magic they hope will defeat him. Strange forces gather on both sides – vast armies of both the living and the dead, devious trickster spirits, strange gods, warrior ghosts, undying vampires, blood plagues that drive people to murderous rage, immortal faeries, and Earth’s last dragon.
Kagen knows that he faces the impossible task of toppling a usurper whose dark magic conquered an empire in a single night. But the Damned fear nothing and there are no limits to what Kagen will do to destroy the Witch-king. With his allies he will tear apart the veils that separate our world from the infinite realms of supernatural magic. The Witch-king will not go down with a fight, and he is willing to drown the western lands in innocent blood to retain his stolen crown. Even if he rules over an empire of dust and blood. His power is growing and soon he will be unstoppable.
But they are not the only forces at work in the world. Magic of all kinds is awakening and who can tell which side they will pick…or if they will pose a new and terrible threat to all! In the frozen North, the last dragon –tortured, captive, dying― cries out in despair. In the inky vastness of the outer dark that cry is heard! And something of incalculable power is coming in answer.
War is coming! War is here! The Witch-king of Hakkia, aided by terrifying dark forces, sits uneasy on his stolen throne. His enemies, led by Kagen the Damned and the Bloody Bastards have found the secrets of ancient magic they hope will defeat him. Strange forces gather on both sides – vast armies of both the living and the dead, devious trickster spirits, strange gods, warrior ghosts, undying vampires, blood plagues that drive people to murderous rage, immortal faeries, and Earth’s last dragon.
Kagen knows that he faces the impossible task of toppling a usurper whose dark magic conquered an empire in a single night. But the Damned fear nothing and there are no limits to what Kagen will do to destroy the Witch-king. With his allies he will tear apart the veils that separate our world from the infinite realms of supernatural magic. The Witch-king will not go down with a fight, and he is willing to drown the western lands in innocent blood to retain his stolen crown. Even if he rules over an empire of dust and blood. His power is growing and soon he will be unstoppable.
But they are not the only forces at work in the world. Magic of all kinds is awakening and who can tell which side they will pick…or if they will pose a new and terrible threat to all! In the frozen North, the last dragon –tortured, captive, dying― cries out in despair. In the inky vastness of the outer dark that cry is heard! And something of incalculable power is coming in answer.
580 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2024
108 people are currently reading
6170 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Maberry
522 books7,798 followersJONATHAN MABERRY is a NYTimes bestselling author, #1 Audible bestseller, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, comic book writer, and producer. He is the author of more than 50 novels, 190 short stories, 16 short story collections, 30 graphic novels, 14 nonfiction books, and has edited 26 anthologies. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was a Netflix original series starring Ian Somerhalder. His 2009-10 run as writer on the Black Panther comic formed a large chunk of the recent blockbuster film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His bestselling YA zombie series, Rot & Ruin is in development for film at Alcon Entertainment; and John Wick director, Chad Stahelski, is developing Jonathan’s Joe Ledger Thrillers for TV. Jonathan writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and action; and he writes for adults, teens and middle grade. His works include The Pine Deep Trilogy, The Kagen the Damned Trilogy, NecroTek, Ink, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, The Sleepers War (with Weston Ochse), Mars One, and many others. He is the editor of high-profile anthologies including Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird, The X-Files, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Out of Tune, Don’t Turn out the Lights: A Tribute to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Baker Street Irregulars, Nights of the Living Dead, Shadows & Verse, and others. His comics include Marvel Zombies Return, The Punisher: Naked Kills, Wolverine: Ghosts, Godzilla vs Cthulhu: Death May Die, Bad Blood and many others. Jonathan has written in many popular licensed worlds, including Hellboy, True Blood, The Wolfman, John Carter of Mars, Sherlock Holmes, C.H.U.D., Diablo IV, Deadlands, World of Warcraft, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Karl Kolchak, and many others. He the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the editor of Weird Tales Magazine. He lives in San Diego, California. Find him online at www.jonathanmaberry.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
June 21, 2024
My thanks to St. Martin's Press, Jonathan Maberry and Netgalley.
I've been a huge fan of Maberry's since I first read his Ledger series back in the lost mists of time. "For me, anyways."
I'll confess that I was somewhat sceptical of how this trilogy would turn out. It wasn't just fantasy. It was also horror, mythology, and quite honestly a bunch of genre's all mashed up. I just think that maybe, just maybe that was a sticking point with me.
My favorite thing about Maberry is that he writes different than most folks do.
I have always loved that!
This trilogy though? Seriously, I'm not quite sure what to think.
I loved books one and two, but this last book? Meh?
It was a whole lot of build up for not much of anything.
I'm still not even sure how foiling the "big bad" was.
I honestly think that most people will love this. But I've been a huge fan for a few decades now, and this ending did not float my boat.
I've been a huge fan of Maberry's since I first read his Ledger series back in the lost mists of time. "For me, anyways."
I'll confess that I was somewhat sceptical of how this trilogy would turn out. It wasn't just fantasy. It was also horror, mythology, and quite honestly a bunch of genre's all mashed up. I just think that maybe, just maybe that was a sticking point with me.
My favorite thing about Maberry is that he writes different than most folks do.
I have always loved that!
This trilogy though? Seriously, I'm not quite sure what to think.
I loved books one and two, but this last book? Meh?
It was a whole lot of build up for not much of anything.
I'm still not even sure how foiling the "big bad" was.
I honestly think that most people will love this. But I've been a huge fan for a few decades now, and this ending did not float my boat.
September 3, 2024
Here, I will confess that I was hoping this would turn into a longer series. It won’t be. I wrapped this up with tears in my eyes and a contented sigh. 🥹
In the previous two books the stage has been set, the Witch-King must fall. He has survived all of the attempts of our heroes thus far and the only choice left is all out war. How does a warrior as damned as Kagen build up enough support and people to form an army? Let Jonathan Maberry tell you exactly how.
This being the third book of a trilogy, you really do need to read the previous two books to get the most from this one. Only then, will you know and recognize the importance of these events and how they affect our characters.
