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Moonfall #2
The Ballad of Falling Dragons
The Ballad of Falling Dragons is the much-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling phenomenon When the Moon Hatched, featuring an immersive, vibrant world with mysterious creatures, a unique magic system, and a love that blazes through the ages.
“Moonbeam. A moonfall is coming.”
Raeve’s thirst for vengeance continues to burn, as does her love for Kaan Vaegor—a staunch beacon from a past she’s yet to face. With Rekk’s blood still fresh on her hands, she learns the world will face its most devastating moonfall yet, forcing her to pick a path:
Chase death.
Or life.
Desperate to save his kingdom from ruin, Kaan’s crown has never felt so heavy. His many larks to scattered friends and family remain unanswered, and time is running out.
As allies merge and enemies surge with bloodlusting agendas of their own, secrets brew hot enough to burn, but none so mighty as the truth nesting within the icy depths of Raeve’s long forgotten past.
Something … Other.
Something with the knowledge to change it all.
“Moonbeam. A moonfall is coming.”
Raeve’s thirst for vengeance continues to burn, as does her love for Kaan Vaegor—a staunch beacon from a past she’s yet to face. With Rekk’s blood still fresh on her hands, she learns the world will face its most devastating moonfall yet, forcing her to pick a path:
Chase death.
Or life.
Desperate to save his kingdom from ruin, Kaan’s crown has never felt so heavy. His many larks to scattered friends and family remain unanswered, and time is running out.
As allies merge and enemies surge with bloodlusting agendas of their own, secrets brew hot enough to burn, but none so mighty as the truth nesting within the icy depths of Raeve’s long forgotten past.
Something … Other.
Something with the knowledge to change it all.
576 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 19, 2026
About the author
Sarah A. Parker
7 books10.1k followersSarah is an international bestselling author who grew up on a farm in New Zealand, where she spent her days getting lost amongst the rolling pasture, building forts in the hedge, climbing trees, and exploring the forest pathways—making up elaborate stories that never lost their grip on her.
She now lives in Australia with her husband, dog, three children, and countless plants, and spends her days pouring her stories onto paper rather than throwing them to the wind.
Her genre of choice is epic fantasy romance, and she thrives off dreaming up real, complex characters and immersive worlds to get lost amongst.
She now lives in Australia with her husband, dog, three children, and countless plants, and spends her days pouring her stories onto paper rather than throwing them to the wind.
Her genre of choice is epic fantasy romance, and she thrives off dreaming up real, complex characters and immersive worlds to get lost amongst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
Currently Reading
May 7, 2026My review aged like milk but it's okay cuz I GOT THE ARCCCCCCCCC. Immediately starting this!!! My most anticipated read of the year 😭
__
BRO- OCT'25 😭😭 THAT SOOOO LONGGG 😔 I NEED IT RN!!
__
BRO- OCT'25 😭😭 THAT SOOOO LONGGG 😔 I NEED IT RN!!
Currently Reading
May 19, 2026 Currently Reading-
KAAN!! I'm running, stumbling, tripping on my way to you 😩😩
So damn excited for this one. I hear this one is breaking hearts. Time to put my own heart to test.
KAAN!! I'm running, stumbling, tripping on my way to you 😩😩
So damn excited for this one. I hear this one is breaking hearts. Time to put my own heart to test.
Want to Read
June 18, 2025 Omg I love this title 😭💙 October 25, 2025- ooof. Let the countdown begin. I can't wait to see what the final cover looks like 😍
May 8, 2026
5 Stunning Stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Ballad of Falling Dragons unraveled itself as a melancholic ballad steeped in dark truths, lingering grief, and undying love.
Death and dragons intertwine within a ruinous ballad, and theirs becomes the most breathtaking and devastating ballad of all.
Echoes of its haunting melodies lingered long after I turned that last page of that epilogue.
This installment made my chest ache with unbearable sorrow and dread—all while I felt a catastrophe, like a great shadow, looming around the corners of the story up to the climax.
It was inevitable that this story would ruin me.
The agony was not that it ruined me—it was the fact that I craved the ruin and the hurt and devoured every page with an insatiable hunger for more.
Mind you, traces of my tears are still wet and gleaming on my cheeks. A marker of a story that touched me deeply and devastated my soul.
That is the Sarah A. Parker experience. And I must have some sadistic streak in me that I know I would not survive a story written by that woman and her poetic stunning prose unscathed.
She is a master storyteller who crafts such complex and layered dark tales while effortlessly lacing every word with emotion. I can feel the love and the grief she poured into this.
The truths I had long awaited to unravel wounded me far more deeply than I have anticipated... or prepared myself for. Such precious bonds and memories I thought were long-forgotten in the past emerged so beautifully and heartbreakingly.
Raeve and Kaan's love is so achingly tender that has my heart both hurt and flutter. The feral passion between them is an inferno that is impossible to extinguish and would consume all those who would stand between them and their love.
As shattered remnants of their past were pieced together to reveal devastating truths that had me in tears, Raeve and Kaan's love endures with the same unrelenting devotion it did beyond grief and death.
If Raeve and Kaan are the beating heart of the story, then Kyzari is the quiet soul that softly flutters within it. She is an element of surprise awaiting to be unfolded.
The veil that shrouded their merciless world is lifted, I'm struck with the realization of how far darker the story is.
Even as I'm filled with dread, I am impressed by the effortless way the story has expanded through additional perspectives which elevated it spectacularly.
It is littered with clues and threads for starved lore hunters and theorists such as myself to gorge on.
This book is worthy of a song or a poem as an ode to its poetic author, yet I can't help but acknowledge my humble review has not done it justice and could never fully capture how raw and emotionally devastating it truly felt.
Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for gifting me with an eARC, it's an incredible honor.
The Ballad of Falling Dragons unraveled itself as a melancholic ballad steeped in dark truths, lingering grief, and undying love.
Death and dragons intertwine within a ruinous ballad, and theirs becomes the most breathtaking and devastating ballad of all.
Echoes of its haunting melodies lingered long after I turned that last page of that epilogue.
This installment made my chest ache with unbearable sorrow and dread—all while I felt a catastrophe, like a great shadow, looming around the corners of the story up to the climax.
It was inevitable that this story would ruin me.
The agony was not that it ruined me—it was the fact that I craved the ruin and the hurt and devoured every page with an insatiable hunger for more.
Mind you, traces of my tears are still wet and gleaming on my cheeks. A marker of a story that touched me deeply and devastated my soul.
That is the Sarah A. Parker experience. And I must have some sadistic streak in me that I know I would not survive a story written by that woman and her poetic stunning prose unscathed.
She is a master storyteller who crafts such complex and layered dark tales while effortlessly lacing every word with emotion. I can feel the love and the grief she poured into this.
The truths I had long awaited to unravel wounded me far more deeply than I have anticipated... or prepared myself for. Such precious bonds and memories I thought were long-forgotten in the past emerged so beautifully and heartbreakingly.
Raeve and Kaan's love is so achingly tender that has my heart both hurt and flutter. The feral passion between them is an inferno that is impossible to extinguish and would consume all those who would stand between them and their love.
As shattered remnants of their past were pieced together to reveal devastating truths that had me in tears, Raeve and Kaan's love endures with the same unrelenting devotion it did beyond grief and death.
If Raeve and Kaan are the beating heart of the story, then Kyzari is the quiet soul that softly flutters within it. She is an element of surprise awaiting to be unfolded.
The veil that shrouded their merciless world is lifted, I'm struck with the realization of how far darker the story is.
Even as I'm filled with dread, I am impressed by the effortless way the story has expanded through additional perspectives which elevated it spectacularly.
It is littered with clues and threads for starved lore hunters and theorists such as myself to gorge on.
This book is worthy of a song or a poem as an ode to its poetic author, yet I can't help but acknowledge my humble review has not done it justice and could never fully capture how raw and emotionally devastating it truly felt.
Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for gifting me with an eARC, it's an incredible honor.
Currently Reading
May 18, 2026IT’S HERE! no i’m already crying 😭 the sequel to one of my favourite books to ever exist!!!!!!!! I AM SO UNWELL ALREADY. kaan my husband, i am gunna be sick. praise be my kindle still thinks im in new zealand rn!! i am freaking out, yes its that serious to me 😭 (if u think i’m insane, i am)
Currently Reading
May 19, 2026Happy Ballad of Falling Dragons day to all that celebrate!
(Stayed up for midnight release like tomorrow isn’t a weekday, anyway, thoughts and prayers to future me.)
(Stayed up for midnight release like tomorrow isn’t a weekday, anyway, thoughts and prayers to future me.)
Want to Read
May 19, 2026|𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 .˚༶𓅯 ݁˖⭑.
IT'S TIME.
I've seen many ARC readers crying on this... I'm scared.
IT'S TIME.
I've seen many ARC readers crying on this... I'm scared.
Currently Reading
May 19, 2026pre-read:
It is timeeeeee!!! I hope I get some answers and MORE KAANNNNN
It is timeeeeee!!! I hope I get some answers and MORE KAANNNNN
Want to Read
April 11, 2025Just found out the release for this has been pushed back to the 24th of Feb 2026. There goes my October plans 😭
Want to Read
July 26, 2024I know what I am doing October 7th 2025 🥲 (probably crying due to this book)
Want to Read
May 1, 2025if this book is as beautiful as the title, i will die happy.
if this book is not as beautiful as the title, i will be sending sarah a parker an extensive therapy bill.
if this book is not as beautiful as the title, i will be sending sarah a parker an extensive therapy bill.
Want to Read
July 27, 2024I HAVE TO WAIT FOR OCTOBER 2025? Illegal
Want to Read
December 18, 2025✧⋄⋆ pre-release notes ⋆⋄✧
⤷ 01/08/24 ┊I'm not even finished with the first book but I already know I'll be going feral waiting for this.
⤷ 25/08/24 ┊Thinking about this at least once a day🧍🏼♀️
⤷ 18/12/25 ┊I’m still yearning for this book!
⤷ 01/08/24 ┊I'm not even finished with the first book but I already know I'll be going feral waiting for this.
⤷ 25/08/24 ┊Thinking about this at least once a day🧍🏼♀️
⤷ 18/12/25 ┊I’m still yearning for this book!
Currently Reading
May 13, 2026I... am kind of scared, but also very excited!
_________
Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC.
_________
Thank you to Avon Books for the ARC.
Currently Reading
May 18, 2026Finallyyyy, omg.. I’ve been waiting so long for this. I’m so nervous.
Currently Reading
May 19, 2026So I may have ordered the Kindle, audio, and physical book for this. And even if it delivers complete emotional destruction I’ll be asking for more 🥹
Want to Read
July 30, 2024We have to wait MORE THAN A YEAR?? Is Sarah trying to kill us??
May 17, 2026
I’m struggling to find words that encompass all my thoughts about The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A Parker. This is surely falling short, however I’m left with a singular thought, “Is this my favorite book ever?” Raeve and Kaan are back in book two navigating their second chance romance while an epic game of creators and kings orbits their next moves. There are moments of intimate connection and legendary action that kept me floating from one chapter to the next completely engrossed.
Sarah’s writing leans heavily into high fantasy themes and story telling techniques, so I recommend a reread or recap of When The Moon Hatched before you dive in. If you remember, we have a lot of key characters in different places with objectives of their own. Also, there are so may places and characters that all play into the epic story Sarah is telling. The Fantasy Fangirls Podcast has an episode of “Everything You Need to Know Before The Ballad of Falling Dragons” that’s perfect for the job!
As a reader, we were left with a HUGE reveal at the end of When The Moon Hatched and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would play out in the next installment of the story. Here are some things you can look forward to that won’t spoil the plot!
A direct continuation of the story from When The Moon Hatched
10 POVs!
More flashbacks of the past for context
Thank you Avon, NetGalley, and Sarah A Parker for the chance to read an advance copy for my honest opinion.
Sarah’s writing leans heavily into high fantasy themes and story telling techniques, so I recommend a reread or recap of When The Moon Hatched before you dive in. If you remember, we have a lot of key characters in different places with objectives of their own. Also, there are so may places and characters that all play into the epic story Sarah is telling. The Fantasy Fangirls Podcast has an episode of “Everything You Need to Know Before The Ballad of Falling Dragons” that’s perfect for the job!
As a reader, we were left with a HUGE reveal at the end of When The Moon Hatched and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would play out in the next installment of the story. Here are some things you can look forward to that won’t spoil the plot!
A direct continuation of the story from When The Moon Hatched
10 POVs!
More flashbacks of the past for context
Thank you Avon, NetGalley, and Sarah A Parker for the chance to read an advance copy for my honest opinion.
April 23, 2026
ARC Review: I am so incredibly thankful to the author for allowing me to read this book early, in order to work on some art work for its upcoming release.
The Ballad of Falling Dragons completely drew me in from the very beginning. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric, bringing the world to life in a way that feels vivid and almost tangible, as though you are moving through it rather than simply reading.
What stayed with me most is the depth woven throughout the story. It unfolds with care, balancing an intricate plot with characters who feel real in all their complexity. The dragons and creatures are also a big part of why this book is so precious, they are described with such clarity that they linger in your mind long after. And of course, Kaan, steady, patient, and deeply devoted, he brings a quiet strength that makes his presence unforgettable.
This book carries a wide range of emotions. It is intense, at times darker than the first, and filled with tension as well as heart. I did find myself frustrated with some of Raeve’s choices, but it felt intentional, part of a larger emotional arc that ultimately made the story resonate even more, and have so much more impact.
Everything comes together with a quiet precision, like a carefully woven story where each piece gradually falls into place. It is immersive, emotional, at times heartbreaking, and truly breathtaking.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who love high fantasy and fantasy romance, richly imagined worlds, and stories that balance epic scale with deeply personal emotion, especially if you are drawn to romances that feel all consuming.
As an artist, I am already thinking of so many scenes I want to bring to life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and honestly, more if I could)
The Ballad of Falling Dragons completely drew me in from the very beginning. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric, bringing the world to life in a way that feels vivid and almost tangible, as though you are moving through it rather than simply reading.
What stayed with me most is the depth woven throughout the story. It unfolds with care, balancing an intricate plot with characters who feel real in all their complexity. The dragons and creatures are also a big part of why this book is so precious, they are described with such clarity that they linger in your mind long after. And of course, Kaan, steady, patient, and deeply devoted, he brings a quiet strength that makes his presence unforgettable.
This book carries a wide range of emotions. It is intense, at times darker than the first, and filled with tension as well as heart. I did find myself frustrated with some of Raeve’s choices, but it felt intentional, part of a larger emotional arc that ultimately made the story resonate even more, and have so much more impact.
Everything comes together with a quiet precision, like a carefully woven story where each piece gradually falls into place. It is immersive, emotional, at times heartbreaking, and truly breathtaking.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who love high fantasy and fantasy romance, richly imagined worlds, and stories that balance epic scale with deeply personal emotion, especially if you are drawn to romances that feel all consuming.
As an artist, I am already thinking of so many scenes I want to bring to life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and honestly, more if I could)
Read
January 30, 2026I absolutely loved the first book.
But this is extremely unprofessional to keep pushing the date back both for the readers AND author... July to October to February to April and now May 19th. If we can even believe that at this point?
I agree with what others said about being okay to give the author/editors time to make the book great. But other publishers are able to manage that process without giving 4 false release dates! Get it together HarperCollins.
But this is extremely unprofessional to keep pushing the date back both for the readers AND author... July to October to February to April and now May 19th. If we can even believe that at this point?
I agree with what others said about being okay to give the author/editors time to make the book great. But other publishers are able to manage that process without giving 4 false release dates! Get it together HarperCollins.
Want to Read
August 1, 2024😭I want this so bad it hurts.
remind-me-once-out
July 26, 2024With that name this better have more dragons than the 1st did
May 10, 2026
I’m completely wrecked. Review to come…
Want to Read
July 26, 2024Need this sequel NOW!!!
Want to Read
March 4, 2025release delayed till 2026 🥲 that’s so far away!!
Want to Read
February 12, 2026Reading this once it publishes!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
being shot in the face would have hurt less.
6 stars rtc after release day 💫♾️
6 stars rtc after release day 💫♾️
May 14, 2026
Wow, I had to take a few days after finishing that final line to collect myself before sitting down to write this review! I couldn't even see out of my eyes because they were so blurry from the tears.
First of all, a MASSIVE thank you to Avon, Sarah, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Ballad of Falling Dragons prior to release day (May 19th!!!)! You have no idea how truly grateful I am to have won the battle for a read now copy!
Before I even started Ballad, I just knew that it was going to be a six star read for me as WTMH was my favorite read of 2024! But after finishing it, I wish I could give it infinity stars!!! Seriously, this book deserves all the hype and has set the precedent for fantasy book sequels!
The world building was absolutely magnificent - the lore, the history, the magic system, just everything - PERFECTION! We got to explore gut-wrenching POVs that were woven together in such heartbreakingly beautiful ways that left me in tears more times than I can count. Other early readers weren't kidding when they said there were so many full circle moments... I am still in shambles thinking about them.
The way that Kaan and Raeve grew together throughout this book was so fulfilling and solidified them as my #1 book couple, period. Kaan is a master poet and I could literally blush at every word that came out of that man's mouth.
The last 30% had me in an absolute chokehold (but let's be honest, the whole book did tbh) and I was so incredibly unwell after that ending, JUST WOW! I have SO many questions about *things* and will very, very, veryyyyy patiently be waiting for book 3!! I think it's safe to say that Ballad will be my #1 read of the year and will become my entire personality for the foreseeable future! tysm Sarah for the emotional damage, can't wait to listen to it all again on audiobook when it releases on May 19th because a reread is definitely in order <3
First of all, a MASSIVE thank you to Avon, Sarah, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Ballad of Falling Dragons prior to release day (May 19th!!!)! You have no idea how truly grateful I am to have won the battle for a read now copy!
Before I even started Ballad, I just knew that it was going to be a six star read for me as WTMH was my favorite read of 2024! But after finishing it, I wish I could give it infinity stars!!! Seriously, this book deserves all the hype and has set the precedent for fantasy book sequels!
The world building was absolutely magnificent - the lore, the history, the magic system, just everything - PERFECTION! We got to explore gut-wrenching POVs that were woven together in such heartbreakingly beautiful ways that left me in tears more times than I can count. Other early readers weren't kidding when they said there were so many full circle moments... I am still in shambles thinking about them.
The way that Kaan and Raeve grew together throughout this book was so fulfilling and solidified them as my #1 book couple, period. Kaan is a master poet and I could literally blush at every word that came out of that man's mouth.
The last 30% had me in an absolute chokehold (but let's be honest, the whole book did tbh) and I was so incredibly unwell after that ending, JUST WOW! I have SO many questions about *things* and will very, very, veryyyyy patiently be waiting for book 3!! I think it's safe to say that Ballad will be my #1 read of the year and will become my entire personality for the foreseeable future! tysm Sarah for the emotional damage, can't wait to listen to it all again on audiobook when it releases on May 19th because a reread is definitely in order <3
Want to Read
March 5, 2025The anticipation for this sequel is brutal. I thought I’d only have to wait a year. SIKE. it’s been pushed to 2026. 😭 THE AGONY. But I guess it’s better than being rushed, producing a subpar sequel…not that it makes the wait any easier. I’ll just be over here, curled in a fetal position after this news.
May 18, 2026
♾️⭐️
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-arc of The Ballad of Falling Dragons! I feel so lucky to have had the chance to read this beautiful story early.
This book! I don’t think I will stop thinking about The Ballad of Falling Dragons for a very long time. Sarah A. Parker is an expert at her craft (and at making me cry). The way she so intricately weaves all the little threads of the story into a bigger tapestry is incredible. It is so beautifully written, with such vivid imagery.
The story is raw, vulnerable, devastating, healing, and hits the reader with emotional gut punch after emotional gut punch. It is an absolute masterpiece! Thank you, Sarah, for putting your heart and soul into The Ballad of Falling Dragons, and sharing this brilliant story with the world.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-arc of The Ballad of Falling Dragons! I feel so lucky to have had the chance to read this beautiful story early.
This book! I don’t think I will stop thinking about The Ballad of Falling Dragons for a very long time. Sarah A. Parker is an expert at her craft (and at making me cry). The way she so intricately weaves all the little threads of the story into a bigger tapestry is incredible. It is so beautifully written, with such vivid imagery.
The story is raw, vulnerable, devastating, healing, and hits the reader with emotional gut punch after emotional gut punch. It is an absolute masterpiece! Thank you, Sarah, for putting your heart and soul into The Ballad of Falling Dragons, and sharing this brilliant story with the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews