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TheDraemeir Chronicles #1
The Fall of Selvandrea
Villains rise where nations fall.
And the Fall is coming.
Valdaris was a middling artillery captain before his people fell to a conquering rival.
Then he fell further still, snatched from the battlefield by a ruthless cult and cast into the depths of ultimate evil.
Transformed by powers he can’t begin to understand, Valdaris seeks revenge on those who tried to destroy him. Instead, he’ll face monsters beyond his most terrifying nightmares. He joins with allies caught in the chaos of his war with evil, oblivious to his true nature and the darkness closing in on their world.
Full of dragons, monsters, found family, magical weapons, intense duels, and epic battles, The Fall of Selvandrea follows a vigilante’s quest against malice, greed, and the shadow within. Heroes and villains join against the rising dark, and against a tyrant whose schemes may destroy them all.
And from calamity’s ashes, a new power shall rise.
And the Fall is coming.
Valdaris was a middling artillery captain before his people fell to a conquering rival.
Then he fell further still, snatched from the battlefield by a ruthless cult and cast into the depths of ultimate evil.
Transformed by powers he can’t begin to understand, Valdaris seeks revenge on those who tried to destroy him. Instead, he’ll face monsters beyond his most terrifying nightmares. He joins with allies caught in the chaos of his war with evil, oblivious to his true nature and the darkness closing in on their world.
Full of dragons, monsters, found family, magical weapons, intense duels, and epic battles, The Fall of Selvandrea follows a vigilante’s quest against malice, greed, and the shadow within. Heroes and villains join against the rising dark, and against a tyrant whose schemes may destroy them all.
And from calamity’s ashes, a new power shall rise.
542 pages, ebook
Published September 26, 2024
41 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Tim McKay
5 books143 followersTim McKay is an author, editor, and part-time writing professor from Ottawa, Canada. A lifelong pursuer of meaning and joy through the written word — with a small helping of thrills and adventure on the side.
He has degrees in history and public policy, along with a diploma in professional writing, but likes nothing more than hiking in the woods, running along the Rideau Canal, and connecting with the people he loves.
Oh, and reading a good book.
He has degrees in history and public policy, along with a diploma in professional writing, but likes nothing more than hiking in the woods, running along the Rideau Canal, and connecting with the people he loves.
Oh, and reading a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 16, 2025
In the midst of disparaging war. Hope may lie within the past. Monsters of terror. Dragons delivering death. Magic & weapons of destruction. All will collide.
A mesmerizing blend of flintlock, futuristic weaponry & time exploration. A blitz of exciting action throughout! Buckle up!
A mesmerizing blend of flintlock, futuristic weaponry & time exploration. A blitz of exciting action throughout! Buckle up!
March 3, 2025
A thunderous riotous ride of epic proportions
This book was a roller-coaster ride of action and powerful images.
Tim crafted an incredible story that's layered and deep. It takes a little effort to peel off some of the layers, but the contents are well worth it.
It is a fantastic fantasy book, with layers I do not want to spoil because I found them incredibly rewarding when I came upon them.
The main character is a bastard. It's an ass, but it's one you want to get behind and see him succeed.
It's dark, it is grim, but it is not grimdark. It is flintlock, but it is a lot more.
This is a great book. It's warts and niggles do not detract from the great experience.
If you want to be utterly surprised by the book, do NOT open this SPOILER-ISH:
This book was a roller-coaster ride of action and powerful images.
Tim crafted an incredible story that's layered and deep. It takes a little effort to peel off some of the layers, but the contents are well worth it.
It is a fantastic fantasy book, with layers I do not want to spoil because I found them incredibly rewarding when I came upon them.
The main character is a bastard. It's an ass, but it's one you want to get behind and see him succeed.
It's dark, it is grim, but it is not grimdark. It is flintlock, but it is a lot more.
This is a great book. It's warts and niggles do not detract from the great experience.
If you want to be utterly surprised by the book, do NOT open this SPOILER-ISH:
August 24, 2025
The Fall of Selvandrea by T.J. McKay. This was a whirlwind of action, a deep dive into some amazing characters, and a mind-blowing magic system. This story is definitely one you have to pay attention to, every single detail, which makes it an immersive read.
McKay’s prose is brilliant, every detail painted before you without sounding laundry-listed. He blends colors with smells and sounds and feelings until a wondrous mosaic of an epic fantasy world is laid out before you.
The characters are quite unique in speech, action, and ambition, making it easy to root for some and easy to hate others. However, as the plot progresses and more is found out about the characters and the decisions they make, alliances may be swayed in different directions.
My favorite character by far was Rhyn, a young, spirited girl who must be protected at all costs. McKay does an excellent job writing her innocent, whimsical mindset, and I could not get enough. She is so funny and curious and has absolutely no filter.
This story certainly starts out disorienting, but not without intent. The opening scenes introduce us to Valdaris Drascar, who has found himself trapped in an otherworldly place, adjusting to a power none has ever known.
What follows is a masterful plot that I’m afraid to even get into for fear of spoiling the beautifully interwoven events that unfold. Rest assured, this tale has all the staples of a fantasy novel: dragons, magic, and unfathomable war. And, bonus, it has some aspects of sci-fi as well, such as time travel and cybernetics. Except that what McKay does with these typical things is quite atypical.
This is a story for those who do not like their fantasy delivered in easy-to-swallow doses. While it can take a bit longer to digest, the result is a flavorful story that will live on in the mind long after it is over.
I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio, which is narrated by the author himself. The quality is clean, McKay does a fantastic job with pacing and tone, and gives each character a distinct voice without overdoing it.
A FanFiAddict Review
McKay’s prose is brilliant, every detail painted before you without sounding laundry-listed. He blends colors with smells and sounds and feelings until a wondrous mosaic of an epic fantasy world is laid out before you.
The characters are quite unique in speech, action, and ambition, making it easy to root for some and easy to hate others. However, as the plot progresses and more is found out about the characters and the decisions they make, alliances may be swayed in different directions.
My favorite character by far was Rhyn, a young, spirited girl who must be protected at all costs. McKay does an excellent job writing her innocent, whimsical mindset, and I could not get enough. She is so funny and curious and has absolutely no filter.
This story certainly starts out disorienting, but not without intent. The opening scenes introduce us to Valdaris Drascar, who has found himself trapped in an otherworldly place, adjusting to a power none has ever known.
What follows is a masterful plot that I’m afraid to even get into for fear of spoiling the beautifully interwoven events that unfold. Rest assured, this tale has all the staples of a fantasy novel: dragons, magic, and unfathomable war. And, bonus, it has some aspects of sci-fi as well, such as time travel and cybernetics. Except that what McKay does with these typical things is quite atypical.
This is a story for those who do not like their fantasy delivered in easy-to-swallow doses. While it can take a bit longer to digest, the result is a flavorful story that will live on in the mind long after it is over.
I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio, which is narrated by the author himself. The quality is clean, McKay does a fantastic job with pacing and tone, and gives each character a distinct voice without overdoing it.
A FanFiAddict Review
September 30, 2024
He wondered if he was losing his mind. Lesser traumas had broken greater men.
Solid way to begin the Draemeir Chronicle. I actually own an original Rise of Dresca paperback, but after reading this, I agree it was the correct decision to stuff everything into a single entry. To be quite honest, I wouldn't have known it was three separate books at one point because everything flows quite well. And I absolutely loved the illustrations between parts.
I had no idea what was going on at first. I believe this was intended, as it never comes across as amateur, more the author throwing you in and saying FIGURE IT OUT. I did (or at least I think I did) around the 20% mark as POV's started to mingle. Valdaris will probably be the most popular POV, but I admit Rhynne was my favorite by a pretty large margin. Writing narrative voice for children is extremely difficult. I tend to avoid it, but McKay really shines here and (in my opinion) writes his strongest prose.
My only gripe is sometimes the prose comes across as a list of character thoughts and actions. I mean stuff like Name is scared. Name knows he should know better, but the thing is terrifying. I swear this happens the most with Sevora chapters. But I don't want to give the wrong idea. Everything is written incredibly well and does an excellent job introducing a complex and fascinating world.
You will end up reading this faster than expected because although the page count is enormous, the formatting is set up where there are less words on each page. I've only read the ebook, but I assume its quite nice on the eyes for anyone reading the physical version. Most importantly, above all else...
Remember the wolf
Solid way to begin the Draemeir Chronicle. I actually own an original Rise of Dresca paperback, but after reading this, I agree it was the correct decision to stuff everything into a single entry. To be quite honest, I wouldn't have known it was three separate books at one point because everything flows quite well. And I absolutely loved the illustrations between parts.
I had no idea what was going on at first. I believe this was intended, as it never comes across as amateur, more the author throwing you in and saying FIGURE IT OUT. I did (or at least I think I did) around the 20% mark as POV's started to mingle. Valdaris will probably be the most popular POV, but I admit Rhynne was my favorite by a pretty large margin. Writing narrative voice for children is extremely difficult. I tend to avoid it, but McKay really shines here and (in my opinion) writes his strongest prose.
My only gripe is sometimes the prose comes across as a list of character thoughts and actions. I mean stuff like Name is scared. Name knows he should know better, but the thing is terrifying. I swear this happens the most with Sevora chapters. But I don't want to give the wrong idea. Everything is written incredibly well and does an excellent job introducing a complex and fascinating world.
You will end up reading this faster than expected because although the page count is enormous, the formatting is set up where there are less words on each page. I've only read the ebook, but I assume its quite nice on the eyes for anyone reading the physical version. Most importantly, above all else...
Remember the wolf
September 23, 2024
The Fall of Selvandrea by Tim McKay - Volume One of The Draemeir Chronicle.
adventurous challenging dark informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
First, let me say...I had a LOT of fun with this story. I didn't want to set it down.
Second, I have to admit that I didn't understand it all. For when I picked it back up again (the next day), I had a hard time remembering the intricacies of the story (and I will admit, that THAT may be 100% on me).
That being said, I want to know more. When the next book comes out, I will reread this book...in prep for the sequel, and I feel that I will understand the totality better...in the reread.
This story is ambitious. I covers time travel (in a sense), but also magic (from different sources). It melds and meshes Fantasy, to Flintlock warfare, to cybernetics. It shouldn't work, but it does.
This is NOT a laissez faire look at reading. No. You have to pay attention. You will get lost in the action, characters and places...and think, "I have no idea of what is going on." At least I felt that from time to time.
So, I had to put a "bookmark" at where I was, and go BACK to where I had a handle on what was going on, and read it again. In doing so, I found the tunnel, alleyway, path...that had illuded me (at first), and by now taking THAT path, I understood what had happened at that bookmark.
This happened numerous times. That may just be me, but it happened, and I'm not above mentioning it.
I had my favourites within the story, and at times...I found out that I was rooting for the enemy (or was I?), and upon rereading sections...I saw my errors (or did I?).
I am happy that I survived this read, but I also want to restart the book AGAIN, to set my feet firmly on this path, now that I know where he ended up.
Now, you may be wondering IF I would recommend this tale to anyone on? Yes. Oh, I want many people to pick it up. Obviously, it may not be everyone's "cuppa tea", but it make spark something in someone, that they want more.
This is a "thinking" person's story. This is NOT lazy, nor does it hand hold. You have to pay attention and keep the threads of the story (set in your mind), so that at each time you pick it up, you are able to follow the thread to its destination.
Then again, I may not be smart enough to read this EASILY, while others will read it and say, "what a simplton, he is", which may very well be true. What can you do.
I loved the world and the worldbuilding as the story progressed.
I loved the characters, and how their motivations could change, as the story progressed.
Also, a character may think he/she is doing the right thing, but ultimately find out...that he was actually causing problems through time. Hmm. Very interesting to think about...when you think about it.
I want to than the author, T.J. McKay for allowing me to read this book in eArc form. It was a pleasure to get to see what your mind has been putting on the page. I also think the knee to the keyboard, and eventually the sword to the keyboard was therapeutic. Thank for sharing that, too.
adventurous challenging dark informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
First, let me say...I had a LOT of fun with this story. I didn't want to set it down.
Second, I have to admit that I didn't understand it all. For when I picked it back up again (the next day), I had a hard time remembering the intricacies of the story (and I will admit, that THAT may be 100% on me).
That being said, I want to know more. When the next book comes out, I will reread this book...in prep for the sequel, and I feel that I will understand the totality better...in the reread.
This story is ambitious. I covers time travel (in a sense), but also magic (from different sources). It melds and meshes Fantasy, to Flintlock warfare, to cybernetics. It shouldn't work, but it does.
This is NOT a laissez faire look at reading. No. You have to pay attention. You will get lost in the action, characters and places...and think, "I have no idea of what is going on." At least I felt that from time to time.
So, I had to put a "bookmark" at where I was, and go BACK to where I had a handle on what was going on, and read it again. In doing so, I found the tunnel, alleyway, path...that had illuded me (at first), and by now taking THAT path, I understood what had happened at that bookmark.
This happened numerous times. That may just be me, but it happened, and I'm not above mentioning it.
I had my favourites within the story, and at times...I found out that I was rooting for the enemy (or was I?), and upon rereading sections...I saw my errors (or did I?).
I am happy that I survived this read, but I also want to restart the book AGAIN, to set my feet firmly on this path, now that I know where he ended up.
Now, you may be wondering IF I would recommend this tale to anyone on? Yes. Oh, I want many people to pick it up. Obviously, it may not be everyone's "cuppa tea", but it make spark something in someone, that they want more.
This is a "thinking" person's story. This is NOT lazy, nor does it hand hold. You have to pay attention and keep the threads of the story (set in your mind), so that at each time you pick it up, you are able to follow the thread to its destination.
Then again, I may not be smart enough to read this EASILY, while others will read it and say, "what a simplton, he is", which may very well be true. What can you do.
I loved the world and the worldbuilding as the story progressed.
I loved the characters, and how their motivations could change, as the story progressed.
Also, a character may think he/she is doing the right thing, but ultimately find out...that he was actually causing problems through time. Hmm. Very interesting to think about...when you think about it.
I want to than the author, T.J. McKay for allowing me to read this book in eArc form. It was a pleasure to get to see what your mind has been putting on the page. I also think the knee to the keyboard, and eventually the sword to the keyboard was therapeutic. Thank for sharing that, too.
Want to read
November 16, 2024📌 Price drop Nov 16, 2024 📌
January 21, 2025
I liked this book very much and it has earned each of its stars .-)
September 28, 2024
A deeply plotted and intricate fantasy with sci-fi flair to make the world unique. I really enjoyed this story; the characters all had interesting and unpredictable journeys through a dangerous world for stakes that they--and the reader--care about intensely. This is not a light read; it's fantasy that requires you to pay attention, but fortunately it rewards attention to detail. I *love* books with this kind of richly layered history and worldbuilding; I read way too fast to pay for my book habit, and this is one that I can reread multiple times and discover something new.
I also really enjoyed the theology/philosophy of this world and the way McKay handled the nature of good and evil. In a sea of grimdark, morally gray fantasy, it's rare to find and author that holds the characters to account for their actions and makes them think about their impact on the world. I love tough moral dilemmas, and there were a lot of very hard decisions in this book.
If you are looking for mature fantasy with a lot of new twists on the standard sword-and-sorcery genre, this is the book for you.
I also really enjoyed the theology/philosophy of this world and the way McKay handled the nature of good and evil. In a sea of grimdark, morally gray fantasy, it's rare to find and author that holds the characters to account for their actions and makes them think about their impact on the world. I love tough moral dilemmas, and there were a lot of very hard decisions in this book.
If you are looking for mature fantasy with a lot of new twists on the standard sword-and-sorcery genre, this is the book for you.
October 11, 2025
This book is a MUST-read. The story hooks you from page one and takes you on a journey through a world where you are constantly surprised at how immersive and mysterious things get as the story progresses. The characters have checkered pasts and futures, and in a way, they're strangely relatable to the point where I felt deeply interested in their lives.
And it doesn't stop there.
The twists and turns of the plot (really trying not to spoil anything, though I want to!), leave you hanging onto the edge of your seat, only to find that what you thought was happening was something even more brilliant, terrifying, exciting … all of the above!
It would be an understatement to say I struggled to put the book down every time I picked it up.
And it doesn't stop there.
The twists and turns of the plot (really trying not to spoil anything, though I want to!), leave you hanging onto the edge of your seat, only to find that what you thought was happening was something even more brilliant, terrifying, exciting … all of the above!
It would be an understatement to say I struggled to put the book down every time I picked it up.
July 12, 2025
3.5 stars
A seamless blend of sci-fi and fantasy, packed with heaps of action, magic, and dragons!
The prose has a natural flow to it, making The Fall of Selvandrea a pleasure to read. The storytelling also leans heavily on narration with little dialogue, which may not appeal to all readers.
While the non-stop pace keeps things moving, some of the more complex concepts would have benefited from a bit more description and clarity. Still, it will be interesting to see where the story goes in future volumes of The Draemeir Chronicle. Fans of lore-heavy worlds and fast-moving plots will likely find a lot to enjoy here.
A seamless blend of sci-fi and fantasy, packed with heaps of action, magic, and dragons!
The prose has a natural flow to it, making The Fall of Selvandrea a pleasure to read. The storytelling also leans heavily on narration with little dialogue, which may not appeal to all readers.
While the non-stop pace keeps things moving, some of the more complex concepts would have benefited from a bit more description and clarity. Still, it will be interesting to see where the story goes in future volumes of The Draemeir Chronicle. Fans of lore-heavy worlds and fast-moving plots will likely find a lot to enjoy here.
January 20, 2025
This book was a wild ride! I absolutely loved the ambitious mix of fantasy, flintlock warfare, and cybernetics—it shouldn’t work, but it does. The worldbuilding is deep, and the characters are complex, but let me warn you: this is not an easy, casual read. I found myself lost at times and had to reread sections to catch up on the intricacies of the plot.
That said, the story stuck with me. The twists, the flawed characters, and the thought-provoking themes kept pulling me back. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it. I’ll definitely be rereading before the next volume drops!
That said, the story stuck with me. The twists, the flawed characters, and the thought-provoking themes kept pulling me back. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it. I’ll definitely be rereading before the next volume drops!
July 20, 2025
Full review to come but this was a great book. Epic scope. Interesting characters. Interesting magic system. Wild future/past techno-fantasy time travel save the world adventure type thing.
August 3, 2025
3,75?
September 30, 2024
The Fall of Selvandrea is the first book in author T.J. McKay’s The Draemeir Chronicles. Readers who enjoy epic fantasy novels packed with detail, drama and danger will not want to miss out on this epic novel.
The Fall of Selvandrea reaches out to readers with a simplistic cover. Dark green fading to black, this cover has an orange and gold-toned border that draws the eye. In the center of the cover is a flickering flame. While the cover is simple it holds within an epic story that will grab you and keep you page-turning through a fantastical world.
The Fall of Selvandrea encompasses previous publications of Rise of Dresca, Seas of the Zovah, and Fall of the Selvar. So, if you’ve read Rise of the Dresca and Seas of the Zovah you’ll find a lot of familiar content within these pages. However, that does not mean skip ahead to the part(s) you assume you haven’t read yet! So, don’t even think about it! LOL!
The Fall of Selvandrea starts things off first and foremost with a beautiful sketch rendering of the main character and a dragon. In the foreground, you’ll see a man reaching out for a sword sticking up out of the ground. In the background, a dragon appears out of undergrowth. The dragon doesn’t appear to be threatening, but who can really tell? This drawing is beautifully rendered and helps to set the tone for what is to come.
At the beginning of each “part” in The Fall of Selvandrea will be a specific sketch artwork that depicts a particular scene that will play out in this novel. Each picture is beautifully rendered and will draw the reader in to examine each minute detail that they can see. It will also be something that draws them back then the scene in that image plays out on the page in words.
As the story begins to unfold we meet first, Elaryn. She is one of the characters that author McKay will be focusing on. When you first meet her, she’s not alone. She’s with a group of others, but this group? They are “under attack” and there will be no survivors. The question of “What is happening?!” will be one that immediately jumps into your head.
Pay attention to one particular character in these initial unfolding scenes. This character isn’t “crucial” to the storyline, but author McKay takes great pains to remind us of them throughout the story. So make a note, because despite what unfolds here, you will be “seeing” them again.
As The Fall of the Selvandrea transitions from this jaw-dropping prologue, author McKay isn’t done with the jaw-dropping moments. In the first chapter of this book, you will meet the individual who will become the main character of this story – Valdaris.
Valdaris Drascar is a soldier and a captain in the Cereman military. When we meet him and his friend Graveck, they are embroiled in a battle. The intensity of it cannot be understated. This is a fight for their very lives. Danger swirls all around them, and the enemy is inching closer. They are losing this fight.
You are immediately going to be pulled to the edge of your seat. Piece by piece author McKay drops hints of where the unfolding events are heading. It’s not looking good.
In this first chapter, you’re going to be eagerly devouring this book as you question – what is about to happen? Prepare for a landslide of scenes that will have your eyes bugging and your jaw on the floor. War is ugly, but author McKay makes it so hard to look away. While Drascar may escape death on the battlefield he’s not found a safe haven either.
The Fall of Selvandrea is an interesting fantasy novel that draws readers in with the beginning chapters, which set the stage with tons of drama and suspense. Why did Elaryn do what she did? What horror Valdaris must have experienced in his final moments? What is the mysterious creature made of mist and shadows?
Loads of questions will follow you throughout this book, but one thing that author McKay is going to do is make sure that he gives you some answers along the way. Valdaris is made to suffer and go through quite a lot throughout this book, but he won’t be the only one.
Author McKay gives readers a dynamic cast of characters to follow along with throughout The Fall of Selvandrea. Told from the third person perspective this story shifts through the various characters of this book. You’ll know which ones are going to be the focus by how often they appear. They each will have their important parts to play in what is to come.
Rise of Dresca lays the foundation for The Fall of Selvandrea. You’re introduced to Valdaris and how he comes to be the one intended to save this world. His “dance with death” helped morph him into what he must be, and how he will be able to bring others to his side. The pacing of the story slows down in this particular part of the novel. The groundwork is being set for the characters and gradually brings them each to the stage.
The deeper you go into this novel, Seas of Zovah and finally the Fall of Selvar things begin to pick up the pace. Looking for the dragons and monsters? The dragons make an appearance soon after Valdaris’s “second” appearance. As the story goes along the swarms of dragons readers are promised to make an appearance and these creatures are ruthless. The monsters? Well, they pop up everywhere but brace yourself for some surprise pop-ups that you won’t be expecting. We promise you the characters will absolutely be wishing for a “heads-up.”
Readers hoping for “intelligent” dragons will be disappointed, but readers who are longing for more creature-like dragons will be thrilled. The dragons in this book are unpredictable, but the more you read the more you’ll discover about them. They are tied to something bigger, and it is something that Valdaris as battled before. How it ended that first time? He can’t quite recall.
A specific character we favored in this book is Rhynwhen. She’s a child, but she brings a touch of lightness to the story. There is more to her than meets the eye and that is something that author McKay makes a point of pointing out in the chapter she makes her first appearance.
Though of course, we must beg the question – who exactly are Jedda and Kanna? These two characters appear quite frequently throughout this book, and it leads one to wonder...why? How important are they and...what are they exactly? There is something more to them than meets the eye, but it’s a question that we’ll have to cling to for a time yet.
Readers who enjoy dark fantasy novels with a focus on drama, battles, and twists you won’t see coming this is the book for you. Author McKay will lead readers up to moments packed with tension that pull you to the edge of your seat and then shift to another character. We may or may not have shaken the book a few times out of frustration. LOL!
Seas of the Zovah brings the aquatic element to this novel. The characters spend quite a lot of time out on or around the oceans. Think that they’ll escape the dangers of monsters in the waters? Ha! Guess again! Besides, what fun would that be if there weren’t sea monsters to boot? We would have liked more detail about some of the creatures of the waters, but since they don’t play a huge part in the story we’ll let it slide on that lack of detail.
One thing is for sure in The Fall of Selvandrea the evil cult members know how to get around! You try to keep an eye out for them, but they will appear at the most inopportune times. But also, author McKay makes sure to remind readers that while there is an epic battle of “good vs evil” brewing, there are still wars being fought between the vying nations themselves.
While this book brings a “good vs evil” element, author McKay also gives readers morally gray characters. Usually, it’s only one or two characters who would be classified as “morally gray.” Not in this book. We get characters who shift from one side to the other in a heartbeat. Their unpredictability adds another surprise element to this novel that will truly keep readers on their toes. Why? Because you just don’t know who is truly on your side or how long they will be there.
One element that makes The Fall of Selvandrea unique is the science fiction elements mixed in. They don’t show up until much later in the book, but when they do it’s a surprise twist. It’s something unexpected, but is done in a way that doesn’t overshine the fantasy element of the book. Instead, it works to blend together and then takes a backseat when not needed.
Overall the flow of The Fall of Selvandrea is well done. In the beginning, some moments could have used more cohesion to keep the flow going smoothly, but once the story fully hits its stride it’s smooth sailing. Danger is rampant, and the characters get brief moments of respite, but evil never rests and they must keep pushing. When the drama and action kicks into high gear – hang on tight! You’re going to be page-turning and devouring this book.
The fight scenes in The Fall of Selvandrea will pull you to the edge of your seat. Monsters will spring up out of nowhere and attack so fast that neither you nor the characters will know what hit them! Of course, it won’t be just the monsters you have to worry about. There are humans who will be allied with them, and those are the most dangerous ones you won’t see coming. You’re going to love it.
Hate cliffhangers? Well, The Fall of Selvandrea has one. It’s a moderate cliffhanger really. Certain characters will be lost. Others will show who’s side they are currently on. Author McKay will expose more secrets, surprises, and twists that will have you anticipating what happens next.
Love fantasy novels with a light seasoning of science fiction? Love dragons but prefer them more animalistic than intelligent? Love an epic evil villain that must be stopped no matter what the cost? Then The Fall of Selvandrea is the book you’re going to need to go out and grab!
Pros:
Dynamic storytelling
Jaw-dropping moments
Attention to detail
Engaging characters
Twists and surprises
Cons:
None of merit
Cover Score: 8.7
Overall Book Score: 9.5
The Fall of Selvandrea reaches out to readers with a simplistic cover. Dark green fading to black, this cover has an orange and gold-toned border that draws the eye. In the center of the cover is a flickering flame. While the cover is simple it holds within an epic story that will grab you and keep you page-turning through a fantastical world.
The Fall of Selvandrea encompasses previous publications of Rise of Dresca, Seas of the Zovah, and Fall of the Selvar. So, if you’ve read Rise of the Dresca and Seas of the Zovah you’ll find a lot of familiar content within these pages. However, that does not mean skip ahead to the part(s) you assume you haven’t read yet! So, don’t even think about it! LOL!
The Fall of Selvandrea starts things off first and foremost with a beautiful sketch rendering of the main character and a dragon. In the foreground, you’ll see a man reaching out for a sword sticking up out of the ground. In the background, a dragon appears out of undergrowth. The dragon doesn’t appear to be threatening, but who can really tell? This drawing is beautifully rendered and helps to set the tone for what is to come.
At the beginning of each “part” in The Fall of Selvandrea will be a specific sketch artwork that depicts a particular scene that will play out in this novel. Each picture is beautifully rendered and will draw the reader in to examine each minute detail that they can see. It will also be something that draws them back then the scene in that image plays out on the page in words.
As the story begins to unfold we meet first, Elaryn. She is one of the characters that author McKay will be focusing on. When you first meet her, she’s not alone. She’s with a group of others, but this group? They are “under attack” and there will be no survivors. The question of “What is happening?!” will be one that immediately jumps into your head.
Pay attention to one particular character in these initial unfolding scenes. This character isn’t “crucial” to the storyline, but author McKay takes great pains to remind us of them throughout the story. So make a note, because despite what unfolds here, you will be “seeing” them again.
As The Fall of the Selvandrea transitions from this jaw-dropping prologue, author McKay isn’t done with the jaw-dropping moments. In the first chapter of this book, you will meet the individual who will become the main character of this story – Valdaris.
Valdaris Drascar is a soldier and a captain in the Cereman military. When we meet him and his friend Graveck, they are embroiled in a battle. The intensity of it cannot be understated. This is a fight for their very lives. Danger swirls all around them, and the enemy is inching closer. They are losing this fight.
You are immediately going to be pulled to the edge of your seat. Piece by piece author McKay drops hints of where the unfolding events are heading. It’s not looking good.
In this first chapter, you’re going to be eagerly devouring this book as you question – what is about to happen? Prepare for a landslide of scenes that will have your eyes bugging and your jaw on the floor. War is ugly, but author McKay makes it so hard to look away. While Drascar may escape death on the battlefield he’s not found a safe haven either.
The Fall of Selvandrea is an interesting fantasy novel that draws readers in with the beginning chapters, which set the stage with tons of drama and suspense. Why did Elaryn do what she did? What horror Valdaris must have experienced in his final moments? What is the mysterious creature made of mist and shadows?
Loads of questions will follow you throughout this book, but one thing that author McKay is going to do is make sure that he gives you some answers along the way. Valdaris is made to suffer and go through quite a lot throughout this book, but he won’t be the only one.
Author McKay gives readers a dynamic cast of characters to follow along with throughout The Fall of Selvandrea. Told from the third person perspective this story shifts through the various characters of this book. You’ll know which ones are going to be the focus by how often they appear. They each will have their important parts to play in what is to come.
Rise of Dresca lays the foundation for The Fall of Selvandrea. You’re introduced to Valdaris and how he comes to be the one intended to save this world. His “dance with death” helped morph him into what he must be, and how he will be able to bring others to his side. The pacing of the story slows down in this particular part of the novel. The groundwork is being set for the characters and gradually brings them each to the stage.
The deeper you go into this novel, Seas of Zovah and finally the Fall of Selvar things begin to pick up the pace. Looking for the dragons and monsters? The dragons make an appearance soon after Valdaris’s “second” appearance. As the story goes along the swarms of dragons readers are promised to make an appearance and these creatures are ruthless. The monsters? Well, they pop up everywhere but brace yourself for some surprise pop-ups that you won’t be expecting. We promise you the characters will absolutely be wishing for a “heads-up.”
Readers hoping for “intelligent” dragons will be disappointed, but readers who are longing for more creature-like dragons will be thrilled. The dragons in this book are unpredictable, but the more you read the more you’ll discover about them. They are tied to something bigger, and it is something that Valdaris as battled before. How it ended that first time? He can’t quite recall.
A specific character we favored in this book is Rhynwhen. She’s a child, but she brings a touch of lightness to the story. There is more to her than meets the eye and that is something that author McKay makes a point of pointing out in the chapter she makes her first appearance.
Though of course, we must beg the question – who exactly are Jedda and Kanna? These two characters appear quite frequently throughout this book, and it leads one to wonder...why? How important are they and...what are they exactly? There is something more to them than meets the eye, but it’s a question that we’ll have to cling to for a time yet.
Readers who enjoy dark fantasy novels with a focus on drama, battles, and twists you won’t see coming this is the book for you. Author McKay will lead readers up to moments packed with tension that pull you to the edge of your seat and then shift to another character. We may or may not have shaken the book a few times out of frustration. LOL!
Seas of the Zovah brings the aquatic element to this novel. The characters spend quite a lot of time out on or around the oceans. Think that they’ll escape the dangers of monsters in the waters? Ha! Guess again! Besides, what fun would that be if there weren’t sea monsters to boot? We would have liked more detail about some of the creatures of the waters, but since they don’t play a huge part in the story we’ll let it slide on that lack of detail.
One thing is for sure in The Fall of Selvandrea the evil cult members know how to get around! You try to keep an eye out for them, but they will appear at the most inopportune times. But also, author McKay makes sure to remind readers that while there is an epic battle of “good vs evil” brewing, there are still wars being fought between the vying nations themselves.
While this book brings a “good vs evil” element, author McKay also gives readers morally gray characters. Usually, it’s only one or two characters who would be classified as “morally gray.” Not in this book. We get characters who shift from one side to the other in a heartbeat. Their unpredictability adds another surprise element to this novel that will truly keep readers on their toes. Why? Because you just don’t know who is truly on your side or how long they will be there.
One element that makes The Fall of Selvandrea unique is the science fiction elements mixed in. They don’t show up until much later in the book, but when they do it’s a surprise twist. It’s something unexpected, but is done in a way that doesn’t overshine the fantasy element of the book. Instead, it works to blend together and then takes a backseat when not needed.
Overall the flow of The Fall of Selvandrea is well done. In the beginning, some moments could have used more cohesion to keep the flow going smoothly, but once the story fully hits its stride it’s smooth sailing. Danger is rampant, and the characters get brief moments of respite, but evil never rests and they must keep pushing. When the drama and action kicks into high gear – hang on tight! You’re going to be page-turning and devouring this book.
The fight scenes in The Fall of Selvandrea will pull you to the edge of your seat. Monsters will spring up out of nowhere and attack so fast that neither you nor the characters will know what hit them! Of course, it won’t be just the monsters you have to worry about. There are humans who will be allied with them, and those are the most dangerous ones you won’t see coming. You’re going to love it.
Hate cliffhangers? Well, The Fall of Selvandrea has one. It’s a moderate cliffhanger really. Certain characters will be lost. Others will show who’s side they are currently on. Author McKay will expose more secrets, surprises, and twists that will have you anticipating what happens next.
Love fantasy novels with a light seasoning of science fiction? Love dragons but prefer them more animalistic than intelligent? Love an epic evil villain that must be stopped no matter what the cost? Then The Fall of Selvandrea is the book you’re going to need to go out and grab!
Pros:
Dynamic storytelling
Jaw-dropping moments
Attention to detail
Engaging characters
Twists and surprises
Cons:
None of merit
Cover Score: 8.7
Overall Book Score: 9.5
November 5, 2024
Ok, this is a little bit of an odd review for me as this is technically the third book in The Draemeir Chronicles series - but this book encompasses books 1 and 2 ( originally published as separate books!) and book 3.
Having read books 1&2 - Rise Of Dresca and Seas Of The Zovah over the last year or so, I decided to focus just on the new section of the book for this review - although I am aware that there have been a few amendments to the other 2 sections also.
These I plan to take a look at later on and amend my original reviews if needed.
So, remembering the events of the first two books, I assumed that it would be really easy to dive straight back in on section 3 and immerse myself back in this world, however, I have to admit to being completely adrift for a little while.
I don't necessarily think that this was because I'd dipped back in, but more that this was a new style for this part of the storyline.
The writing flowed on nicely as it had before, but I just found it a little more complex than before.
I'm sure you all know by now that this genre is definitely not my forte - but I like to stretch myself every now and then....and having enjoyed the first 2 books, I was sure I wanted to continue the journey.
Once I got back into things, I did find this storyline as compelling as before.
I feel that the draw for me with the original format was that I find this genre quite taxing - it's not my favourite, but I do like to dip in still.
I enjoyed the relatively small size of the original sections as this suited my way of reading this genre ....
However, for a true fantasy reader, I definitely think that this book would be much more suited to the genre and fit better with others on offer.
Although not my usual go-to read, I would still say that I enjoyed the book overall and can appreciate how well written this is!
Having read books 1&2 - Rise Of Dresca and Seas Of The Zovah over the last year or so, I decided to focus just on the new section of the book for this review - although I am aware that there have been a few amendments to the other 2 sections also.
These I plan to take a look at later on and amend my original reviews if needed.
So, remembering the events of the first two books, I assumed that it would be really easy to dive straight back in on section 3 and immerse myself back in this world, however, I have to admit to being completely adrift for a little while.
I don't necessarily think that this was because I'd dipped back in, but more that this was a new style for this part of the storyline.
The writing flowed on nicely as it had before, but I just found it a little more complex than before.
I'm sure you all know by now that this genre is definitely not my forte - but I like to stretch myself every now and then....and having enjoyed the first 2 books, I was sure I wanted to continue the journey.
Once I got back into things, I did find this storyline as compelling as before.
I feel that the draw for me with the original format was that I find this genre quite taxing - it's not my favourite, but I do like to dip in still.
I enjoyed the relatively small size of the original sections as this suited my way of reading this genre ....
However, for a true fantasy reader, I definitely think that this book would be much more suited to the genre and fit better with others on offer.
Although not my usual go-to read, I would still say that I enjoyed the book overall and can appreciate how well written this is!
July 23, 2025
Beautifully written and full of action and adventure this story was full of cool places creatures and awesome characters! I loved the character Rhynwhen best! Second Drascar! I loved the scenes with Rhyn and I loved the water scenes best!
The pronunciation guide for names is awesome for anyone who isn’t already familiar with Celtic name pronunciations, as I was reading it, as soon as it said they were Celtic names I recognised the spelling methods pretty quick being familiar with those from my own work and studies so I personally found the names easy to pronounce, but the guide is awesome for anyone who needs it. :)
It was a great adventure and due to having read it with some of the time having had a headache or being tired I might just have to reread it sometime to make sure I didn’t miss anything! As there was so much to this awesome story and I can’t wait to read the next one!
The pronunciation guide for names is awesome for anyone who isn’t already familiar with Celtic name pronunciations, as I was reading it, as soon as it said they were Celtic names I recognised the spelling methods pretty quick being familiar with those from my own work and studies so I personally found the names easy to pronounce, but the guide is awesome for anyone who needs it. :)
It was a great adventure and due to having read it with some of the time having had a headache or being tired I might just have to reread it sometime to make sure I didn’t miss anything! As there was so much to this awesome story and I can’t wait to read the next one!
March 29, 2025
This book came in as an Author Submission on my website bowlersbookreviews.com, as a dark fantasy review request. Off the top, have to say there’s a ton of epic battles, magic, and teleportation. Teleportation so much so that it kind of threw me a bit at times where I had to go back and reread saying “Wait what just happened, why are they in a new area”.
This book I thoroughly enjoyed hence why on Goodreads and Amazon I’m going to give it 4 stars. Story outline is well thought out, lots of huge battles and carnage like I’ve already pointed out, and despite the amount of death in this book it reminds me of GoT where it doesn’t diminish the value of life nor does it prevent you from getting attached to characters. The books magic system is very cool, and is used throughout their sword play, which I loved, and involved lots of vibrant and beautiful colours. Throwing dragons in the mix, that seemed to attack both good guys and bad, threw a level of chaos to the novel that kept me reading as it made it unpredictable.
The constructive criticism I’d give this book is different from what I find myself giving other books. I feel the teleportation powers were used to cut down book length, rushing the characters to the next area quickly. As a reviewer who complains about Wheel of Times books dragging on and on, I can appreciate this but feel it was used to much. Possibly only Drascar having this power, and even then being limited could have brought more flavour to the story, and I felt like too many had the ability of magic and the ability to have visions, this I would have limited again to Drascar but also to Rhyn for flavour, but also to make magic feel more special. I loved the Sevora character, but felt Dians death was too quick, causing me not to emphasize with her anger. Characters although author gives them a first and last name, should throughout the book be referred as one name to prevent confusion. Example Seth, author has more than one name for him when character is being referred to.
The swords and armour are really cool, and if replicas are ever made I’m buying them! Action scenes read easily and are very exciting, and probably 75% of the book is a giant action scene with epic sword battles with enemy forces, monsters, and dragons. Also, you can tell that the first book only dips your toe in story outline, as alternate universes and worlds are hinted at, giving author infinite number of possibilities for the book.
Definitely recommend, well worthy of the 4 star rating. You can find this book on Amazon, definitely recommend buying.
This book I thoroughly enjoyed hence why on Goodreads and Amazon I’m going to give it 4 stars. Story outline is well thought out, lots of huge battles and carnage like I’ve already pointed out, and despite the amount of death in this book it reminds me of GoT where it doesn’t diminish the value of life nor does it prevent you from getting attached to characters. The books magic system is very cool, and is used throughout their sword play, which I loved, and involved lots of vibrant and beautiful colours. Throwing dragons in the mix, that seemed to attack both good guys and bad, threw a level of chaos to the novel that kept me reading as it made it unpredictable.
The constructive criticism I’d give this book is different from what I find myself giving other books. I feel the teleportation powers were used to cut down book length, rushing the characters to the next area quickly. As a reviewer who complains about Wheel of Times books dragging on and on, I can appreciate this but feel it was used to much. Possibly only Drascar having this power, and even then being limited could have brought more flavour to the story, and I felt like too many had the ability of magic and the ability to have visions, this I would have limited again to Drascar but also to Rhyn for flavour, but also to make magic feel more special. I loved the Sevora character, but felt Dians death was too quick, causing me not to emphasize with her anger. Characters although author gives them a first and last name, should throughout the book be referred as one name to prevent confusion. Example Seth, author has more than one name for him when character is being referred to.
The swords and armour are really cool, and if replicas are ever made I’m buying them! Action scenes read easily and are very exciting, and probably 75% of the book is a giant action scene with epic sword battles with enemy forces, monsters, and dragons. Also, you can tell that the first book only dips your toe in story outline, as alternate universes and worlds are hinted at, giving author infinite number of possibilities for the book.
Definitely recommend, well worthy of the 4 star rating. You can find this book on Amazon, definitely recommend buying.
August 12, 2024
I received an ARC for this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Oh, a fun new epic fantasy! I’m always interested in what authors are conjuring up for new worlds. And I’m so happy to say this is such a full and developed world!
First off, they pull us in right away with a death scene that will make you queasy and really sets the tone. It’s a dangerous world where darkness twists and condemns. I love when there’s a warning, a foreshadow to the danger that is lurking and that’s done very well here.
A weakness of a lot of fantasy stories is the fight or battle scenes. The scenes of that type in this book breaks that trend. The battle scenes are so well done. The way the opposing sides interact feels natural and gives enough detail without being overwhelming. They feel the right length, they fit into the plot. And we see the right amount of reaction once the battle is over. There’s consequences, exhaustion, distrust…all the fun stuff that adds juicy drama.
There’s a lot going on in this story. A lot. Thankfully, the author has split it into fairly easy to follow chunks but you may need to reread it to truly catch all the little nuances. This, to me, is the sign of an excellent story.
There’s dragons too! Did I mention that? And not just the dragons were used to. Did you know deformed dragons spit acid? Me either but it’s freaking awesome.
I _love_ Drascar though I’m not sure if I’m supposed to 😅. He is endlessly fascinating and I am always intrigued by what he’s going to do next. He’s intelligent with a moral compass that’s at best a little cattywampus. But I adore any time he has the focus.
The book is long, to be sure, but it doesn’t feel long. I was so caught up in everything that was happening, the end came as a shock! It’s the best kind of ending…one that leaves you hungry for more.
Oh, a fun new epic fantasy! I’m always interested in what authors are conjuring up for new worlds. And I’m so happy to say this is such a full and developed world!
First off, they pull us in right away with a death scene that will make you queasy and really sets the tone. It’s a dangerous world where darkness twists and condemns. I love when there’s a warning, a foreshadow to the danger that is lurking and that’s done very well here.
A weakness of a lot of fantasy stories is the fight or battle scenes. The scenes of that type in this book breaks that trend. The battle scenes are so well done. The way the opposing sides interact feels natural and gives enough detail without being overwhelming. They feel the right length, they fit into the plot. And we see the right amount of reaction once the battle is over. There’s consequences, exhaustion, distrust…all the fun stuff that adds juicy drama.
There’s a lot going on in this story. A lot. Thankfully, the author has split it into fairly easy to follow chunks but you may need to reread it to truly catch all the little nuances. This, to me, is the sign of an excellent story.
There’s dragons too! Did I mention that? And not just the dragons were used to. Did you know deformed dragons spit acid? Me either but it’s freaking awesome.
I _love_ Drascar though I’m not sure if I’m supposed to 😅. He is endlessly fascinating and I am always intrigued by what he’s going to do next. He’s intelligent with a moral compass that’s at best a little cattywampus. But I adore any time he has the focus.
The book is long, to be sure, but it doesn’t feel long. I was so caught up in everything that was happening, the end came as a shock! It’s the best kind of ending…one that leaves you hungry for more.
September 29, 2024
The Fall of Selvandrea is an epic fantasy novel that will draw you in with the first few chapters and demand that you dig deeper to find out what happens next.
This dark epic fantasy pulls readers in with a beginning that introduces readers to a character with a secret. One she will do what she must to keep, but right now? She’s looking to join something bigger than herself. A rebellion intent on trying to save their people.
From there you meet a captain in the middle of battle who will go on to be one of the main characters of the story. His life will be forever changed in one chapter. Yes, one chapter. Talk about mind blown and jaw on the floor. That pretty much summarizes the first five chapters of this book.
Things slow down for awhile, but buckle up because here come evil beings, dangerous dragons, and yes, dangerous humans in a quest for power no matter the cost. When it comes to morally gray characters this book has them in spades! It definitely makes for an exciting novel that keeps you on your toes as you never know which way a character is going to go.
This book encompasses so much and brings readers epic fights, nail-biting situations that will bring you to the edge of your seat and more dragons and danger than you can shake a stick at.
Not a fan of cliffhangers? Well, there is one. You’ll be left in suspense when it comes to multiple characters in this book. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next. Because this? Is just the beginning.
This dark epic fantasy pulls readers in with a beginning that introduces readers to a character with a secret. One she will do what she must to keep, but right now? She’s looking to join something bigger than herself. A rebellion intent on trying to save their people.
From there you meet a captain in the middle of battle who will go on to be one of the main characters of the story. His life will be forever changed in one chapter. Yes, one chapter. Talk about mind blown and jaw on the floor. That pretty much summarizes the first five chapters of this book.
Things slow down for awhile, but buckle up because here come evil beings, dangerous dragons, and yes, dangerous humans in a quest for power no matter the cost. When it comes to morally gray characters this book has them in spades! It definitely makes for an exciting novel that keeps you on your toes as you never know which way a character is going to go.
This book encompasses so much and brings readers epic fights, nail-biting situations that will bring you to the edge of your seat and more dragons and danger than you can shake a stick at.
Not a fan of cliffhangers? Well, there is one. You’ll be left in suspense when it comes to multiple characters in this book. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next. Because this? Is just the beginning.
April 19, 2025
Tim has managed to weave an epic fantasy tale that rivals many of the traditionally published works that defined the fantasy genre over the past few decades.
His writing style is a wonderful blend of James Islington, Ian McClellan and Robert Jordan.
There were a number of moments that pulled me so deep into the story that I lost track of the time and found myself needing to force myself to put the book down in order to get the things done on my daily to do list.
If you are looking for clean, traditional fantasy that will suck you into its world, you can't go wrong with The Fall of Selvandrea.
His writing style is a wonderful blend of James Islington, Ian McClellan and Robert Jordan.
There were a number of moments that pulled me so deep into the story that I lost track of the time and found myself needing to force myself to put the book down in order to get the things done on my daily to do list.
If you are looking for clean, traditional fantasy that will suck you into its world, you can't go wrong with The Fall of Selvandrea.
July 15, 2025
As my first audiobook of 2025 and my initial Audible experience, The Fall of Selvandrea by Tim McKay was a pleasant surprise. I'm typically not an audiobook fan, but I found the narration engaging. The story excels in its vivid world-building, morally complex characters, and seamless blend of gritty action with philosophical depth, making it a standout listen. However, the dense plot and multiple POVs can be hard to follow in audio format at times, and some sci-fi elements feel a little underdeveloped. Overall, McKay’s debut is a strong, immersive experience that won me over despite my audiobook hesitations.
September 29, 2024
I absolutely cannot wait for the second book! The story was rich and kept you wanting to read more. I will say that at times I was a little lost but once you get your footing it was engaging. There are many scenes that stick in my mind but the one that sticks with me most ( How dare you TIM) was how one of the earlier chapters ended. I won’t give it away here but you will know it when you read it!
October 30, 2024
Monsters, magic, and... muskets?
Something satisfying about hunting dragons with muskets. Gritty, visceral details make the magic as real as the historical clothing and weaponry. Deep characters with insight into thoughts. I liked inner conflict of Drascar. The narration is kept moving by constant action with unique fight sequences. All round well composed epic fantasy.
Something satisfying about hunting dragons with muskets. Gritty, visceral details make the magic as real as the historical clothing and weaponry. Deep characters with insight into thoughts. I liked inner conflict of Drascar. The narration is kept moving by constant action with unique fight sequences. All round well composed epic fantasy.
April 4, 2025
Excellent world-building and interesting characters. I enjoyed the mix of fantasy, science fiction, and musket warfare.
November 13, 2025
very good. Great story and solid characters
January 1, 2025
I have probably said this before, and I will probably say it again. I admire the authors of the books I have read this year’s ability to create worlds that are, in fact, out of this world. This book is no exception for me. From forests, the fortresses and the views, to the magic system. I am transferred to another realm that I probably would love to live in, you know, apart from the war and beings that go bump in the night, slightly scarier than the ones of this world.
Then we have our characters of the book. Where to begin? Of course, we can not help but love Kanna and Jedda, whose names in Norwegian make me snicker every time they pop up at the most random of places, much like the Authors fun fact below.
I love the complexity of our characters. From Elaryn and Rhynwhen to Drascar. Heroes or not, running around fighting they are.😄
From the very first chapter we meet Drascar, we can see what he is made of and I admire the “understanding” he comes to terms with when it comes to another in that place we meet him for the very first time. <- I am trying very hard not to spoil here.
And then, when you think there can not possibly be more awesomeness... que child with unparalleled powers. No one seems to be what they seem to be. Suddenly, we have princesses and heirs, travellers, killer monks, and what tale would this be without dragons?
What a journey this is.
Then we have our characters of the book. Where to begin? Of course, we can not help but love Kanna and Jedda, whose names in Norwegian make me snicker every time they pop up at the most random of places, much like the Authors fun fact below.
I love the complexity of our characters. From Elaryn and Rhynwhen to Drascar. Heroes or not, running around fighting they are.😄
From the very first chapter we meet Drascar, we can see what he is made of and I admire the “understanding” he comes to terms with when it comes to another in that place we meet him for the very first time. <- I am trying very hard not to spoil here.
And then, when you think there can not possibly be more awesomeness... que child with unparalleled powers. No one seems to be what they seem to be. Suddenly, we have princesses and heirs, travellers, killer monks, and what tale would this be without dragons?
What a journey this is.
January 28, 2025
Book Review: The Fall of Selvandrea by Tim McKay
📚 Book Review: The Fall of Selvandrea by Tim McKay 🐉
Overview
"The Fall of Selvandrea" by Tim McKay is a dark, flintlock fantasy that dives deep into themes of vengeance, transformation, and the battle between light and shadow. Set in a richly detailed world where nations fall and villains rise, this novel captures the essence of epic fantasy with a touch of darkness.
Key Passages:
"Valdaris, transformed by powers he can’t begin to understand, must face monsters beyond his most terrifying nightmares."
This passage introduces Valdaris as our protagonist, highlighting his transformation and the central conflict of the novel. It sets the tone for the dark, mysterious adventure that awaits, emphasizing the theme of personal evolution through adversity.
"He joins with allies caught in the chaos of his war with evil, oblivious to his true nature and the darkness closing in on their world."
Here, McKay underscores the theme of alliances formed under duress and the journey of self-discovery. It suggests that the characters, including Valdaris, are not fully aware of their roles in the larger scheme, creating a narrative tension around identity and destiny.
"Full of dragons, monsters, found family, magical weapons, intense duels, and epic battles..."
This quote serves as an advertisement for the book's content, promising readers a rich tapestry of fantasy elements. It's meant to appeal to fans of traditional fantasy tropes while hinting at the depth and complexity of the storyline.
"Heroes and villains join against the rising dark, and against a tyrant whose schemes may destroy them all."
This line introduces the political intrigue and moral ambiguity of the world McKay creates. It speaks to the unity formed in the face of a greater evil, suggesting a narrative where traditional roles are blurred, and alliances are tested.
"And from calamity’s ashes, a new power shall rise."
Concluding with this, McKay hints at the cycle of destruction and rebirth central to many fantasy narratives. It's a promise of change, whether for better or worse, setting up potential sequels or a significant transformation within the current storyline.
Ratings Breakdown:
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Engaging and with a good balance of action, mystery, and character development.
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Complex and evolving, though some could use more depth.
World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Exceptionally detailed and immersive.
Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐ - Effective, but occasionally overly descriptive.
Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A compelling read with a few minor flaws.
Conclusion
"The Fall of Selvandrea" by Tim McKay is a testament to the enduring appeal of dark fantasy. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and a world that feels both ancient and alive, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre. While the writing can sometimes feel heavy with detail, the story's heart beats strongly with themes of transformation and redemption. If you love dragons, magic, and a good battle between good and evil, this book will not disappoint. 💪🔥
November 26, 2024
I’ve been acquainted with McKay’s writing for a couple of years now ever since I read his first official edition of Book 1 of the Draemeir Chronicle, Rise of Dresca, and I always thought there was something special and quite unique about his style and the type of fantasy he was exploring. The Fall of Selvandrea represents the culmination of everything previously seen in Books 1 and 2 (Seas of the Zovah) in what I can only describe as a spectacular edition.
GENRE:
Although this is clearly a fantasy novel, it’s very difficult to pinpoint exactly WHAT type of fantasy category it falls into. McKay likes to call it ‘flintlock fantasy’ although there are some elements of science-fiction involved we will discuss later on in this review. The only other fictional works that might fall in this same category are A Sea of Broken Glass and to a lesser degree Gunmetal Gods. Some other smaller titles like in The Sendyne Flintlock Fantasy Chronicles by Seth Hobbsand could also fit the bill.
I personally feel like TFOS occupies its own niche, and it represents some of the most original and exquisite fantasy writing of late.
PLOT:
Discussing the plot here can be difficult for one main reason: the author has chosen a narrating style with very little exposition, throwing readers right into the midst of the action. We see WHAT characters do, we see HOW they do it, but very little is unfolded as to WHY they do it. We’re fed little crumbs here and there but no ‘info dump’ at any rate.
Other reviewers have expressed that this style of delivery can stir up confusion; however I can respect this as being the author’s artistic choice and cannot view it as a negative remark in itself.
We will learn of a technologically advanced world plagued by the draemeir strains (sort of a supernatural plague) which is pure evil and chaos, using humans as hosts. Our protagonist Valdaris Drascar-whom we may call in this review Future Vald-creates a new draemeir strain that he can control unlike the other strains of pure chaos and destruction. In order to save his world from the draemeir, Future Vald sends his consciousness (preserved inside the ruby attached to his sword) into the past via a vortex he is able to generate.
Here is where Past Vald takes up the sword with the ruby, and now we have Future Vald’s consciousness and Past Vald’s consciousness merging as one being (thus a dual personality of sorts).
It is also of relevance to mention that as Future Vald opens the vortex to the past, a group of ‘strangers’ led by Alessa Sinclaes also travels to the past through the same vortex, finding themselves in a world on the brink of war between the kingdoms of the Selvar and the Naemredd. This is also where the sci-fi elements come into play, since these time travelers carry very sophisticated gadgets and weapons (Ambrovian technology).
DARK, DREAMLIKE, FANTASY:
The narrative feels very dark and mysterious, but also beautiful and dreamlike. On several instances it was difficult for me to understand where dream and reality separated. As the author puts it:
“It’s not meant to be an easy read (though I try to keep the writing style line-by-line easy/simple).”
What I noticed most is that this style doesn’t really look or feel like anything else that is currently out there, and this is saying a lot considering the oversaturated market of fantasy books. It can be disorienting at times, with its multiple POVs and thin exposition, but in a sense that is part of the lure.
If we ask McKay what or who might have influenced his story, he will tell us this:
“The Judas Strain by James Rollins and the Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton both influenced the sci-fi elements… plus the movie Transcendence with Johnny Depp. On the fantasy side, Wheel of Time and The Pendragon Cycle (Stephen R. Lawhead). To a much lesser extent, The Count of Monte Cristo had some influence too, and Les Miserables. And I’d also give some credit to Revan from Star Wars (Knights of the Old Republic).”
CONCLUSION:
It is important to point out that McKay is not your average indie writer. He has mastered his writing skills and it transpires all throughout TFOS. He is a writers’ writer folks! Am I saying that McKay is as original as he is an objectively talented writer? That’d be a big YES.
Sure this is a challenging read with obscure characters, intricate plots, little exposition, and multiple POVs, leaving me with more questions by the end of the book than I had at the beginning, but not everything must be spoon fed in order to be a fantastic experience.
And The Fall of Selvandrea is a fantastic and unique experience indeed!
🦀
GENRE:
Although this is clearly a fantasy novel, it’s very difficult to pinpoint exactly WHAT type of fantasy category it falls into. McKay likes to call it ‘flintlock fantasy’ although there are some elements of science-fiction involved we will discuss later on in this review. The only other fictional works that might fall in this same category are A Sea of Broken Glass and to a lesser degree Gunmetal Gods. Some other smaller titles like in The Sendyne Flintlock Fantasy Chronicles by Seth Hobbsand could also fit the bill.
I personally feel like TFOS occupies its own niche, and it represents some of the most original and exquisite fantasy writing of late.
PLOT:
Discussing the plot here can be difficult for one main reason: the author has chosen a narrating style with very little exposition, throwing readers right into the midst of the action. We see WHAT characters do, we see HOW they do it, but very little is unfolded as to WHY they do it. We’re fed little crumbs here and there but no ‘info dump’ at any rate.
Other reviewers have expressed that this style of delivery can stir up confusion; however I can respect this as being the author’s artistic choice and cannot view it as a negative remark in itself.
We will learn of a technologically advanced world plagued by the draemeir strains (sort of a supernatural plague) which is pure evil and chaos, using humans as hosts. Our protagonist Valdaris Drascar-whom we may call in this review Future Vald-creates a new draemeir strain that he can control unlike the other strains of pure chaos and destruction. In order to save his world from the draemeir, Future Vald sends his consciousness (preserved inside the ruby attached to his sword) into the past via a vortex he is able to generate.
Here is where Past Vald takes up the sword with the ruby, and now we have Future Vald’s consciousness and Past Vald’s consciousness merging as one being (thus a dual personality of sorts).
It is also of relevance to mention that as Future Vald opens the vortex to the past, a group of ‘strangers’ led by Alessa Sinclaes also travels to the past through the same vortex, finding themselves in a world on the brink of war between the kingdoms of the Selvar and the Naemredd. This is also where the sci-fi elements come into play, since these time travelers carry very sophisticated gadgets and weapons (Ambrovian technology).
DARK, DREAMLIKE, FANTASY:
The narrative feels very dark and mysterious, but also beautiful and dreamlike. On several instances it was difficult for me to understand where dream and reality separated. As the author puts it:
“It’s not meant to be an easy read (though I try to keep the writing style line-by-line easy/simple).”
What I noticed most is that this style doesn’t really look or feel like anything else that is currently out there, and this is saying a lot considering the oversaturated market of fantasy books. It can be disorienting at times, with its multiple POVs and thin exposition, but in a sense that is part of the lure.
If we ask McKay what or who might have influenced his story, he will tell us this:
“The Judas Strain by James Rollins and the Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton both influenced the sci-fi elements… plus the movie Transcendence with Johnny Depp. On the fantasy side, Wheel of Time and The Pendragon Cycle (Stephen R. Lawhead). To a much lesser extent, The Count of Monte Cristo had some influence too, and Les Miserables. And I’d also give some credit to Revan from Star Wars (Knights of the Old Republic).”
CONCLUSION:
It is important to point out that McKay is not your average indie writer. He has mastered his writing skills and it transpires all throughout TFOS. He is a writers’ writer folks! Am I saying that McKay is as original as he is an objectively talented writer? That’d be a big YES.
Sure this is a challenging read with obscure characters, intricate plots, little exposition, and multiple POVs, leaving me with more questions by the end of the book than I had at the beginning, but not everything must be spoon fed in order to be a fantastic experience.
And The Fall of Selvandrea is a fantastic and unique experience indeed!
🦀
April 19, 2025
★★★½ — Brilliant scope, but emotionally distant
The Fall of Selvandrea is an ambitious, richly imagined epic filled with ancient conspiracies, monstrous powers, and a mythic tone that permeates every page. The worldbuilding is dense, the cast of characters expansive, and the story rarely slows. I cannot stress enough the degree of thought that went into this volume. From the opening betrayal to the final cataclysm, there’s always a battle, an awakening, or a magical rupture around the corner. It’s a book that clearly required immense effort to construct, it aims to place readers in a living, breathing world on the edge of collapse.
The story is beyond impressive. It's dark, it's brutal, and the characters are anything but predictable and clean cut. Every chapter involves something new and a challenge that must be faced, so there is no letting up once the story begins.
But for all its scale and style, I felt it was disorienting, not just in its pacing, but in its philosophy. The reader is thrown in with little to orient themselves and you are forced to "build on the fly". The simple prose is deceptive in that you must pay active attention in order to understand what is transpiring as there is afforded no opportunity where the characters, or the reader can reassess and orient themselves. The characters, though compelling in their trauma and mystique, are often reactive rather than proactive. I don't recall any specific section of meaningful strategizing, planning, or regrouping, or points where they actively shape their circumstances or direction. Instead, they endure. And while that might reflect the brutal tone of the world, it makes it difficult for the reader to connect with them emotionally or follow a cohesive arc of growth.
The magic system, while imaginative, I feel lacks defined rules or boundaries. This may be specifically intentional, but in this book, the reader is often asked to accept new powers, consequences, or creatures without any context, making it hard to anticipate outcomes or invest in the stakes. Rather than feeling immersed and following with the character, you're left watching from a distance, unsure of what anything truly means until after it happens. That constant fog of uncertainty may serve the themes, but I feel it does a disservice in the storytelling.
The prose is sufficient, but not overly elegant. The author heavily weights the style of writing to a 70/30 telling vs showing which results in vast amounts of information being fitted into this book, despite its ample size. While I understand that this book is a collection of individual books, I honestly felt there was enough going on here to merit 4-5 books of equal size so that all the events had room to breathe, and enable the reader to slowly take in what is transpiring.
There’s no doubt that The Fall of Selvandrea a feat. I give full respect to the author simply for the scope of the project and the vast amount of moving parts. There is something for complexity, but there would seem to be a mistaking of complexity for depth. I felt as though I was looking at a magnificent mural, from 6" away, and was unable to take in the full picture of what I know is there, so as a complete reading experience, I struggled to immerse myself in the story as opposed to appreciating all the events that were going on. I felt this book was more about the characters surviving rather than living, and that distance makes it difficult to fully appreciate the grandeur of what’s been built.
The Fall of Selvandrea is an ambitious, richly imagined epic filled with ancient conspiracies, monstrous powers, and a mythic tone that permeates every page. The worldbuilding is dense, the cast of characters expansive, and the story rarely slows. I cannot stress enough the degree of thought that went into this volume. From the opening betrayal to the final cataclysm, there’s always a battle, an awakening, or a magical rupture around the corner. It’s a book that clearly required immense effort to construct, it aims to place readers in a living, breathing world on the edge of collapse.
The story is beyond impressive. It's dark, it's brutal, and the characters are anything but predictable and clean cut. Every chapter involves something new and a challenge that must be faced, so there is no letting up once the story begins.
But for all its scale and style, I felt it was disorienting, not just in its pacing, but in its philosophy. The reader is thrown in with little to orient themselves and you are forced to "build on the fly". The simple prose is deceptive in that you must pay active attention in order to understand what is transpiring as there is afforded no opportunity where the characters, or the reader can reassess and orient themselves. The characters, though compelling in their trauma and mystique, are often reactive rather than proactive. I don't recall any specific section of meaningful strategizing, planning, or regrouping, or points where they actively shape their circumstances or direction. Instead, they endure. And while that might reflect the brutal tone of the world, it makes it difficult for the reader to connect with them emotionally or follow a cohesive arc of growth.
The magic system, while imaginative, I feel lacks defined rules or boundaries. This may be specifically intentional, but in this book, the reader is often asked to accept new powers, consequences, or creatures without any context, making it hard to anticipate outcomes or invest in the stakes. Rather than feeling immersed and following with the character, you're left watching from a distance, unsure of what anything truly means until after it happens. That constant fog of uncertainty may serve the themes, but I feel it does a disservice in the storytelling.
The prose is sufficient, but not overly elegant. The author heavily weights the style of writing to a 70/30 telling vs showing which results in vast amounts of information being fitted into this book, despite its ample size. While I understand that this book is a collection of individual books, I honestly felt there was enough going on here to merit 4-5 books of equal size so that all the events had room to breathe, and enable the reader to slowly take in what is transpiring.
There’s no doubt that The Fall of Selvandrea a feat. I give full respect to the author simply for the scope of the project and the vast amount of moving parts. There is something for complexity, but there would seem to be a mistaking of complexity for depth. I felt as though I was looking at a magnificent mural, from 6" away, and was unable to take in the full picture of what I know is there, so as a complete reading experience, I struggled to immerse myself in the story as opposed to appreciating all the events that were going on. I felt this book was more about the characters surviving rather than living, and that distance makes it difficult to fully appreciate the grandeur of what’s been built.
August 4, 2025
How do I review this book without spoilers? Why? Because it crosses genres ‒ doing so without preamble and as a huge crux to the whole story. I mean, huge. So, if you’re one of those people who don’t want to know, then just read the book’s synopsis, avoid any Goodreads reviews and jump to the end of this one. I’ll keep it out of my summing up paragraph.
Ready?
You sure?
Okay. So, this is epic fantasy, with an embedded element of flintlock fantasy woven into a world that embraces magic. There are fantastical creatures, including dragons. Yet ‒ and this is the part where you skip ‒ it also involves time-travelling science fiction with powerful weapons, cybernetics and ‘strains’ of infection.
Got that? And does the why and how of that work? Damn right it does. McKay has taken an ‘epic’ view of a world and its connections and woven a story that transcends genres. It comes as a shock, yet at no point does it feel out of place and as a reader, you find yourself accepting the revelation. Not only that, but you go on to enjoy how this complexity is laced into the story and the slow reveal of the history of the main character, Valdaris, and why he is seeking to change history.
I take my hat off to you, Tim McKay.
In terms of style, we have a blend of many POVs, most with their own agendas that warp and adapt as the story unfolds, or they are affected by the events around them. And this is where, perhaps, there becomes a disconnect. There are so many characters involved, whose positions manoeuvre and alter, that I didn’t feel as emotionally involved in the story as I would like to have been. The difficulty arises due to the scope. The shift from fight to fight, battle to battle, is fast, and because each POV change needs to add something to the story, moments of reflection, when the reader can think on past events and link them to how the character feels, are short, with time spent telling rather than showing.
However, those actions scenes are well written, fast-paced, and draw you in. The concepts of the swords used add interest as the inherent magic is often imbued through them, while the flintlock shines with the use of cannons and muskets amid the larger scale battles. McKay crafts a fight scene with care, and there is no doubt he loves his swords!
In the end, we have a story of epic scope, with factions vying internally, countries at odds, conquered people revolting, while amid this maelstrom, Valdaris has an even larger goal that transcends such squabbles. As the reader, we are thrown in and ride the rapids of events until we reach the end and pause at the top of the waterfall, waiting for what comes next. MacKay has crafted a deep, complex tale, and for those that love following the strands of a story, desperate to see where they all weave together, you will thoroughly enjoy McKay’s world and add half a star! For those looking to connect fully to all to the characters, this is perhaps not the book for you.
And finally, some extra praise. I listened to the self-narrated audiobook version. I tip my hat once again. McKay’s consistency has to be applauded for such a long book and it works well.
Ready?
You sure?
Okay. So, this is epic fantasy, with an embedded element of flintlock fantasy woven into a world that embraces magic. There are fantastical creatures, including dragons. Yet ‒ and this is the part where you skip ‒ it also involves time-travelling science fiction with powerful weapons, cybernetics and ‘strains’ of infection.
Got that? And does the why and how of that work? Damn right it does. McKay has taken an ‘epic’ view of a world and its connections and woven a story that transcends genres. It comes as a shock, yet at no point does it feel out of place and as a reader, you find yourself accepting the revelation. Not only that, but you go on to enjoy how this complexity is laced into the story and the slow reveal of the history of the main character, Valdaris, and why he is seeking to change history.
I take my hat off to you, Tim McKay.
In terms of style, we have a blend of many POVs, most with their own agendas that warp and adapt as the story unfolds, or they are affected by the events around them. And this is where, perhaps, there becomes a disconnect. There are so many characters involved, whose positions manoeuvre and alter, that I didn’t feel as emotionally involved in the story as I would like to have been. The difficulty arises due to the scope. The shift from fight to fight, battle to battle, is fast, and because each POV change needs to add something to the story, moments of reflection, when the reader can think on past events and link them to how the character feels, are short, with time spent telling rather than showing.
However, those actions scenes are well written, fast-paced, and draw you in. The concepts of the swords used add interest as the inherent magic is often imbued through them, while the flintlock shines with the use of cannons and muskets amid the larger scale battles. McKay crafts a fight scene with care, and there is no doubt he loves his swords!
In the end, we have a story of epic scope, with factions vying internally, countries at odds, conquered people revolting, while amid this maelstrom, Valdaris has an even larger goal that transcends such squabbles. As the reader, we are thrown in and ride the rapids of events until we reach the end and pause at the top of the waterfall, waiting for what comes next. MacKay has crafted a deep, complex tale, and for those that love following the strands of a story, desperate to see where they all weave together, you will thoroughly enjoy McKay’s world and add half a star! For those looking to connect fully to all to the characters, this is perhaps not the book for you.
And finally, some extra praise. I listened to the self-narrated audiobook version. I tip my hat once again. McKay’s consistency has to be applauded for such a long book and it works well.
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