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The Vorelian Saga #4
The Scars of the Wicked: The Vorelian Saga
An empire to end the reign of Gods.
The Scars of the Wicked marks the debut of the second trilogy in this award-winning saga.
“I’ll give you war. I’ll give you a reason to hate me.”
Empires aren’t built overnight, and Morei Geral knows this. He also knows that proper revenge takes time. There’s a delicate dance between power and madness, and as Morei discovers just how dangerous he is, he learns that someone else has been watching him. The King of Monsters will give the world what they asked for, but he doesn’t know that he’s awakened a hideous prophecy.
The Soul Realm is crumbling. Ambushed, Syra must face her bloodline and the consequences of her decisions. The Guardians of Death are at odds, demons and beasts ravage the lands, and failure to take her place as sole heir will result in realm-ending devastation. But with Zarek’s life in her hands, she will be forced to choose a side she’s not ready to take.
The age of dragons is here, led by Cyrus. With newfound confidence, the Dragon Rider knows he can’t hide from fate any longer. So when Venkar City seeks him out, speaking of ancient promises to the fallen Rider Federation, he accepts. What he finds will shift the Vorelian future forever. But he is not the only Dragon Rider soaring these skies.
Even the most heroic actions come at a cost.
“This is masterful world-building at its best.” ~ AJ Webster, Author of One Good Heart
“This is fantasy done right.” ~ Anatolian Press
“…will undoubtedly garner legions of fans.” ~ Readers’ Favorite
The Scars of the Wicked marks the debut of the second trilogy in this award-winning saga.
“I’ll give you war. I’ll give you a reason to hate me.”
Empires aren’t built overnight, and Morei Geral knows this. He also knows that proper revenge takes time. There’s a delicate dance between power and madness, and as Morei discovers just how dangerous he is, he learns that someone else has been watching him. The King of Monsters will give the world what they asked for, but he doesn’t know that he’s awakened a hideous prophecy.
The Soul Realm is crumbling. Ambushed, Syra must face her bloodline and the consequences of her decisions. The Guardians of Death are at odds, demons and beasts ravage the lands, and failure to take her place as sole heir will result in realm-ending devastation. But with Zarek’s life in her hands, she will be forced to choose a side she’s not ready to take.
The age of dragons is here, led by Cyrus. With newfound confidence, the Dragon Rider knows he can’t hide from fate any longer. So when Venkar City seeks him out, speaking of ancient promises to the fallen Rider Federation, he accepts. What he finds will shift the Vorelian future forever. But he is not the only Dragon Rider soaring these skies.
Even the most heroic actions come at a cost.
“This is masterful world-building at its best.” ~ AJ Webster, Author of One Good Heart
“This is fantasy done right.” ~ Anatolian Press
“…will undoubtedly garner legions of fans.” ~ Readers’ Favorite
- GenresFantasy
574 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
15 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 24, 2025
Magic. Dragons. War. Gods.
I have to say in an era of Romantasy, it was nice and refreshing to read an epic fantasy with very little reference to romance just pure magic and political warfare.
We follow our three protagonists as they navigate their way through a dark time with each having a goal and dare I say we may see their stories crossing more in the next book.
I am really interested to see the dynamic between Isla and Morei, will she make him better or will he darken her? I am here for both!
I would also love to see more from Sekar and Syra, I think they are my fave!
I can't wait for the next one!
I have to say in an era of Romantasy, it was nice and refreshing to read an epic fantasy with very little reference to romance just pure magic and political warfare.
We follow our three protagonists as they navigate their way through a dark time with each having a goal and dare I say we may see their stories crossing more in the next book.
I am really interested to see the dynamic between Isla and Morei, will she make him better or will he darken her? I am here for both!
I would also love to see more from Sekar and Syra, I think they are my fave!
I can't wait for the next one!
April 17, 2025
And the day has come, which I always knew it would due to the high quality of C.D Mckenna's writing, my first 5-star review for a book in The Vorelian Saga.
From start to finish this book grabbed my attention and never let go, even during slower scenes because there was so much happening in our three protagonists' stories that I was always eager to flip the page to learn more.
Setting: ★★★★★
Worldbuilding:★★★★★
Magic system: ★★★★
High Stakes: ★★★
Writing: ★★★★
Repetition: ★★★
Antagonistic Force: ★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Romance: ★★
Pacing: ★★★
Concept: ★★★★
Ending: ★★★★★
Length: ★★★
+
This was by far the best book in the series, it pretty much had it all for me. Tension, high stakes, the beginning of a romance, great friendships, dragons, a deeper dive into the lore, some questions that finally got their answers, and as always, a bit of blood and gore and nice fighting scenes.
+ and -
The Characters:
Morei still reigns as my favorite amongst the cast. His story started calmer this time around but ended up more complicated than ever due to his goals. One thing that felt out of character was him giving a certain character too many chances when I feel the Morei from previous books would have simply killed instead of being baited into leniency.
I was very critical of Syra in book three, but I am very happy to see how she evolved and grew as a character in this one, a growth and maturity I hope will continue in the next entries of the series too. Her parts were the best page-turners this time around.
Cyrus' story is finally coming into full bloom and it was about time. He seems to have learned something from his past mistakes, which was nice to see, but he still has some maturing left to do which I hope will come fast because he does frustrate me at times with how he reacts to certain things. Too immature for his age. If it weren't for Sozar I fear he'd be long gone by now. The added lore in his parts was one of the best reveals in this book, so much was answered yet so much to look forward to!
-
Repetition:
In the character's inner monologues have been a recurring thing in this series, but were greatly improved upon in this book, but there is still room for improvement. There were still many times in the same chapter where the character repeated the same issue, but worded differently. Repetition will always be needed but used sparingly. Trust the readers to remember more and it will improve the flow/pacing of the story.
Antagonistic force:
There are high stakes, threats of looming danger and dangerous persons that fuel this and create a hint of urgency for the characters but some forces are clearer and better done than others. But overall, the bigger villains remain too ambiguous.
One person who has been hyped up since the beginning fell flat for me. The confrontation lasted a few pages and introduced more questions than answers and then that person was replaced by another new antagonist in the blink of an eye. It was just a little disappointing, but not enough to lower the quality of the story because the real threat this main character faces is more of an environmental issue than a big baddie that needs to be dealt with.
To conclude:
Despite a few flaws, this book was so good and well-written, and I am eager to see what happens next. This series is a must-read for fans of epic, high, and dark fantasy.
From start to finish this book grabbed my attention and never let go, even during slower scenes because there was so much happening in our three protagonists' stories that I was always eager to flip the page to learn more.
Setting: ★★★★★
Worldbuilding:★★★★★
Magic system: ★★★★
High Stakes: ★★★
Writing: ★★★★
Repetition: ★★★
Antagonistic Force: ★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Romance: ★★
Pacing: ★★★
Concept: ★★★★
Ending: ★★★★★
Length: ★★★
+
This was by far the best book in the series, it pretty much had it all for me. Tension, high stakes, the beginning of a romance, great friendships, dragons, a deeper dive into the lore, some questions that finally got their answers, and as always, a bit of blood and gore and nice fighting scenes.
+ and -
The Characters:
Morei still reigns as my favorite amongst the cast. His story started calmer this time around but ended up more complicated than ever due to his goals. One thing that felt out of character was him giving a certain character too many chances when I feel the Morei from previous books would have simply killed instead of being baited into leniency.
I was very critical of Syra in book three, but I am very happy to see how she evolved and grew as a character in this one, a growth and maturity I hope will continue in the next entries of the series too. Her parts were the best page-turners this time around.
Cyrus' story is finally coming into full bloom and it was about time. He seems to have learned something from his past mistakes, which was nice to see, but he still has some maturing left to do which I hope will come fast because he does frustrate me at times with how he reacts to certain things. Too immature for his age. If it weren't for Sozar I fear he'd be long gone by now. The added lore in his parts was one of the best reveals in this book, so much was answered yet so much to look forward to!
-
Repetition:
In the character's inner monologues have been a recurring thing in this series, but were greatly improved upon in this book, but there is still room for improvement. There were still many times in the same chapter where the character repeated the same issue, but worded differently. Repetition will always be needed but used sparingly. Trust the readers to remember more and it will improve the flow/pacing of the story.
Antagonistic force:
There are high stakes, threats of looming danger and dangerous persons that fuel this and create a hint of urgency for the characters but some forces are clearer and better done than others. But overall, the bigger villains remain too ambiguous.
One person who has been hyped up since the beginning fell flat for me. The confrontation lasted a few pages and introduced more questions than answers and then that person was replaced by another new antagonist in the blink of an eye. It was just a little disappointing, but not enough to lower the quality of the story because the real threat this main character faces is more of an environmental issue than a big baddie that needs to be dealt with.
To conclude:
Despite a few flaws, this book was so good and well-written, and I am eager to see what happens next. This series is a must-read for fans of epic, high, and dark fantasy.
April 16, 2025
“I’ll give you war. I’ll give you a reason to hate me.”
Nothing could have prepared me for Book 4 of the Vorelian Saga. Absolutely stunning world building, interesting new characters, and so much depth added to characters we already know. Be prepared for epic and slightly gruesome moments. Twists and turns at every corner, and of course, Author C.D. McKenna knows exactly how to weave each chapter into a cliffhanger that will keep you flipping the pages to know more. Perfect for fans of multiple povs, dark fantasy, and morally gray characters. I am excited to see what’s in store for these characters in the next book!
Nothing could have prepared me for Book 4 of the Vorelian Saga. Absolutely stunning world building, interesting new characters, and so much depth added to characters we already know. Be prepared for epic and slightly gruesome moments. Twists and turns at every corner, and of course, Author C.D. McKenna knows exactly how to weave each chapter into a cliffhanger that will keep you flipping the pages to know more. Perfect for fans of multiple povs, dark fantasy, and morally gray characters. I am excited to see what’s in store for these characters in the next book!
April 17, 2025
I swear this amazing saga just keeps getting better and better ! Beautifully written ! You feel like you are in the world and so close to the characters ! Highly recommend !
May 5, 2025
Empires aren’t built overnight, and Morei Geral knows this. He also knows that proper revenge takes time. There’s a delicate dance between power and madness, and as Morei discovers just how dangerous he is, he learns that someone else has been watching him. The King of Monsters will give the world what they asked for, but he doesn’t know that he’s awakened a hideous prophecy.
The Soul Realm is crumbling. Ambushed, Syra must face her bloodline and the consequences of her decisions. The Guardians of Death are at odds, demons and beasts ravage the lands, and failure to take her place as sole heir will result in realm-ending devastation. But with Zarek’s life in her hands, she will be forced to choose a side she’s not ready to take.
The age of dragons is here, led by Cyrus. With newfound confidence, the Dragon Rider knows he can’t hide from fate any longer. So when Venkar City seeks him out, speaking of ancient promises to the fallen Rider Federation, he accepts. What he finds will shift the Vorelian future forever. But he is not the only Dragon Rider soaring these skies.
⚔️
Vorelian Saga is an Epic Fantasy.
Great for fans of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.
Follows the journey and destiny of three separate POV…
Morei Geral: A Harvester of Dark Energy determined to build an Empire at all costs. He is the Prophesied Demon King.
Sara Castello: The Harbinger of Change. The Light Bringer, and their to the throne of the Soul Realm.
Cyrus Winter: A Dragon Rider. Chosen by the God Hyle to resurrect the Rider Federation and reestablish peace.
⚔️
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is full of political power struggles.
Morei finds himself battling the Red Queen pirates and dealing with the threat of the consequences of his previous actions in Geral.
Sera finds herself captured and forced to face her destiny to save her friends and close the crack between the realms.
Cyrus is now read to learn about his fate and his task to rebuild the Dragon Rider Federation. Secrets are finally revealed. But he’s not the only dragon rider; he must now face darkness.
The Soul Realm is crumbling. Ambushed, Syra must face her bloodline and the consequences of her decisions. The Guardians of Death are at odds, demons and beasts ravage the lands, and failure to take her place as sole heir will result in realm-ending devastation. But with Zarek’s life in her hands, she will be forced to choose a side she’s not ready to take.
The age of dragons is here, led by Cyrus. With newfound confidence, the Dragon Rider knows he can’t hide from fate any longer. So when Venkar City seeks him out, speaking of ancient promises to the fallen Rider Federation, he accepts. What he finds will shift the Vorelian future forever. But he is not the only Dragon Rider soaring these skies.
⚔️
Vorelian Saga is an Epic Fantasy.
Great for fans of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.
Follows the journey and destiny of three separate POV…
Morei Geral: A Harvester of Dark Energy determined to build an Empire at all costs. He is the Prophesied Demon King.
Sara Castello: The Harbinger of Change. The Light Bringer, and their to the throne of the Soul Realm.
Cyrus Winter: A Dragon Rider. Chosen by the God Hyle to resurrect the Rider Federation and reestablish peace.
⚔️
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is full of political power struggles.
Morei finds himself battling the Red Queen pirates and dealing with the threat of the consequences of his previous actions in Geral.
Sera finds herself captured and forced to face her destiny to save her friends and close the crack between the realms.
Cyrus is now read to learn about his fate and his task to rebuild the Dragon Rider Federation. Secrets are finally revealed. But he’s not the only dragon rider; he must now face darkness.
March 15, 2025
I have come to expect high quality writing and increasingly compelling narratives from C.D. McKenna, and once again, the author did not disappoint.
This series will have you questioning who is right, why you would ever root for a villain, and when you could possibly put it down. In between reading, I thought of the characters often, wondering and guessing about where their stories might go.
Morei is among the most intriguing characters I’ve read.
A few of my favorite spoiler-free lines:
“Sometimes the person we don’t want to be is the person we never knew we needed in the first place.”
“The only thing revenge gave me was regret.”
“What? Like I would explode?”
He shrugged.
As with The Dance of Destiny, there were several scenes that were too dark and graphic for me, so I only skimmed them. This is not to say that this was harsher or more graphic than other epic fantasies I’ve read, though. I’m just getting soft lol.
This series is well written with lots of lore, destructive powers, and warring beings and beasts—a must-read for dark, epic fantasy lovers!
This series will have you questioning who is right, why you would ever root for a villain, and when you could possibly put it down. In between reading, I thought of the characters often, wondering and guessing about where their stories might go.
Morei is among the most intriguing characters I’ve read.
A few of my favorite spoiler-free lines:
“Sometimes the person we don’t want to be is the person we never knew we needed in the first place.”
“The only thing revenge gave me was regret.”
“What? Like I would explode?”
He shrugged.
As with The Dance of Destiny, there were several scenes that were too dark and graphic for me, so I only skimmed them. This is not to say that this was harsher or more graphic than other epic fantasies I’ve read, though. I’m just getting soft lol.
This series is well written with lots of lore, destructive powers, and warring beings and beasts—a must-read for dark, epic fantasy lovers!
April 14, 2025
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint! The Scars of the Wicked by C.D. McKenna is the fourth book in The Vorelian Saga and it left me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment.
I've come to expect amazing writing from this author and she absolutely delivered! From page one I was utterly captivated by the vivid writing and unique world. I loved falling back into the world like I never left.
The adventure continues and oh my gosh, just wow! The plot was engaging and fast paced with plenty of twists and turns. I loved how dark and gruesome some moments were. The characters faced new challenges and grew so much. And while I do love all the main characters, Cyrus and Sozar remain my favorites!
If you're a fan of epic fantasy, riding dragons, or dark magic then this series is for you. Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I've come to expect amazing writing from this author and she absolutely delivered! From page one I was utterly captivated by the vivid writing and unique world. I loved falling back into the world like I never left.
The adventure continues and oh my gosh, just wow! The plot was engaging and fast paced with plenty of twists and turns. I loved how dark and gruesome some moments were. The characters faced new challenges and grew so much. And while I do love all the main characters, Cyrus and Sozar remain my favorites!
If you're a fan of epic fantasy, riding dragons, or dark magic then this series is for you. Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2025
C.D. McKenna’s The Scars of the Wicked ignites the second trilogy of The Vorelian Saga with unrelenting emotional intensity, character-driven conflict, and high-stakes worldbuilding.
This instalment reweaves threads from the earlier saga into a darker, more intricate tapestry that explores power, betrayal, and destiny with literary finesse.
At its core is Syra, torn between grief and duty. The loss of Zarek, mentor, confidant, and moral compass, shatters her illusions, leaving her emotionally exposed just as she must claim her legacy. Her raw breakdown amid the chaos is one of the book’s most searing scenes.
McKenna masterfully externalizes inner turmoil through landscape: crumbling ground, ruptured walls, and a mind at war with itself. Syra’s title as “Goddess of Death” is earned. She suffered and survived.
The stakes escalate as Morei Geral plots vengeance, awakening an ancient prophecy threatening reality. Meanwhile, Cyrus, the Dragon Rider, finally embraces his fate, uncovering truths in Venkar City that promise to reshape the course of the realm.
In this psychological crucible, McKenna tackles themes of identity, manipulation, and inner strength. When a psychic invasion attacks Syra, we are reminded that the fiercest battles are often fought unseen. Her near collapse under dark energy and the memory of Zarek’s warning cement her as one of fantasy’s most compelling heroines.
The narrative is densely layered but never bogged down. Fans of richly built worlds, morally complex characters, and emotionally charged storytelling will love The Scars of the Wicked. I did!
This instalment reweaves threads from the earlier saga into a darker, more intricate tapestry that explores power, betrayal, and destiny with literary finesse.
At its core is Syra, torn between grief and duty. The loss of Zarek, mentor, confidant, and moral compass, shatters her illusions, leaving her emotionally exposed just as she must claim her legacy. Her raw breakdown amid the chaos is one of the book’s most searing scenes.
McKenna masterfully externalizes inner turmoil through landscape: crumbling ground, ruptured walls, and a mind at war with itself. Syra’s title as “Goddess of Death” is earned. She suffered and survived.
The stakes escalate as Morei Geral plots vengeance, awakening an ancient prophecy threatening reality. Meanwhile, Cyrus, the Dragon Rider, finally embraces his fate, uncovering truths in Venkar City that promise to reshape the course of the realm.
In this psychological crucible, McKenna tackles themes of identity, manipulation, and inner strength. When a psychic invasion attacks Syra, we are reminded that the fiercest battles are often fought unseen. Her near collapse under dark energy and the memory of Zarek’s warning cement her as one of fantasy’s most compelling heroines.
The narrative is densely layered but never bogged down. Fans of richly built worlds, morally complex characters, and emotionally charged storytelling will love The Scars of the Wicked. I did!
May 27, 2025
This installment picks up with Morei Geral, Syra Castello, and Cyrus Wynter, each facing escalating challenges that test their resolve and reshape their destinies. Morei's pursuit of power and revenge leads him into a complex dance between ambition and madness, while Syra grapples with her bloodline's legacy amidst a crumbling Soul Realm. Cyrus, embracing his role as a Dragon Rider, confronts ancient promises that could alter the Vorelian future.
McKenna's world-building continues to impress, with intricate details that bring the Vore World to life. The narrative delves into the moral complexities of its characters, presenting them as multifaceted individuals navigating a world rife with political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and the ever-looming presence of gods and monsters.
For readers who appreciate dark epic fantasy with morally grey characters and richly woven plots, The Scars of the Wicked offers a compelling continuation of the saga. It's a story that doesn't shy away from the complexities of its world or the depths of its characters, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
McKenna's world-building continues to impress, with intricate details that bring the Vore World to life. The narrative delves into the moral complexities of its characters, presenting them as multifaceted individuals navigating a world rife with political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and the ever-looming presence of gods and monsters.
For readers who appreciate dark epic fantasy with morally grey characters and richly woven plots, The Scars of the Wicked offers a compelling continuation of the saga. It's a story that doesn't shy away from the complexities of its world or the depths of its characters, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
May 29, 2025
The Scars of the Wicked is a gripping installment in The Vorelian Saga that delivers everything fans of dark epic fantasy crave—twists, lore, emotional depth, and morally complex characters. C.D. McKenna continues to impress with vivid world-building, high-stakes conflict, and a narrative that constantly challenges your sense of right and wrong. Morei remains one of the most compelling anti-heroes I’ve read—his ambition, power, and inner torment create a magnetic tension on every page. Sera and Cyrus each face transformative journeys of their own, with their arcs diving deeper into prophecy, identity, and sacrifice. The multi-POV storytelling is skillfully executed, keeping the plot fresh and layered. This book is not for the faint of heart—there are dark, graphic moments—but they’re purposeful, heightening the emotional impact. And the cliffhangers? Brutal in the best way. McKenna’s prose is sharp, the dialogue memorable, and the pacing relentless. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones-style intrigue and The Witcher-like moral complexity, this series—and especially this volume—is for you.
May 4, 2025
I had been waiting for this book for so long and boy did it not disappoint!!
I had been waiting for Syra's storyline to get to this point for a long time and I absolutely LOVED it. I love how she becomes!! (keeping everything spoiler free)
Cyrus has amazing development as well. Boy did I not trust those people 😂 But I'm very excited for what awaits him!! You'll know when you read it.
As for Morei. Ohh poor Morei 😂😂 But I guess you can't run away from fate.
Such a good book! Such an amazing series! I can't recommend enough! you're in for a wild ride 😏
I had been waiting for Syra's storyline to get to this point for a long time and I absolutely LOVED it. I love how she becomes!! (keeping everything spoiler free)
Cyrus has amazing development as well. Boy did I not trust those people 😂 But I'm very excited for what awaits him!! You'll know when you read it.
As for Morei. Ohh poor Morei 😂😂 But I guess you can't run away from fate.
Such a good book! Such an amazing series! I can't recommend enough! you're in for a wild ride 😏
April 27, 2025
C.D. McKenna has done it again! In this fourth instalment of her epic fantasy saga we go even deeper into the Vorelian world.
Following through the same three POVs since book one, we see the growth of the characters and the unfolding of their personal paths and even prophecies.
The Gods are mingling more than ever, while wars are planned and enemies are growing stronger.
McKenna’s rich narrative pulls you in, and each book gets darker as the obstacles increase for the characters.
Following through the same three POVs since book one, we see the growth of the characters and the unfolding of their personal paths and even prophecies.
The Gods are mingling more than ever, while wars are planned and enemies are growing stronger.
McKenna’s rich narrative pulls you in, and each book gets darker as the obstacles increase for the characters.
April 25, 2025
Another EPIC installment to The Vorelian Saga. Each book continues to get better and better, the odds even higher. And the ending is NOT what I saw coming. By far, one of my favorites to date (and I loved them all!)
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT!
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT!
July 20, 2025
McKenna knows how to create rich worlds with flawed gods and unsteady heroes. Dragons and dark characters just round out the story beautifully. I'm so hooked on this series! I can't wait for the next installment!
April 11, 2025
For readers who love Game of Thrones, The Witcher, Eragon, Night Angel Trilogy, and The Lord of the Rings. Welcome to the Empire :)
April 24, 2025
The Vorelian Saga continues it is really great to follow the characters adventures further and see how their lives develop.
I hope this leads to further adventures for them all.
I hope this leads to further adventures for them all.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews