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Frostfall - The Shattering: An Epic Fantasy Adventure

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The Frostfall has begun.

As tendrils of darkness creep across the land, leeching color and heralding death, three paths unfold.

Zodak, bearer of the last Shielder’s medallion, flees into the wilds—pursued by forces he barely understands, carrying a secret he cannot name.

Alana, Zodak’s estranged cousin, once voiceless and forgotten, finds herself drawn to the revered Sisters’ Keep. Within the ancient stone towers of the High Elder’s castle, she becomes entangled in a power struggle as the once-unshakable Sisterhood begins to fracture from within.

Daen, the Skypiercer, banished from Fortress Blackiron, must rally the scattered remnants of the Order. With the life of Ozir the dwarf, Kommandor of the Order hanging by a thread, Daen seeks to gather the last embers of an elite Order Guard before it's extinguished forever.

Ancient forces stir. The darkness grows. But the Book of Truth has opened for a new hand, and a prophecy long buried speaks once more.

With creation itself crumbling beneath the surging Frostfall, voices in shadow whisper of a quiet hope. The few who refuse to submit may be all that stand between the world and ruin.

804 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2026

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Max Moyer

6 books37 followers

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5 stars
26 (78%)
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5 (15%)
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1 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for GheridenTheBookBard .
293 reviews37 followers
August 7, 2026
⭐ 4.75 out of 5 stars

Man... it felt good getting back in this world.

It's been a little over two years since I read Zodak, and I definitely didn't remember everything, but I remember how that book made me feel. That's the kind of story that sticks with you, and this sequel reminded me why.

I had a blast jumping back in with these characters. Alana's journey was probably the best parts for me. She grows so much in this book, and I found myself rooting for her every time she was on the page. Zodak, who's still carrying the weight of everything that's happened, only now he's got even more on his shoulders. Watching him step up when it'd be a whole lot easier to keep running just reminded me why I liked him so much in the first place. And Daen... man, I don't know what it is about him, but he's still one of my favorites. I was always happy when the story jumped back to him.

The world just keeps getting bigger too. I love an epic fantasy that feels developed lived in and rich with life and details, and every chapter peeled back another layer. With the lore, the history, the magic, the creatures and the threat hanging over everything, and I was eating it up.

So... Yeah, not going to lie, it's a chunky book, but it never felt like it was dragging. It read pretty easily, and felt like it was constantly moving toward something.

Now I've got the same problem I had two years ago... I need the next book.
Profile Image for Kai  Bucher.
35 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2026
A step up from Zodak for Moyer, undoubtedly. He continues to be one of the more promising new authors I've read in a while. His flow for scene structure and book structure has gotten much better, and the characters are far better than they were in first book. Sure, the world still feels to me like it lacks cohesion, but I choose to see that as a feature, not a bug. All sorts of wacky things come up, and Moyer never ceases to delight and entertain with whatever comes next.
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Read the rest of my review on Hardcover!
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A solid 4/5 for me. Stronger, better, but there's still a ways yet to go.

Thanks so much to Mr. Max Moyer for providing an ARC for this review! Still very much watching your career with great interest.
Profile Image for Adriana.
44 reviews17 followers
August 18, 2026
** Thank you for allowing me to serve as an ARC reader to the author and their team **

Overall I enjoyed the continuation of Zodak: the Last Shielder, I think there were certain things I enjoyed more than in Book 1 and vice versa. I really enjoyed the intercharacter dynamics in this book more so than book 1. Alana's relationship with Voli and the sisterhood was the highlight of book 2 for me, I felt that her character arc and the banter and overall writing for those portions of the book resonated with me the most. Zodak's own storyline fell flat for me. I cannot get myself to care about Zodak or his inner monologues... even after book 2. The plot twist of him not being the last shielder but then finding out that maybe he is important after all and the 3 cousins are all important in their own right seemed forced and bringing Egris in at the end, didn't land for me. For me, the writing style, pacing, and storylines suffered... but the intercharacter dynamics, their personal arcs (Alana, Voli, Folba, Daen [when he returns to his home that was a fun segment]), and world building was where this book shined for me.

It was a pleasure to read, but it was a pleasure to read in certain parts... if that makes sense... and for those reasons it stayed at a 3.4 out of 5 for me. Overall solid read and if you enjoy multiple storylines and POVs happening and classic high fantasy -- this book may be for you. At almost 900 pages, I think it there was too much going on without enough emotional attachment for me to any of the characters to really get to a 4.

Weighted score:
📖 Storyline / Plot 15% -- 3: Solid: It was a mixed back for me, overall I think the structure and some of the events just didn't land for me.
✍️ Prose & Writing Style 15% -- 3: Solid: I enjoyed the Alana and Daen segments, I don't really like Zodak's storyline, tbh
💕 Intercharacter Dynamics 15% -- 4: Good: This is where it really started to shine IMO.
🌍 World-Building 15% -- 4: Good: Classic high fantasy.
🎭 Character Development 10% -- 4: Good: Liked the overall character arcs
⚡ Pacing & Structure 10% -- 3: Solid: mixed bag for me. Some segments really lagged or I didn't see the purpose of certain scenes, etc.
😮 Emotional Impact 20% -- 3: Solid: I care about Alana but I am not sure I care about the overall story as a whole, where I am rooting for a character, worried about Daen, etc etc
🏆 WEIGHTED TOTAL SCORE (out of 5) 100%: 3.4 out of 5
10 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2026
From the prologue onward, "Frostfall - The Shattering" grabs your attention and fills you with tension. Frostfall is the 2nd book in the Tempest Rising series, so I highly recommend that you read "Zodak - The Last Shielder" first.

The prologue is foreboding and tense, setting the stage for the rest of the book. The book picks up quickly after the end of the first book. A recap is available for those who have read the first book and want a refresher before starting Frostfall.

The book's main protagonists are Zodak, Voli, Alana, and Daen. Zodak and Voli end up together on their journey to save the world, Daen continues to fight against the hordes of evil and Alana learns her power and begins to help in the fight against the coming evil. I really like how the book keeps the activities of each group in chronological order, switching back and forth between them. This method really keeps the tension and interest up while the story progresses.

Each of the protagonists are forced to mature significantly during the story. Reluctant at first, they grow to realize that if they don't help to save the world, no one else will. Three of the heroes are late teens and one is an adult who has seen battles before.

Frostfall will certainly hold your interest throughout while keeping you on pins and needles. It was very hard for me to put down the book. I wanted to keep reading. Sleep finally won out temporarily. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I definitely await to read the next part of the saga.

There are many creatures to enjoy, both good and evil. I absolutely love the Wydswyth. The author has a wonderful imagination regarding the creatures he writes about.

Bottom line - it's a wonderful book and a wonderful series. Although not necessary, there is a prequel novella "Throne Born" and an ancillary novella (called book 1.5) "Badu - Blade of the Noz" which enrich the world building and story. I definitely recommend the two novellas as well as Zodak and Frostfall. Enjoy the world of Max Moyer.
Profile Image for Angela Ila.
21 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2026
Ok. Deep breaths on this ARC review because holy guacamole of emotions but this is how I best write reviews.

1st. This book (in my opinion) should be read AFTER the others to give you a HUGE advantage of the background of this incredible book that I finished and still reeling from.

2nd. This is a huge book. So I highly encourage making space for this book in your mind and heart because it literally deserves every piece of attention because that’s how detailed this book is and absolutely beautifully crafted by this author. This book will not disappoint!!! Just … chef’s kiss I have such mad respect for this author and this piece of amazing writing.

3rd. You will have all the freaking feels from this book. Really from the series. But you find yourself really IN THE BOOK. It’s from multiple POVs. I wrote down the characters but that’s because there were so many incredible pieces to this story that it was necessary for me so I could properly process what I was following.

4th. The battle scenes ARE FREAKING AMAZING OH MY GOD! BRILLIANT!!!! Are you kidding me right now???? How! How in the heck does one person create MULTIPLE BATTLE SCENES THAT MAKE ME HOLD MY BREATH THE WHOLE DAMN TIME!!!!


As a reader I will tell you this. YOU ARE GOING TO GET TO THE END AND SCREAM “WHAT?!!!! WAIT WHATTTTTT?!!!” And now. I need more. I need. NNNNNEEEEEDDDDD! To know what happens next!!! I cried a lot during this book. I did. I also got angry during this book. I also smiled and loved a lot of characters in this book that I have grown towards over the process of this series. I grieve the end of this specific book but look forward to the next. I may have separation anxiety from these characters until the next one comes out …. It’s THAT GOOD!

If you love orcs, gnomes, ogres, wars… Magic… elders and keepers… THIS IS FOR YOU!!!!

Incredible work and I cannot say enough about this work
Profile Image for Shelby Denison.
193 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2026
**Thank-you to @maxmoyerwrites for the ARC in exchange for my honest review**

Wow, this book was a JOURNEY! This 804-page monster took me on one wild adventure, with multiple POVs following different characters whose paths slowly begin to intertwine as the story builds toward the finale.

Zodak is still guarding the medallion and searching for someone who can help him understand its purpose and his role in everything that is unfolding. Alana, joining the Sisterhood, begins to discover that there is far more to the world than she ever knew. And Daen, desperate to save his commander, takes a huge gamble by returning to the home he was banished from in search of the healer he trusts.

There is SO much packed into these pages. Action, adventure, mystery, massive amounts of world-building, ancient forces, prophecy, political struggles, and that growing sense that something very, very bad is coming. I loved watching all these separate threads develop and slowly start connecting, and there was a real sense of wonder to the world being built here.

The one thing I could have done without was the age-inappropriate love interest involving Zodak. It felt completely unnecessary to the story and honestly took away from an otherwise really compelling part of his journey.

That aside, I am absolutely invested in this wild adventure now. After nearly 1,100 pages across the first two books, I’ve come way too far to stop now. I NEED to see where this story goes next. Bring on the next book!
Profile Image for Armando Ramirez.
331 reviews26 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 3, 2026
Frostfall by Max Moyer delivers exactly what fans of Zodak were hoping for, and then some. Where the first installment laid the groundwork, this sequel expands the world with confidence, offering richer character development, deeper lore, and a far greater sense of scale. Moyer doesn’t just revisit this universe; he elevates it, weaving in new characters and conflicts that feel purposeful rather than overwhelming.
What stands out most is how much more immersive everything feels. The stakes are higher, the emotional beats land harder, and the action sequences carry real weight. The battles are not only more frequent but more impactful, each one pushing the story forward while revealing new layers of the world and its inhabitants. It’s clear the author has grown into this series, and that growth translates directly onto the page.
The ending is particularly satisfying; one that doesn’t just tie things up neatly, but leaves you with a genuine sense of fulfillment. It rewards the investment you’ve made in the story and its characters, while still leaving room for what could come next. For me, Frostfall is a stronger, more confident follow-up that surpasses its predecessor in nearly every way.
If Zodak sparked your interest, Frostfall will fully ignite it. This is the sequel readers were waiting for.
Profile Image for Brian Motter.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 4, 2026
Moyer has surpassed his debut with this outstanding second volume. Here are the things that I thought Moyer did extremely well.

1> Multiple View Point plot-lines that all work together, and all keep the readers attention. I particularly liked the Alana plot-line, but the Daen and Zodak ones are also great. There isn't a character POV that I felt bummed when it appeared at chapter's change.

2> World building. This is an epic fantasy that has more than your normal monsters and races (though they are still there). Some of the creatures/beings you meet along the way show an incredible imagination that makes it hard to believe that Moyer made these up.

3> Character Voice: There are many characters in this book and for the most part, all the important ones sound/read differently.

The reviewer is an avid epic fantasy reader and writer, who has searched far and wide for epic fantasy that you could read at any age. This book is appropriate for young teens though those with gray in their hair. It is a story of good vs. evil. There is no morally gray areas to navigate.

Well done!!!! This is one of my favorite Indie Published books that I've read. Most I don't finish, but this one held my attention, making me look forward to my reading time.
Profile Image for Sara.
781 reviews56 followers
August 30, 2026
Frostfall: The Shattering by Max Moyer
Daen, the Sky Piercer, banished from Fortress Blackiron, must rally the scattered remnants of the Order... Zodak, the farm boy, flees across the wilderness... and Alana, the stowaway, enters a world she never imagined...
Okay, this book is pretty epic! It does have its slower moments (Daen's POV in particular was hard for me to get into), but when things get moving, they really move! The battle in the Valley of Kittra was particularly thrilling; it'll get you screaming right along with the characters. I will say, don't get too attached to any of the side characters or animals, or you may find yourself emotionally shredded. A lot of them don't make it to the end, just warning you! And I also may have jumped prematurely to the end during one particular climax just to make one of the main characters made it to the end! Things do look pretty dire at times. Would highly recommend if you love classic epic fantasy and don't mind long journeys! Also, that ending! Aah! Definitely need book 3 as soon as possible.

Genre: Epic fantasy
Mild violence, no swearing (other than in-world language)
Book 2 in Tempest Rising (must be read in order)
5 stars


Profile Image for Shana Morris.
95 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2026
Frostfall is Book Two in the Tempest Rising series and it begins with a dark, suspenseful prologue that hints at the dangers to come. It picks right back up after the first novel and includes a useful recap—especially welcome since Book One (Zodak: The Last Shielder) released two years ago.

This epic fantasy goes beyond the genre’s usual assortment of monsters and races, though familiar staples remain. From Max’s Summary: Ancient forces stir. The darkness grows. But the Book of Truth has opened for a new hand, and a prophecy long buried speaks once more.

I love each of the four main characters—Zodak, Voli, Alana, and Daen—for different reasons. Zodak was a favorite in the first book and drew me into the story from the start. All four characters grow significantly throughout this substantial but fast-paced novel, which is so well written that the pages fly by. The narrative moves smoothly among their intertwined storylines, carrying tension from one thread to the next and building anticipation for the next installment.

Suspense remains high throughout Frostfall, repeatedly tempting me to read one more chapter long past bedtime. The cliffhanger ending only heightens my anticipation for the next installment. Highly recommend this series and they are available on Kindle Unlimited if you have it.

I highly recommend Zodak, Frostfall, and the companion novellas to readers ready to lose themselves in Max Moyer’s world. Thank you, Max for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
Profile Image for Lara R..
522 reviews14 followers
October 18, 2026
I absolutely loved Zodac when it first came out, so I was really looking forward to returning to Max Moyer's world with Frostfall. And somehow, he managed to make the second book even better!

What impressed me most was how much Max has grown as a writer. I already enjoyed his storytelling in the first book, but in Frostfall, his development as an author really shines through. The writing feels more polished and confident, which made the entire reading experience even more enjoyable.

It's always wonderful to follow an author's journey, especially when you loved their work from the very beginning. Seeing that growth while getting an even better sequel is incredibly rewarding.

Zodac was already a fantastic read for me, but Frostfall managed to surpass it. I can't wait to see where Max takes the story next!

An easy 5 stars and a sequel that truly delivers!
Profile Image for Books Of Momo.
84 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 2, 2026
More like 4.5 honestly
Hoooooly. That really was everything I wanted in a sequel!!! A long arduous journey of self growth and war, good against evil. I ADORE Alana and how clever she is, how big her heart is. I feel like she's a friend id love to have. Zodak is wonderful as always though I do wish we got a tad more of him, which is funny to say in a book this long but I just cant get enough of his strength and resilience. Daen is awesome as well and I love how he comes to accept his mistakes and who he is by showing us just how strong he is. The side characters are wonderful and the creatures, both unique and well known, are epic . I did NOT expect this to end that that at all HELLO? THAT WAS AMAZING and Im already dying for the next book HOLY COW
Profile Image for Barb Patrick-Broadbent.
17 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2026
I was given this book as an Arc copy by Max Moyer. My options are my own. This is an coming of age epic fantasy, with themes of found family and betrayal and triumph.
I give this book 5 stars and it could be a 6 stars. This book had believable characters with unique personalities and back grounds. I love the way the unique characters react to other characters. The story was very well told and kept you wanting to know what happens next. I enjoyed watching Alana story unfolded. I not going to give any spoilers, you will just have to read this book and enjoy the story as much as i did. This book had alot going on but wrote in a way that you didnt feel tossed or confused. That means alot to me in fantasy book. I will be reading more from Max Moyer.
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,579 reviews85 followers
August 30, 2026
This was an epic sequel! It's a chunky book, but it was easy to jump back into this world and enjoy the characters journeys.
I loved the character growth in this, seeing them adapt to the challenges they face, navigating battles and conflict, and managing all the expectations on them.
I enjoyed the reluctant hero aspects, and seeing them accept responsibility for saving the world.
It has action, magic, high stakes, consequences, an immersive fantasy world, and layers of danger and darkness building.
I love that it constantly makes you want to know what will happen next, and keeps you invested throughout. Excited for the next book.
1 review
August 30, 2026
Loved Zodak and it was great to continue on with his story in Frostfall. The intertwined stories of Zodak, Alana, Voli and Daen unfold was great addition, and how all of their stories are tied to the threat of the frostfall. The big twist with Zodak was not expected, but the adventures he faced kept me wanting more. I can't wait for the next book to be released and to jump back into the world of Yiduiijn.
25 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2026
Great sequel

Enjoying this series so much. I found it hard to put it down and get some sleep. Love characters growth, world building and magic system. The story is well written and meticulously thought out. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Amanda.
17 reviews
August 12, 2026
This has quickly become my favorite epic fantasy since The Hobbit. The depth of this world and its characters and creatures is next level and will stay with me from now on. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this adventure.
65 reviews
Read
September 7, 2026
Firstly I'm super excited to have recieved this as an ARC.

While I haven't finished yet, what I have read is amazing. The world is so intriguing the story telling is very well done. I'm slowly making my way through and savoring every bit of it
Profile Image for Debra Schwitzer.
144 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2026
ohmygosh!

I thought that Zodak was great but Frostfall is over the top! You need to read Zodak first or you just won’t get it at its best. Frostfall picks up with Zodak’s cousin Alana and when you are fully engrossed in her story, it zigzags to several others and finally back to our boy Zodak. Those zigzags are not confusing at all, more like putting down one story and picking up another in the same thread over and over until everything has come together. Truly a master’s work! Max Moyer has a way of using descriptive words to pull you into that time that place, it’s truly imaginative.
Profile Image for Barb Niles.
181 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2026
Thankyou for the early sneak peek!
This was an epic sequel!
Found family fantasy adventure I loved every second reading this!
Profile Image for Eric E.
15 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2026
Wow. What an epic! Such beautiful writing. Such in depth character building. Such suspense.
Go zodak. Go Alana. Go daen.
I want more!
1 review2 followers
October 12, 2026
An Epic Adventure

Frostfall had my attention form cover to cover. This is an amazing story that sucks you in with expectations and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews