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The Forged And The Fallen #3

Through Ashes and War

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"The storyline is PERFECTION. I'm freaking OBSESSED with everything about this book, especially the dragons, and I wish I could read it for the first time again." – Lauren, Amazon reviewer, for the series

GOLD MEDAL WINNER - Readers' Favorite 2025!

In the aftermath of war, would-be heroes walk alone.

In Galvenstone, Cyran Orendain has helped secure his kingdom’s outcome in the second Dragon Wars, but the personal cost is high. Higher than he ever could have realized in his former life.

With the Dragon Queen in confinement, dark deeds unfold around Cyran, and he must uncover the truth of his past and people. Of his king. Of dragons themselves and how their world and that of humans coincide. And the egg he stashed away has hatched, releasing a potential danger upon his comrades and the world.

At Castle Dashtok, Jaslin yearns to pass on what she knows, but there is no one who will listen. If she is to survive, the magic of dragons and the other realm must be unlocked.

In the frigid north, the hordes of old Cimerenden and the wyrms that move within the earth scour the lands. With the Sky Sea Pearl in their possession, they exact vengeance for the first Dragon Wars. Villages and cities are razed, and the hordes move toward the Smoke Breathers and the dwarves of Darynbroad, their true intentions obscure.

Beneath the surface of everything, Pravon the Dragon Thief pursues Cyran, following the orders of the guild and its need for the dragonknight to join their ranks or die. But Pravon and Aneen are witnesses to the creature that has hatched from the egg, and desire and greed tempt them to other ends.

The kingdoms of Cimeren are shifting, and its people and dragons must change as well—or all will be lost to the hordes.

In the ashes of war, the sky sea has rained and the world of Cimeren is slick with blood.

548 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2024

149 people are currently reading
195 people want to read

About the author

R.M. Schultz

33 books435 followers
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R.M. Schultz is a #1 best-selling author of fantasy and science fiction.

After reading Tolkien, Ryan wrote his first 100,000-word fantasy novel as a freshman in high school. When he’s not saving animals, he continues reading and writing fantasy and science fiction, and has done so for over two decades. Ryan founded and heads the North Seattle Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Group and has published over a dozen novels.

And more than anything, he wants to be knighted by George R.R. Martin.

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5 stars
141 (70%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
60 reviews
May 10, 2025
what a rush. Live with Wonder truly captures the series

The author catch phase, “Live with Wonder” truly encapsulates the essence of the book. The author weaves an intriguing tales that captures the imagination and invokes strong emotions for the characters as they face physical and emotional challenges that threat to end their lives and shatter their strongly held beliefs. The reader is perched at the edge of their seat , hanging on every word urging their beloved characters rise to the challenges.
Profile Image for Josefa (June.Reads).
435 reviews16 followers
February 23, 2025
It was great to be back in this world. The world building keeps getting better and better. And so many DRAGONS, I love it! So much happens in this one. You just have to get into this world to find out. You know what is good too? Short chapters!
574 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2025
In the aftermath of war, would-be heroes walk alone.
In Galvenstone, Cyran Orendain has helped secure his kingdom’s outcome in the second Dragon Wars, but the personal cost is high. Higher than he ever could have realized in his former life.
With the Dragon Queen in confinement, dark deeds unfold around Cyran, and he must uncover the truth of his past and people. Of his king. Of dragons themselves and how their world and that of humans coincide. And the egg he stashed away has hatched, releasing a potential danger upon his comrades and the world.
At Castle Dashtok, Jaslin yearns to pass on what she knows, but there is no one who will listen. If she is to survive, the magic of dragons and the other realm must be unlocked.
In the frigid north, the hordes of old Cimerenden and the wyrms that move within the earth scour the lands. With the Sky Sea Pearl in their possession, they exact vengeance for the first Dragon Wars. Villages and cities are razed, and the hordes move toward the Smoke Breathers and the dwarves of Darynbroad, their true intentions obscure.
Beneath the surface of everything, Pravon the Dragon Thief pursues Cyran, following the orders of the guild and its need for the dragonknight to join their ranks or die. But Pravon and Aneen are witnesses to the creature that has hatched from the egg, and desire and greed tempt them to other ends.
The kingdoms of Cimeren are shifting, and its people and dragons must change as well—or all will be lost to the hordes.
In the ashes of war, the sky sea has rained and the world of Cimeren is slick with blood.
Great characters ,good depicted scenes,absolutely brilliant.
Profile Image for Echizero Rincewind.
100 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2024
Third book in the series, and growing even better. You need to read the previous ones (the prequel also helps)
The stakes are higher. Epic battles. Hard choises. Evolving characters. Huge and wonderful world.
Magic and dragons!
Power seeking, corruption, lies. Thieves, assassins.
Every thing you could search in an epic fantasy, and yet believable, story.

Looking forward the next one. Maybe I'll need a sixth star.
Profile Image for James H.
42 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2024
So many dragons! I opted to read this before Wind and Truth (Stormlight Archives #5) and it did NOT disappoint. 4.5/5 stars!

*Advanced Reader Copy for a honest review

Stakes are high, emotions are higher. Will Cyran and Jaslin uncover the truth in time to save their kingdom and potentially the world?

Cyran and Jaslin are forced to decide between maintaining the status quo, which involves enabling class disparity, condoning murder, and supporting the subjugation of intelligeint creatures, or trusting their nations arch nemesis who is the nightmare out of their bedtime stories.

These books do a wonderful job of showing the turmoil between choosing the easy road even when it's wrong or turning your back on your entire life to do what's right, even if you have to do it alone. While the stakes are high, I wished there was more distrust from Shadelmere towards Cyran for his breach of trust. I personally felt that was resolved too smoothly and quickly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
21 reviews
December 11, 2024
Eyes glued to every page waiting to see what would unfold next. Each chapter takes you on the ride of the different characters, arcing back and forth across Cimeren with so many dragons to boot. They just keep getting deeper and more complex, magical creatures. I want one! A shadow dragon preferably.

And the 'Secret Page' at the end - LMFAO. That was a kick and something I've never seen before. I went back and repurchased the earlier books in the series just to read that short hidden page at the end of each one that wasn't there on the originals. A fun and quick laugh before you leave this epic and emotional battle-ridden world.

15 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2025
This third book of the series does not let you down. It keeps its enthralling story and characters growing at the perfect pace. The growth that Cyran has gone through during the series so far is stunning. He’s worked his was from a squire, to archer and now to a dragonknight. And I don’t think his progression is gonna stop there! He’s had such hard moral decisions to make throughout the books. You can feel the pressure and stress he’s feeling during those moments. The author did a phenomenal job creating those monumental scenes.
Even the development of Sirra’s character is amazing. The author gives you her backstory and learning more about her past gives her so much depth.
Even Cyran’s sister, Jaslin has become one of my favorite characters as she’s grown into her own and found her own path with a unique dragon that surprises me with everything it does.
This epic tale is not like anything I’ve read before. Props to the author for creating such a beautiful fantasy world. One I love to escape to every time I pick up the book.
373 reviews7 followers
December 19, 2025

Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. Brilliantly written with a storyline that grabs you from the beginning, holds you with nail biting suspense and action packed scenes then leaves you breathless with an epic ending. With truths being uncovered, a dragon knight wrestles with his loyalty and duty, until his heart rejects what he has become. Joining forces with the imprisoned Dragon Queen he fights to save himself and his world. Failure is not an option. Many scenarios happen that overlap, creating an absolutely intense immersion into the battle between darkness and light A battle one cannot miss!
26 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2024
I LOVE these dragons! Shadelmere is my new favorite of all. She is awesome, and I wish she was mine. The journey the characters take while growing and changing is something not always done well in fantasy, but this series excels at this and then some. This book has some of the best characters I've read about in recent memory.

Also, that 'Secret Page' at the end - it was nice to have a little laugh and one that most readers might not catch if they don't flip through to the end. It reminded me of an outtake at the end of a comedy movie. Very short but sweet.
Profile Image for Ginny Look.
10 reviews
February 19, 2025
This book definitely was not what I expected but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. While the main characters interacted with each other as in previous books, there was more emphasis on each of them individually. This especially seemed to be true for Jaslin and Pravon. It was interesting to go with them on their separate adventures, and I liked learning more about Sirra's history. There is a huge battle in the book which sometimes seemed more science fiction than fantasy, but overall it was a good read, and I'm curious to see where the story will go in book 4.
Profile Image for Michelle Bridges.
25 reviews
September 29, 2025
Epic Fantasy Adventure

Cyran Orendain wins the Second Dragon Wars but uncovers dark secrets about his past and a new creature that could destroy the world. His sister Jaslin defies tradition to master ancient magic and protect their people. Pravon, a conflicted dragon thief, follows Cyran under secret orders.

The world features unique dragons—from healing rose dragons to storm-breathers—and a rich magical system with spirit realms and neblír threads. Themes of power, identity, and sacrifice drive this thrilling tale of ambition, loyalty, and destiny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle Hazzard-bridges.
5 reviews
September 29, 2025
Epic Fantasy Realm



Cyran Orendain wins the Second Dragon Wars but uncovers dark secrets about his past and a new creature that could destroy the world. His sister Jaslin defies tradition to master ancient magic and protect their people. Pravon, a conflicted dragon thief, follows Cyran under secret orders.

The world features unique dragons—from healing rose dragons to storm-breathers—and a rich magical system with spirit realms and neblír threads. Themes of power, identity, and sacrifice drive this thrilling tale of ambition, loyalty, and destiny.

25 reviews
December 11, 2024
Some of the most compelling dragons you will find in all of modern fantasy books. They are unique in breeds (now with a bestiary in the glossary, which I loved and wanted in the previous books), abilities, magic, and how they are used in war with a 'team' of riders consisting of guard, mages, and archers.
I fell in love with this series and its characters and dragons before, and this new release returned the feeling ten fold!
44 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2024
This third book does not disappoint! The mystery of their past continues after the war. The pace of the narration is excellent, the characters are fantastic, and there be dragons! What else could you ever want? I enjoyed reading this novel, I could not put it down. I could see the imagery of the world as I read, so vivid and imaginative. The characters are realistic, cunning and thoroughly enjoyable. I can not say enough about all of it. I highly recommend the whole series.
7 reviews
January 26, 2026
The story continues with some predictable aspects and some very strange twists. The characters are further developed with some great insights into who they are and what they stand for.
This book was a small let down compared to the first 2 books, with the story more on humans and less on the Dragons! But it is a great series to read and this book (3) finally has a list of the different dragon types which is impressive.
Still a.musy read for dragon enthusiasts and looking forward to book 4.
204 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
Cyran faces an enemy that cannot be killed and his own doubts. The hero dragon knight faces the Harrowed ( the undead ), monster Wyrms, and internal enemies. His sister Jaslin and the Dragon Queen Sirra unite to battle the threat to both kingdoms. Climactic battle last dozen chapters of the book. I should note I received an ARC from the author.
50 reviews
June 5, 2025
A very interesting and unusual Dragon Story

This story is u"Stand Alone Story "! The story weaves in and out creating layers and layers of intrigue that you can't put down! It is edge of your seat" Fun "! I can't wait to see what happens in the forth book. Really recommend the story to other Dragon folks!
27 reviews
December 11, 2024
This series just keeps getting better and better. Awesome fantasy aspects abound. Magic with thrills, darkness, pasts revealed, epic battles, and the dragons. They are my favorite. The most unique take on dragons and people riding them that I've ever read.
1 review
March 19, 2025
epic fantasy

as with all good books, i enjoyed this series. i am looking forward to the next installment. Thanks for the great characters and unique story line.

i had not seen Dragon thieves in other writings :)
70 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2025
A Wonderful Novel

The author has created a world of great adventure and regal characters, one where dragons fly and great adventure awaits . Take the journey , you will never regret it !
1 review
August 18, 2025
A wonderful series! I can't wait for the next book to come out!

This series had me riveted. Good character development as well. It doesn't matter what age group, its captivating. The author's struggles have paid off.
5 reviews
December 20, 2025
Wow! I've now read the 3 books in this series in less than a week! Just the right amount of detailed description with in-depth thoughts, non-stop action and intrigue, plot twists and twists of the heart. I really can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Jeremy .
9 reviews
December 11, 2024
Awesome fantasy that I don't see much of anymore. Wish there were more with characters and dragons done as well as this one!
6 reviews
January 13, 2025
This is the 2nd series I have read by this author. He doesn't disappoint.
12.7k reviews189 followers
January 19, 2025
Absolutely spectacular, loved the dragons. Each book seems to get if possible. Blew me away, read it twice.
Profile Image for Jessie.
411 reviews
March 10, 2025
I was hoping for a big, dramatic ending and man did I get it! Very excited to continue reading this series.
14 reviews1 follower
Read
March 18, 2025
Finally brought all the characters together. Story is good with likeable characters. Looking forward to the fourth book.
3 reviews
March 24, 2025
very good

I’ve really enjoyed this series so far and can’t wait to finish the series and see how it all comes together!
4 reviews
June 19, 2025
Did it again

I'm a man of few words but once
again a well written page turner I look forward to anything this guy puts out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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