All of my favorite characters are here, (and forgive me if I spell a name incorrectly, as I have listened to this series, and not read it.) Mother Fray is ageing even more quickly, and she was old to start with. Obviously Kagen is here, and by the squishy balls of the tentacle god, so is Tuq. (I'm going to miss his endless ball jokes). Maralina and Rissa, (though now called the widow), also appear. For a damned man, Kagen has a lot of support. The poor twins are still being held by the Witch King and they're more miserable than ever. Maralina has some tricks up her sleeve though, and I was really hoping that she and Kagen would meet again. Do they? You'll have to read or listen to this to find out!
I received an ARC of this book, but when the audio became available, I listened to that instead. That is because Ray Porter narrates this trilogy and he's just...OUTSTANDING. His performances are always good, but here there are so many characters in play, I thought it might be difficult for him. I shouldn't have worried because he is a professional and a joy to listen to. A JOY, I say! I especially love the voice of Tuq-which is somehow sexy and funny at the same time. Whenever I read a book by Johnathan Maberry and Ray Porter narrates it? It's a special sort of magic that to me, feels like coming home. I know I am in the hands of masters and I'm able to just let myself fall into the story effortlessly. No matter how long the book is, I'm always saddened when it's over. Luckily for me, these two work together a lot and I hope they continue to do so because they ROCK.
This was one wild finale where it felt like every character ever introduced to us ends up being present for the denouement. I think the final war took place over the last third of the book as the war parties clashed, magic spells whipped about, and ancient gods showed up to have their say.
I had such a good time listening to this book while at the same time I was sad. As I said I was hoping we'd see more of Kagen in the future and nothing happened here that would make that impossible, but his battle against the Witch King is now definitely over. It looks like I'll be taking a short break from this winning author/narrator combination...at least until the next Joe Ledger book comes out!
Highly recommended!
*ARC from publisher. Thank you. *
In the previous two books the stage has been set, the Witch-King must fall. He has survived all of the attempts of our heroes thus far and the only choice left is all out war. How does a warrior as damned as Kagen build up enough support and people to form an army? Let Jonathan Maberry tell you exactly how.
This being the third book of a trilogy, you really do need to read the previous two books to get the most from this one. Only then, will you know and recognize the importance of these events and how they affect our characters.
All of my favorite characters are here, (and forgive me if I spell a name incorrectly, as I have listened to this series, and not read it.) Mother Fray is ageing even more quickly, and she was old to start with. Obviously Kagen is here, and by the squishy balls of the tentacle god, so is Tuq. (I'm going to miss his endless ball jokes). Maralina and Rissa, (though now called the widow), also appear. For a damned man, Kagen has a lot of support. The poor twins are still being held by the Witch King and they're more miserable than ever. Maralina has some tricks up her sleeve though, and I was really hoping that she and Kagen would meet again. Do they? You'll have to read or listen to this to find out!
I received an ARC of this book, but when the audio became available, I listened to that instead. That is because Ray Porter narrates this trilogy and he's just...OUTSTANDING. His performances are always good, but here there are so many characters in play, I thought it might be difficult for him. I shouldn't have worried because he is a professional and a joy to listen to. A JOY, I say! I especially love the voice of Tuq-which is somehow sexy and funny at the same time. Whenever I read a book by Johnathan Maberry and Ray Porter narrates it? It's a special sort of magic that to me, feels like coming home. I know I am in the hands of masters and I'm able to just let myself fall into the story effortlessly. No matter how long the book is, I'm always saddened when it's over. Luckily for me, these two work together a lot and I hope they continue to do so because they ROCK.
This was one wild finale where it felt like every character ever introduced to us ends up being present for the denouement. I think the final war took place over the last third of the book as the war parties clashed, magic spells whipped about, and ancient gods showed up to have their say.
I had such a good time listening to this book while at the same time I was sad. As I said I was hoping we'd see more of Kagen in the future and nothing happened here that would make that impossible, but his battle against the Witch King is now definitely over. It looks like I'll be taking a short break from this winning author/narrator combination...at least until the next Joe Ledger book comes out!
Highly recommended!
*ARC from publisher. Thank you. *
August 1, 2024
The Dragon in Winter
by Jonathan Maberry
Kagen the Damned #3
Epic Fantasy Dark
NetGalley eARC/Audio ARC
Pub Date: August 20, 2024
St. Martin's Press/Macmillan Audio
Ages: 18+
Kagen and his rebels are gathering. The war against the Witch-king is on the horizon. And while Kagen gathers those still loyal to the Silver Kingdom, the Witch-king is gathering his own followers, living and dead. And once he ascends, the world will be remade in his image.
Book three and the final installment of the Kagen the Damned series, (there is a short story set between books one and two, which I did not read because of the price/page count, and because I didn't care much for the other books, so I didn't feel it was worth my time) and as with the first two books there is a lot of telling of this instead of showing. The chapters jump from character to character, and there are a lot of characters, so, for me, this caused the story to drag as I tried to insert myself into each character's perspective, and it does not easily happen since I have to remember who they are, why they are important, who's side they are on, etc...
This book is close to six hundred pages, and a lot of those pages, I feel, were wasted on all the extra minor characters' perspectives. Sure, some of it was interesting, but there were two characters on the Witch-king's side who I don't feel were really needed, other than extra info that the Witch-king could have offered. All of these extra perspectives took away from who the story was supposed to be about, Kagen; he was almost sidelined.
One thing that did earn a major grimace and an eye roll was the 'revelation' in the north. I did start having the suspicion it was going to happen and when it did, it changed my respect for the story. I did not like it.
I will admit that I did enjoy this book more than the first two. I also flipped between the E and audio versions and can say the narrator, Ray Porter, did a good job bringing life to the characters who were flat in the written copy. Maybe that had something to do with it, but this book did seem to be more concrete and a lot more interesting than the first two put together. If only it had more showing and less telling, it could've reached the next star.
2 Stars
by Jonathan Maberry
Kagen the Damned #3
Epic Fantasy Dark
NetGalley eARC/Audio ARC
Pub Date: August 20, 2024
St. Martin's Press/Macmillan Audio
Ages: 18+
Kagen and his rebels are gathering. The war against the Witch-king is on the horizon. And while Kagen gathers those still loyal to the Silver Kingdom, the Witch-king is gathering his own followers, living and dead. And once he ascends, the world will be remade in his image.
Book three and the final installment of the Kagen the Damned series, (there is a short story set between books one and two, which I did not read because of the price/page count, and because I didn't care much for the other books, so I didn't feel it was worth my time) and as with the first two books there is a lot of telling of this instead of showing. The chapters jump from character to character, and there are a lot of characters, so, for me, this caused the story to drag as I tried to insert myself into each character's perspective, and it does not easily happen since I have to remember who they are, why they are important, who's side they are on, etc...
This book is close to six hundred pages, and a lot of those pages, I feel, were wasted on all the extra minor characters' perspectives. Sure, some of it was interesting, but there were two characters on the Witch-king's side who I don't feel were really needed, other than extra info that the Witch-king could have offered. All of these extra perspectives took away from who the story was supposed to be about, Kagen; he was almost sidelined.
One thing that did earn a major grimace and an eye roll was the 'revelation' in the north. I did start having the suspicion it was going to happen and when it did, it changed my respect for the story. I did not like it.
I will admit that I did enjoy this book more than the first two. I also flipped between the E and audio versions and can say the narrator, Ray Porter, did a good job bringing life to the characters who were flat in the written copy. Maybe that had something to do with it, but this book did seem to be more concrete and a lot more interesting than the first two put together. If only it had more showing and less telling, it could've reached the next star.
2 Stars
August 19, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Dragon in Winter is the final book in the Kagen the Damned series. Like the endings to most epic grimdark fantasies we don't wrap everything in tidy little bows and happy endings. But we do get an ending and I will say overall it is a satisfying conclusion to this journey.
Mayberry did a great job of moving the story and keeping a lot of tension happening throughout. A lot of the chapters are really short, pivoting the reader between multiple PoVs quickly to keep the momentum of the story going until the last battle fought at the end. We, the reader, get to view this story through a lot of different character's eyes and it really helped with the pacing and the overall knowledge the reader is privy to, even when other characters are not. Even so, there were still a few surprises to be had along the way as scripts were flipped and various revelations made.
The veils between the worlds are blurring and Kagen is one that can see between them sometimes. Loved by a faery, he has some protections that help to carry him through the story. Maralina, will do what she can to help the mortal man who chained her heart to him. They are doomed and we know it, but I really longed to see Kagen and Maralina reunited sometime in this story.
There is so much going on though out the story. Kagen's brothers are traveling to the North looking for a lost brother and the last dragon in this world, Fabeldyr. The dragon brought magic to this world and her death will also be the death of all magic, she must be saved. The Witch King is gathering his strength and followers for a ceremony and transformation into a demigod. Kagen will need to defeat him before the ritual or all is lost. Alliances are made and the kingdoms will choose sides for the war of all wars.
So many of the characters had parts to play in the bigger story. The Widow finally starts to show what she has become and how she will contribute to the war. Tuke and Filia are really the best friends Kagen could possibly have. I like how they keep him human and Tuke's various references to different gods balls were some of my favorite lines in the book. Jheklan and Faulker had one of the arcs that was the most interesting to me as I was really excited to get to the ice caves and see the dragon.
The Witch King is a fantastic bad guy. He was so easy to hate for so many reasons. The twist with him was both surprising and not surprising when it came. I had suspected for most of the book what the twist would be. The cost of magic was high and that was never sugar coated in our scenes with him. The Witch King was smart, ruthless and so cruel. But we the reader spend time in his head and so while I wanted him dead for so many reasons, I felt like he was one of he more intricate characters of the story and his chapters were fascinating.
At the end, while most things were wrapped up and this is definitely a concluded story I couldn't help but be disappointed it was over. I want to see where some of my favorite characters were years in the future and new stories made with some of the characters I'd grown to love. I could see Mayberry possibly creating another story in this word, although it is unclear if it will be something he will undertake later.
If you enjoy grimdark epic fantasy, I think this could be a good overall series for you. I enjoyed each book a little more than the last with the building of the characters, the world and the journey.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Dragon in Winter is the final book in the Kagen the Damned series. Like the endings to most epic grimdark fantasies we don't wrap everything in tidy little bows and happy endings. But we do get an ending and I will say overall it is a satisfying conclusion to this journey.
“We’re all pretending to be heroes, dear heart,” she observed. “Everyone is looking to us now, so we had better play the parts assigned to us.”
Mayberry did a great job of moving the story and keeping a lot of tension happening throughout. A lot of the chapters are really short, pivoting the reader between multiple PoVs quickly to keep the momentum of the story going until the last battle fought at the end. We, the reader, get to view this story through a lot of different character's eyes and it really helped with the pacing and the overall knowledge the reader is privy to, even when other characters are not. Even so, there were still a few surprises to be had along the way as scripts were flipped and various revelations made.
The veils between the worlds are blurring and Kagen is one that can see between them sometimes. Loved by a faery, he has some protections that help to carry him through the story. Maralina, will do what she can to help the mortal man who chained her heart to him. They are doomed and we know it, but I really longed to see Kagen and Maralina reunited sometime in this story.
There is so much going on though out the story. Kagen's brothers are traveling to the North looking for a lost brother and the last dragon in this world, Fabeldyr. The dragon brought magic to this world and her death will also be the death of all magic, she must be saved. The Witch King is gathering his strength and followers for a ceremony and transformation into a demigod. Kagen will need to defeat him before the ritual or all is lost. Alliances are made and the kingdoms will choose sides for the war of all wars.
“By the cast-iron balls of the god of blacksmiths,” growled Tuke. “That was a flag of truce. He came over to parlay”
“I know,” said Kagen, his voice as cold as winter ice. “But I came here to start a war.”
So many of the characters had parts to play in the bigger story. The Widow finally starts to show what she has become and how she will contribute to the war. Tuke and Filia are really the best friends Kagen could possibly have. I like how they keep him human and Tuke's various references to different gods balls were some of my favorite lines in the book. Jheklan and Faulker had one of the arcs that was the most interesting to me as I was really excited to get to the ice caves and see the dragon.
The Witch King is a fantastic bad guy. He was so easy to hate for so many reasons. The twist with him was both surprising and not surprising when it came. I had suspected for most of the book what the twist would be. The cost of magic was high and that was never sugar coated in our scenes with him. The Witch King was smart, ruthless and so cruel. But we the reader spend time in his head and so while I wanted him dead for so many reasons, I felt like he was one of he more intricate characters of the story and his chapters were fascinating.
At the end, while most things were wrapped up and this is definitely a concluded story I couldn't help but be disappointed it was over. I want to see where some of my favorite characters were years in the future and new stories made with some of the characters I'd grown to love. I could see Mayberry possibly creating another story in this word, although it is unclear if it will be something he will undertake later.
If you enjoy grimdark epic fantasy, I think this could be a good overall series for you. I enjoyed each book a little more than the last with the building of the characters, the world and the journey.
July 31, 2024
Kagen the Damned returns for a third, and seemingly final, quest to stop the Haakian Witch-King once and for all in Jonathan Maberry's absolutely epic The Dragon in Winter.
If you dug the previous entries in this series, Maberry gives you plenty more where that came from and then some in this positively sprawling conclusion that stretches from Argon and on up through to the arctic wastelands of the Winterwilds and all the lands and oceans in between. Kagen Vale and his comrades in arms, the mercenary war-woman Filia and her balls-obsessed lover, cutthroat killer Tuke, gather their forces of Unbladed warriors into a growing army to unite what remains of the destroyed Silver Empire to launch an all-out war against the Haakian invaders. There's land battles, naval battles, one-on-one attacks, castle sieges, and a whole lot of magic and monsters as the world grows more twisted under the influence of the Witch-King and his ancient cosmic god, Hastur.
That last name in particular should ring a few alarm bells for fans of H.P. Lovecraft, and the combination of cosmic horror with good, old-fashioned sword and sorcery make for natural bedfellows here. It's an element that initially drew me to deeply into this world. I've never been a big fantasy fan and, more often than not, my attempts at approaching the genre usually ended in failure and boredom. Maberry himself was the key element that made me pick up Kagen the Damned a few years ago, having become a fan of his work and official Joe Ledger obsessive, and that book cut right to the chase with an immaculate and wonderfully violent extended opening recounting the utter collapse of the Silver Empire in a single night. I wrote in my review then that, if ever there was an author that could get me to try another fantasy book after so much disappointment, it was Maberry. And, well, goddamn if he didn't turn my attitude right around. Joe Ledger obsessive, meet Kagen the Damned obsessive.
What makes this series work so well for me is it's balls to the wall, everything including the kitchen sink approach. It's dark and violent to be sure, but Maberry also uses it to platform every single bit of pulpy goodness that both he and I love. There's Lovecraftian Elder Gods, cosmic horror, monster horror, witches, vampires, werewolves, elves, goblins, tarnished heroes, seriously wicked bad guys, and buckets and buckets of blood. And, unlike most of the fantasy books I've tried and tossed in the DNF pile, none of this stuff gets bogged down in hundreds and hundreds of pages of dry infodump to tell you all about the last ten thousand years of world history and Biblical-like lineages of who begat who that led to the modern day. Yet it's clear there is a hell of a lot of history in this world, and rather than spelling it all out Maberry teases us with it, which all by itself adds another interesting wrinkle to the proceedings.
Maberry has crafted here a large and expansive world, one that's still filled with a lot of mystery and plenty more potential to be mined. The Dragon in Winter effectively closes out this trilogy of Kagen the Damned novels, but Maberry smartly leaves the door wide open for further adventures. And by the hairy balls of the god of returning characters, I certainly hope we get to travel with Kagen again someday soon. He's too cool a character, and his world too vast, to be left by the wayside for long.
If you dug the previous entries in this series, Maberry gives you plenty more where that came from and then some in this positively sprawling conclusion that stretches from Argon and on up through to the arctic wastelands of the Winterwilds and all the lands and oceans in between. Kagen Vale and his comrades in arms, the mercenary war-woman Filia and her balls-obsessed lover, cutthroat killer Tuke, gather their forces of Unbladed warriors into a growing army to unite what remains of the destroyed Silver Empire to launch an all-out war against the Haakian invaders. There's land battles, naval battles, one-on-one attacks, castle sieges, and a whole lot of magic and monsters as the world grows more twisted under the influence of the Witch-King and his ancient cosmic god, Hastur.
That last name in particular should ring a few alarm bells for fans of H.P. Lovecraft, and the combination of cosmic horror with good, old-fashioned sword and sorcery make for natural bedfellows here. It's an element that initially drew me to deeply into this world. I've never been a big fantasy fan and, more often than not, my attempts at approaching the genre usually ended in failure and boredom. Maberry himself was the key element that made me pick up Kagen the Damned a few years ago, having become a fan of his work and official Joe Ledger obsessive, and that book cut right to the chase with an immaculate and wonderfully violent extended opening recounting the utter collapse of the Silver Empire in a single night. I wrote in my review then that, if ever there was an author that could get me to try another fantasy book after so much disappointment, it was Maberry. And, well, goddamn if he didn't turn my attitude right around. Joe Ledger obsessive, meet Kagen the Damned obsessive.
What makes this series work so well for me is it's balls to the wall, everything including the kitchen sink approach. It's dark and violent to be sure, but Maberry also uses it to platform every single bit of pulpy goodness that both he and I love. There's Lovecraftian Elder Gods, cosmic horror, monster horror, witches, vampires, werewolves, elves, goblins, tarnished heroes, seriously wicked bad guys, and buckets and buckets of blood. And, unlike most of the fantasy books I've tried and tossed in the DNF pile, none of this stuff gets bogged down in hundreds and hundreds of pages of dry infodump to tell you all about the last ten thousand years of world history and Biblical-like lineages of who begat who that led to the modern day. Yet it's clear there is a hell of a lot of history in this world, and rather than spelling it all out Maberry teases us with it, which all by itself adds another interesting wrinkle to the proceedings.
Maberry has crafted here a large and expansive world, one that's still filled with a lot of mystery and plenty more potential to be mined. The Dragon in Winter effectively closes out this trilogy of Kagen the Damned novels, but Maberry smartly leaves the door wide open for further adventures. And by the hairy balls of the god of returning characters, I certainly hope we get to travel with Kagen again someday soon. He's too cool a character, and his world too vast, to be left by the wayside for long.
April 20, 2025
Audiobook (21 hours) narrated by the Ray Porter
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
This is one of the sloppiest edited audiobooks I have read. Early on there's a horribly obvious edit and then another and another... and then there's a stretch where I think, OK maybe that's it. Yeah, not even close! The only thing that keeps this from being a dumpster fire is the narration itself, however, the constant slew of obvious edits breaks the immersion of the story. I definitely recommend a hard read of this one, if you are able, even with such a great narrator the audiobook is nearly trash.
The story itself takes a bit to build momentum from the start. Part of that may have been the distractions of the audiobook itself keeping me from enjoying the story. I'm not sure. Once it got going, I was once again back in the world and the book was enjoyable enough. I'm still really salty that they published such a shoddy edition. This book needs to be re-edited and fixed.
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
This is one of the sloppiest edited audiobooks I have read. Early on there's a horribly obvious edit and then another and another... and then there's a stretch where I think, OK maybe that's it. Yeah, not even close! The only thing that keeps this from being a dumpster fire is the narration itself, however, the constant slew of obvious edits breaks the immersion of the story. I definitely recommend a hard read of this one, if you are able, even with such a great narrator the audiobook is nearly trash.
The story itself takes a bit to build momentum from the start. Part of that may have been the distractions of the audiobook itself keeping me from enjoying the story. I'm not sure. Once it got going, I was once again back in the world and the book was enjoyable enough. I'm still really salty that they published such a shoddy edition. This book needs to be re-edited and fixed.
September 3, 2024
3.5 Stars 🌟
This is the third and final book in this trilogy. I actually have mixed thoughts on it and have been going back and forth on what I should rate it at. The first book took me quite a while to get in to. It felt so very slow in the beginning and Kagen was a very unlikeable MMC. He was a whiny and self destructive drunk and he was hard to root for. But he began to get his act together and by the end of the book, I felt like I was finally interested.
The second book was the gem of the trilogy. I LOVED that book. Kagen had his act together and became the hero that everyone was looking for. Lots of information was disclosed as we began to get a better feeling for what was actually going on. I was eager for the last book.
The third book - THIS book - was similar to book 1. Similar in the fact that it was hard to pick up the book and keep it up. It FELT long. The pacing was uneven and felt a little all over the place. There were so many POV's and the chapters were so short that by the time your mind arrived at wherever the POV happened to be, it was over and the changing POV then had you somewhere else with an entirely different situation occurring. It felt like whiplash.
There was also a whole lot of info dumping and what felt like unnecessary filler. I looked it up afterward and this book was 592 pages. It definitely FELT like it. Why is that important? Well, because book 2 was 704 pages and it somehow felt like it was over in a flash, yet this book was over 100 pages shorter and felt like it was twice as long. I think it was the combination of the pacing, and the difference in the action. The action was non stop in book 2 and was pushing hard to get to the eventual climax. Then, in this book, when we finally do get to the big event, well, there was so much build up - I think maybe it is sometimes hard to deliver something equivalent to expectations.
Overall though, I DID enjoy the trilogy. It was a unique a very different storyline. I've said it before and need to say again - I am a HUGE fan of Mr. Maberry's work. I absolutely LOVE the Joe Ledger series. Also, I alternated between listening and reading and would be remiss if I didn't mention how wonderful Ray Porter is as the narrator. He is one of my favorite narrators for a reason :)
This is the third and final book in this trilogy. I actually have mixed thoughts on it and have been going back and forth on what I should rate it at. The first book took me quite a while to get in to. It felt so very slow in the beginning and Kagen was a very unlikeable MMC. He was a whiny and self destructive drunk and he was hard to root for. But he began to get his act together and by the end of the book, I felt like I was finally interested.
The second book was the gem of the trilogy. I LOVED that book. Kagen had his act together and became the hero that everyone was looking for. Lots of information was disclosed as we began to get a better feeling for what was actually going on. I was eager for the last book.
The third book - THIS book - was similar to book 1. Similar in the fact that it was hard to pick up the book and keep it up. It FELT long. The pacing was uneven and felt a little all over the place. There were so many POV's and the chapters were so short that by the time your mind arrived at wherever the POV happened to be, it was over and the changing POV then had you somewhere else with an entirely different situation occurring. It felt like whiplash.
There was also a whole lot of info dumping and what felt like unnecessary filler. I looked it up afterward and this book was 592 pages. It definitely FELT like it. Why is that important? Well, because book 2 was 704 pages and it somehow felt like it was over in a flash, yet this book was over 100 pages shorter and felt like it was twice as long. I think it was the combination of the pacing, and the difference in the action. The action was non stop in book 2 and was pushing hard to get to the eventual climax. Then, in this book, when we finally do get to the big event, well, there was so much build up - I think maybe it is sometimes hard to deliver something equivalent to expectations.
Overall though, I DID enjoy the trilogy. It was a unique a very different storyline. I've said it before and need to say again - I am a HUGE fan of Mr. Maberry's work. I absolutely LOVE the Joe Ledger series. Also, I alternated between listening and reading and would be remiss if I didn't mention how wonderful Ray Porter is as the narrator. He is one of my favorite narrators for a reason :)
January 31, 2026
still not a fan of Maberry (and horrible editors) novel writing. never had trouble with his short fiction, but maybe that's just cuz this series is the only long stuff of his I've read. won't try anymore, just wanted to learn the results of the one thing Maberry was good at - getting me invested in Kagen. I like that boy. great fighting descriptions, wonderful use and illustration of dragons, some good banter, some decent comeuppance. this book 3 is the best of the bunch but and still treats readers like we're dumb and forgetful and has to be sure to repeat lots of stuff to us. several setups for a possible continuation, though I won't follow along. also several dangling threads left...well, dangling. I do not recommend the reads if you don't enjoy feeling insulted by your author. if you don't care, Kagen was a cool dude and I really did like the way dragons were employed...though that's mostly here in book 3.
May 27, 2024
I probably should have read the first two books in the series before reading this one. But it probably wouldn’t have helped me understand the book better. There were too many characters some called by at least two names that made it very difficult to keep up with who was who. I like Jonathan Maberry’s other books but this one just didn’t work for me.
September 8, 2024
Jonathan Mayberry writes so well! This is the conclusion to the tale of Kagan the Damned. The story throughout this trilogy has been richly imaginative and enthralling. Kagan must stop the usurper who has taken the throne and who seeks to become immortal even as he seeks to bring his god to life. For those who enjoy reading fantasy that contains a large helping of gore, vengeance and revenge as well as kindness and empathy, this series will be a great binge read.
February 7, 2025
An entertaining conclusion to the series.
A ball of fun if you will.
Characters were on point. The humour won’t be for everyone but I don’t mind things a bit crude, and there was a reveal I didn’t see happening.
An entertaining read
A ball of fun if you will.
Characters were on point. The humour won’t be for everyone but I don’t mind things a bit crude, and there was a reveal I didn’t see happening.
An entertaining read
April 1, 2025
I didn't enjoy it as much as the second book, but it wrapped up the trilogy well. A bit of wandering around bouncing between character groups leading up to the huge battle at the end. Plus a a huge twist that was pleasing to me.
December 28, 2024
A messy conclusion to this trilogy.
September 27, 2025
As with all these books in this series straight after it I would have given it a 3 star read.
Now after a few days it gets 4.
Not sure why but it definitely leaves an impression after the fact.
The world building covers mostly the same areas as in the first three but it still jumps off the page. Whether it be snowy mountains, dark foreboding caves, huge palaces or old towers it really grabs you. As always I do love a mediaeval setting and it was very vivid and stood out even after a few days.
The characters were good although maybe it didn't stand out as much as in the other two.
It's of course all about Kagan and he is a complicated individual whose loyalty and faith is sorely tested but he is single minded and driven although I did feel his characterisation lost its way a bit.
The others were good too especially Tuke and Filia who were excellent side characters.
The widow too although she wasn't in it as much as I'd really like to have seen her in it more.
Broken by grief but still driven to look after those who needed it and couldn't look after themselves.
Maralina too is excellent but again we didn't see her as much as I would have liked.
And the villains were quite good too.
The plot was solid and built on the other two but wasn't much added to it. There were some twists and turns but it was a bit telegraphed and you could see what was coming a mile away.
The pacing was good though especially around the battle scenes and it did bring together some long standing threads well. The ending though wrapped up pretty quickly which seemed a bit incongruous for a trilogy but I suspect we might see another book at some stage.
There was also a plot point that while I got and actually thought was done well just doesn't sit well with me anymore.
Overall a solid end to an enjoyable series that had plenty of action and interesting characters.
Now after a few days it gets 4.
Not sure why but it definitely leaves an impression after the fact.
The world building covers mostly the same areas as in the first three but it still jumps off the page. Whether it be snowy mountains, dark foreboding caves, huge palaces or old towers it really grabs you. As always I do love a mediaeval setting and it was very vivid and stood out even after a few days.
The characters were good although maybe it didn't stand out as much as in the other two.
It's of course all about Kagan and he is a complicated individual whose loyalty and faith is sorely tested but he is single minded and driven although I did feel his characterisation lost its way a bit.
The others were good too especially Tuke and Filia who were excellent side characters.
The widow too although she wasn't in it as much as I'd really like to have seen her in it more.
Broken by grief but still driven to look after those who needed it and couldn't look after themselves.
Maralina too is excellent but again we didn't see her as much as I would have liked.
And the villains were quite good too.
The plot was solid and built on the other two but wasn't much added to it. There were some twists and turns but it was a bit telegraphed and you could see what was coming a mile away.
The pacing was good though especially around the battle scenes and it did bring together some long standing threads well. The ending though wrapped up pretty quickly which seemed a bit incongruous for a trilogy but I suspect we might see another book at some stage.
There was also a plot point that while I got and actually thought was done well just doesn't sit well with me anymore.
Overall a solid end to an enjoyable series that had plenty of action and interesting characters.
April 1, 2025
Okay, so I just finished The Dragon in Winter and I’ve got thoughts. This is the last book in Maberry’s Kagen the Damned trilogy, and wow—it goes big. Like, seriously epic. It’s dark, it’s bloody, it’s packed with magic and cosmic horror and political chaos. Basically, everything I came for.
What I really loved was the world. Maberry knows how to build a setting that feels massive and lived-in. There’s this ancient magic vibe mixed with Lovecraftian weirdness, and it totally worked for me. Kagen, the main guy, has gone through so much, and I really liked watching his arc come full circle. And the side characters? Honestly, some of them stole the show.
The pacing was fast, which I appreciated—lots of short chapters and shifting perspectives that kept things moving. The battle scenes were chef’s kiss—super vivid and intense. You can tell Maberry’s got a talent for writing action.
That said, there were a few things that didn’t totally land for me. There are a lot of POVs, and while that added scope, it kind of pulled focus from Kagen sometimes. I wanted more of his personal story, and less bouncing around. Also, there’s a good chunk of telling vs. showing in the writing, which made parts feel a little flat instead of immersive.
And the ending... mixed feelings. It was definitely big and tried to wrap everything up, but emotionally it didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to. Like, some stuff got tied up a little too quickly for my taste.
Overall though, I’d still recommend it, especially if you’re already invested in the series. It’s not perfect, but it’s dark, twisty, and full of cool ideas. If you like grimdark with a splash of cosmic dread, give it a shot.
What I really loved was the world. Maberry knows how to build a setting that feels massive and lived-in. There’s this ancient magic vibe mixed with Lovecraftian weirdness, and it totally worked for me. Kagen, the main guy, has gone through so much, and I really liked watching his arc come full circle. And the side characters? Honestly, some of them stole the show.
The pacing was fast, which I appreciated—lots of short chapters and shifting perspectives that kept things moving. The battle scenes were chef’s kiss—super vivid and intense. You can tell Maberry’s got a talent for writing action.
That said, there were a few things that didn’t totally land for me. There are a lot of POVs, and while that added scope, it kind of pulled focus from Kagen sometimes. I wanted more of his personal story, and less bouncing around. Also, there’s a good chunk of telling vs. showing in the writing, which made parts feel a little flat instead of immersive.
And the ending... mixed feelings. It was definitely big and tried to wrap everything up, but emotionally it didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to. Like, some stuff got tied up a little too quickly for my taste.
Overall though, I’d still recommend it, especially if you’re already invested in the series. It’s not perfect, but it’s dark, twisty, and full of cool ideas. If you like grimdark with a splash of cosmic dread, give it a shot.
August 29, 2024
I think I've sung the praises of Jonathan Maberry enough that anyone who regularly reads my reviews knows how much I love his stuff.
His Joe Ledger series is second to none. His Sam Hunter case files are always a blast. Pine Deep is a terrifying place. His newer Necrotek book is fun. So, it shouldn't have been a surprise to me that he'd tackle a fantasy trilogy.
When the first book came out, I wasn't surprised that I really enjoyed it. The second book—like most middle books of a trilogy—served its purpose and deepened the characters while amping up the stakes. What was a surprise was just how much I enjoyed this final installment.
The thing that Maberry does well is to create an atmosphere of EPIC. He's done it with most of the stuff I mention above, but he takes it to the next level with this story. I figured that, once the battles began, it was going to be big. I just didn't expect all the incredible things that Maberry packed into this novel.
I loved the hell out of this book. It had me grinning like an idiot at times. It had me actually commenting out loud as I hit certain parts. Maberry's mash-up of fantasy, horror, Lovecraft, and sheer, unbridled action?
Yeah, it's been a long time since I enjoyed a fantasy series this much.
His Joe Ledger series is second to none. His Sam Hunter case files are always a blast. Pine Deep is a terrifying place. His newer Necrotek book is fun. So, it shouldn't have been a surprise to me that he'd tackle a fantasy trilogy.
When the first book came out, I wasn't surprised that I really enjoyed it. The second book—like most middle books of a trilogy—served its purpose and deepened the characters while amping up the stakes. What was a surprise was just how much I enjoyed this final installment.
The thing that Maberry does well is to create an atmosphere of EPIC. He's done it with most of the stuff I mention above, but he takes it to the next level with this story. I figured that, once the battles began, it was going to be big. I just didn't expect all the incredible things that Maberry packed into this novel.
I loved the hell out of this book. It had me grinning like an idiot at times. It had me actually commenting out loud as I hit certain parts. Maberry's mash-up of fantasy, horror, Lovecraft, and sheer, unbridled action?
Yeah, it's been a long time since I enjoyed a fantasy series this much.
July 14, 2024
This pains me to write.
I loved the first two books in the Kagen the Damned trilogy. When I saw THE DRAGON IN WINTER, this final book, was available on NetGalley, I couldn’t request it fast enough.
Okay, so the writing itself is still great. But content?
We have an overabundance of POVs woven together in short sections. Each POV switch takes us somewhere different, with a multitude of situations all unfolding at the same time with various characters. I normally like short scenes/chapters, but the constant switches felt dizzying and disjointed.
Consequently, Kagen, our main character, got lost in the maelstrom. I wanted more from him.
Then, the ending. Sometimes too much buildup sets me up for a letdown, which is what I felt here. I just didn’t love the way it played out.
Enough of my grumbling. If you’ve read the first two books (which you absolutely need to do before reading this one), you of course have to read this final installment. And I hope you love it!
*I received a free eARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
I loved the first two books in the Kagen the Damned trilogy. When I saw THE DRAGON IN WINTER, this final book, was available on NetGalley, I couldn’t request it fast enough.
Okay, so the writing itself is still great. But content?
We have an overabundance of POVs woven together in short sections. Each POV switch takes us somewhere different, with a multitude of situations all unfolding at the same time with various characters. I normally like short scenes/chapters, but the constant switches felt dizzying and disjointed.
Consequently, Kagen, our main character, got lost in the maelstrom. I wanted more from him.
Then, the ending. Sometimes too much buildup sets me up for a letdown, which is what I felt here. I just didn’t love the way it played out.
Enough of my grumbling. If you’ve read the first two books (which you absolutely need to do before reading this one), you of course have to read this final installment. And I hope you love it!
*I received a free eARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
August 25, 2024
Wow! An epic conclusion to the Kagen Trilogy. The story wraps up very well, though I will miss Kagen and his friends Tuke and Filia.
I have ready 'almost' everything authored by Jonathan Maberry and yet he still surprises and knocks me off balance. Everything that I though I had figured out in book two, I was completely wrong about. Except, of course, the fact that I already knew The Prince of Games by another name. No one writes a story, that flows so effortlessly, as Jonathan Maberry.
I will not reveal much of the actual story, because I don't want to ruin the experience for other readers.
Anyone who enjoys fantasy really needs to read this series. Anyone who is only an occasional fantasy reader, like me, also needs to read this.
I have ready 'almost' everything authored by Jonathan Maberry and yet he still surprises and knocks me off balance. Everything that I though I had figured out in book two, I was completely wrong about. Except, of course, the fact that I already knew The Prince of Games by another name. No one writes a story, that flows so effortlessly, as Jonathan Maberry.
I will not reveal much of the actual story, because I don't want to ruin the experience for other readers.
Anyone who enjoys fantasy really needs to read this series. Anyone who is only an occasional fantasy reader, like me, also needs to read this.
September 17, 2024
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC.
What an epic ride!! Just full on from page one, this conclusion to Kagen's story wraps everything in an absolutely satisfying tale that definitely brought tears to my eyes and certainly left me wanting more. When I first started book 1, I wasn't sure if I would like Kagen, but he has become a favorite character, the man who refuses to be the hero. His journey from the lowest of lows to bringing together this group of unusual people to save the day is so well done and his relationship with Tuuk and Filia is a joy to read. This story truly has everything you could want: epic battles, humor, magical creatures, vampires, deliciously dangerous characters and of course.....DRAGONS!!!! The audio narration by Ray Porter is again, so fantastic and his readings of the spells in the foreign tongues are so marvelously creepy at times!! I will certainly listen to these stories again and maybe someday we will get the adventures of the Sons of the Dragon(really, give me all the Jheklan and Faulker!!!).
What an epic ride!! Just full on from page one, this conclusion to Kagen's story wraps everything in an absolutely satisfying tale that definitely brought tears to my eyes and certainly left me wanting more. When I first started book 1, I wasn't sure if I would like Kagen, but he has become a favorite character, the man who refuses to be the hero. His journey from the lowest of lows to bringing together this group of unusual people to save the day is so well done and his relationship with Tuuk and Filia is a joy to read. This story truly has everything you could want: epic battles, humor, magical creatures, vampires, deliciously dangerous characters and of course.....DRAGONS!!!! The audio narration by Ray Porter is again, so fantastic and his readings of the spells in the foreign tongues are so marvelously creepy at times!! I will certainly listen to these stories again and maybe someday we will get the adventures of the Sons of the Dragon(really, give me all the Jheklan and Faulker!!!).
January 8, 2025
This installment delivered a rich, action-packed journey with complex world-building and vividly drawn characters. The blend of high-stakes adventure, ancient magic, and intense political intrigue kept me hooked from start to finish.
The protagonist’s growth throughout the story felt natural, which added depth to the narrative, while the secondary characters bring added layers to the plot. The writing is sharp and engaging, weaving together different threads seamlessly.
Overall, this is was a satisfying continuation in the series, perfect for fans of dark fantasy with intricate plots and epic battles.
The protagonist’s growth throughout the story felt natural, which added depth to the narrative, while the secondary characters bring added layers to the plot. The writing is sharp and engaging, weaving together different threads seamlessly.
Overall, this is was a satisfying continuation in the series, perfect for fans of dark fantasy with intricate plots and epic battles.
August 28, 2024
This book really wraps things up in a good way, while giving us an adventure along the way.
Things aren't easy for Kagen, but they never are. And things get weird at times, yet they make sense for what is going on in the story, ie the animals. It was interesting to see how Kagen reacted. The dragon part broke my heart, what was done was awful!
It was nice to see how things ended, most of them happy to be living their lives in the world they helped create.
Things aren't easy for Kagen, but they never are. And things get weird at times, yet they make sense for what is going on in the story, ie the animals. It was interesting to see how Kagen reacted. The dragon part broke my heart, what was done was awful!
It was nice to see how things ended, most of them happy to be living their lives in the world they helped create.
November 9, 2024
Not the typical book/series I usually read, but started thanks to Chris’ recommendation. Really enjoyed it! A fantasy revenge/redemption tale of protagonist Kagen the Damned with a mish-mash of other genres involved (horror, sci-fi, etc.) I liked the short chapters with perspectives of many different characters, even though I’d be hungry to know what’s next for each character before it’d jump to someone else. It played like a good action-packed movie in my head.
August 22, 2024
This book is fantastic! It just took the spot of my favorite this year so far. Every book in this series has been great, but this one took it to another level.
There is just so much to love.
It's not just people fighting against the evil witch-king and the Hakkians. Everyone has to choose a side. Animals, ghost warriors, fey, vampires, gods. And dragons! This book has it all. And we can't ignore these brilliant characters. Kagen of course, but don't forget the rest. Filia, Tuke, Maralina and all the rest are just as compelling in my opinion.
If you want fantasy with a beyond epic war, you have to read this series. I would give it more stars if I could. I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
There is just so much to love.
It's not just people fighting against the evil witch-king and the Hakkians. Everyone has to choose a side. Animals, ghost warriors, fey, vampires, gods. And dragons! This book has it all. And we can't ignore these brilliant characters. Kagen of course, but don't forget the rest. Filia, Tuke, Maralina and all the rest are just as compelling in my opinion.
If you want fantasy with a beyond epic war, you have to read this series. I would give it more stars if I could. I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
September 21, 2024
Waaay too much going on.
November 15, 2024
A little shorter than I would like, but a very satisfying and fun read!
October 25, 2025
Wow what an epic ending!
January 29, 2026
Best of the three! It is well worth getting through the beginning of the first book in order to get to the second and third. Excellent finish to the series, and full of surprises and twists.
August 7, 2024
All the stars! This was a riveting conclusion to the trilogy. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and Maberry NEVER disappoints. The story comes full circle, with a conclusion that will satisfy readers and there's DRAGONS!!!!
A word about the amazing audio for this - Ray Porter outdoes himself yet again. Stellar performance throughout.
A word about the amazing audio for this - Ray Porter outdoes himself yet again. Stellar performance throughout.
August 21, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am absolutely in love with this series. I can't believe that I'm already done reading it after just starting it this year. I'm honestly a little sad about the fact that I'm done in this world.
I found this book tied up all the loose ends perfectly and still kept to the epic awesomeness of the previous novels.
I did find that there were a couple instances where the author would use a unique word multiple times in a short span of time, which I found weird, but overall not an issue.
The narrator was incredible as always. I am in awe of his voice skills.
I am absolutely in love with this series. I can't believe that I'm already done reading it after just starting it this year. I'm honestly a little sad about the fact that I'm done in this world.
I found this book tied up all the loose ends perfectly and still kept to the epic awesomeness of the previous novels.
I did find that there were a couple instances where the author would use a unique word multiple times in a short span of time, which I found weird, but overall not an issue.
The narrator was incredible as always. I am in awe of his voice skills.
October 30, 2025
The whole book was moving pieces to a battlefield and then having a battle. Not super fun. Why did Kagen go to the goblin camp? Not a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews