- From Kindle Storyteller Award Winner G J Ogden -
A dragon's heart has the power to forge kingdoms - or burn them to ash.
Sir Torin Cadwell has always been caught between worlds—Knight-Captain of the Watch, yet the tyrant king’s illegitimate son. His bloodline is both his burden and his destiny, cursed by a generations-old feud with Kyhrax, the most feared dragon in all of Westskyr.
For centuries, the city of Dun Morlaig has survived behind the Breath, a magical barrier powered by the crystallized heart of Astreya, the Great Mother dragon. But when Astreya's Lament—the legendary sword holding her heart—is stolen, the barrier begins to fail.
As Koblyn monsters and dragon cultists breach the defenses, Torin defies his king and joins forces with Ruxandra Elyr, a determined ranger of the Green Bow. Together, they must recover the sword before Kyhrax's vengeance is unleashed.
But the dragon’s wrath won't be satisfied with just one city. If Kyhrax cannot be stopped, his fury will consume all seven realms and usher in a new age where dragons rule—and realms burn.
Perfect for fans of epic fantasy in the tradition of Brandon Sanderson and John Gwynne, Sword of the Fallen is the gripping first book in the Hearts of Dragons trilogy. Begin your adventure today!
G J Ogden is a proud recipient of the Kindle Storyteller Award and has written over 50 books that have garnered over 15,000 5-star ratings. When he’s not writing, G J Ogden is usually getting whooped in games of Warhammer 40K by his son. Unless he’s playing Adepta Sororitas, then he wins.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
I could not put this book down! This is a true epic fantasy. Think Mistborn with dragons. Two MMCs destined to meet, each one deeply dedicated to their cause and beliefs -causes and beliefs that are diametrically opposed. Will one be victorious? If so who and what does that mean for the realm and the Crown? And most importantly, what does that mean to the DRAGON? We have horses and boats and women who will sooner put a sword through you than ask any questions. I enjoyed every moment of this book and I think you will, too.
There are books that entertain, and then there are books that consume you. Sword of the Fallen didn’t just pull me in—it dragged me straight into the heart of its battle-scarred world and refused to let go. This is the kind of epic fantasy that leaves you breathless, gripping the pages, and whispering just one more chapter at 2 AM.
Sir Torin Cadwell—gods, where do I even start? He’s everything I crave in a hero. Torn between his duty to a tyrant father and the undeniable pull of destiny, Torin is more than just a warrior. He’s a man haunted by legacy, carrying the weight of a kingdom teetering on the edge of destruction. The tension of his bloodline’s cursed feud with Kyhrax, the vengeful dragon, made my heart pound. Every decision Torin makes feels like a blade to the throat—one wrong move, and everything he loves will burn.
And then there’s Kyhrax. This isn’t just another dragon terrorizing a city. This is a creature fueled by centuries of grief and fury, a relentless force ready to tear the world apart. I felt his rage. I understood his pain. And that made him all the more terrifying.
But let’s talk about Ruxandra Elyr, the ranger who might just be the only person keeping Torin from losing himself completely. Their dynamic? Perfection. She’s cunning, fearless, and every interaction between them crackled with tension—both in battle and in those rare, quiet moments that made my heart ache. I don’t just want them to survive this war—I need them to.
The worldbuilding is breathtaking. Dun Morlaig, the magical barrier fueled by a dragon’s heart, the sheer scale of destruction when the sword is stolen—it all felt real. I could smell the smoke, hear the clash of steel, feel the weight of the impossible choices Torin had to make. The action is relentless, the betrayals gut-wrenching, and the twists had me gasping out loud.
This book gave me everything I wanted—dragons with devastating power, a hero who refuses to back down no matter how broken he becomes, and a war that threatens to consume everything. Sword of the Fallen is a must-read. I need the sequel yesterday.🔥🐉.
This was soooo good! The characters were well written and the storyline moved fairly consistently. The world building was well thought out and I enjoyed the lore the author has created for this world.
This book has amazing world building and so much character growth in it! I was even feeling sorry for the antagonist during most of the book! I was hanging on the edge of my seat waiting to read what happened to each character and couldn’t put the book down! Highly recommend!
Sword of the Fallen is Book 1 in the Hearts of Dragons Trilogy by G T Ogden. I found this story to be complex as well as so enjoyable. Kyhrax is a huge fire breathing dragon planning on revenge for his wife, Astreya, Mother Dragon cruel death. The other major character is the out of wedlock son, Torin. Torin has a good heart so different from the cruel King. I found this story to be fast paced unputdownable. I can badly wait for Book 2, Hearts of Dragons: Queen of the Forest. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
ARC was provided by Ogden Media and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There's something magical about discovering a fantasy novel that completely transports you to another world, "Sword of the Fallen" does exactly that from the very first page. As the opening installment in the Hearts of Dragons trilogy, this book sets an incredibly high bar with its intricate world-building, complex characters, and a storyline that kept me turning pages well into the night.
What truly elevates "Sword of the Fallen" is how seamlessly Ogden weaves action and emotion. The battle sequences are pulse-pounding and vividly rendered, but they never feel gratuitous because they're always grounded in character development and plot progression. Even in quieter moments, a sense of purpose and forward momentum keeps the pages turning. The pacing is masterful, fast enough to keep you engaged but measured enough to let important moments breathe.
Thematically, the novel explores redemption, destiny, and the tension between loyalty and birthright in fresh ways. The power dynamics between different factions are nuanced, with no clear heroes or villains among the political players. This moral complexity extends to the central conflict between humans and dragons, challenging readers to question their assumptions about both species.
The prose of this story strikes that perfect balance between accessibility and richness. It doesn't get bogged down in excessive description, yet the world feels fully realized. The dialogue also rings true, with each character having a distinct voice that reflects their background and personality.
What perhaps surprised me most was how emotionally invested I became in these characters. By novel's end, I found myself genuinely concerned about their fates and eager to follow them into the next book. The mark of truly successful world-building isn't just creating a place that feels real; it's creating one that readers are reluctant to leave, and I definitely wasn't ready to say goodbye when I turned that final page.
If I have any criticism, it's only that the wait for the next book will be unbearable. "Sword of the Fallen" doesn't just set up a trilogy—it establishes a world with enough depth and complexity to sustain many more stories.
For fantasy readers looking for their next obsession, especially those who appreciate dragons portrayed with psychological depth rather than as mere monsters, "Sword of the Fallen" is an absolute must-read. Ogden has crafted something special here, a fantasy novel that honors the genre's traditions while bringing fresh perspectives and emotional resonance to familiar elements. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I'll be first in line for the sequel.
The tyrant King Cormac's illegitimate son, Sir Torin Cadwell, serves his duty as Knight-Captain of the Watch in Dun Morlaig. His bloodline has been cursed by Khyrax, the mighty Flame of Zarag-Gul, the most feared and dangerous dragon in Westskyr. Dun Morlaig only survives because of the Breath, a magical barrier fueled by the crystal heart of Astreya, the Great Mother dragon, the benevolent guardian of the realm. She was killed by Torin ancestors and makes Khyrax consumed with rage and fury for revenge because Astreya, the one he loves, was killed for human selfishness. He will not stop until the seven realms are under his talon. The story's plot, world-building, magical system and its creatures are very unique. Somehow, I feel this book's story is very masculine, like entering a man’s cave, and I’m the only woman there. The story vibes are The Lord of the Rings mixed with superheroes and a little bit of Sci-Fi in it. Hmmm, this is the first time I’m saying that I've sided with the villains in this one. The broken heart becomes a villain and the hero is only masked and staged. Almost feels like a dystopian story. There are also magically playing victims, abuse and propaganda which lead to brutal violence, especially in the chaos of war. This is the first time I've read a heavy and bulky masculine story plot system like this. The war strategy is meticulously presented and there is more tension when the characters do combat fighting. The ambush was not what I expected. Also, there are so many plot twists that happen in the story and increase the story's suspense and tension. The combat fighting is very detailed, and I can see that every combat fighting action is deeply well researched. The weapons, the magical involvement, and the action of the characters and magical creatures are very precise. I can’t wait to see this story come to life on Netflix or video games. Yes, there is a map in this book and don’t worry about missing out or thinking it is hard to understand the connection between the event and its place in the story. However, this book really needs a glossary because of its uniqueness and high world-building. Even though at first, I thought this book was not my vibes, I’m glad that I finished reading this book. I love it and do not regret it! I feel like a strong woman now and I'll definitely be reading the next book, especially with that plot twist cliffhanger at the end!
Book Review: Sword of the Fallen (Hearts of Dragons #1) by G.J. Ogden
Overview Sword of the Fallen is the first installment in G.J. Ogden’s Hearts of Dragons series, a fantasy novel set in a world where dragons hold immense power—capable of building kingdoms or reducing them to ashes. The story follows Sir Torin Cadwell, a knight whose journey intertwines with the fate of these mythical creatures. Published in 2025, the book has garnered early attention, including a Kindle Storyteller Award for Ogden, and is currently featured in a Goodreads giveaway (March 23–April 21, 2025).
Themes and Analysis Power and Sacrifice: The central motif revolves around the duality of dragon hearts as sources of creation and destruction, mirroring themes of ambition and moral compromise. Heroic Archetypes: Sir Torin embodies the classic fallen knight trope, grappling with duty and personal redemption. Comparisons to Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series (e.g., Faith of the Fallen) are inevitable, particularly in exploring resilience under oppression. World-Building: Ogden’s setting promises depth, though this first volume leaves room for expansion in subsequent books (Queen of the Forest, Heart of Stone).
Strengths Pacing and Action: The narrative balances introspection with high-stakes battles, appealing to fans of fast-paced fantasy. Mythological Integration: Dragons are not mere beasts but symbolic forces, aligning with modern fantasy trends that blend folklore with fresh twists.
Limitations Character Development: Secondary characters feel underexplored, potentially addressed in later series entries. Familiar Tropes: While engaging, the plot occasionally relies on well-worn fantasy conventions (e.g., the “chosen one” knight).
Conclusion Sword of the Fallen is a solid series opener, offering a compelling mix of action and mythos. Its success hinges on whether Ogden deepens its world and characters in future installments. Recommended for fans of dragon-centric fantasy and heroic journeys.
Rating: 3.8/5 (Strong potential, with room to grow) Academic Relevance: Useful for studies on modern fantasy tropes or mythological symbolism in genre fiction.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book!
Sword of the Fallen I'm not going to lie. Sword of the Fallen is an enjoyable tale of knights and dragons, of loss and despair, but also hope and redemption. But it is also the hardest book I've had to review thus far. I really wanted to love this book, but there were a few things that kept me from getting there.
Torin is a great hero that you can't help but like. He's that guy that most everybody wants to be friends with, but is humble enough that it doesn't go to his head. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his struggles, his friendships and his history. In fact, most of the characters in this story are well written and bring about genuine feelings for them. And then there's the main villain, Leoric Draven. It's really hard to explain, but the closest I could come would be to say that I just didn't like the way he was written. Was he the villain? Yes. Did he do some horrific things? Also yes. But I never could believe him as a villain. I hope that I'm the only one with this problem, because a character like Torin deserves a great foe.
But none of that kept me from liking the book. It's a fun read and the potential for greatness is there. I'll likely checkout the next book in the series when it comes out.
I'd like to give a special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
A decent first part in what appears to be intended as a trilogy. Good enough fantasy elements. Torin is a fairly decent character to take a punt on, though the other main character in this book seems to undergo a personality change part way through, which was rather strange. Perhaps could have done with a little more of the dragon than we get here. Would also be nice to revisit the matriarchy, where a decent chunk of the action takes place, though the next book seems like it will head off in a different direction. Lastly, control needs to be exerted over the similes - there are simply way too many of them, oftentimes several per page...
In short, a perfectly readable fantasy with enough going for it that one is likely to want to continue on with the series.
Wow if you only read one book this year this is the one to choose . I could not put it down I was lucky enough to get an advance copy and the master story teller GJ ODGEN has done it again . Strong main characters who have both strength and a fantastic sense of humor take you on a journey with Dragons , sward fights,magic & all in the first 3 chapters.
Torin Cadwell, Knight-Captain of the Watch and the tyrant king’s illegitimate son is part of a fast paced exciting novel you must read . I cannot wait for book 2 .
This story is about Sir Torin, who is the bastard son of King Cormac and Leoric Draven, who is part of the Order of Khyrax. Leoric is determined to attack Dun Morlaig so that Khyrax, who is a dragon, can take revenge for the death of Astreya, his wife. After Dun Morlaig is attacked, Torin will be sent to find Leoric and get the Sword of Astreya back to save the city. This book is full of danger, drama, mixed emotions, epic fighting and a ending that will let more adventures happen. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story full of great characters both good and bad. The story is full of action, danger, intrigue, revenge and so much more. It starts out with a bang and just got better as it went as the saga unfolds and get to meet all the characters and learn their motivations and how they will all begin to fit into the story. Loved it all and had me glued to the end to watch it all play out and see what would happen next.
I think that this is a great start to a series that I will enjoy. I love dragons in my stories, and this one gives me dragons and so much more. Torin and Ruxandra are characters I look forward to reading more about in the future. I Loved this book!!! No Spoilers! I Highly Recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting storyline. I liked the characters and how they struggled to succeed. I especially liked the ending of this book and will wait impatiently for book two. This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Didn't want to do a review but had no choice in it. Great read, hard to put down, was hoping it was just one book, but hey there is more than 1. First one left me wanting more
I loved the way the story line started. People in mondain jobs, go above and beyond to save other people just because it is right. The story Pitts good versus evil, with love as the Catullus between what a person or being can do with what life has delt to them and still come out ahead.
A good fantasy book. I really enjoy Ogden's writing style, it has good flow and pacing, and the majority of his world-building is given to us as we need it, not in one large info-dump.
I did struggle a little with this book though, which is why I have given 4 stars rather than my usual 5. A significant portion of the story is told from the perspective of a the bad-guy (a conflicted fanatic), who I personally found difficult to connect with. Since this character has a lot of page time, it affected my overall enjoyment of the story more than I would have liked. That said, I recognize this is very much a "me" issue rather than a flaw in the writing itself, the character is just not someone I could easily relate to or connect with.
Despite this, Sword of the Fallen is a well written book and I look forwards to the next book in the series.