Children of the Gods

Age of Fire #1

by S.A. Klopfenstein

May the world be brighter for our burning.

At the edge of a war-torn world ruled by the Attican Empire and their fearsome Dragonmounts, the fate of nations falls upon a few individual destinies. A shaman. A huntress. A soldier. And a rebel spy.

The Faltari people are special, gifted by the gods with abilities beyond mortal men. Yet, they have chosen a life of peace and seclusion. As Malik reaches adulthood, he longs for more than the life of a village shaman. More than the future that stands before him on the Isle of Faltara. His best friend Riese is torn between a life of duty, and the destiny that lingers in the back of her mind.

But there are secrets on their island. Secrets that have sustained their people over the centuries. And when the truth comes to light, Malik and Riese must reckon with their people’s shrouded past, and a destiny that will demand more of them than they ever imagined.

Across the world, Urla has sacrificed everything for the expansion of the Attican Empire, but a secret mission to the mysterious Isle of Faltara will force her to confront the brutal truth about the nation she serves.

And born in the wake of a failed uprising, Ava has grown up in the shadow of her people’s conquerors, but the key to the empire’s power may finally be within her grasp. If she can uncover the source of the empire’s dragons, her parent’s rebellion may finally stand a chance.

Worlds will collide. Fire will reign. All must choose a side. So begins the Age of Fire.

Classic meets modern fantasy in this dragon epic for fans of Ryan Cahill, John Gwynne, and Philip C. Quaintrell.

____________________

"Absorbing cast. A well-balanced mix of action, exposition, and character introspection. A radiant introduction to an astonishing supernatural world." - KIRKUS REVIEWS (✔️ Get It Recommended)

“Rich worldbuilding, vivid prose, action, and lots of dragons! It’s been a long time since a story has given me such a sense of grandeur and wonder... reminded me why I love epic fantasy so much!" - Library of a Viking

Genres: Fantasy

598 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Children of the Gods out Sept. 30.

Author of the Shadow Watch Saga, and the Rogue System trilogy.

Reviews

[James Harwood-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons fly above the realm. It is the empire they serve. Their dominance supreme.
Despite their fearsome power, people of courage will soon rise to face them.

So this one has all the earmarks of what should be a great epic. One of oppression and rebellion.

A short while ago I happened to stumble upon The Shadow Watch Saga. It was one of those amazing surprises where I absolutely tore through the series. It was in my top 10 last year easily.

So when I heard about a prequel series, I immediately preordered. Then even better, I got my hands on an ARC.

This one is billed as something Cahill and Quaintrell fans would enjoy which I would agree with.

Lots of dragons, runeships, godsblades, knights, shapeshifters, assassins and shamanic magic. So pretty much contains a full house for those who love epic fantasy.

In essence, a peaceful people pushed too far. Seeds of rebellion planted. Meanwhile those serving in the empire may start to question whom they serve.

As someone who has read the Shadow Watch, the imminent further danger of the Empires ambitions.

Being a prequel, it is safe to go into this series cold. For fans of the Shadow Watch we get little nods of familiarity which bring a small smile or an impending sense of danger.

So in summary, a thrilling opener which makes me hunger for the sequel.

Much thanks to the author for providing this arc.

[Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable read from start to finish. As a first book in a new series and from an author I’d not read before, I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was very pleased with what I got. The writing is slick and the story and worldbuilding complement each other quite effectively.

I enjoyed the characters and the way the story works to split people up or bring them together at various points so you can never quite be sure who might end up on opposite sides of a shifting political landscape. The relationship building is well done, and I appreciated a number of little twists and turns that took place between characters, as well as in the overall scope of the story.

I think there’s a really interesting world here, and an interesting story going on, and for those who like dragon-rider fantasy, I suspect we’ll see a fair bit of that to come, even if it isn’t the immediate focus here. For those who like to listen, there’s an audiobook edition as well, and I thought the narrator was well-suited to the story.

This is definitely a series to watch, and I’ll be doing just that.

[LordTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epic is as epic does, Children of the Gods by sidles up alongside the Cahills and Quaintrells of the world to give readers a vast new world full of magic, rebellion, and of course, DRAGONS. While the cover screams READ ME, the interior backs it up wholeheartedly.

[S.A. Klopfenstein]

Children of the Gods is OUT NOW in digital formats. Available in Kindle Unlimited and on Audible! Huzzah!

[Matt (Geaux Read Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Children of the Gods, the first book in the Age of Fire series, S.A. Klopfenstein gives us a dragon story that feels like classic high fantasy that is both gritty and addictive. On the Isle of Faltara, where dragon eggs hatch from a god touched source, the Faltari, a mysterious group of people with special powers, face annihilation from the Attican Empire and its Dragonmount riders.
This story features high levels of heart bounding action with scenes that will leave you in awe! Klopfenstein does a great job weaving four POVs that give you great character moments and come together in a spectacular way.
If you are looking for dragon fantasy that features high stakes with political intrigue and rebellion against an authoritarian empire you should give this a try! A special added bonus is the beautiful artwork that is featured throughout the book.

[Blaise · Rating 4 out of 5]

And Done! Myths of the past become reality, dragon eggs being hunted from both sides of a war. Mysterious magic few have mastered and the crossing over from other worlds. All brought to you in book 1. All characters are we developed with what seems like non stop action scenes. Many fans will love this one

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the promotional materials draw comparisons to authors like Cahill and Gwynne, I found myself more reminded of Tad Williams, particularly in the quiet, intimate moments between characters that Klopfenstein so skillfully renders. These subtle exchanges breathe life into the journey, fostering a deep sense of connection with the protagonists. Their likability is immediate, and I found myself eager to follow the arcs Klopfenstein has set in motion, especially knowing they’ll likely lead to emotionally resonant and possibly devastating moments in the series ahead.

This was my first read from the author and I am thankful for the ARC and the audiobook to immerse myself into this new adventure-fantasy title.

At the heart of the story are compelling characters: Malik of the Faltari, whose idealism and moral clarity anchor the group; Reise, easily my favorite, who carries a secret that could shift the balance of power; and Urla and Ava, representatives of the dominant Attican Empire, navigating loyalty, identity, and resistance under imperial rule. The world itself is introduced with urgency, the Faltari, a people of shamans and magic-wielders, serve the dragon-riding Atticans while guarding a profound secret. From the outset, it’s clear that the events of the story will disturb the fragile balance in a world continues to expand as one digs deeper into the chapters of the novel. The stage seems headed for upheaval although it's not quite clear what will be the match or the antagonist at the start.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its gradual worldbuilding that occurs with mixed execution. There are times where Klopfenstein trusts the reader to piece things together, rewarding patience, and leaving bread crumbs to something unknown but subtly foreshadowed. At the same time, there are moments of heavy character exposition which can be slightly off-putting because of the so well executed subtlety. This is a story best experienced with minimal prior knowledge, allowing the mysteries and cultural nuances to reveal themselves in due time.

I finished the book thoroughly satisfied and ready to revisit it. This is absolutely a novel that benefits from a second read. I’m giving it a solid 4 stars. The deduction isn’t due to lack of promise, but rather a few underdeveloped moments and an early reveal that, while impactful, slightly diminished the tension leading into what could have been even more powerful payoff scenes. At times, the pacing slows with exposition-heavy stretches, though these are clearly in service of worldbuilding and character depth. While not always to my personal taste, I never felt tempted to put the book down.

The final act, with its rapid shifts in perspective and converging plotlines, becomes a little chaotic and some transitions could have used more clarity during the final stretch; but, the energy is undeniable. Alliances shift, worlds collide, and the parties separate and it sets the stage for a sequel I’m already eager to read.

Overall, this is a strong debut with a rich cast, a thoughtfully built world, and emotional stakes that feel earned. The audiobook version is particularly well-executed, with excellent narration that enhances the characters and atmosphere. I’m fully invested and will be following this series closely and hoping for more dragons.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I backed this Kickstarter and it turned out stunning! The art is unbelievable! Any time you tell me a story has dragons, I’m hooked. I’d also like to thank the author for an audio version of this book as well. Tim Campbell is awesome! This books was a a total flip on the dragon rider trope and a completely fresh take. From page one I was hooked. The characters were deep but familiar, the world is absolutely massive, a lot bigger than initially imagined, and very well developed with a rich history to back it up. The way the book is split up in different parts was genius, offering the reader an insight into what’s coming up and what to expect. I will say, even with those though, I was completely blown away by the content. The action was well written and smooth. The way the magic of this world is built is special and immersive. The final sequence of this book and the ending is absolute madness. So many twists and turns and gasping moments! The main thing that got me about this story was the unknown. I never knew what was actually going to happen until it did and that kept me turning the page. This book was such a fun read and blew away my expectations! I need book 2 like yesterday!

[Gabriel Monck-Zweck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early ebook copy for backing the Kickstarter.

Spoiler free review.

I really enjoyed the book. Klopf built a really cool world that I can't wait to see more of it. The island of Faltara felt very vibrant and fleshed out, but our glimpses of the rest of the world were really just glimpses. Not a knock on the book just an observation.

The different viewpoints were done well. Each character had their own voice and no character was particularly boring. There also wasn't really any back tracking or playing the same scene over and over from a different perspective that some authors fall into with the multiple character POV narrative. There were a couple parts where I was confused on who the POV was from for a paragraph/page but overall it was very clear.

The story itself was very entertaining. So much happened throughout the book but there weren't any parts that dragged on to me. Even the more mundane/less actiony scenes were still interesting.

Book 1 left off with a lot of material to cover in book 2. There are a lot of things to be resolved and questions to be answered.

I am really looking forward to the rest of the trilogy and very glad that I backed the Kickstarter for this book.

[Chandler Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book from this author, and I must say it was a joy all the way. Dragon fantasy is my favorite sub genre of fantasy and this is not your typical dragon fantasy book. I must say I am looking forward to what comes next in the series. The pacing of this book is five out of five stars. I could not put the book down unless I had work. The characters were five out of five stars love all the POV chapters in book. Children of the Gods is one of my top 5 books I have read this year. The lore and history of this world has a great foundation lade in this book. Bravo self published fantasy is the best fantasy.

[Robyn Lynagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an epic fantasy at its finest that had me intrigued from the first page.

The world building and characterisation was definitely a highlight for this however I enjoyed the way that the author had split this into various parts which made this easy to follow along.

I have just found out that this is a prequel to the author’s other works so I am very excited to read these !

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will try to keep this as spoiler free, but I am sorry if I let anything slip.

I had such high hopes for this one, but it just fell flat. 600+ pages of nothing in the end. More then half the book is just talking, sitting and talking, walking and talking, glaring and talk..... its dull. A LOT of the plot and action happened off screen and we are just told about it. Other things aren't even brought up at all till something happens and then 'oh yah because this is a thing'. The back half of the book decided it needed to do action after so much talking, but does so with view points shifting every few pages. Gets even worse for the 'final battle' of the book, with viewpoints shifting every page or so. It breaks up what is going on and turns it into a mental juggling fest to remember who is doing what and where and are you alive or dead? or wait who were you? There are twists in the book, those I don't mind, but they made me more and more mad at the book with how often they happened, to the point I didn't trust anyone or anything.

Then lets get the elephant in the room done..... there are dragons? Well... maybe? Sort of? It felt like they are thrown in here to just be 'popular'. There is no great description of them, how they look (other then size and color) or how their minds are (other then one, which a character has interactions with) The whole book felt like they could have been replaced with ANY magical ANYTHING and the book would have been the same, making them feel pointless and a waste of space.

In the end, the book had promise, it had a cool concept, and then got covered over in a word dump to make you think you had the next big blockbuster. So much so, I will be happy to have this kickstarter on my shelf, it looks pretty, but I don't plan on trying anything else by this author.

