Three kingdoms on the brink of destruction. Three princes facing down ruinous fates. These are their stories…and those of the women who guided the way to glory.
In the kingdom of Idilea, where some are gifted with the power to shift into majestic drakken, Telleree Falk has lived in seclusion with her father for 17 years, hiding from the iron rule of Fior. The wolven nation murdered Idilea's royal family, enslaved the drakken, and plunged the land into darkness.
When Fiorian soldiers discover their refuge, Tell is forced to flee, saved only by two Soren, dark and enigmatic, and Lukas, a steadfast ally. Tell soon learns soldiers have kidnapped her best friend, sparking a desperate quest to save her, one that drops her headfirst into a growing rebellion that could free her homeland.
As she navigates the shifting bonds of loyalty, faith, and courage, Tell also grapples with her own feelings, torn between budding emotions for her friend and the dark desires stoked by Soren, who guards his own mysterious past.
With the future of her kingdom at stake, Tell’s choices will determine whether Idilea rises from its ashes or falls forever under the wolven's reign.
Of Dragons and Defiance is perfect for fans of Feyre from A Court of Thorns and Roses and the ruthless realm established in Fourth Wing. It's also a standalone novel that also serves as the first book in the Three Kingdoms trilogy, which explores three different kingdoms set in one unique world.
September Thomas is an independent author of fantasy books. Her debut YA series, The Elemental Gods, is complete and available now. She's currently working on a NA fantasy romance trilogy.
When not reading or writing, she is often lost in a book or daydreaming up her next adventure. As a child, she loved getting lost in books and movies, and eventually started dreaming up her own scenarios for her favorite characters. In high school, she decided it was time to create worlds of her own.
September lives in Nebraska. She enjoys spending time with friends, sampling delicious local cuisines, and cuddling with her Australian Cattle Dog, Sydney.
I had the absolute pleasure of diving into Of Dragons and Defiance, and while I haven’t quite reached the final page, I couldn't wait to share a few early thoughts before unplugging on my vacation!
What I can say with certainty is that this novel beautifully reflects the radiant talent of September Thomas. From the magic of her Elemental Gods series to now, her storytelling blooms with confidence and heart—like a writer fully embracing her gift.
This novel is a celebration of fierce, multifaceted women, woven into a world of shifters, dragons, a brooding prince, smoldering romance, and found family. Not to mention an entirely new world to explore!
I won’t spoil a thing (because trust me, you’ll want to savor it yourself), but one thing’s for certain: this book needs a spot on your summer TBR. You won’t regret it!
I absolutely adored this book and read it the same way you drink water- with absolute necessity. From the first page to the last, the details were vast, and the characters lovable. I adored having a female main character who is not apt to violence and who does NOT want to fight. It added a certain depth to the storyline that you don’t get with other “chosen one” books. I truly loved this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is incredible! It has a great and unique storyline, but the detailed writing September Thomas uses is incredible. When she describes the warmth of a fire or a soup or the bitter cold, you can feel it. She puts you in the story. I can’t wait to read the next one!!