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The Famine Cycle #1-3
The Famine Cycle Trilogy: A Complete Epic Fantasy Series
A complete epic fantasy trilogy. Over 1000 pages of forbidden magic, deadly intrigue, and titanic clashes between gods and mortals…
When the God of Hunger reawakens, the final feast begins…
Airene the Finch is a scrappy peddler of rumors, accustomed to eking out a living among the shadows. But fate has grander plans for her…
When her king is assassinated and her brother vanishes without a trace, Airene is thrust into a perilous journey…
To save her brother and unravel the mystery of the monarch’s death, Airene must embrace a destiny she never imagined—as a warden, a master of sorcery, and a pivotal figure in the survival of the Four Realms…
But wielding such power comes at a dire cost, and every secret she uncovers demands a greater sacrifice…
In a world teetering on the brink of ruin, Airene’s choices will shape kingdoms and the balance of divine forces. Can she defy the will of a god, or will the price of her secrets be too steep to pay?
The Famine Cycle: The Complete Series includes all three thrilling novels in the epic trilogy along with a gripping prequel novella.
Perfect for fans of Scott Lynch, N.K. Jemisin, and Brandon Sanderson.
When the God of Hunger reawakens, the final feast begins…
Airene the Finch is a scrappy peddler of rumors, accustomed to eking out a living among the shadows. But fate has grander plans for her…
When her king is assassinated and her brother vanishes without a trace, Airene is thrust into a perilous journey…
To save her brother and unravel the mystery of the monarch’s death, Airene must embrace a destiny she never imagined—as a warden, a master of sorcery, and a pivotal figure in the survival of the Four Realms…
But wielding such power comes at a dire cost, and every secret she uncovers demands a greater sacrifice…
In a world teetering on the brink of ruin, Airene’s choices will shape kingdoms and the balance of divine forces. Can she defy the will of a god, or will the price of her secrets be too steep to pay?
The Famine Cycle: The Complete Series includes all three thrilling novels in the epic trilogy along with a gripping prequel novella.
Perfect for fans of Scott Lynch, N.K. Jemisin, and Brandon Sanderson.
1050 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2024
68 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
J.D.L. Rosell
42 books524 followers***ANNOUNCEMENT: Shadow of Legends, Book 1 in the Dragonforged Saga, is funding now on Kickstarter! Look it up to read more about your favorite characters from Legend of Tal.***
J.D.L. Rosell was swept away on a journey when he stepped foot outside his door and into The Hobbit. He hasn't stopped wandering since.
In his writing, he tries to recapture the wonder, adventure, and poignancy that captivated him as a child. His explorations have taken him to worlds set in over twenty novels and six series, which include Dragonforged, Ranger of the Titan Wilds, Legend of Tal, The Runewar Saga, and The Famine Cycle.
When he's not off on a quest, Rosell enjoys his newfound hobby of archery and older pastimes of hiking and landscape photography. But every hobbit returns home, and if you step softly and mind the potatoes, you may glimpse him curled up with his wife and two cats, Zelda and Abenthy, reading a good book or replaying his favorite video games.
* * * * *
Books by J.D.L. Rosell:
DRAGONFORGED
1. Shadow of Legends (Late 2026 release)
RANGER OF THE TITAN WILDS
1. The Last Ranger
2. The First Ancestor
3. The Hidden Guardian
4. The Wilds Exile
5. The Titan Revenant (March 2026 release)
LEGEND OF TAL
1. A King's Bargain
2. A Queen's Command
3. An Emperor's Gamble
4. A God's Plea
A Battle Between Blood (Novella)
THE RUNEWAR SAGA
1. The Throne of Ice & Ash
2. The Crown of Fire & Fury
3. The Stone of Iron & Omen
Book 4 TBA
THE FAMINE CYCLE - Available as a complete box set
1. Whispers of Ruin
2. Echoes of Chaos
3. Requiem of Silence
Secret Seller (Prequel)
The Phantom Heist (Novella)
GODSLAYER RISING - Available as a complete box set
1. Catalyst
2. Champion
3. Heretic
J.D.L. Rosell was swept away on a journey when he stepped foot outside his door and into The Hobbit. He hasn't stopped wandering since.
In his writing, he tries to recapture the wonder, adventure, and poignancy that captivated him as a child. His explorations have taken him to worlds set in over twenty novels and six series, which include Dragonforged, Ranger of the Titan Wilds, Legend of Tal, The Runewar Saga, and The Famine Cycle.
When he's not off on a quest, Rosell enjoys his newfound hobby of archery and older pastimes of hiking and landscape photography. But every hobbit returns home, and if you step softly and mind the potatoes, you may glimpse him curled up with his wife and two cats, Zelda and Abenthy, reading a good book or replaying his favorite video games.
* * * * *
Books by J.D.L. Rosell:
DRAGONFORGED
1. Shadow of Legends (Late 2026 release)
RANGER OF THE TITAN WILDS
1. The Last Ranger
2. The First Ancestor
3. The Hidden Guardian
4. The Wilds Exile
5. The Titan Revenant (March 2026 release)
LEGEND OF TAL
1. A King's Bargain
2. A Queen's Command
3. An Emperor's Gamble
4. A God's Plea
A Battle Between Blood (Novella)
THE RUNEWAR SAGA
1. The Throne of Ice & Ash
2. The Crown of Fire & Fury
3. The Stone of Iron & Omen
Book 4 TBA
THE FAMINE CYCLE - Available as a complete box set
1. Whispers of Ruin
2. Echoes of Chaos
3. Requiem of Silence
Secret Seller (Prequel)
The Phantom Heist (Novella)
GODSLAYER RISING - Available as a complete box set
1. Catalyst
2. Champion
3. Heretic
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 17, 2024
This is an outstanding series, steeped in mystery, political intrigue, intricate social structure, as well as well fleshed out characters, and vivid world building. J.D.L. Rosell masterfully weaves a story that captures you from the very beginning and makes it very difficult to put the book down to the very end. I loved the world and characters, and the changes they go through; I will miss them. Highly recommended series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2024
She is a woman of action, an unstoppable force. Be very cautious results can be hazardous or fatal. Airene is driven like no other. As a Finch, her job is to know, what she doesn't know she relies on her contacts to find out.
The story has a very interesting storyline. At times the action was intense, fast paced and impossible to put down. At other times it seemed to drag as the background was filled in and the impossible number of characters came into their part - large or minute.
The author really pulls us into the world he has illustrated. Let your mind wander as you read and everything will come to life. There is a struggling heroine who makes the story, but so do her friends. Unfortunately there is loss in the story that hits really hard. The gods come to visit, sometimes to help, sometimes to lay waste.
The Gods have come to play, and they play for keeps. Humans are just along for the ride. Home now faces many threats, the gods, war and a population that doesn't play well together. Our heroine continues to struggle as she tries to find where she belongs in this mess that faces her homeland. Fortunately she has friends to back her, but she doesn't always treat them as she should. She's too used to going it alone and this requires a team effort - her team. There is non-stop action. There are surprises, there are totally unexpected twists. The humans gain magic, but need to learn how to deal with it. Strange mystical beings abound and must be dealt with.
Read this saga that the author has laid out with all of its nuances and commentary on good and evil. The emotions at the end will wring you out and make you glad you read the entire book.
It is a powerful story with a lot of content to cover. It plays together well, but not everything is clear until further story progression
A definite fantasy read for those who like a lot of mystery and magical intrigue.
.
The story has a very interesting storyline. At times the action was intense, fast paced and impossible to put down. At other times it seemed to drag as the background was filled in and the impossible number of characters came into their part - large or minute.
The author really pulls us into the world he has illustrated. Let your mind wander as you read and everything will come to life. There is a struggling heroine who makes the story, but so do her friends. Unfortunately there is loss in the story that hits really hard. The gods come to visit, sometimes to help, sometimes to lay waste.
The Gods have come to play, and they play for keeps. Humans are just along for the ride. Home now faces many threats, the gods, war and a population that doesn't play well together. Our heroine continues to struggle as she tries to find where she belongs in this mess that faces her homeland. Fortunately she has friends to back her, but she doesn't always treat them as she should. She's too used to going it alone and this requires a team effort - her team. There is non-stop action. There are surprises, there are totally unexpected twists. The humans gain magic, but need to learn how to deal with it. Strange mystical beings abound and must be dealt with.
Read this saga that the author has laid out with all of its nuances and commentary on good and evil. The emotions at the end will wring you out and make you glad you read the entire book.
It is a powerful story with a lot of content to cover. It plays together well, but not everything is clear until further story progression
A definite fantasy read for those who like a lot of mystery and magical intrigue.
.
July 24, 2024
Whispers of Ruin: An Epic Fantasy Saga (The Famine Cycle #1), my eleventh read from author J.D.L. Rosell. Well written & enjoyable.
Echoes of Chaos: An Epic Fantasy Saga (The Famine Cycle #2), my twelfth read from author J.D.L. Rosell. If you like Andy Peloquin you'll probably like J.D.L. Rosell.
Requiem of Silence: An Epic Fantasy Saga (The Famine Cycle #3), my thirteenth read from author J.D.L. Rosell. Well written & enjoyable epic. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. Comparable to Andy Peloquin's Queen of Thieves series, If you like Andy Peloquin you'll probably like J.D.L. Rosell. As an aside Secret Seller The Famine Cycle #0.5 and Phantom Heist The Famine Cycle #1.5 make for good additional reading in the series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Echoes of Chaos: An Epic Fantasy Saga (The Famine Cycle #2), my twelfth read from author J.D.L. Rosell. If you like Andy Peloquin you'll probably like J.D.L. Rosell.
Requiem of Silence: An Epic Fantasy Saga (The Famine Cycle #3), my thirteenth read from author J.D.L. Rosell. Well written & enjoyable epic. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. Comparable to Andy Peloquin's Queen of Thieves series, If you like Andy Peloquin you'll probably like J.D.L. Rosell. As an aside Secret Seller The Famine Cycle #0.5 and Phantom Heist The Famine Cycle #1.5 make for good additional reading in the series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 18, 2024
Book 1:
City of Whispers' is a very complex world, perhaps a tad too complex. But that is the signature of this author, he lays a very elaborate plot before us, slowly allowing us glimpses of what is and what's to come. His world building is extensive and his characters are definitely not lackluster in any way. The forbidden holds a certain allure, as we discover magical and religious sects. Airene is a gatherer of secrets, selling them to the highest bidder, not the most honourable of professions, but heck, when you have no other means of survival... and besides, being a Finch isn't the worst thing, it's a quest for truth, seeking and exposing truths. I enjoyed Airene's drive and strength as well her resolute attitude. She's determined to find out how and why the king died and the disappearance of her brother, never imagining what she had let herself into, what sacrifices she would need to make. It's filled with lots of info, which at times can be overwhelming but the pieces do gravitate together, allowing us to get a picture of cults, a Daemon god threatening to break out, political striff, in a very character driven read, who might just not be as they appear at face value, adding to the mystery and definitely intrigued me to uncover more.
Book 2:
I found this book easier to grasp than the first, as Airene inches closer to the truth, I was able to sink into the story with relish. I felt so much sympathy for Airene, she sure had a lot to contend with, her magic is unpredictable, she tries to decipher truth from fiction, while facing dangers, betrayals and threats. But she knows what she has to do, she knows it falls on her to discover a way to defeat the ancient evil. And the odds are stacked against her, yet she preserves. I love how tough she is, conflicted yes, but tough. I could almost picture her in a gale force wind, head down against the onslaught as she pushes her way forward. The author really masterfully crafts a puzzle, where the pieces fall into place, one at a time, once again, very impressive world building, expanding both characters and plot consistently, taking me on an adventure of despair, hope, a few light hearted moments and had me firmly rooting for Airene to succeed. Great continuation, I couldn't wait to start the final book!
Book 3:
As I predicted, this book was awesome! Action packed and a conclusion that was very satisfying! With the emergence a powerful god, threatening to consume the entire world, the stakes couldn't be higher. Airene, now even more desperate to find a way, resorts to every imaginable thing she can, amongst less than Ideal circumstances. Her home is devastated from armies who sweep though and Airene faces her biggest challenge yet, to protect those she holds dear, to aid her city and the world and stop a ravenous god before he consumes everything. She gets unlikely allies to join her on her quest, and I loved how THAT played out! But if there's one thing Airene has learnt, nothing comes without a price, nothing can be won with a huge sacrifice. She really epitomises the resolve and strength one finds in the face of danger, not everyone is cut from the same cloth, but those, like Airene, accept the burden, accept the role and put others before themselves. Seeing the immense change and growth, the selflessness she portrayed, is a testament to the author. He winds and winds and winds his story until everything snaps, unravelling like a rubber band stretched to maximum, I swear I could hear the "twang" when it finally snapped. Excellent progression throughout the series, excellent setting up of a very interesting world, and characters that are fallible, real in every sense of the word. Lots of heart stopping moments, lots of adrenaline coursing through my veins, action that had me cringing in the vividry and as I mentioned, cumulated in a spectacular ending.
City of Whispers' is a very complex world, perhaps a tad too complex. But that is the signature of this author, he lays a very elaborate plot before us, slowly allowing us glimpses of what is and what's to come. His world building is extensive and his characters are definitely not lackluster in any way. The forbidden holds a certain allure, as we discover magical and religious sects. Airene is a gatherer of secrets, selling them to the highest bidder, not the most honourable of professions, but heck, when you have no other means of survival... and besides, being a Finch isn't the worst thing, it's a quest for truth, seeking and exposing truths. I enjoyed Airene's drive and strength as well her resolute attitude. She's determined to find out how and why the king died and the disappearance of her brother, never imagining what she had let herself into, what sacrifices she would need to make. It's filled with lots of info, which at times can be overwhelming but the pieces do gravitate together, allowing us to get a picture of cults, a Daemon god threatening to break out, political striff, in a very character driven read, who might just not be as they appear at face value, adding to the mystery and definitely intrigued me to uncover more.
Book 2:
I found this book easier to grasp than the first, as Airene inches closer to the truth, I was able to sink into the story with relish. I felt so much sympathy for Airene, she sure had a lot to contend with, her magic is unpredictable, she tries to decipher truth from fiction, while facing dangers, betrayals and threats. But she knows what she has to do, she knows it falls on her to discover a way to defeat the ancient evil. And the odds are stacked against her, yet she preserves. I love how tough she is, conflicted yes, but tough. I could almost picture her in a gale force wind, head down against the onslaught as she pushes her way forward. The author really masterfully crafts a puzzle, where the pieces fall into place, one at a time, once again, very impressive world building, expanding both characters and plot consistently, taking me on an adventure of despair, hope, a few light hearted moments and had me firmly rooting for Airene to succeed. Great continuation, I couldn't wait to start the final book!
Book 3:
As I predicted, this book was awesome! Action packed and a conclusion that was very satisfying! With the emergence a powerful god, threatening to consume the entire world, the stakes couldn't be higher. Airene, now even more desperate to find a way, resorts to every imaginable thing she can, amongst less than Ideal circumstances. Her home is devastated from armies who sweep though and Airene faces her biggest challenge yet, to protect those she holds dear, to aid her city and the world and stop a ravenous god before he consumes everything. She gets unlikely allies to join her on her quest, and I loved how THAT played out! But if there's one thing Airene has learnt, nothing comes without a price, nothing can be won with a huge sacrifice. She really epitomises the resolve and strength one finds in the face of danger, not everyone is cut from the same cloth, but those, like Airene, accept the burden, accept the role and put others before themselves. Seeing the immense change and growth, the selflessness she portrayed, is a testament to the author. He winds and winds and winds his story until everything snaps, unravelling like a rubber band stretched to maximum, I swear I could hear the "twang" when it finally snapped. Excellent progression throughout the series, excellent setting up of a very interesting world, and characters that are fallible, real in every sense of the word. Lots of heart stopping moments, lots of adrenaline coursing through my veins, action that had me cringing in the vividry and as I mentioned, cumulated in a spectacular ending.
July 4, 2024
An epic series that started the J.D.L. Rosell journey
This anthology includes all three books of the Famine series, which I believe was the first series J.D.L. published professionally. It was definitely an outstanding start, although I came to it after reading some of his other work which had already placed him firmly in my top 5 authors of the modern masters of Fantasy putting him fairly and squarely in with the likes of Ryan Kirk, Todd Fahnestock and Jacob Peppers - so high praise indeed. So far, none of J.D.L.'s books have earned less then five stars from me, each one well deserved.
So, what do you get in this series? As usual, pretty much everything probably *including* the kitchen sink, and many ideas that I had never seen before. The weirdest? Probably dimensions layered over the world and accessible in different ways... that one has really stuck with me.
I have previously reviewed each book individually, so I won't go on too long about it here and you can read them separately if you wish. Suffice it to say that this is a thrilling ride through strange worlds and dimensions that I found hard to put down. If you love top quality fantasy writing, I am sure that you will be delighted with this anthology.
This anthology includes all three books of the Famine series, which I believe was the first series J.D.L. published professionally. It was definitely an outstanding start, although I came to it after reading some of his other work which had already placed him firmly in my top 5 authors of the modern masters of Fantasy putting him fairly and squarely in with the likes of Ryan Kirk, Todd Fahnestock and Jacob Peppers - so high praise indeed. So far, none of J.D.L.'s books have earned less then five stars from me, each one well deserved.
So, what do you get in this series? As usual, pretty much everything probably *including* the kitchen sink, and many ideas that I had never seen before. The weirdest? Probably dimensions layered over the world and accessible in different ways... that one has really stuck with me.
I have previously reviewed each book individually, so I won't go on too long about it here and you can read them separately if you wish. Suffice it to say that this is a thrilling ride through strange worlds and dimensions that I found hard to put down. If you love top quality fantasy writing, I am sure that you will be delighted with this anthology.
November 21, 2025
I've read extensively in this wide ranging genre, fantasy; that we enjoy. JDL's writing is quiet distinctive within that. That said, the Famine Cycle stands out as one of a kind, genuinely unique!
Its a complex tale that keeps one spellbound. Woven through it are hints of ancient mythology including Greek and earlier civilisations.
A highly recommended read.
Its a complex tale that keeps one spellbound. Woven through it are hints of ancient mythology including Greek and earlier civilisations.
A highly recommended read.
July 3, 2024
An amazing story that will keep you wanting more Magic that’s not allowed, amazing characters and more. Well written, will keep you intrigued.
June 20, 2024
Lots of twists and turns with all the characters. Intense and thrilling at times. Now that one of the characters finds out she is branded gives me reason to continue to the next book in the series to see when it takes her. Excellent characters and their determination to defeat Famine. Dealing with the dameon gods and a lot of people who can’t be trusted. Airene and her companions continued in the war to defeat famine and protect her brother Linos. When the only way this can be done is to sacrifice herself. Oedija has been desecrated and the rebuilding will take time. But the obstacles that had to be overcome and the friends that had been lost due to the war were the hardest. Rules have been changed for more freedom within Qedija has been established. The outcome of the series ending was amazing. I enjoyed it tremendously. If you enjoy intense and lots of twists and turns you will enjoy this book. It was hard to put down and sorry to see it ending but it was a great series from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews