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Escapade
380 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2024
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Kassidy Joelle Ridenour
2 booksHi there! I'm a self-published fantasy author who loves all things dragon-related. I've been captivated by storytelling since I was a little girl and I strive to write the kind of books I as a reader would love to explore.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 6, 2025
The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is a thrilling, emotionally charged fantasy adventure that instantly draws readers into a vivid world brimming with danger, magic, and moral complexity. Kassidy J. Ridenour demonstrates masterful world-building from the very first chapter, crafting a layered setting where dragons are hunted, enslaved, and feared but also deeply misunderstood. The capital city of Sharpdagger, cloaked in corruption and secrecy, is a perfect backdrop for a tale of rebellion, compassion, and redemption.
Fendrel, the protagonist, is a compelling figure a rogue with a cause and a heart as fierce as the dragons he protects. His ability to communicate in Drake tongue elevates him beyond a simple outlaw to a symbol of hope for dragonkind. His journey is not just one of physical daring, but also emotional reckoning. He carries the burden of past failures and faces moral dilemmas with grace and courage. Ridenour does an exceptional job giving him both heroism and vulnerability.
Fog, the Vapor dragon, is unforgettable graceful yet wounded, mysterious yet noble. Her interactions with Fendrel and young Oliver bring warmth to the narrative, emphasizing themes of trust and healing. The fact that she is from the elusive Vapor tribe, shrouded in myth and mist, adds an ethereal quality to her character that contrasts beautifully with the gritty tension of dragon hunter territory. Fog’s arc, particularly her search for her sister, adds emotional weight and momentum to the plot.
One of the standout elements of the novel is the strong supporting cast. Oliver is a heartbreaking figure innocent and brave, trapped in a brutal world but unwilling to let go of kindness. Thea, the mage, adds layers of wisdom, practicality, and humor. And Charles, the conflicted second in command of the hunters, may be one of the most quietly powerful characters in the book. His secret journal entries provide chilling insight into life among the hunters and hint at the cost of survival under Sadon’s rule.
Ridenour’s prose is fluid and vivid, with a keen sense of pacing and an ear for dialogue. Her descriptions are cinematic and her tone never wavers between suspense, whimsy, and poignant reflection. The book’s emotional peaks and action scenes are exceptionally well balanced, making it hard to put down. Whether navigating mist choked forests, scaling ancient city walls, or entering the majestic domain of the Vapor dragons, readers are treated to a fully immersive experience.
In Escapade, Kassidy J. Ridenour delivers not just an entertaining fantasy novel, but a meaningful exploration of loyalty, resistance, and the bonds that transcend species and bloodlines. This is a book that speaks to the heart as much as the imagination. It is a remarkable debut that signals the arrival of a powerful new voice in fantasy literature.
Fendrel, the protagonist, is a compelling figure a rogue with a cause and a heart as fierce as the dragons he protects. His ability to communicate in Drake tongue elevates him beyond a simple outlaw to a symbol of hope for dragonkind. His journey is not just one of physical daring, but also emotional reckoning. He carries the burden of past failures and faces moral dilemmas with grace and courage. Ridenour does an exceptional job giving him both heroism and vulnerability.
Fog, the Vapor dragon, is unforgettable graceful yet wounded, mysterious yet noble. Her interactions with Fendrel and young Oliver bring warmth to the narrative, emphasizing themes of trust and healing. The fact that she is from the elusive Vapor tribe, shrouded in myth and mist, adds an ethereal quality to her character that contrasts beautifully with the gritty tension of dragon hunter territory. Fog’s arc, particularly her search for her sister, adds emotional weight and momentum to the plot.
One of the standout elements of the novel is the strong supporting cast. Oliver is a heartbreaking figure innocent and brave, trapped in a brutal world but unwilling to let go of kindness. Thea, the mage, adds layers of wisdom, practicality, and humor. And Charles, the conflicted second in command of the hunters, may be one of the most quietly powerful characters in the book. His secret journal entries provide chilling insight into life among the hunters and hint at the cost of survival under Sadon’s rule.
Ridenour’s prose is fluid and vivid, with a keen sense of pacing and an ear for dialogue. Her descriptions are cinematic and her tone never wavers between suspense, whimsy, and poignant reflection. The book’s emotional peaks and action scenes are exceptionally well balanced, making it hard to put down. Whether navigating mist choked forests, scaling ancient city walls, or entering the majestic domain of the Vapor dragons, readers are treated to a fully immersive experience.
In Escapade, Kassidy J. Ridenour delivers not just an entertaining fantasy novel, but a meaningful exploration of loyalty, resistance, and the bonds that transcend species and bloodlines. This is a book that speaks to the heart as much as the imagination. It is a remarkable debut that signals the arrival of a powerful new voice in fantasy literature.
May 6, 2025
Kassidy J. Ridenour's The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is a triumphant blend of fantasy adventure and emotional depth, offering readers a story that feels both epic in scope and intimate in character. From the first chapter, the tension is palpable, and the world Ridenour crafts is vivid, textured, and brimming with lore. She invites readers into a realm where dragons are hunted for profit and feared as monsters until one young man dares to defy it all.
Fendrel is more than just a protagonist he’s the moral heartbeat of the story. His choice to stand between dragons and their oppressors paints him as both rebel and savior. Ridenour allows him to be a complex character: quick-witted, empathetic, and burdened by responsibility. His interactions with dragons, especially Fog, are among the most touching parts of the book. Their bond grows from mutual suspicion to genuine partnership, creating a core emotional thread that grounds the entire narrative.
Fog herself is a revelation. As a Vapor dragon, she brings a fresh aesthetic to the often overused fire-breathing dragon trope. Her misty elegance, quiet intelligence, and emotional vulnerability are captured with remarkable nuance. Watching her regain her strength, heal from her injuries, and begin to trust again is one of the most satisfying arcs in the story. Her missing sister, Mist, adds a deeper mystery that leaves readers eager for the next installment.
The world-building is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Ridenour seamlessly integrates geography, politics, and magical systems without overwhelming the reader. From Sharpdagger’s seedy underbelly to the hidden majesty of the Hazy Woods, every location feels alive. The fact that dragons have distinct tribes, languages, and customs gives the story an almost anthropological richness, and readers are treated to revelations gradually, never through heavy exposition.
What truly elevates Escapade is the emotional undercurrent that runs through it. Whether it’s Charles’ silent resistance and coded journal entries, Oliver’s plea for protection, or Thea’s steadfast loyalty, the novel is anchored by deeply human (and dragon) motivations. Ridenour writes with compassion, exploring trauma and healing with subtlety and grace. Each character is shaped by loss, and yet none are defined by it they strive, hope, and grow.
The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is not just a fantasy novel; it’s a deeply affecting tale of resistance, trust, and unlikely friendship. Kassidy J. Ridenour has delivered a first installment that feels both complete and tantalizingly open ended. This is a must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy with heart and high stakes.
Fendrel is more than just a protagonist he’s the moral heartbeat of the story. His choice to stand between dragons and their oppressors paints him as both rebel and savior. Ridenour allows him to be a complex character: quick-witted, empathetic, and burdened by responsibility. His interactions with dragons, especially Fog, are among the most touching parts of the book. Their bond grows from mutual suspicion to genuine partnership, creating a core emotional thread that grounds the entire narrative.
Fog herself is a revelation. As a Vapor dragon, she brings a fresh aesthetic to the often overused fire-breathing dragon trope. Her misty elegance, quiet intelligence, and emotional vulnerability are captured with remarkable nuance. Watching her regain her strength, heal from her injuries, and begin to trust again is one of the most satisfying arcs in the story. Her missing sister, Mist, adds a deeper mystery that leaves readers eager for the next installment.
The world-building is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Ridenour seamlessly integrates geography, politics, and magical systems without overwhelming the reader. From Sharpdagger’s seedy underbelly to the hidden majesty of the Hazy Woods, every location feels alive. The fact that dragons have distinct tribes, languages, and customs gives the story an almost anthropological richness, and readers are treated to revelations gradually, never through heavy exposition.
What truly elevates Escapade is the emotional undercurrent that runs through it. Whether it’s Charles’ silent resistance and coded journal entries, Oliver’s plea for protection, or Thea’s steadfast loyalty, the novel is anchored by deeply human (and dragon) motivations. Ridenour writes with compassion, exploring trauma and healing with subtlety and grace. Each character is shaped by loss, and yet none are defined by it they strive, hope, and grow.
The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is not just a fantasy novel; it’s a deeply affecting tale of resistance, trust, and unlikely friendship. Kassidy J. Ridenour has delivered a first installment that feels both complete and tantalizingly open ended. This is a must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy with heart and high stakes.
May 2, 2025
Kassidy J. Ridenour’s The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is a striking debut that boldly blends high fantasy, character-driven drama, and nuanced world-building. Set in a realm where dragonkind is hunted and traded like trophies, the novel follows Fendrel, a mysterious outlaw known only as the Dragon Liberator. His mission is as dangerous as it is noble: to free enslaved dragons from the clutches of cruel hunters. What unfolds is not only a thrilling fantasy adventure but also a reflection on captivity, redemption, and the power of resistance.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its richly developed world. Ridenour has a rare gift for immersive setting cities feel lived-in, forests whisper with lore, and the dragon tribes each boast distinct characteristics and cultures. The Hazy Woods, home of the elusive Vapor dragons, is a marvel of atmospheric writing. The way it is shrouded in literal and metaphorical mist mirrors the novel’s themes of secrecy and discovery, offering a landscape as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.
At the heart of the narrative is the relationship between Fendrel and Fog, a wounded Vapor dragon whose trust must be earned. Their evolving bond is both believable and touching. Ridenour avoids clichés by allowing their connection to grow through quiet moments, shared struggles, and mutual respect. Fendrel’s ability to speak Drake-tongue sets him apart not only linguistically, but ethically his empathy for dragons positions him as a bridge between species and ideologies.
Supporting characters further enrich the story. Thea, a rogue mage with a sharp wit and a softer heart, adds warmth and magical ingenuity, while Oliver, a young boy with tragic ties to the enemy, provides emotional gravity. Even Charles, a conflicted dragon hunter, is afforded depth and inner conflict, his secret journal entries serving as a quiet act of rebellion. The antagonist, Sadon, is menacing not for his power, but for his cold calculation he embodies systemic cruelty rather than personal vendetta.
While the novel follows some traditional fantasy beats, Ridenour consistently subverts expectations with layered character motivations and moral ambiguity. Her prose is elegant and accessible, filled with lyrical descriptions and sharp dialogue. The action is well-paced, the stakes feel real, and the emotional undercurrents run deep without being melodramatic. This is a writer who trusts her audience, and the result is a debut that never talks down to its readers.
The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is not merely a fantasy novel it is a story of resistance, compassion, and the price of freedom. With themes that echo in our world today, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to challenge, inspire, and heal. Ridenour has crafted the beginning of what promises to be a landmark series, and readers will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its richly developed world. Ridenour has a rare gift for immersive setting cities feel lived-in, forests whisper with lore, and the dragon tribes each boast distinct characteristics and cultures. The Hazy Woods, home of the elusive Vapor dragons, is a marvel of atmospheric writing. The way it is shrouded in literal and metaphorical mist mirrors the novel’s themes of secrecy and discovery, offering a landscape as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.
At the heart of the narrative is the relationship between Fendrel and Fog, a wounded Vapor dragon whose trust must be earned. Their evolving bond is both believable and touching. Ridenour avoids clichés by allowing their connection to grow through quiet moments, shared struggles, and mutual respect. Fendrel’s ability to speak Drake-tongue sets him apart not only linguistically, but ethically his empathy for dragons positions him as a bridge between species and ideologies.
Supporting characters further enrich the story. Thea, a rogue mage with a sharp wit and a softer heart, adds warmth and magical ingenuity, while Oliver, a young boy with tragic ties to the enemy, provides emotional gravity. Even Charles, a conflicted dragon hunter, is afforded depth and inner conflict, his secret journal entries serving as a quiet act of rebellion. The antagonist, Sadon, is menacing not for his power, but for his cold calculation he embodies systemic cruelty rather than personal vendetta.
While the novel follows some traditional fantasy beats, Ridenour consistently subverts expectations with layered character motivations and moral ambiguity. Her prose is elegant and accessible, filled with lyrical descriptions and sharp dialogue. The action is well-paced, the stakes feel real, and the emotional undercurrents run deep without being melodramatic. This is a writer who trusts her audience, and the result is a debut that never talks down to its readers.
The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is not merely a fantasy novel it is a story of resistance, compassion, and the price of freedom. With themes that echo in our world today, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to challenge, inspire, and heal. Ridenour has crafted the beginning of what promises to be a landmark series, and readers will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment.
May 8, 2025
In The Dragon Liberator: Escapade, Kassidy J. Ridenour has created a captivating fantasy saga filled with danger, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. The novel masterfully balances fast-paced action sequences with moments of emotional resonance, particularly as we follow Fendrel, a young man with a rare gift for communicating with dragons. His quest to free the captive Vapor dragon sets off a chain of events that plunge him into political conspiracies, magical conflicts, and battles that test his bravery at every turn.
The narrative is beautifully structured, alternating between breathtaking rescues, tense standoffs, and quieter, character-driven scenes. Ridenour’s world-building is outstanding each dragon tribe is vividly imagined, with distinctive traits and lore that enrich the setting. Whether it’s the mist-shrouded Vapor tribe, the electrically charged Spark dragons, or the mighty Dusk dragons, the fantasy elements are original and fresh. Readers will find themselves immersed in a realm where magic pulses through every interaction, and danger lurks around every corner.
What truly makes this novel shine, however, is the emotional weight behind the action. Fendrel is haunted by past mistakes and driven by a need to do right not just for the dragons, but also for his own sense of redemption. His relationship with Thea adds warmth and humor to the narrative, while Cassius, the conflicted prince, brings complexity and tension. These layered relationships elevate the story, making it more than just a rescue mission; it’s a story about loyalty, sacrifice, and the blurry line between heroism and survival.
The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is a thrilling debut that will appeal to fans of detailed fantasy epics with heart. Kassidy J. Ridenour has crafted a world that feels both epic and intimate, with stakes that matter on a personal level. I eagerly await the next chapter in this series and recommend this book to any reader looking for a fresh, emotional, and action-packed fantasy adventure.
The narrative is beautifully structured, alternating between breathtaking rescues, tense standoffs, and quieter, character-driven scenes. Ridenour’s world-building is outstanding each dragon tribe is vividly imagined, with distinctive traits and lore that enrich the setting. Whether it’s the mist-shrouded Vapor tribe, the electrically charged Spark dragons, or the mighty Dusk dragons, the fantasy elements are original and fresh. Readers will find themselves immersed in a realm where magic pulses through every interaction, and danger lurks around every corner.
What truly makes this novel shine, however, is the emotional weight behind the action. Fendrel is haunted by past mistakes and driven by a need to do right not just for the dragons, but also for his own sense of redemption. His relationship with Thea adds warmth and humor to the narrative, while Cassius, the conflicted prince, brings complexity and tension. These layered relationships elevate the story, making it more than just a rescue mission; it’s a story about loyalty, sacrifice, and the blurry line between heroism and survival.
The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is a thrilling debut that will appeal to fans of detailed fantasy epics with heart. Kassidy J. Ridenour has crafted a world that feels both epic and intimate, with stakes that matter on a personal level. I eagerly await the next chapter in this series and recommend this book to any reader looking for a fresh, emotional, and action-packed fantasy adventure.
May 8, 2025
Reading The Dragon Liberator: Escapade by Kassidy J. Ridenour is like stepping into a vivid tapestry of magic, danger, and deep emotional stakes. The story centers on Fendrel, a dragon liberator whose life is dedicated to freeing dragons from human captors, often at great personal risk. From the opening chapters, Ridenour draws readers into a world where political schemes, ancient magic, and personal loyalties collide, creating a thrilling and heartwarming adventure.
Ridenour’s prose is both accessible and evocative, painting detailed landscapes and tense action scenes while never losing sight of the characters’ inner lives. Fendrel’s unique ability to communicate with dragons gives the story a fascinating edge, allowing readers to experience the dragons as fully realized characters rather than mere beasts. The bond between Fendrel and the dragons, especially Fog, is beautifully portrayed and serves as the emotional backbone of the novel.
The supporting cast is equally compelling. Thea, the clever and determined mage, adds layers of humor and heart, while Cassius, the prince grappling with his own family’s corruption, provides an intriguing subplot filled with intrigue and danger. Together, they navigate a world teetering on the edge of chaos, where every choice has weighty consequences. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, and the emotional beats land with satisfying impact.
In short, The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is an unforgettable journey that fantasy fans will cherish. Kassidy J. Ridenour’s debut marks her as a powerful new voice in the genre, blending thrilling adventure with genuine emotional depth. This is a book that invites readers to soar alongside its heroes, to feel their triumphs and heartbreaks, and to dream of a world where courage and compassion can change everything. Highly recommended!
Ridenour’s prose is both accessible and evocative, painting detailed landscapes and tense action scenes while never losing sight of the characters’ inner lives. Fendrel’s unique ability to communicate with dragons gives the story a fascinating edge, allowing readers to experience the dragons as fully realized characters rather than mere beasts. The bond between Fendrel and the dragons, especially Fog, is beautifully portrayed and serves as the emotional backbone of the novel.
The supporting cast is equally compelling. Thea, the clever and determined mage, adds layers of humor and heart, while Cassius, the prince grappling with his own family’s corruption, provides an intriguing subplot filled with intrigue and danger. Together, they navigate a world teetering on the edge of chaos, where every choice has weighty consequences. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, and the emotional beats land with satisfying impact.
In short, The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is an unforgettable journey that fantasy fans will cherish. Kassidy J. Ridenour’s debut marks her as a powerful new voice in the genre, blending thrilling adventure with genuine emotional depth. This is a book that invites readers to soar alongside its heroes, to feel their triumphs and heartbreaks, and to dream of a world where courage and compassion can change everything. Highly recommended!
May 8, 2025
Kassidy J. Ridenour’s The Dragon Liberator: Escapade is a thrilling and beautifully written fantasy novel that grabs you from the opening scene and never lets go. With a premise centered around the liberation of dragons from cruel captors, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. What makes this story stand out is how it blends heart-pounding action with moments of quiet reflection and emotional depth.
Fendrel, the “Dragon Liberator,” is not your typical fantasy hero. He is deeply empathetic, wounded by his past, and motivated by something greater than revenge he fights for justice and freedom, not just for himself but for an entire oppressed species. His interactions with Thea, a sharp and resourceful mage, provide both comic relief and touching moments of camaraderie. Their friendship feels genuine, and their banter brings a lightness that balances the darker themes in the story.
The dragons themselves are characters, not just creatures. Fog, the Vapor dragon, and other dragon allies have their own personalities, hopes, and fears, adding richness to the narrative. The dynamic between humans and dragons is fraught with misunderstanding and fear, and Ridenour handles these tensions with care and nuance. The prose is lyrical in places, particularly in the descriptions of flight, magic, and the natural world, drawing readers deeper into a land that feels both dangerous and wondrous.
This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys immersive fantasy worlds with well-drawn characters and a meaningful emotional journey. The Dragon Liberator: Escapade offers both escapism and thought-provoking themes, making it a standout debut that promises even greater things to come from Kassidy J. Ridenour.
Fendrel, the “Dragon Liberator,” is not your typical fantasy hero. He is deeply empathetic, wounded by his past, and motivated by something greater than revenge he fights for justice and freedom, not just for himself but for an entire oppressed species. His interactions with Thea, a sharp and resourceful mage, provide both comic relief and touching moments of camaraderie. Their friendship feels genuine, and their banter brings a lightness that balances the darker themes in the story.
The dragons themselves are characters, not just creatures. Fog, the Vapor dragon, and other dragon allies have their own personalities, hopes, and fears, adding richness to the narrative. The dynamic between humans and dragons is fraught with misunderstanding and fear, and Ridenour handles these tensions with care and nuance. The prose is lyrical in places, particularly in the descriptions of flight, magic, and the natural world, drawing readers deeper into a land that feels both dangerous and wondrous.
This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys immersive fantasy worlds with well-drawn characters and a meaningful emotional journey. The Dragon Liberator: Escapade offers both escapism and thought-provoking themes, making it a standout debut that promises even greater things to come from Kassidy J. Ridenour.
May 2, 2025
Reading The Dragon Liberator: Escapade felt like revisiting the magic of classic fantasy while discovering something entirely new. Kassidy J. Ridenour breathes life into every corner of her world, from the city of Sharpdagger to the hidden realm of Vapor dragons.
What really stood out to me was the internal struggle of Charles. As a dragon hunter with a conscience, his conflicted emotions added a rich, complex layer to the story. His secret journal entries were some of the most hauntingly beautiful parts of the book.
The structure of the story shifting between Fendrel and Charles kept me glued to the pages. I wanted to know what would happen next in both storylines. Their arcs slowly inching toward collision was masterfully done.
This is a book for fans of morally grey characters, layered storytelling, and deep themes of redemption and loyalty. I’m absolutely hooked!
What really stood out to me was the internal struggle of Charles. As a dragon hunter with a conscience, his conflicted emotions added a rich, complex layer to the story. His secret journal entries were some of the most hauntingly beautiful parts of the book.
The structure of the story shifting between Fendrel and Charles kept me glued to the pages. I wanted to know what would happen next in both storylines. Their arcs slowly inching toward collision was masterfully done.
This is a book for fans of morally grey characters, layered storytelling, and deep themes of redemption and loyalty. I’m absolutely hooked!
May 2, 2025
From the very first scene, where Fendrel infiltrates a warehouse to rescue a dragon, I was captivated by the stakes and the emotional intensity. The narrative starts strong and never loses momentum.
Fog’s introduction was breathtaking. A wounded, misty creature with a regal aura, she embodied the quiet power and sorrow of the hunted. Her interactions with Fendrel were laced with curiosity and growing trust.
I appreciated the way Kassidy J. Ridenour portrayed Fog as both mystical and relatable. Her speech, actions, and cultural background made her more than a fantasy creature she was a person with depth and agency.
The blend of action and emotion in this book is masterful. It has the thrills of a chase story and the poignancy of a character-driven drama. Highly recommended for fans of Eragon and The Dragon Prince.
Fog’s introduction was breathtaking. A wounded, misty creature with a regal aura, she embodied the quiet power and sorrow of the hunted. Her interactions with Fendrel were laced with curiosity and growing trust.
I appreciated the way Kassidy J. Ridenour portrayed Fog as both mystical and relatable. Her speech, actions, and cultural background made her more than a fantasy creature she was a person with depth and agency.
The blend of action and emotion in this book is masterful. It has the thrills of a chase story and the poignancy of a character-driven drama. Highly recommended for fans of Eragon and The Dragon Prince.
May 2, 2025
I never expected to fall so hard for a supporting character, but Thea absolutely won me over. Her cleverness, magical talent, and witty banter added a vibrant dimension to the story.
The dynamic between Thea and Fendrel was wonderful two people with shared history and very different strengths. Their trust and occasional teasing made their relationship feel real and earned.
Kassidy did a fantastic job integrating magic without making it overpowered. Thea’s spells were creative and had consequences, making the fantasy elements feel grounded in rules.
This book offers a fresh and emotionally rich take on the dragon fantasy genre. I’m eager to see more of Thea’s spellwork and her growing bond with Fog.
May 2, 2025
Oliver was such a surprise addition to the story! His courage and stubbornness were endearing, especially given the horror he was surrounded by.
It’s rare for a child character to be handled so well. Oliver never felt like a burden or a plot device. His desire for safety and love was heartbreaking and hopeful all at once.
The decision to include a child in such a dangerous world was a bold one and it paid off. His presence softened the darker themes and gave Fendrel a new reason to fight.
I’m rooting for this little family of misfits. Fog, Fendrel, Thea, and Oliver they’ve stolen my heart. I hope they stay together for the rest of the series.
It’s rare for a child character to be handled so well. Oliver never felt like a burden or a plot device. His desire for safety and love was heartbreaking and hopeful all at once.
The decision to include a child in such a dangerous world was a bold one and it paid off. His presence softened the darker themes and gave Fendrel a new reason to fight.
I’m rooting for this little family of misfits. Fog, Fendrel, Thea, and Oliver they’ve stolen my heart. I hope they stay together for the rest of the series.
May 2, 2025
Sadon is one of the most compelling villains I’ve read in a while. Cold, calculating, and obsessed with domination, he’s terrifying because he’s so controlled.
Unlike many one dimensional antagonists, Sadon has layers. His ego, his possessiveness over Oliver, and his calculated cruelty make him all the more detestable.
Kassidy avoids the trap of glorifying evil. Sadon’s presence darkens every scene he’s in, and you feel the tension rise when he enters a room.
A villain like Sadon raises the stakes significantly. I can’t wait to see what happens when he and Fendrel inevitably clash again.
Unlike many one dimensional antagonists, Sadon has layers. His ego, his possessiveness over Oliver, and his calculated cruelty make him all the more detestable.
Kassidy avoids the trap of glorifying evil. Sadon’s presence darkens every scene he’s in, and you feel the tension rise when he enters a room.
A villain like Sadon raises the stakes significantly. I can’t wait to see what happens when he and Fendrel inevitably clash again.
May 2, 2025
There’s a quiet beauty to the prose in this book. Even in moments of action, Kassidy’s writing retains a lyrical quality that’s rare in modern fantasy.
Descriptions like mist “falling like waterfalls in slow motion” and cities veiled in secrecy made the story feel like reading a poem with teeth.
The dialogue is also sharp and realistic. Every character has a distinct voice, and the banter between Fendrel and Thea is particularly fun.
I often paused to reread lines just to savor them. That’s the mark of a good storyteller and a great book.
Descriptions like mist “falling like waterfalls in slow motion” and cities veiled in secrecy made the story feel like reading a poem with teeth.
The dialogue is also sharp and realistic. Every character has a distinct voice, and the banter between Fendrel and Thea is particularly fun.
I often paused to reread lines just to savor them. That’s the mark of a good storyteller and a great book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews