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A Time of Dragons #2
In the Shadow of Kings
From Philip C. Quaintrell, author of The Echoes Saga
'For lovers of your classic Tolkien, this series has it all' - Alan Coleman - Amazon customer
'Best newcomer to the genre. Philip is up there with Feist and Sanderson' - Philip Spick - Amazon customer
--
ONLY ONE CAN END THE WAR.
HE STANDS BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, A SAVIOUR AND A DESTROYER TO BOTH.
DRAGONS AND AEGRES WILL FALL.
BUT ONE CAN TURN THE TIDE.
One who stands in the shadow of kings. Such has been seen by the doomed. The weight of ten thousand lives and all the realm besides now sits on Joran’s shoulders. So much has already been sacrificed to bring him to the ancient doors of Drakanan, where he might take on the mantle of Dragon Rider and usher in a new age of heroes.
But a time of dragons is not all that has been seen…
The days are shadowed by approaching night. The war to devour all wars has come again. He who lies entombed in the dark will rise and the fires with him. Death cannot hold him.
The Skaramangians hold to this, their fingers pulling the strings of war to hide their dark deeds. In past and present they work towards a future that will reset the world. Evil will be made manifest in that world, and there remains no power in all of Verda capable of preventing it.
And so the few, those who would be heroes, must take the road to madness if they are to prepare for the inevitable war. It is not a road they can all survive…
--
'A rare talent. A wonderful new beginning!' - Stephen Dudley - Amazon customer - A Time of Dragons
'Philip Quaintrell is a master storyteller' - David Nichols - Amazon customer - A Time of Dragons
'For lovers of your classic Tolkien, this series has it all' - Alan Coleman - Amazon customer
'Best newcomer to the genre. Philip is up there with Feist and Sanderson' - Philip Spick - Amazon customer
--
ONLY ONE CAN END THE WAR.
HE STANDS BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, A SAVIOUR AND A DESTROYER TO BOTH.
DRAGONS AND AEGRES WILL FALL.
BUT ONE CAN TURN THE TIDE.
One who stands in the shadow of kings. Such has been seen by the doomed. The weight of ten thousand lives and all the realm besides now sits on Joran’s shoulders. So much has already been sacrificed to bring him to the ancient doors of Drakanan, where he might take on the mantle of Dragon Rider and usher in a new age of heroes.
But a time of dragons is not all that has been seen…
The days are shadowed by approaching night. The war to devour all wars has come again. He who lies entombed in the dark will rise and the fires with him. Death cannot hold him.
The Skaramangians hold to this, their fingers pulling the strings of war to hide their dark deeds. In past and present they work towards a future that will reset the world. Evil will be made manifest in that world, and there remains no power in all of Verda capable of preventing it.
And so the few, those who would be heroes, must take the road to madness if they are to prepare for the inevitable war. It is not a road they can all survive…
--
'A rare talent. A wonderful new beginning!' - Stephen Dudley - Amazon customer - A Time of Dragons
'Philip Quaintrell is a master storyteller' - David Nichols - Amazon customer - A Time of Dragons
883 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
445 people are currently reading
1271 people want to read
About the author
Philip C. Quaintrell
26 books1,476 followersPhilip started his career as an emergency nurse and began writing the books he’d want to read as a hobby between shifts.
He published his first novel in 2016, and soon began his epic fantasy series, The Echoes Saga which went straight into the Amazon bestsellers list in 4 countries.
Now one of the best-selling indie authors worldwide, Philip lives in Manchester, England with his wife and two young children and is hoping this is just the beginning.
He published his first novel in 2016, and soon began his epic fantasy series, The Echoes Saga which went straight into the Amazon bestsellers list in 4 countries.
Now one of the best-selling indie authors worldwide, Philip lives in Manchester, England with his wife and two young children and is hoping this is just the beginning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 1, 2025
I was debating on giving this 4 stars for most of this book but the last 20% of this book was a blast and the epilogue answered several question that I completely forgot needed answering. Philip should be on any fantasy fan’s short list TBR
July 31, 2025
In The Shadow of Kings
5⭐+❤️
In the Shadow of Kings is the second book in the five-book A Time of Dragons series set in the Echoes Saga universe by author Phillip Quaintrell. I must begin this review by saying that this book is far superior to the first in every way, in terms of character development, worldbuilding, action scenes, character relationships, and also, of course, the plot twists. In this second book, we pick up right where the first left off, now following the characters in the present day. Joran, one of the protagonists, heads toward the place that could fulfill the prophecy surrounding him. At the same time, we follow Galien with his companions, Androma, The Green Leaf, and others, as they try to survive after the final stretch of the previous book. And last but not least, we follow Daijen 40 years in the past as he continues to see him searching for a way to destroy his enemies, the Sakaramangians, once and for all. The pacing of this book was much better than the first, and the cliffhangers the author leaves at the end of each point of view and then switches to another make the reader freak out and want to go back to that decisive moment they left off, and this happened more than once in this book, one freak out after another. And what can I say about the plot twists in this book? It was one bigger fall than the other. The way the author takes something you thought you knew and throws it in your face when you knew nothing is on another level, especially the last two important things that happen in the final chapters. I was not prepared for the fall I was about to take, it was simply unbelievable. For those who have already read the other books in this universe and liked it and also read the first in this series, you will definitely love this one. I dare say that this is one of the best books that Phillip has ever written. Congratulations on writing such an epic book. If this second book was already at this level, my expectations for the third are sky-high and I can't wait to read and freak out with another book in this series, which is one of my favorites in life, and this one is definitely a 5⭐+❤️.
5⭐+❤️
In the Shadow of Kings is the second book in the five-book A Time of Dragons series set in the Echoes Saga universe by author Phillip Quaintrell. I must begin this review by saying that this book is far superior to the first in every way, in terms of character development, worldbuilding, action scenes, character relationships, and also, of course, the plot twists. In this second book, we pick up right where the first left off, now following the characters in the present day. Joran, one of the protagonists, heads toward the place that could fulfill the prophecy surrounding him. At the same time, we follow Galien with his companions, Androma, The Green Leaf, and others, as they try to survive after the final stretch of the previous book. And last but not least, we follow Daijen 40 years in the past as he continues to see him searching for a way to destroy his enemies, the Sakaramangians, once and for all. The pacing of this book was much better than the first, and the cliffhangers the author leaves at the end of each point of view and then switches to another make the reader freak out and want to go back to that decisive moment they left off, and this happened more than once in this book, one freak out after another. And what can I say about the plot twists in this book? It was one bigger fall than the other. The way the author takes something you thought you knew and throws it in your face when you knew nothing is on another level, especially the last two important things that happen in the final chapters. I was not prepared for the fall I was about to take, it was simply unbelievable. For those who have already read the other books in this universe and liked it and also read the first in this series, you will definitely love this one. I dare say that this is one of the best books that Phillip has ever written. Congratulations on writing such an epic book. If this second book was already at this level, my expectations for the third are sky-high and I can't wait to read and freak out with another book in this series, which is one of my favorites in life, and this one is definitely a 5⭐+❤️.
August 8, 2024
4.5 stars, I am distraught.
August 14, 2025
In the Shadow of Kings takes everything I loved about Once There Were Heroes and raises the stakes to breathtaking new heights. Philip C. Quaintrell delivers a sequel that’s richer, sharper, and even more emotionally charged, pulling me right back into a world where loyalty is tested, gut-wrenching betrayals, and the line between hero and villain is never clear. The characters are the heart of it all~ layered, flawed, and so easy to care about. The political maneuvering and undercurrents of danger keep the tension high from start to finish. The writing is vivid, capturing battles, betrayals, and moments of humanity.
🩵 A friend of mine had to listen to all my rants because of all the jaw-dropping twists I did not see coming!! It’s a story that refuses to let you go, leaving you hungry for the next chapter in this epic saga. I’m still reeling from the epilogue. What a way to end the book!! 😱🤩
Will you start this series? Or will you start with The Echoes Saga because YOU BETTER START ONE OR THE OTHER!! 😌😏
🩵 A friend of mine had to listen to all my rants because of all the jaw-dropping twists I did not see coming!! It’s a story that refuses to let you go, leaving you hungry for the next chapter in this epic saga. I’m still reeling from the epilogue. What a way to end the book!! 😱🤩
Will you start this series? Or will you start with The Echoes Saga because YOU BETTER START ONE OR THE OTHER!! 😌😏
July 23, 2025
Upon my second read through of In the Shadow of Kings in preparation for book 3, I stand by my initial review. This book is so freaking good! Phillip C. Quaintrell stands as one of my favorite authors and without a doubt, any book he releases will be automatically purchased and consumed as quickly as possible
Oh my poor little brain! My mind was melted while reading this book and I mean that in the best way possible. The world of Verda may be my favorite world in all fantasy! The depth and history that is contained in just this series is huge, but spanning all the series, its massive and the world has true depth and lore that in interactive, interesting, and addicting. The characters are thought out very well and each and every one is a joy to read! The amount of times I got goose bumps in this book is insane. This was such a joy to read and im only sad about the fact that I have to wait a whole year for the next book!
Oh my poor little brain! My mind was melted while reading this book and I mean that in the best way possible. The world of Verda may be my favorite world in all fantasy! The depth and history that is contained in just this series is huge, but spanning all the series, its massive and the world has true depth and lore that in interactive, interesting, and addicting. The characters are thought out very well and each and every one is a joy to read! The amount of times I got goose bumps in this book is insane. This was such a joy to read and im only sad about the fact that I have to wait a whole year for the next book!
September 9, 2025
lt's like everything kicked it up a notch in this 2nd book of a Time of Dragons. Several new big reveals set the stage.
September 8, 2025
I mean it’s Philip Quaintrell. Are we really surprised at this point that he’s pumping out 5 star everything? His Echoes Saga was phenomenal and what’s scary is this series might end up being even better. He’s easily my favorite fantasy author.
August 4, 2024
A glorious ride through Shadow...in search for Light!
We're back! Book two in A Time of Dragons, Phillip catapults us right back into the epic journey we left our companions in at the end of book 1and that mind blowing ending that had us all clamoring for book 2 asap!
Verda is in the throws of war, the likes that could end the very existence of our wonderful world and all its inhabitants. We return with our same group of characters that masterfully navigated the epic of book 1, and have since introduced a bevy of others that will be more involved then they could have ever dreamed of. From the deep dark forges of the dwarves to the peaks of reality we soar with the Dragons and Aegre alike through this complex, dark, twisted and magical story of hope, shadow, power and brutality. Quaintrell once again shows us why he is becoming one of the most respected and known Indie authors in fantasy circles around the globe! His character depth is Tolkien level and the creativity he displays in his world building and story arcs is growing with each chapter he blesses us with.
Taking us through a millennia of time and memories in a way only the most veteran of writers could, Phillip lays the rest of the ground work and base he created in book 1, and really sets the tone of this grand Epic he is now well into. With battles that have you gripping the cover and sweating through your clothes...weapons of power lost to memory are now reappearing and creating a race for power and glory. 4 parts this book was split into and I can tell you, once you hit part 3...prepare for a barrage of emotional chapters that issue so many twists and deep cuts to your soul that you'd swear you were fighting the likes of Vahlken and Dragon Riders with the speed we are propelled to the wild end of this chonker! Wow, yea...just...wow!
The table is set, the bar raised and chaos has ensued. Don't let the size of these books scare you off, you will wish they were longer by the end! I have been spreading the name Quaintrell for years now and I can't say it to enough people, so I hope more see this and begin their journey through his world. Take nothing for granted in this entry for almost nothing is as it seems. Pray to the gods that you have the strength to stare down the darkness and stand ready to make your mark... everything that has been prepared for is now upon us and testing the very strength of us all! A time of Dragons will be the greatest Epic for Quaintrell to date, marks my words! Find that dragon heart in you and join the journey, you will be glad you did!
5⭐ only because I can't give it more! Phillip you beautiful bastard you've done it again! 📚🔥🍻
We're back! Book two in A Time of Dragons, Phillip catapults us right back into the epic journey we left our companions in at the end of book 1and that mind blowing ending that had us all clamoring for book 2 asap!
Verda is in the throws of war, the likes that could end the very existence of our wonderful world and all its inhabitants. We return with our same group of characters that masterfully navigated the epic of book 1, and have since introduced a bevy of others that will be more involved then they could have ever dreamed of. From the deep dark forges of the dwarves to the peaks of reality we soar with the Dragons and Aegre alike through this complex, dark, twisted and magical story of hope, shadow, power and brutality. Quaintrell once again shows us why he is becoming one of the most respected and known Indie authors in fantasy circles around the globe! His character depth is Tolkien level and the creativity he displays in his world building and story arcs is growing with each chapter he blesses us with.
Taking us through a millennia of time and memories in a way only the most veteran of writers could, Phillip lays the rest of the ground work and base he created in book 1, and really sets the tone of this grand Epic he is now well into. With battles that have you gripping the cover and sweating through your clothes...weapons of power lost to memory are now reappearing and creating a race for power and glory. 4 parts this book was split into and I can tell you, once you hit part 3...prepare for a barrage of emotional chapters that issue so many twists and deep cuts to your soul that you'd swear you were fighting the likes of Vahlken and Dragon Riders with the speed we are propelled to the wild end of this chonker! Wow, yea...just...wow!
The table is set, the bar raised and chaos has ensued. Don't let the size of these books scare you off, you will wish they were longer by the end! I have been spreading the name Quaintrell for years now and I can't say it to enough people, so I hope more see this and begin their journey through his world. Take nothing for granted in this entry for almost nothing is as it seems. Pray to the gods that you have the strength to stare down the darkness and stand ready to make your mark... everything that has been prepared for is now upon us and testing the very strength of us all! A time of Dragons will be the greatest Epic for Quaintrell to date, marks my words! Find that dragon heart in you and join the journey, you will be glad you did!
5⭐ only because I can't give it more! Phillip you beautiful bastard you've done it again! 📚🔥🍻
July 9, 2024
Good, but I expected more
First things first, I love pretty much everything Philip C. Quaintrell has written, and recommend his work more often than anything else.
That said, this one let me down. Was it well written? Absolutely. Was it entertaining? Definitely. Was it original? Eh, parts of it.
To be fair, I enjoyed most of the of the book, especially everything with Yamnomora and Grarfath. I think they are perhaps my two favorite characters in all of the Verda books. I adored Joran, he’s a good kid and wants to make the world a better place. Daijen and Ilithranda were great, Ilithranda’s past is heartbreaking, and the big battle they take part in was one of my favorites.
(Spoilers ahead)
But I feel like all those awesome parts have been tarnished by the part of the story I felt was most lacking, Skara, the villain who is introduced. We are given no insight into why he changes so drastically from the prologue to what Daijen sees of the past, which is fine, I imagine that will come in later books. But what really bothered me most was the implication that he created the Andarans for some as of now unrevealed purpose.
I mean, again? We’re really doing that again? It was bad enough that Elves in the Echoes Saga were created by an evil sorcerer, but to do that again, especially with such a similar people, just smacks of lack of creativity.
I really wanted to love this book, I have been eagerly awaiting it, but that one reveal really ruined it for me. It took me out of the story completely. Though not nearly as much as the inclusion of Malliath, however brief his inclusion was, as Shara’s dragon. The Echoes Saga made it seem as if Malliath was always a loner, and certainly never had a previous rider. I’m sure that Quaintrell has a plan to explain that bit away, but it just seems messy and rather than being a cool Easter egg, it drew me out of the immersive experience of the book.
Anyhow, I wanted to give the book three stars, but instead went with four because it really is good, aside from the couple of things that bug me, and I think a lot of people would enjoy those facets, I’m just a grouchy old curmudgeon.
First things first, I love pretty much everything Philip C. Quaintrell has written, and recommend his work more often than anything else.
That said, this one let me down. Was it well written? Absolutely. Was it entertaining? Definitely. Was it original? Eh, parts of it.
To be fair, I enjoyed most of the of the book, especially everything with Yamnomora and Grarfath. I think they are perhaps my two favorite characters in all of the Verda books. I adored Joran, he’s a good kid and wants to make the world a better place. Daijen and Ilithranda were great, Ilithranda’s past is heartbreaking, and the big battle they take part in was one of my favorites.
(Spoilers ahead)
But I feel like all those awesome parts have been tarnished by the part of the story I felt was most lacking, Skara, the villain who is introduced. We are given no insight into why he changes so drastically from the prologue to what Daijen sees of the past, which is fine, I imagine that will come in later books. But what really bothered me most was the implication that he created the Andarans for some as of now unrevealed purpose.
I mean, again? We’re really doing that again? It was bad enough that Elves in the Echoes Saga were created by an evil sorcerer, but to do that again, especially with such a similar people, just smacks of lack of creativity.
I really wanted to love this book, I have been eagerly awaiting it, but that one reveal really ruined it for me. It took me out of the story completely. Though not nearly as much as the inclusion of Malliath, however brief his inclusion was, as Shara’s dragon. The Echoes Saga made it seem as if Malliath was always a loner, and certainly never had a previous rider. I’m sure that Quaintrell has a plan to explain that bit away, but it just seems messy and rather than being a cool Easter egg, it drew me out of the immersive experience of the book.
Anyhow, I wanted to give the book three stars, but instead went with four because it really is good, aside from the couple of things that bug me, and I think a lot of people would enjoy those facets, I’m just a grouchy old curmudgeon.
July 28, 2024
Holy moley
I'm obsessed. I jumped into thd first book blindly and I'm so greatful I did! Are you wanting a clean, good. Amazing, old fashioned Tolkien-esk adventure? Look no further! This epic high fantasy takes you on a grand adventure to challenge evil and embrace truth. Fans of Inheritance Cycld, Throne of Glass, Lord of the Rings- rejoice! Here is your next reading obession
I'm obsessed. I jumped into thd first book blindly and I'm so greatful I did! Are you wanting a clean, good. Amazing, old fashioned Tolkien-esk adventure? Look no further! This epic high fantasy takes you on a grand adventure to challenge evil and embrace truth. Fans of Inheritance Cycld, Throne of Glass, Lord of the Rings- rejoice! Here is your next reading obession
July 9, 2024
Twists and turns aplenty...can't wait for the next installment. My only wish is that it's going to be next year before it comes out and I'd really like to see a brief recap of what's happened so far at the beginning of book 3. It took me a while to remember back to the previous book, which made the first part of book 2 a chore trying to remember what all happened. (it's my fault for reading too many books)
July 7, 2024
wowzers!
As with every book, Philip has put forth another very interesting tale. I am never disappointed by his work. I’ve been reading his books for years and when I think I know which direction he’s going, he goes the complete opposite. This book has been a really fun read.
As with every book, Philip has put forth another very interesting tale. I am never disappointed by his work. I’ve been reading his books for years and when I think I know which direction he’s going, he goes the complete opposite. This book has been a really fun read.
July 16, 2024
Always good
Books are good when you're happy, enthralled, angry, sad, downright anxious to keep reading after the book has been put down. This book did all that and more for me. Me st disappointed by this author.
Books are good when you're happy, enthralled, angry, sad, downright anxious to keep reading after the book has been put down. This book did all that and more for me. Me st disappointed by this author.
June 5, 2025
brilliant
I didn’t want it to finish.
So good!!
The next book can’t come quick enough!
I have found another favourite author!
I didn’t want it to finish.
So good!!
The next book can’t come quick enough!
I have found another favourite author!
September 5, 2025
I don’t know how to feel about this…
July 12, 2024
5/5 stars easily. There’s no way I can wait until 2025 for the next book.
I absolutely LOVE the world of Verda, I cannot wait for more.
I absolutely LOVE the world of Verda, I cannot wait for more.
July 9, 2024
Excellent second entry to the series
Loved that this book picked up basically right where the first left off. Non stop action, twists and turns, and thrilling reveals. Also the time jumps seemed much less confusing than in the first book, which was nice. Maybe I am finally getting my head around the larger story.
Loved that this book picked up basically right where the first left off. Non stop action, twists and turns, and thrilling reveals. Also the time jumps seemed much less confusing than in the first book, which was nice. Maybe I am finally getting my head around the larger story.
April 10, 2025
I am upset. I am shocked.
This book was amazing. It gave me all the history I was wanting but STILL leaving me wanting for me.
I absolutely love all these characters and parts of me hope some get some redemption arcs (ahem Slait). We all love a bad character that’s wrote so well. This book definitely does that!
Still a fan of the Aegre over the dragons. Maybe because dragons are so popular in books it’s nice to see another beast thrown in.
I probably have more to say after I think on this book a bit more. I can’t wait for the next one!
This book was amazing. It gave me all the history I was wanting but STILL leaving me wanting for me.
I absolutely love all these characters and parts of me hope some get some redemption arcs (ahem Slait). We all love a bad character that’s wrote so well. This book definitely does that!
Still a fan of the Aegre over the dragons. Maybe because dragons are so popular in books it’s nice to see another beast thrown in.
I probably have more to say after I think on this book a bit more. I can’t wait for the next one!
August 14, 2024
What to read next?
The storylines are interesting and not predictable which is important to me. I'm drawn to several of Quaintrell's characters, the ones that fight their flaws to achieve a higher objective. Now that I've finished Book 2, do I follow the story time line on the last page, jump forward and reread all the others in chron order? Or wait for the rest of this series and then reread them all?
The storylines are interesting and not predictable which is important to me. I'm drawn to several of Quaintrell's characters, the ones that fight their flaws to achieve a higher objective. Now that I've finished Book 2, do I follow the story time line on the last page, jump forward and reread all the others in chron order? Or wait for the rest of this series and then reread them all?
January 5, 2025
This was such an adventurous, gripping, and jaw-dropping read for me. I can’t count how many times I had to stop and just stare at the book because for every answer we got, I had a thousand questions and much confusion would follow.
The story continues to unfold and reveal more and more about the truth of the Skaramangians and their past…
Daijen’s journey to learn more about the Skaramangians had me wanting to shake and slap some sense into him, but despite his very obvious and infuriating flaws, he continues to be my fave character.
(Minor spoiler)
Grarfath really impressed me in his journey. Out of everyone we’ve met on this journey, he seems the most relatable with how out depth most “normal” people would feel when plunged into a perilous journey. Although, he may not be a warrior, he really grows to embody something much better-The Hammerhold! His story leaves off in such a cliffhanger and I’m so anxious about it!
Yamnomora is fucking badass and she never fails to illicit a laugh out of me. She has the best insults towards her friends and enemies a like. She may rough around the edges, but she has her heart in the right place and is not afraid to use tough love on Grarfath-even if he does deserve or not.
Joran’s own journey to fulfill the prophecy was also great to read and like most of this book, had my jaw dropping and filled with much sorrow for the life he could have had with his mom, Ilithranda. Oh Ilithranda, my girl has endured so much in her long life. I can’t even put all my thoughts and feelings of her here…
Gallien’s journey itself was filled with plenty of action, shock, confusion about his own past, and his love for his son, Joran. I can’t say much more because I myself hate spoilers, but…WTFFFFFF!!?
There was so many twists and turns and the ending, frustratingly, ends on the biggest cliff hanger. I still can’t get over it.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I’m so excited! This has quickly become one of my top favorite series and is a great way to kick off my reading for the year!
The story continues to unfold and reveal more and more about the truth of the Skaramangians and their past…
Daijen’s journey to learn more about the Skaramangians had me wanting to shake and slap some sense into him, but despite his very obvious and infuriating flaws, he continues to be my fave character.
(Minor spoiler)
Grarfath really impressed me in his journey. Out of everyone we’ve met on this journey, he seems the most relatable with how out depth most “normal” people would feel when plunged into a perilous journey. Although, he may not be a warrior, he really grows to embody something much better-The Hammerhold! His story leaves off in such a cliffhanger and I’m so anxious about it!
Yamnomora is fucking badass and she never fails to illicit a laugh out of me. She has the best insults towards her friends and enemies a like. She may rough around the edges, but she has her heart in the right place and is not afraid to use tough love on Grarfath-even if he does deserve or not.
Joran’s own journey to fulfill the prophecy was also great to read and like most of this book, had my jaw dropping and filled with much sorrow for the life he could have had with his mom, Ilithranda. Oh Ilithranda, my girl has endured so much in her long life. I can’t even put all my thoughts and feelings of her here…
Gallien’s journey itself was filled with plenty of action, shock, confusion about his own past, and his love for his son, Joran. I can’t say much more because I myself hate spoilers, but…WTFFFFFF!!?
There was so many twists and turns and the ending, frustratingly, ends on the biggest cliff hanger. I still can’t get over it.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I’m so excited! This has quickly become one of my top favorite series and is a great way to kick off my reading for the year!
August 27, 2025
What the hell was that ending?! My heart is now wounded from all that chaos but it is still such an amazing book. I didn't think it would trump the first book and part way through this one I still believed that. Now I am not so sure, some of the reveals and character development has blown it out of the water. I honestly changed my favourite character about three times during these two books and now I am not even sure who it is! Can I just say, Gallien's character? Wow, amazingly written and will forever haunt me! Daijen was my favourite in book one alongside Androma but I was so mad at him in the second book, his story was still brilliant but god I was mad at him. Gallien and Cob were probably the most fleshed out in this book though. Slait is a never ending nightmare by the way! Anyway, to sum up, amazing character work, brilliant twists and turns, beautiful scenery, gory battles and evil upon evil to fight. You will go into this book thinking you know just how this world works, your already wrong. Please also note while reading this I had no idea there was a book three coming until I was 80% through it and realised this book will not satisfy my curiosity for how this story ends! Though it now means there is another book to look forward to and I know there is plenty of other books in this world to check out. Certainly a new favourite author and book universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
I am on a tour of books featuring dragons lately, which is why I picked this up along with the first book in the series. Turns out, the dragons get very little page-time, although more in this book than in the first.
I am impressed with the complexity of the world depicted in this series. The physical world itself is intricately described. There are several different races, each having their own cultures and motives. A little more depth could be put into the characters, but that is a minor issue.
The one thing that did bother me, more and more each time it occured, was the frequent use of the phrase "all the more" or variants thereof such as "all the harder." For example: The latter felt all the more important..." This construct appears in the narrator's voice as well as in the characters'. It might be a small thing, but it builds up over time.
The book is long, so prepare yourself for that. The first book is also very long.
I am impressed with the complexity of the world depicted in this series. The physical world itself is intricately described. There are several different races, each having their own cultures and motives. A little more depth could be put into the characters, but that is a minor issue.
The one thing that did bother me, more and more each time it occured, was the frequent use of the phrase "all the more" or variants thereof such as "all the harder." For example: The latter felt all the more important..." This construct appears in the narrator's voice as well as in the characters'. It might be a small thing, but it builds up over time.
The book is long, so prepare yourself for that. The first book is also very long.
April 15, 2025
Spoilers!
I subtracted a 1 star for each of the following:
- People getting hit more times with the pommel of the swords than with the sharp part. I get it, the author thinks this is an incredibly cool move. Not so practical though, and it gets really old the 157th time around.
- All the main characters being related, I guess the world is so small, you cannot be a protagonist in this book, if you don't have or are not yourself someone's lost child.
- The amazing trope of a main character discovering a possibly world saving/shattering information and deciding its better if only he knows about it(this one is the dumbest one by far). F*** teamwork, he will try to save the world alone, as to not further endangering the lives of 5 people - apparently the world is worth less than that, seeing that as we discovered in my first point deduction there are apparently 4 people in the world who are all related.
I subtracted a 1 star for each of the following:
- People getting hit more times with the pommel of the swords than with the sharp part. I get it, the author thinks this is an incredibly cool move. Not so practical though, and it gets really old the 157th time around.
- All the main characters being related, I guess the world is so small, you cannot be a protagonist in this book, if you don't have or are not yourself someone's lost child.
- The amazing trope of a main character discovering a possibly world saving/shattering information and deciding its better if only he knows about it(this one is the dumbest one by far). F*** teamwork, he will try to save the world alone, as to not further endangering the lives of 5 people - apparently the world is worth less than that, seeing that as we discovered in my first point deduction there are apparently 4 people in the world who are all related.
December 10, 2024
Must read! really! so satisfyi
Not a type o.
Although a second of 3, I had hoped for the “ng”. Nearly there! Very good, very very good.
Phil be deep world builder. But Verda is made of soil, not earth. Earth is made of earth cause it’s Earth. The soil of Verda be soil or verdan , veridian, verdanian soil, or be indigo colored soil even straight up dirt…. but never Earth.
Gosh the shite people get hung up on😳 (forgave Phil the dwarves and all)
Kills me I have to wait for #3. Like Netflix I want all o them now now. Enuff 🍷ing.
Book awesom (lol). Threw stuff at me. Made me stop and say “whaaa?” (hee hee)
several times and a few left fielders for grins. So not a lame #2.
I feel like I know about these characters then clever things occur. No spoilers my lil bugsters. Read his other stuff too. Phil slays
Not a type o.
Although a second of 3, I had hoped for the “ng”. Nearly there! Very good, very very good.
Phil be deep world builder. But Verda is made of soil, not earth. Earth is made of earth cause it’s Earth. The soil of Verda be soil or verdan , veridian, verdanian soil, or be indigo colored soil even straight up dirt…. but never Earth.
Gosh the shite people get hung up on😳 (forgave Phil the dwarves and all)
Kills me I have to wait for #3. Like Netflix I want all o them now now. Enuff 🍷ing.
Book awesom (lol). Threw stuff at me. Made me stop and say “whaaa?” (hee hee)
several times and a few left fielders for grins. So not a lame #2.
I feel like I know about these characters then clever things occur. No spoilers my lil bugsters. Read his other stuff too. Phil slays
December 22, 2025
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 4.5/5 ⭐️
In The Shadow of Kings by Philip C. Quaintrell
A Time of Dragons #2
Epic fantasy for sure! Immersive world-building and high stakes. Lots of characters and a looming threat of war. I really loved the character depth in this book. I felt like the characters are so well done. My only thing is that with multiple points of view and timelines it gets sometimes confusing especially with the time jumps.
I love love the dragons. Political intrigue which is always a fave for me and the emotional character arcs really make this a stand out fantasy novel for me. Cannot wait for book three.
In The Shadow of Kings by Philip C. Quaintrell
A Time of Dragons #2
Epic fantasy for sure! Immersive world-building and high stakes. Lots of characters and a looming threat of war. I really loved the character depth in this book. I felt like the characters are so well done. My only thing is that with multiple points of view and timelines it gets sometimes confusing especially with the time jumps.
I love love the dragons. Political intrigue which is always a fave for me and the emotional character arcs really make this a stand out fantasy novel for me. Cannot wait for book three.
September 6, 2024
Fantastic read as all of Quaintrells books have been. Definitely one of my favourite modern authors. One little quibble I have is that a book of this size and complexity, with multiple POV characters and timelines, could really do with a recap at the beginning.
I read all of the echoes series back to back and had an easier time following all the various plot threads. But I've read dozens of books since Once There Were Heroes. I found myself lost for the first several chapters and needed to go to reddit for a recap to remember the who, where, why and how.
I read all of the echoes series back to back and had an easier time following all the various plot threads. But I've read dozens of books since Once There Were Heroes. I found myself lost for the first several chapters and needed to go to reddit for a recap to remember the who, where, why and how.
December 18, 2024
5 STARS ALL DAY LONG. What a book. Phillip C. Quaintrell hit another home run with this one guys. Goes straight in from the end of book 1 and the pacing is so perfectly even and catching that it's very hard to stop. The character growth and choices are awesome, really floats your feelings around for the cast of characters. Now the ending was so nuts I literally gasped and had to tell my wife. I can't wait for book three and I almost regret not reading the main series first due to it being before these but I am very much looking forward to reading them in January!!
July 22, 2025
I couldn’t wait to sink my talons into this second book in the series “A Time of Dragons”. Where we rejoin our cast in their quest to seek weapons of power and fulfill prophecies to take down the Skaramangians.
There were a fair few history lessons in this one to make the plot twists and turns towards the end of the book hit all the more harder.
Speaking of, for the last 10%, I proactively took on as much housework as I could to continue listening to the audiobook in peace without my kiddos 😂 So much is packed into those final chapters!
On the topic of narrators, Steven Brand is a top notch narrator.
Can’t wait for the Last Ballad of Hope to be published! 😊 🐉 🦅 🗡️
There were a fair few history lessons in this one to make the plot twists and turns towards the end of the book hit all the more harder.
Speaking of, for the last 10%, I proactively took on as much housework as I could to continue listening to the audiobook in peace without my kiddos 😂 So much is packed into those final chapters!
On the topic of narrators, Steven Brand is a top notch narrator.
Can’t wait for the Last Ballad of Hope to be published! 😊 🐉 🦅 🗡️
July 16, 2024
I found the jumping around 40 years at a time hard to follow having read book one last year (and literally 70 books in between the two), and it took a good 200-300 pages before I felt I had a good handle on things. I would not attempt this book without either (a) incredible recall of Book One, or (b) having read Book One right before. I have genuinely loved all of Quaintrell's prior novels, but this was the first one in which I didn't find myself fully invested.
August 6, 2024
Another great installment into the world of Verda
This one was honestly a LOT to digest (as it is meant to be) since it spans so many years and so many different locations. I do feel like some parts / characters didn’t get as much done with their air time as they could have. However, this series has done such a good job of blending things together as it goes I am confident that will be rectified. Highly recommend.
This one was honestly a LOT to digest (as it is meant to be) since it spans so many years and so many different locations. I do feel like some parts / characters didn’t get as much done with their air time as they could have. However, this series has done such a good job of blending things together as it goes I am confident that will be rectified. Highly recommend.
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