[zh. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A promising, captivating start to an epic fantasy series with dragons and magic, plenty of fast-paced action and fascinating lore, engaging character( arc)s and some charming illustrations (and map!), well worth your time!

a thousand years ago, dragons brought peace, not war

Welcome to Îrithèa, a land ruled by dragonfire, and to the mysterious Isle of Faltara at the edge of it! People who have chosen to live apart, rather peace and the pain of sacrifice than the more or less constant war and power struggle. The Isle is habited by four clans, who every year come together to celebrate the coming of age of their youth through a sacred rite, the Ascent.

At first we follow Malik Jorensein, the shaman's son and reluctant future shaman, and huntress Riese Torendeil among other Children of the Flame as they set off to climb the floating mountains, Spires, to reach the summit and what waits beyond in a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage that is not without fatal danger. To destroy the most dangerous and powerful weapon in the world, one at a time, is no easy feat, but of great help is their ability to draw upon the magic pulse at the heart of the world, the breath of gods, as their assumed descendants.

"We are children of the gods. Blessed with the awareness of their greatest gift."

With great power comes great responsibility, and if the others found out where the afore-mentioned weapons are kept, they would certainly want their hands on them. Conflict is unavoidable, sooner or later, when even the Faltari are not aware of the full extent of things. Suffice to say, there shall be fire. Some will pay for ancient failures, others will rise to challenge the greatest powers and embark on a mission that could determine the future of all Îrithèa.

You cannot ignore darkness. The only way to move past is to move through.

As the story progresses, several fascinating, fleshed-out characters are introduced. Unlikely allies with odds not in their favor makes for an interesting story, all the more gripping the more we learn about these people, their backgrounds and their motivations. It is always curious to see the conflict from several, often opposing sides, learn the different stories that are told about how their peoples came to be in the world and how they view the current situation in varying lights. Though the world is sometimes ruthless and cruel, there are also many beautiful settings and captivating descriptions.

The way the author brings the other parts of the world and their culture into the story without a massive infodump at once, instead gradually shedding light, is great. Sacred beasts like winged jackals and feathered serpents which the four clans are named after, Dragonmounts, the power of runes, brave warriors, shapeshifters, dark spirits, faeries, the Dragon Emperor, ... As we learn about their world, the characters learn about themselves as well, discovering and challenged. Peace requires sacrifice, yet change seems inevitable. How much are they willing to and how much change is forced on them... and is it already too late for the pebbles to vote when the avalanche is starting?

To wander from one's path, that is true suffering.

For those who are familiar with the Shadow Watch saga, Îrithèa exists within a shared story universe (Otherverse), though on another world thousands of years before. Definitely worth reading, now eagerly to await the continuation of this entertaining (and emotional) adventure into a spellbinding world with these wonderful characters!

[Harold · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 out of 5 for me, it's very very good but not quite the top level

I started this book and was like, oh here we go again another book that starts with the hero on a coming of age quest, they will be the best at it, and that will set the tone for the book, what I didn’t expect was the twists that were coming and how they set the tone instead, the author is very adept at starting the reader down a path that they think they have trodden before only for him to throw in a serious bump in the road or a major diversion
The setting for the story starts as a small Island and expands through the book to a fully fleshed out world, and we get to explore the politics and the history of that world, a range of characters where you are never quite sure who’s in the right, or where the moral high ground sits
I have to admit it took me a few days to get into this book, it’s a slow build, with mixed action and world/character building sections, but the last 25% was devoured in a single sitting, the non-stop action for that last quarter of the book blew me away
For a dragon rider book, there is not much dragon riding in this one, but you can see where it is coming, and I suspect the next books in the serious will correct that, I would have liked to see it here but as I fully intend to read the next book in the series I can wait

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Children of the Gods we get all of our favorites for epic fantasy. The dragons, morphs, shamans, magic, chaos and battles. We see how the past has twisted the future because when the old world went through the Crossing, all the little nations built out of this have their own renditions of what happens. Epic wars erupt and battles are won and lost. This story shows you how taught history doesn't always line up with personal beliefs or growth.
S.A. Klopfenstein has a wonderful way of drawing the picture of these war torn worlds and the struggles they go through while trying to find the truth for their own nations and themselves. The plot is amazingly done and the character development progresses naturally . I absolutely loved this from the minute I started it and look forward to reading the next and anything else by this author. He will be added to my favorites for epic fantasy for sure.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️’s rounded up!

Wow. Just wow!
“Children of the Gods” surpassed my expectations and I was pulled (willingly!) into the world immediately.

Right from the start you are introduced to an array of very different and interesting characters (gotta say, I kinda gravitated towards Riese) and the world building and magic system are absolutely fantastic. The multiple POVs and getting to see the motives of why certain characters made the decisions they did kept me entertained and enthralled in the story. And did I mention there are dragons!

A fantastic and amazingly written start to the series and I very much look forward to reading the next ones. Also, the added artwork and the chapter logos were an amazing touch and beautiful to look at.

[Favour Creative · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Children of the Gods is an epic start to a new fantasy saga filled with intrigue, magic, and heart. The worldbuilding is rich and layered, with empires, dragonmounts, and ancient secrets that immediately pulled me in. Malik, Riese, Urla, and Ava each bring unique perspectives, and I loved how their paths begin to weave together against the backdrop of destiny and rebellion. The stakes feel massive, yet the personal struggles of the characters make it deeply relatable.

If you enjoy sweeping fantasy with political tension, moral choices, and characters you can’t stop rooting for, this is definitely a must-read. Excited to see where the Age of Fire goes next!

[Sarrah Chang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an early copy of the ebook and audiobook for review. The concept of the book was intriguing and I enjoyed the characters very much. Dragons, magic and twists that all combine to a well written book. The only issue I had with this book was the amount of exposition to help shape the world, the conflict and the culture. However, this is a series I plan to keep up on. Did I mention it has dragons.

[Brittany Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children of the Gods by S. A. Klopfenstein is an amazing fantasy. Tim Campbell did an incredible job with the narration. The story is entertaining, action packed, interesting, engaging, enjoyable, well written, complex world, exciting, leaves you on the edge of your seat, and more. Children of the Gods is the first book in Age of Fire series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Drosfix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good fast pace, character driven book. the beginning of the book was great, with the clime to get the dragon eggs. I wish the book could slow down at fast pace in some parts, enplane the magic.
This book between YA and epic fantasy, but have some strong words like f**k so I can't say it is YA.

[Jovana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that the author of the Shadow Watch Saga is writing an epic fantasy with dragons and dragon riders I just had to sign up. I enjoyed the vibrant world building, the different POVs, each character had their own distinct voice and they were all unique in their own way. The overall plot was enjoyable and this world's politics were very intriguing. Looking forward to Book #2!

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can pretty much just say wow about this read. It has everything you want or need in a fantasy epic and it was just mind blowing how much I really liked it. The writing style is great and the story itself was so well described. Really enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, epic fantasy, filled with magic, dragons, a dangerous quest and so much more. The characters and world building are woven together with plenty of thought and detail. This fantasy book has it all and I can't wait for the next one. Highly recommended. Read as an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Review Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5

Children of the Gods was a mostly enjoyable read for me, but sadly my enjoyment came a bit too late. The plot starts out rather slow, and I struggled quite a bit in the beginning with the characters (as I didn’t quite care for them). Also, a pet peeve of mine: injecting modern cultural curse words into a fantasy world as this; it just makes for a jarring experience and feels very unnatural. Cringeworthy even.

The world building was good. The lore, once we got it, was very interesting. I feel as if these stories are becoming a bit overdone though. Once I made it to the back third of the book, the plot, world, and characters started to really open up and things got exciting. Action, a bit more depth to characters, and the conflict I was hoping for finally came to show its face.

Overall, I enjoyed this installment. Based on the ending, Klopfenstein eventually left me wanting more. Although Children of the Gods was a bit middling for me, I expect the next book to pick up in all areas.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Incredibly captivating from the very first page to the very last word. This first book in the Age of Fire series by S.A. Klopfenstein takes off with action right from the start and never seems to let up! Klopfenstein is an incredible story teller. I was glued within the first few pages! The characters are all well written, they are engaging, and I felt like I really got to know them. There are many twists and turns and surprises to keep you turning those pages. The world building was beautifully, brilliantly and magically woven throughout the story. I absolutely highly recommend this book!