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Forgotten Realms - Publication Order
Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons
The Fallbacks return for another adventure in Dungeons & Dragons’ Forgotten Realms!
The Fallbacks might not be Faerun’s first choice for saving the day, but if the money’s right they’ll get the job done. In this ragtag band of adventurers, each member plays a vital Tess the disciplined elven thief; Anson the courageous fighter; Lark the cunning bard; Baldric the wily cleric; Cazrin the inquisitive wizard; and Uggie, their pet monster who eats garbage. Squint a little and they’re the heroes Faerun needs.
Fresh off a harrowing journey into the infinite dungeon of Undermountain and the defeat of a powerful undead lich (with the help of a giant hungry worm or two), the adventurers are now a proven and dedicated team, ready for a new adventure which will take them to strange new realms.
The Fallbacks might not be Faerun’s first choice for saving the day, but if the money’s right they’ll get the job done. In this ragtag band of adventurers, each member plays a vital Tess the disciplined elven thief; Anson the courageous fighter; Lark the cunning bard; Baldric the wily cleric; Cazrin the inquisitive wizard; and Uggie, their pet monster who eats garbage. Squint a little and they’re the heroes Faerun needs.
Fresh off a harrowing journey into the infinite dungeon of Undermountain and the defeat of a powerful undead lich (with the help of a giant hungry worm or two), the adventurers are now a proven and dedicated team, ready for a new adventure which will take them to strange new realms.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published July 29, 2025
38 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Jaleigh Johnson
34 books315 followersJaleigh Johnson lives and writes in the wilds of the Midwest. Her middle grade debut novel The Mark of the Dragonfly is a New York Times bestseller. Her other books from Delacorte Press include The Secrets of Solace, The Quest to the Uncharted Lands, and The Door to the Lost. She has also written fiction for Dungeons and Dragons, Marvel, and Assassin's Creed. Johnson is an avid gamer and lifelong geek.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 20, 2025
Review: A crew of magical adventurers called the Fallbacks, leaps and cavorts their way to dungeon treasure. The End. Well there is more, but not much. Lesbian trysts, a missing brother, dragon possession and Familiar love round out the story lines. The gem in this chest are the inter-personal conflicts and resolutions. This interplay really drew me in. Additionally, the dungeon looting, monster killing and fight scenes were spot on.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
Rating: 4.6/5
I received this ARC for an honest review.
Rating: 4.6/5
March 24, 2025
I'll be honest: I didn't expect this to be good.
A lot of people who write "licensed" fiction are, let's face it, hacks - and hacks who, all too often, don't have much of a grasp of the basic mechanics of prose.
This author is better than that, and better than the average writer in general.
Because the characters are a D&D adventuring party, it's an ensemble cast. Those can be difficult to do. Giving multiple characters distinctive viewpoints, voices, motivations and backgrounds, and then meshing them together in such a way that they both clash and support each other and all contribute to the overall plot, is not a trivial task, and here it's handled well. The characters have some dimension to them, and they all have believable arcs which are complementary.
The plot trots along at a good pace without sacrificing characterization, though you are expected to be familiar with the world of the Forgotten Realms; its places and creatures and organizations get minimal description. It even took me a while to realize Tess, the group's leader, was an elf, partly because I was left to assume that the people whose species wasn't specified were human, and (unless I missed something) Tess's elven ancestry wasn't mentioned immediately. There's also a good deal of reference back to the previous book, which I haven't read, but I didn't feel lost because of it; everything said about the events of that book is said in a context where it's relevant to whatever's going on in this book.
Overall, it felt like a good, solid pulpy adventure with well-intentioned, capable but flawed characters who bounced off each other in interesting ways.
A lot of people who write "licensed" fiction are, let's face it, hacks - and hacks who, all too often, don't have much of a grasp of the basic mechanics of prose.
This author is better than that, and better than the average writer in general.
Because the characters are a D&D adventuring party, it's an ensemble cast. Those can be difficult to do. Giving multiple characters distinctive viewpoints, voices, motivations and backgrounds, and then meshing them together in such a way that they both clash and support each other and all contribute to the overall plot, is not a trivial task, and here it's handled well. The characters have some dimension to them, and they all have believable arcs which are complementary.
The plot trots along at a good pace without sacrificing characterization, though you are expected to be familiar with the world of the Forgotten Realms; its places and creatures and organizations get minimal description. It even took me a while to realize Tess, the group's leader, was an elf, partly because I was left to assume that the people whose species wasn't specified were human, and (unless I missed something) Tess's elven ancestry wasn't mentioned immediately. There's also a good deal of reference back to the previous book, which I haven't read, but I didn't feel lost because of it; everything said about the events of that book is said in a context where it's relevant to whatever's going on in this book.
Overall, it felt like a good, solid pulpy adventure with well-intentioned, capable but flawed characters who bounced off each other in interesting ways.
March 26, 2025
Random House provided an early galley for review.
I have read several of the author's Marvel novels in the past. This is the second book in the new series of Dungeons and Dragons novels by her (the first, The Fallbacks: Bound For Ruin, came out in 2024 and slipped under my radar).
This novel opens with the crew in the middle of a mission. We're introduced to them through their actions; not a lot of details given at first on the back stories as (I suspect) much of that came in book one. Still, the narrative is easy enough to follow with necessary information dropping in as needed.
The Fallbacks are an interesting mix of personalities. Several take classic character archetypes and give them a subtle twist. As far as the world and creatures that inhabit it, it is targeted for readers familiar with the world of D&D as not a lot of time is spent fully describing things outside of what the story needs. That can be a double-edged sword.
Overall, I found the novel to be very enjoyable. As someone who dabbles in his own fantasy tales of similar tone (both as a dungeon-master and a writer), I will certainly draw some inspiration from tales such as this one.
I have read several of the author's Marvel novels in the past. This is the second book in the new series of Dungeons and Dragons novels by her (the first, The Fallbacks: Bound For Ruin, came out in 2024 and slipped under my radar).
This novel opens with the crew in the middle of a mission. We're introduced to them through their actions; not a lot of details given at first on the back stories as (I suspect) much of that came in book one. Still, the narrative is easy enough to follow with necessary information dropping in as needed.
The Fallbacks are an interesting mix of personalities. Several take classic character archetypes and give them a subtle twist. As far as the world and creatures that inhabit it, it is targeted for readers familiar with the world of D&D as not a lot of time is spent fully describing things outside of what the story needs. That can be a double-edged sword.
Overall, I found the novel to be very enjoyable. As someone who dabbles in his own fantasy tales of similar tone (both as a dungeon-master and a writer), I will certainly draw some inspiration from tales such as this one.
August 10, 2025
Title: Dealing with Dragons
Author: Jaleigh Johnson
🧙♀️ Genre: Fantasy / Adventure / D&D Tie-In
📅 Released: July 29, 2025
The Fallbacks are back—and this time, they’re trying to save their cleric’s SOUL from a dragon.
This book is a wild ride through the Forgotten Realms: ⚔️ Big battles 😂 Hilarious party banter 💔 Real emotional stakes 🎲 ALL the D&D vibes
Johnson absolutely nails the party dynamic—if you've ever rolled dice with friends, this one will hit home. It’s witty, warm, chaotic, and loaded with Easter eggs for D&D fans.
📌 Read it if you love: • Found family adventuring • Vox Machina / Critical Role energy • Fast-paced fantasy with heart • D&D lore (Luskan, Sunless Citadel 👀)
🔮 Not ideal if you’re unfamiliar with D&D lore, and this one leans hard into Realms knowledge.
🧡 Final thought: Cozy chaos in the best way. A great sequel and a love letter to tabletop adventuring.
The Fallbacks are back—and this time, they’re trying to save their cleric’s SOUL from a dragon.
This book is a wild ride through the Forgotten Realms: ⚔️ Big battles 😂 Hilarious party banter 💔 Real emotional stakes 🎲 ALL the D&D vibes
Johnson absolutely nails the party dynamic—if you've ever rolled dice with friends, this one will hit home. It’s witty, warm, chaotic, and loaded with Easter eggs for D&D fans.
📌 Read it if you love: • Found family adventuring • Vox Machina / Critical Role energy • Fast-paced fantasy with heart • D&D lore (Luskan, Sunless Citadel 👀)
🔮 Not ideal if you’re unfamiliar with D&D lore, and this one leans hard into Realms knowledge.
🧡 Final thought: Cozy chaos in the best way. A great sequel and a love letter to tabletop adventuring.
June 28, 2025
Read as an ARC from Netgalley:
This was fantastic, easy to pick up Dungeons & Dragons book with a fantastic cast. Despite not reading the first book, I was easily able to pick up on the characters, and their dynamics.
Johnson does a great job writing fleshed out, 3-dimensional characters, who all have their own wants/desires.
The action is magnificent, and the plot has plenty of fun twists/turns.
High recommend!
This was fantastic, easy to pick up Dungeons & Dragons book with a fantastic cast. Despite not reading the first book, I was easily able to pick up on the characters, and their dynamics.
Johnson does a great job writing fleshed out, 3-dimensional characters, who all have their own wants/desires.
The action is magnificent, and the plot has plenty of fun twists/turns.
High recommend!
December 14, 2025
I absolutely loved this story! I enjoyed the first one but this one was so much more fun and enjoyable to read. I love how the story is truly exploring the dynamics of an actual DnD campaign and I loved the character growth! Can’t wait for the next one 😊
May 13, 2025
https://magicandmeteors.wordpress.com...
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for an Advanced Reader Copy
A Fast-Paced, Character-Driven Fantasy That Balances Classic Tropes With Bucket Loads of Heart
Jaleigh Johnson’s The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons is an brilliant exemplary entry in the expanding canon of Dungeons & Dragons fiction. As the second installment in her adult fantasy series, the novel sharpens its thematic focus on found family, reluctant heroism, and mythic legacy, while retaining the wit and compact pacing that made its predecessor, Bound for Ruin, such a surprise standout.
The titular Fallbacks—a ragtag group of second-tier adventurers—return with more chemistry and cohesion than ever. Tess, the pragmatic elven rogue; Lark, a bard whose charisma masks emotional depth; Cazrin, the anxiety-ridden wizard; and their companions bring heart, humor, and vulnerability to every encounter. Johnson’s portrayal of this ensemble succeeds not by grandiosity, but by nuance. These are not heroes chosen by prophecy—they are survivors, often overlooked, and all the more compelling for it.
Though Johnson’s novel is set in the venerable Forgotten Realms, she avoids the pitfalls of franchise fiction. The world-building is confident yet expansive, allowing readers unfamiliar with D&D lore to engage fully, while rewarding veteran fans with subtle, meaningful nods. Dealing with Dragons allows us to explore Faerun and get to their motivations more but at the same time is cleverly concise and on target without feeling rushed but still sharp and and well developed, and its plot—centered on a growing threat from ancient draconic forces—maintains urgency without sacrificing character development.
Crucially, the novel’s tone balances drama with levity. Johnson’s humor is organic, often emerging from character dynamics rather than contrived punchlines. The result is a fantasy novel that feels lived-in and emotionally grounded, even when its characters are dealing with arcane catastrophes or navigating monster-infested ruins.
Thematically, Johnson is interested in loyalty, redemption, and the idea that heroism isn’t always loud or legendary. The dragons, when they appear, are not just adversaries but reflections of the past's inescapable weight. This lends the narrative a mythic resonance, especially in its latter chapters, where choice and consequence collide with satisfying payoff.
While The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons is a continuation it at the same time does not scrimp on the world building. Johnson treats the shared world as a platform rather than a constraint, creating a story that is distinctly her own. It is, ultimately, a character-driven novel that respects the genre’s traditions while speaking in a thoroughly modern voice.
Highly recommended for readers of ensemble fantasy, character-first narratives, and anyone craving a smart take on epic adventure full of character-driven adventures with wit and substance.
Smart, witty, and heartfelt, and unapologetically fun.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for an Advanced Reader Copy
A Fast-Paced, Character-Driven Fantasy That Balances Classic Tropes With Bucket Loads of Heart
Jaleigh Johnson’s The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons is an brilliant exemplary entry in the expanding canon of Dungeons & Dragons fiction. As the second installment in her adult fantasy series, the novel sharpens its thematic focus on found family, reluctant heroism, and mythic legacy, while retaining the wit and compact pacing that made its predecessor, Bound for Ruin, such a surprise standout.
The titular Fallbacks—a ragtag group of second-tier adventurers—return with more chemistry and cohesion than ever. Tess, the pragmatic elven rogue; Lark, a bard whose charisma masks emotional depth; Cazrin, the anxiety-ridden wizard; and their companions bring heart, humor, and vulnerability to every encounter. Johnson’s portrayal of this ensemble succeeds not by grandiosity, but by nuance. These are not heroes chosen by prophecy—they are survivors, often overlooked, and all the more compelling for it.
Though Johnson’s novel is set in the venerable Forgotten Realms, she avoids the pitfalls of franchise fiction. The world-building is confident yet expansive, allowing readers unfamiliar with D&D lore to engage fully, while rewarding veteran fans with subtle, meaningful nods. Dealing with Dragons allows us to explore Faerun and get to their motivations more but at the same time is cleverly concise and on target without feeling rushed but still sharp and and well developed, and its plot—centered on a growing threat from ancient draconic forces—maintains urgency without sacrificing character development.
Crucially, the novel’s tone balances drama with levity. Johnson’s humor is organic, often emerging from character dynamics rather than contrived punchlines. The result is a fantasy novel that feels lived-in and emotionally grounded, even when its characters are dealing with arcane catastrophes or navigating monster-infested ruins.
Thematically, Johnson is interested in loyalty, redemption, and the idea that heroism isn’t always loud or legendary. The dragons, when they appear, are not just adversaries but reflections of the past's inescapable weight. This lends the narrative a mythic resonance, especially in its latter chapters, where choice and consequence collide with satisfying payoff.
While The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons is a continuation it at the same time does not scrimp on the world building. Johnson treats the shared world as a platform rather than a constraint, creating a story that is distinctly her own. It is, ultimately, a character-driven novel that respects the genre’s traditions while speaking in a thoroughly modern voice.
Highly recommended for readers of ensemble fantasy, character-first narratives, and anyone craving a smart take on epic adventure full of character-driven adventures with wit and substance.
Smart, witty, and heartfelt, and unapologetically fun.
May 29, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for an advance copy of this fantasy novel, the second in a series, dealing with a group of adventurers dealing with internal and external problems, problems that could mean the end of their fledgling adventuring careers, and maybe even their life and souls.
I had been reading fantasy novels for a awhile before I was introduced to role playing games. This was in sixth grade, in Earth science where our labs went from learning about the ground we lived on to imagining what creatures lived below the surface, deep in the caverns below our feet. I don't think I ever did so much for my parents in an effort to earn allowance money for modules and the infinite amount of manuals game playing needed. Soon there were novels. game books at first, than Dragonlance chronicles, which I read with bated breath. Ravenloft and soon the Forgotten Realms books, which I devoured. I drifted away from fantasy though. I kept getting older and the books all seemed to stay the same. So I missed a lot of changes, though every bookstore I worked in had tons of D&D stuff, and plenty of people buying them. I've come back to fantasy in the last few years and one of the big surprises I have had is that the Dungeons & Dragons books have grown quite a bit, in story, ideas, characters and motivations. And I have a lot of catching up to do. Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons by Jaleigh Johnson is the second to feature The Fallbacks an Expendables-like mercenary group who gets the worst jobs, have the worst enemies, and have the worst of luck.
The Fallbacks have been knocked down, but have gotten back up again, meaner, more experienced and ready for a fight. The only problem is the fight seems to be amongst themselves. Each member seems to be dealing with secrets, with issues of trust, and doubt, and these problems are being used against them, but enemies they don't even understand yet. Tess is the leader of the group, an elven thief tasked by her mentor to forge a group to deal with troubles in the land, but Tess seems to be missing a lot in her group. Anson is a fighter with a broken sword that tosses lightening, but is broken inside because of his brother, who might be using him for devious reasons. Lark is a bard who is being persuaded by enemies he doesn't know who, and wants only to hide, but even that has been stripped away. Baldric is a cleric who has never settled for one God to worship, when so many others can be asked for bargains and deals. This has backfired, allowing a dark spirit to gain a hold on him, one that is steadily winning. The only two without problems are the wizard Cazrin, dealing with love, and Uggie their mascot, familiar, who is constantly hungry. Tasked to weed out cultists from a wizards school, the band splintered as they are set off, hoping that the fallback plan of just fighting, fighting fighting, will get them through.
I really enjoyed this book quite a bit. The book starts in a battle and really doesn't let up. Johnson has a very good grasp on the characters and each one is unique and different. They fight differently, feel differently, and work well as a team. Each has a part of the story which is rare in many of these multi-character books. The writing is really good, with a nice sense of pacing, a one gets a feel for the world, the threats, and what the characters are doing and why. Johnson is also very good at throwing in weird magic, that makes sense, and are some of the most original that I have read. A traveling Inn, a healing lantern. Teleporting daggers. Some of these might be from the new rules for D&D that I don't know, but Johnson uses them well to advance the story.
This is the second book, so I suggest starting with the first. There is a bit of a leaning curve getting up to speed with what is going on, past threats, and how the band got together. I really enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would, and really look forward to more in this series, and really anything that Jaleigh Johnson writes.
I had been reading fantasy novels for a awhile before I was introduced to role playing games. This was in sixth grade, in Earth science where our labs went from learning about the ground we lived on to imagining what creatures lived below the surface, deep in the caverns below our feet. I don't think I ever did so much for my parents in an effort to earn allowance money for modules and the infinite amount of manuals game playing needed. Soon there were novels. game books at first, than Dragonlance chronicles, which I read with bated breath. Ravenloft and soon the Forgotten Realms books, which I devoured. I drifted away from fantasy though. I kept getting older and the books all seemed to stay the same. So I missed a lot of changes, though every bookstore I worked in had tons of D&D stuff, and plenty of people buying them. I've come back to fantasy in the last few years and one of the big surprises I have had is that the Dungeons & Dragons books have grown quite a bit, in story, ideas, characters and motivations. And I have a lot of catching up to do. Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons by Jaleigh Johnson is the second to feature The Fallbacks an Expendables-like mercenary group who gets the worst jobs, have the worst enemies, and have the worst of luck.
The Fallbacks have been knocked down, but have gotten back up again, meaner, more experienced and ready for a fight. The only problem is the fight seems to be amongst themselves. Each member seems to be dealing with secrets, with issues of trust, and doubt, and these problems are being used against them, but enemies they don't even understand yet. Tess is the leader of the group, an elven thief tasked by her mentor to forge a group to deal with troubles in the land, but Tess seems to be missing a lot in her group. Anson is a fighter with a broken sword that tosses lightening, but is broken inside because of his brother, who might be using him for devious reasons. Lark is a bard who is being persuaded by enemies he doesn't know who, and wants only to hide, but even that has been stripped away. Baldric is a cleric who has never settled for one God to worship, when so many others can be asked for bargains and deals. This has backfired, allowing a dark spirit to gain a hold on him, one that is steadily winning. The only two without problems are the wizard Cazrin, dealing with love, and Uggie their mascot, familiar, who is constantly hungry. Tasked to weed out cultists from a wizards school, the band splintered as they are set off, hoping that the fallback plan of just fighting, fighting fighting, will get them through.
I really enjoyed this book quite a bit. The book starts in a battle and really doesn't let up. Johnson has a very good grasp on the characters and each one is unique and different. They fight differently, feel differently, and work well as a team. Each has a part of the story which is rare in many of these multi-character books. The writing is really good, with a nice sense of pacing, a one gets a feel for the world, the threats, and what the characters are doing and why. Johnson is also very good at throwing in weird magic, that makes sense, and are some of the most original that I have read. A traveling Inn, a healing lantern. Teleporting daggers. Some of these might be from the new rules for D&D that I don't know, but Johnson uses them well to advance the story.
This is the second book, so I suggest starting with the first. There is a bit of a leaning curve getting up to speed with what is going on, past threats, and how the band got together. I really enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would, and really look forward to more in this series, and really anything that Jaleigh Johnson writes.
March 25, 2025
Oh, this was a delicious read.
The Fallbacks are back, and things are bigger than ever (and given what they dealt with last time, that might be a big surprise). Ashardalon is back, for one thing! And he's not the only one.
As before, this adventure deftly combines charming characters with a rollicking adventure in a way that feels like playing the game -- this could be any of my main tables I play at, honestly, from the focus on roleplaying through encounters to the way the characters interact to the interesting angles on game mechanics (I LOVE that Baldric's calling on gods is always something where he has to negotiate an offer to get his power; as a player, it reads like, ok, we know what the mechanics do, but in world, the character has to do something to allow it, and I can practically see the player with papers spread out around him that have lists of the different gods and things he might offer them in exchange for which powers). The story is a fun little adventure I could see being played; if not at my own table, this would easily be a live play I'd watch.
It also feels like modern D&D in a way that few tie-in novels tend to. It's not just that it feels like a game in progress (which, I love Drizzt, for example, but those books feel like in-world explorations, rather than something that could fit in a series of game sessions). It's the roleplay focus, it's the style of exposition, and it's the queerness. I'm going to shout out the queerness explicitly, because I'm sure some people will complain about it and I want to put my voice forward in support of it before that can happen. Again, it feels like it could be happening at the tables I play at; I can tell so much I'm welcome here as someone who engages with this world. Love how queer it is. Oh, and it was so balanced with the first book! The characters who got main focus in that had less in this one (while still present, contributing, and involved) and vice versa.
The worst part about reading an ARC is knowing I have to wait even longer for the next book. I'm very excited to learn who's hunting Lark, why Anson's brother tricked him, what [spoilers] wants with Baldric, and more. Hats off to you, Jaleigh Johnson! I haven't been this excited for a book that hasn't even been announced yet in a long time.
The Fallbacks are back, and things are bigger than ever (and given what they dealt with last time, that might be a big surprise). Ashardalon is back, for one thing! And he's not the only one.
As before, this adventure deftly combines charming characters with a rollicking adventure in a way that feels like playing the game -- this could be any of my main tables I play at, honestly, from the focus on roleplaying through encounters to the way the characters interact to the interesting angles on game mechanics (I LOVE that Baldric's calling on gods is always something where he has to negotiate an offer to get his power; as a player, it reads like, ok, we know what the mechanics do, but in world, the character has to do something to allow it, and I can practically see the player with papers spread out around him that have lists of the different gods and things he might offer them in exchange for which powers). The story is a fun little adventure I could see being played; if not at my own table, this would easily be a live play I'd watch.
It also feels like modern D&D in a way that few tie-in novels tend to. It's not just that it feels like a game in progress (which, I love Drizzt, for example, but those books feel like in-world explorations, rather than something that could fit in a series of game sessions). It's the roleplay focus, it's the style of exposition, and it's the queerness. I'm going to shout out the queerness explicitly, because I'm sure some people will complain about it and I want to put my voice forward in support of it before that can happen. Again, it feels like it could be happening at the tables I play at; I can tell so much I'm welcome here as someone who engages with this world. Love how queer it is. Oh, and it was so balanced with the first book! The characters who got main focus in that had less in this one (while still present, contributing, and involved) and vice versa.
The worst part about reading an ARC is knowing I have to wait even longer for the next book. I'm very excited to learn who's hunting Lark, why Anson's brother tricked him, what [spoilers] wants with Baldric, and more. Hats off to you, Jaleigh Johnson! I haven't been this excited for a book that hasn't even been announced yet in a long time.
July 26, 2025
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this novel via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I must admit, despite loving the idea of D&D, I’ve never had experience with it beyond D&D inspired video games and real play podcasts that have a greater emphasis on comedy than the gameplay. Still, the world of Faerûn is definitely burned into my consciousness. Baldurs Gate, Neverwinter, and Icewind Dale are all terms that illicit a certain nostalgia in me, even if it’s not from playing the game itself.
The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons by Jaleigh Johnson is a Dungeons and Dragons novel that follows a group of adventurers known as The Fallbacks. I didn’t read the first book of this series, but that didn’t seem to hamper by ability to enjoy it.
The novel is well written, and the cast of characters is clearly well established. I really enjoyed the action, and just wished there was more of it. The novel has a tendency to cut external conflict short in favour of internal conflicts between characters. In some places, this has the effect of adding depth to the characters, which is welcome, but more often than not, it leans a bit too far into it and comes across as melodramatic.
The novel does a good job of giving each of its characters time to shine, and the characters have realistic motivations that really do come through in the downtime. The only issue is that the majority of the novel is downtime. Apart from a few short forays into combat, The Fallbacks spend a considerable amount of time carousing at inns. The interpersonal relationships are brought to the forefront at the expense of everything else.
The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons had the potential to be a fun novel, and it does have its moments. There’s humour aplenty and the cast of loveable rouges, but the drama gets in the way a bit.
I must admit, despite loving the idea of D&D, I’ve never had experience with it beyond D&D inspired video games and real play podcasts that have a greater emphasis on comedy than the gameplay. Still, the world of Faerûn is definitely burned into my consciousness. Baldurs Gate, Neverwinter, and Icewind Dale are all terms that illicit a certain nostalgia in me, even if it’s not from playing the game itself.
The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons by Jaleigh Johnson is a Dungeons and Dragons novel that follows a group of adventurers known as The Fallbacks. I didn’t read the first book of this series, but that didn’t seem to hamper by ability to enjoy it.
The novel is well written, and the cast of characters is clearly well established. I really enjoyed the action, and just wished there was more of it. The novel has a tendency to cut external conflict short in favour of internal conflicts between characters. In some places, this has the effect of adding depth to the characters, which is welcome, but more often than not, it leans a bit too far into it and comes across as melodramatic.
The novel does a good job of giving each of its characters time to shine, and the characters have realistic motivations that really do come through in the downtime. The only issue is that the majority of the novel is downtime. Apart from a few short forays into combat, The Fallbacks spend a considerable amount of time carousing at inns. The interpersonal relationships are brought to the forefront at the expense of everything else.
The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons had the potential to be a fun novel, and it does have its moments. There’s humour aplenty and the cast of loveable rouges, but the drama gets in the way a bit.
September 9, 2025
** This review is based on an e-ARC received from Net Galley **
As an avid player and DM of Dungeons & Dragons for the last five years, I was very excited to have the opportunity to read The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons. A fantasy story about a ragtag group of adventurers featuring the lore and world building of the Sword Coast? Sign me up!
Jaleigh Johnson crafts a well-rounded follow-up to The Fallbacks: Bound for Ruin. In this tale, our group of adventurers have become a cohesive team ready to take on their next job. They face setbacks along the way that test the bonds they have forged.
For those, like me, that want to see the classes, creatures, and magic from D&D come to life, they will not be disappointed. Each character embodies the class they represent from the game without feeling too tropey or one-dimensional. For readers that are unfamiliar with D&D, not to worry. Johnson has written the action and each character’s skills clearly enough to know what is happening. You don’t have to be a seasoned D&D player with encyclopedic knowledge to feel the effects of a magic spell being cast or the impact of a sword strike.
Each character feels like a player character you would find around a home game. Each have a unique backstory that informs the characters’ decisions. Sometimes those decisions conflict with each other, and the characters must learn to work through these conflicts and strengthen their bonds of trust.
If you are looking for a fast-paced fantasy adventure with character growth, found family, and plenty of action, The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons by Jaleigh Johnson is a can’t-miss.
As an avid player and DM of Dungeons & Dragons for the last five years, I was very excited to have the opportunity to read The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons. A fantasy story about a ragtag group of adventurers featuring the lore and world building of the Sword Coast? Sign me up!
Jaleigh Johnson crafts a well-rounded follow-up to The Fallbacks: Bound for Ruin. In this tale, our group of adventurers have become a cohesive team ready to take on their next job. They face setbacks along the way that test the bonds they have forged.
For those, like me, that want to see the classes, creatures, and magic from D&D come to life, they will not be disappointed. Each character embodies the class they represent from the game without feeling too tropey or one-dimensional. For readers that are unfamiliar with D&D, not to worry. Johnson has written the action and each character’s skills clearly enough to know what is happening. You don’t have to be a seasoned D&D player with encyclopedic knowledge to feel the effects of a magic spell being cast or the impact of a sword strike.
Each character feels like a player character you would find around a home game. Each have a unique backstory that informs the characters’ decisions. Sometimes those decisions conflict with each other, and the characters must learn to work through these conflicts and strengthen their bonds of trust.
If you are looking for a fast-paced fantasy adventure with character growth, found family, and plenty of action, The Fallbacks: Dealing with Dragons by Jaleigh Johnson is a can’t-miss.
July 24, 2025
As a fan of D&D novels for more than four decades, Johnson has continued the tradition of fun romps with just enough hints of gameplay to keep longtime players happy as well. This is the second book surrounding the adventuring band known as The Fallbacks. Led by the rogue Tess, this group has once again found themselves pitted against a power far outside their normal range. Picking up shortly after the end of the previous novel "The Fallbacks: Bound for Ruin", the party finds itself dealing with the machinations of a greatwyrm as a result of the ill-advised acceptance of powerful magical aid by the group's cleric, Baldric, during the previous encounter. We also get to see how this group has continued to evolve into a true adventuring band as more of the backgrounds and intentions of each of the party members are brought much more to the forefront than in the previous novel.
I applaud Johnson for continuing to keep the focus on the storytelling of this fantasy band rather than getting hidebound by the rules of the game from which it takes much of its lore. Too often, writers of D&D novels focus too much on ensuring the story fits within the limits of the game's power/rules. Johnson stretches the rules of the game but doesn't utterly break them (yep still smarting about flammable grease in another recent D&D novel).
Overall, a great romp and a fun read. I look forward to continued adventures with The Fallbacks.
A huge "thank you" to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey for the opportunity to enjoy this eARC.
I applaud Johnson for continuing to keep the focus on the storytelling of this fantasy band rather than getting hidebound by the rules of the game from which it takes much of its lore. Too often, writers of D&D novels focus too much on ensuring the story fits within the limits of the game's power/rules. Johnson stretches the rules of the game but doesn't utterly break them (yep still smarting about flammable grease in another recent D&D novel).
Overall, a great romp and a fun read. I look forward to continued adventures with The Fallbacks.
A huge "thank you" to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey for the opportunity to enjoy this eARC.
December 17, 2025
This was GREAT! I loved the first Fallbacks novel, and enjoyed this one even more. I love this cast of characters. Johnson does a great job at making each of their voices distinct from one another, so whenever a new chapter comes I'm excited to see which member will be our perspective character. They're also just so cool. Tess is a great leader, she kind of reminds me of Leonardo, and he's my favorite Ninja Turtle, so there's no surprise that I enjoy her. Anson is such a sweetheart. Cazrin seems shy and soft-spoken but will do anything for her friends. Lark is hilarious and arrogant in a way that is endearing, not annoying. Baldric is such a cool cleric. The deals he makes feel very unique and make him stand out against all the other clerics I've read about in my time reading fantasy. Uggie is the best pet the group could ask for.
The adventure they went on in this book was also very exciting. I felt like the story did a great job balancing between exciting D&D themed action and character moments that deepened the Fallbacks' bonds with one another. Johnson's writing is exciting, funny, and emotional. She balances those elements very well throughout.
I could see this book not being everyone's cup of tea, the stakes might not feel high enough, they might not vibe with the characters as well as I did. For me? This is pretty much everything I want in a fantasy adventure novel!
The adventure they went on in this book was also very exciting. I felt like the story did a great job balancing between exciting D&D themed action and character moments that deepened the Fallbacks' bonds with one another. Johnson's writing is exciting, funny, and emotional. She balances those elements very well throughout.
I could see this book not being everyone's cup of tea, the stakes might not feel high enough, they might not vibe with the characters as well as I did. For me? This is pretty much everything I want in a fantasy adventure novel!
June 13, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5, thank you Netgalley and Random House for the ARC copy, this is my honest review.
I have to start by admitting that I did not read the previous book, so at the beginning I was a bit at lost with who was who and what had happened before with the Fallbacks, but, honestly? It felt even more like a DnD campaign like that.
Once I started reading, however, I got to know these characters, this little band of adventurers who, as I continued reading, felt more and more like a found family.
Every single one of them has their own issues, secrets and demons they need to fight, and we deal with one of those issues (and tackle a bit a couple more) in this book.
The dungeon crawling felt like a game of DnD, the battles were action-filled without being overbearing and the characters (even Uggie, or better said, specially Uggie) were charming on their own and as a group.
I might have started this without having read the previous one, but let me tell you I will read every single one that comes after (and the first one), because I need to join these adventurers in all their quests from now on.
I have to start by admitting that I did not read the previous book, so at the beginning I was a bit at lost with who was who and what had happened before with the Fallbacks, but, honestly? It felt even more like a DnD campaign like that.
Once I started reading, however, I got to know these characters, this little band of adventurers who, as I continued reading, felt more and more like a found family.
Every single one of them has their own issues, secrets and demons they need to fight, and we deal with one of those issues (and tackle a bit a couple more) in this book.
The dungeon crawling felt like a game of DnD, the battles were action-filled without being overbearing and the characters (even Uggie, or better said, specially Uggie) were charming on their own and as a group.
I might have started this without having read the previous one, but let me tell you I will read every single one that comes after (and the first one), because I need to join these adventurers in all their quests from now on.
September 22, 2025
Let me start by saying - I play a *lot* of D&D. So I appreciate every little Easter egg detail in this series, and I love the format of the story and that all of the party members feel like equally important main characters. Each character’s personality and back story, their motivation etc feels very well fleshed out and they all feel unique.
That being said, this book felt like a D&D campaign that started in the middle of combat, had 6 sessions of nothing but roleplay, and then a boss fight right at the end. I do like how the author used that time to really let us get to know everyone in the party more, building on the first book. But for over 50% of this book, it kind of felt like nothing happened and the pacing was pretty slow and hard to get through.
I did enjoy the twists and turns of the story though - and I was definitely surprised by a few things. I will absolutely continue this series because I feel attached to this party in the same way I feel attached to my own D&D characters and party members; it just wasn’t as great as the first book
That being said, this book felt like a D&D campaign that started in the middle of combat, had 6 sessions of nothing but roleplay, and then a boss fight right at the end. I do like how the author used that time to really let us get to know everyone in the party more, building on the first book. But for over 50% of this book, it kind of felt like nothing happened and the pacing was pretty slow and hard to get through.
I did enjoy the twists and turns of the story though - and I was definitely surprised by a few things. I will absolutely continue this series because I feel attached to this party in the same way I feel attached to my own D&D characters and party members; it just wasn’t as great as the first book
August 11, 2025
This was a mid-tier sequel to the mid-tier first book. I guess I expected more from Wizards of the Coast when they took over. The original Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms book were mostly good. The attempts at those to recreate the high fantasy of Tolkien in DnD settings were at least engaging. This latest round of books are lacking. In particularly these books trying to capture the tone of the movie fall flat. No real character development. No real stakes. I don't want to acknowledge the "inclusivity" criticisms for DnD 5.5e but man this book doesn't help. It all reads like someones own homebrewed campaign. It borders on LitRPG. There is a quick nod to leveling up and even spell slots. There's a reference to finding quests and rewards. Faerun is a lived in world with a significant history. All of which is vastly ignored. Nothing is really resolved. Just a bunch of unresolved and minor plot points.
August 15, 2025
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
The writing in this novel was much stronger than the original Forgotten Realms novels that started in the late 1980s. A good deal of the story felt like ;what you would expect playing through a D&D adventure. I hadn't read the predecessor to this book, and thus there were numerous references and facts about the plot and characters that were lost on me, but it didn't take away too much from the main story line of this book. My biggest complaint is that when I think of D&D novels, I want stories about adventures, quests, battles, treasures, just like playing the game. Though it was only 288 pages long, it easily could have been a good 50 pages shorter had the unnecessary side references to romance and too much character background. There are enough epic fantasy and romantasy novels for people who want that. D&D doesn't need it. 3.5/5*
The writing in this novel was much stronger than the original Forgotten Realms novels that started in the late 1980s. A good deal of the story felt like ;what you would expect playing through a D&D adventure. I hadn't read the predecessor to this book, and thus there were numerous references and facts about the plot and characters that were lost on me, but it didn't take away too much from the main story line of this book. My biggest complaint is that when I think of D&D novels, I want stories about adventures, quests, battles, treasures, just like playing the game. Though it was only 288 pages long, it easily could have been a good 50 pages shorter had the unnecessary side references to romance and too much character background. There are enough epic fantasy and romantasy novels for people who want that. D&D doesn't need it. 3.5/5*
November 30, 2025
Publishing date: 29.07.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
DNF at 43%
Quickfire likes and gripes //
Set in a D&D Universe, which is familiar to me
Quest plotline with multiple objectives and obstacles
Likeable and distinct characters in the party
Did not know this was a sequel / connected to a prior book
What didn’t work for me //
When I started reading this book we were thrown right into the chaos with little to no introduction to the characters and their goal. I get the gist of it, but I don’t quite understand the dynamics and relationships between everybody. I also had a hard time imagining the party members since the intro was skipped. This is after all a sequel …
The plot itself was also not a hit for me. I simply didn’t care about anybody or their objectives. Maybe this is connected to me not getting what they had already been through.
Audience //
Ideal audience would be young adult to adult within the D&D sphere. This way you understand the world, gods, and magic a little better and can jump right in.
Final Verdict //
Sadly this didn’t work for me this time. I wanted to love it, but it felt like a chore. Maybe I will return if I manage to snag a copy of book 1. Giving this a temporary 3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
DNF at 43%
Quickfire likes and gripes //
Set in a D&D Universe, which is familiar to me
Quest plotline with multiple objectives and obstacles
Likeable and distinct characters in the party
Did not know this was a sequel / connected to a prior book
What didn’t work for me //
When I started reading this book we were thrown right into the chaos with little to no introduction to the characters and their goal. I get the gist of it, but I don’t quite understand the dynamics and relationships between everybody. I also had a hard time imagining the party members since the intro was skipped. This is after all a sequel …
The plot itself was also not a hit for me. I simply didn’t care about anybody or their objectives. Maybe this is connected to me not getting what they had already been through.
Audience //
Ideal audience would be young adult to adult within the D&D sphere. This way you understand the world, gods, and magic a little better and can jump right in.
Final Verdict //
Sadly this didn’t work for me this time. I wanted to love it, but it felt like a chore. Maybe I will return if I manage to snag a copy of book 1. Giving this a temporary 3 stars
June 20, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore.
I love D&D, so naturally I was intrigued when I saw this on NetGalley!
I was actually surprised by this, as it was quite good! It's my first time reading a novel like this, it was a good palate cleanser between heavy fantasy novels. It was well written and went at a good pace.
The Fallbacks are a group of adventurers whose characters are likeable and there is good chemistry throughout, bonus points go to Uggie, and her constant demands of bacon. I've played a couple of campaigns within the Forgotten Realms, which I think helped with the visualisation and storytelling.
3.stars :)
I love D&D, so naturally I was intrigued when I saw this on NetGalley!
I was actually surprised by this, as it was quite good! It's my first time reading a novel like this, it was a good palate cleanser between heavy fantasy novels. It was well written and went at a good pace.
The Fallbacks are a group of adventurers whose characters are likeable and there is good chemistry throughout, bonus points go to Uggie, and her constant demands of bacon. I've played a couple of campaigns within the Forgotten Realms, which I think helped with the visualisation and storytelling.
3.stars :)
Read
August 26, 2025When I requested this arc, it somehow slipped my mind that it's a second book with The Fallbacks. However, the lack of knowledge from the first part didn't make it any less enjoyable. After the mixed feelings connected to Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd, I tried not to have big expectations for this one. Oh, how wrong I was!
It was a delightful ride, full of action and a fun group of characters. The author did an amazing job writing these adventurers - we're literally meeting them in the middle of the fight!
Honestly, I'd say that this book could be read just as a fantasy book without the D&D context added to it. Johnson stretched D&D rules skillfully.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
It was a delightful ride, full of action and a fun group of characters. The author did an amazing job writing these adventurers - we're literally meeting them in the middle of the fight!
Honestly, I'd say that this book could be read just as a fantasy book without the D&D context added to it. Johnson stretched D&D rules skillfully.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2025
This continues the story started in Bound For Ruin but is essentially is a standalone. New to D&D? I guess you could start here, though Bound for Ruin makes more sense. Familiar with Forgotten Realms? I have more words. If you have been ok with the hollowed out lore of 5e, you’re probably not a big fan or otherwise easy to please. If you’ve read many of the old stories set in the Realms, this doesn’t read like them. This is for a younger audience. It’s not the Realms I care for much. If you can get over that, Johnson is a Realms veteran it treats it with more respect than Wizards has for a decade. And she writes good easy heroic fantasy. That’s nothing to complain about.
August 4, 2025
So, here's the thing with D&D novels - by their nature, they're limited. Locked into a collection of character types, tropes, deities and the like. But the good ones find a way to take all of that and turn it into a story that turns all of those things into something new and different. This was one of those. The ongoing story of the Fallbacks, their transformation into a seasoned party complete with betrayals and victories, has been a lot of fun to read. My only minor quibble with this one was the twist at the end that felt a little like a cheat, but it was well done enough that I can forgive that. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
December 3, 2025
Part of my 2025 PopSugar Reading Challenge: Prompt: A book that features an unlikely friendship
...I would say that the entire party is an unlikely friendship and yet here they are, fresh off their first adventure of smashing lichs and taking names. Lots of fun, light and snarky with just the dose of TTRPG vibes I always want in my life. I am really enjoying the group dynamic and these characters. I look forward to more from this series and this author!
Great for D&D/Forgotten Realms fans, there is lore galore, might not be as much fun for a general fantasy fan, but it would definitely still be a good read.
...I would say that the entire party is an unlikely friendship and yet here they are, fresh off their first adventure of smashing lichs and taking names. Lots of fun, light and snarky with just the dose of TTRPG vibes I always want in my life. I am really enjoying the group dynamic and these characters. I look forward to more from this series and this author!
Great for D&D/Forgotten Realms fans, there is lore galore, might not be as much fun for a general fantasy fan, but it would definitely still be a good read.
May 1, 2025
First off Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this EArc!
I had so much fun with this book! The dynamic of the party is exactly what I want in a DnD story! I enjoyed seeing each of the party members grow in themselves and with each other in this second installment! It was great delving into more of the cities, magical items and lore of DnD! Who doesn't love a magical tavern, dangerous missions, secrets to uncover and...DRAGONS! I am a huge sucker for a good bard and LARK is definitely my favorite, besides our best girl Oty!!! You deserve all the dead rats and bacon you can get!
I had so much fun with this book! The dynamic of the party is exactly what I want in a DnD story! I enjoyed seeing each of the party members grow in themselves and with each other in this second installment! It was great delving into more of the cities, magical items and lore of DnD! Who doesn't love a magical tavern, dangerous missions, secrets to uncover and...DRAGONS! I am a huge sucker for a good bard and LARK is definitely my favorite, besides our best girl Oty!!! You deserve all the dead rats and bacon you can get!
July 28, 2025
Disclaimer: I received an ARC through NetGalley.
This is the second DnD book I've now read, the first being the Ravenloft one, which means I didn't read the first book of The Fallbacks.
That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this one. I like the characters a lot, perhaps more than the ones in Ravenloft. They all have a backstory and different personalities that really work in this book.
As for the plot, it kept going at a steady pace and I didn't expect some of the twists and turns!
Not much else to say except that I'm now looking forward to a potential sequel!
This is the second DnD book I've now read, the first being the Ravenloft one, which means I didn't read the first book of The Fallbacks.
That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this one. I like the characters a lot, perhaps more than the ones in Ravenloft. They all have a backstory and different personalities that really work in this book.
As for the plot, it kept going at a steady pace and I didn't expect some of the twists and turns!
Not much else to say except that I'm now looking forward to a potential sequel!
August 21, 2025
another fun little fantasy romp from a series I'm eager to continue following. I really enjoyed the first book, and my favorite character was definitely the cynical cleric who bargains with a variety of gods while not settling down with one particular god. so, I was super excited to see his story became the focal of this book. I do feel like the book wasn't as propulsive as the first one, it never reached the heights that the first seemed to effortlessly reach. but, it's still just a really fun read.
September 16, 2025
I don’t usually love tie in novels and even though I play tabletop RPGs I don’t often read D&D books. But I read her movie tie in novel and found it fun so I tried the first Fallbacks book and found it a cute little adventure. This one fleshed the characters out nicely and kept the story going. It was fun! And for a D&D book fun escapism is what you want. If you’re a gamer and want a light read be sure to pick up the first book too. I’m going to read book 3 and however many more the author wants to write!
June 20, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. I love this series. I love the characters, I love the familiarity of the Forgotten Realms, and I love the adventures that the characters get involved with. As someone who has played and run many D&D games, I can almost tell which moments would be where the dice rolled poorly or rolled fantastic if this was an actual campaign being played. I truly can't wait for the next one.
Read
November 7, 2025This was an enjoyable yet quick read. The team picks up after the events of the last novel, still feeing out what it's like to be part of a team, and to trust others with their weaknesses and secrets. In fact, the book is just as much character interaction and growth as it is action and adventuring. Some big plot elements are solved, while there's plenty more to address in what I hope are future volumes in the series.
March 18, 2025
Wait- I didn’t know what I wanted existed 😍🧝🏼♂️
I love the vibe of D&D but don’t really have the time to invest playing it IRL. I already consume media for live games, etc. but THISSS , agh! Brb buying all the books they’ve published thus far.
Thank you for the eARC! I was very intrigued from the first 20 pages and struggled telling myself to go to sleep many many pages later
I love the vibe of D&D but don’t really have the time to invest playing it IRL. I already consume media for live games, etc. but THISSS , agh! Brb buying all the books they’ve published thus far.
Thank you for the eARC! I was very intrigued from the first 20 pages and struggled telling myself to go to sleep many many pages later
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