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A Path Fraught with Ruin
A PATH FRAUGHT WITH RUIN IS A TREMENDOUS NEW THREAD IN A YARN SPUN FROM THE LORE OF UPRYNENOS, THE EPIC FANTASY SERIES BY AUTHOR MATTHEW J TURNER.
Stánwilte pushes northwards on his quest for exoneration, cruelly unaware of the distressing news awaiting him. Brolo, unsure of their success, dwells on the mysteries of the past. Wilkhelm tethers his future to a golden promise, ignorant of the consequences behind the alluring prediction.
Yilonia cuts a path through the lands ruled by her callous father, hounded by Relfread's schemes. The unveiling of concealed histories could provide the key to undermining her former captor.
Ravaged by riots, Spyrata mourns its dead; the great and the smelly. Relfread has the capital's nobility under his thumb. All the while, an agent of vengeance creeps about the city's ruins baying for his blood.
Uprynenos is on edge. The kingdom's quaintest corners suffer the scourge of religious strife, oblivious to greater threats lurking in the shadows. Beset by a string of calamities, one scrappy band of unlikely dragon slayers can only tackle so much. On A Path Fraught with Ruin, the only way to survive is to take each step as it comes.
Stánwilte pushes northwards on his quest for exoneration, cruelly unaware of the distressing news awaiting him. Brolo, unsure of their success, dwells on the mysteries of the past. Wilkhelm tethers his future to a golden promise, ignorant of the consequences behind the alluring prediction.
Yilonia cuts a path through the lands ruled by her callous father, hounded by Relfread's schemes. The unveiling of concealed histories could provide the key to undermining her former captor.
Ravaged by riots, Spyrata mourns its dead; the great and the smelly. Relfread has the capital's nobility under his thumb. All the while, an agent of vengeance creeps about the city's ruins baying for his blood.
Uprynenos is on edge. The kingdom's quaintest corners suffer the scourge of religious strife, oblivious to greater threats lurking in the shadows. Beset by a string of calamities, one scrappy band of unlikely dragon slayers can only tackle so much. On A Path Fraught with Ruin, the only way to survive is to take each step as it comes.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 6, 2025
A thrilling continuation that picks up right after the previous book, throwing a band of misfits into a chaotic adventure to hunt and destroy a dragon. The comedic dialogue and banter had me laughing out loud. The character development for Stanwilte and Yilona added depth to the story, making their journey even more engaging. The edge-of-your-seat ending was satisfying yet left me eager for more. A must-read for fans of adventure and witty chaos! Thank you to the author for this arc.
October 2, 2025
Thank you to the author Matthew J. Turner for this arc ☺️
Book 2 in this fantasy comedy series.
This is an easy read that focuses on the journey and adventure to find the dragon. The characters are okay, but they are also a bit too similar. The bickering within the main group is the most fun in the book.
The author is good with words and descriptions, but for me there is too much description of everything, and it makes me fall out of the story while reading. It also makes the story not flow quite as well as I wish.
For me this book is a bit too slow. I don’t feel like much is happening, and I am just waiting for the action. This gets better at the end of the book though.
If you like a fantasy comedy who focuses on the adventure to kill the dragon, with a bickering friendgroup, and slow pace. Then this series are for you.
Book 2 in this fantasy comedy series.
This is an easy read that focuses on the journey and adventure to find the dragon. The characters are okay, but they are also a bit too similar. The bickering within the main group is the most fun in the book.
The author is good with words and descriptions, but for me there is too much description of everything, and it makes me fall out of the story while reading. It also makes the story not flow quite as well as I wish.
For me this book is a bit too slow. I don’t feel like much is happening, and I am just waiting for the action. This gets better at the end of the book though.
If you like a fantasy comedy who focuses on the adventure to kill the dragon, with a bickering friendgroup, and slow pace. Then this series are for you.
September 6, 2025
CW: violence, gore, references to/implied attempted SA, references to child abuse/neglect, some others
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “A Path Fraught With Ruin” is available now!
Here, have some cultish machinations with your epic adventure.
Stanwilte and Co are still on their way to slay a dragon, now with Yilonia by their sides. And then Wilkhelm starts acting stranger than usual, there’s the small matter of how to actually slay a dragon that may or may not be locatable, and everyone’s pretty certain that Relfread’s up to no good (they’re correct).
My very first note on this book reads: “The content of a high fantasy and humor reminiscent of a Douglas Adams novel.” That’s it, that’s the story. And I adore it. It’s unhinged, it’s ridiculous, and it’s a solid adventure.
Did our characters experience actual personal growth, or have they just had enough concussions that their fundamental personalities have shifted? I still don’t know the answer, but it’s irrelevant. What matters is that every single one of these characters brings me immense joy (except Relfread; that dude’s a piece of work). They’re funny; they’re foolish. The only thing they ever agree on is that Ma Jenkins is the most terrifying entity to ever exist. It’s a great time for almost no one involved and I can’t get enough. Don’t even get me started on the new character they encounter. One in particular had me snorting with laughter hard enough to risk vascular damage.
The storyline gets a similarly concise statement in my initial notes: A steady, methodical plot peppered with dry humor and unexpected parody culminating in a breakneck cacophony of ‘holy shit what just happened.’ The audacity of the author to leave us in such a state of shock is a criminal act and we will be pursuing legal action. (The legal action is just demanding the next book as soon as possible)
I don’t know how to adequately explain this book. It stands as entirely unique and yet it feels unexpectedly comfortable in that bookish sort of way that good stories feel like happy memories. It delivers a solid, creeping storyline tempered with sarcasm, buffoonery, and begrudgingly affectionate exasperation. It’s memorable, it’s enjoyable, and it’s one I’m definitely going to want to read again.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “A Path Fraught With Ruin” is available now!
Here, have some cultish machinations with your epic adventure.
Stanwilte and Co are still on their way to slay a dragon, now with Yilonia by their sides. And then Wilkhelm starts acting stranger than usual, there’s the small matter of how to actually slay a dragon that may or may not be locatable, and everyone’s pretty certain that Relfread’s up to no good (they’re correct).
My very first note on this book reads: “The content of a high fantasy and humor reminiscent of a Douglas Adams novel.” That’s it, that’s the story. And I adore it. It’s unhinged, it’s ridiculous, and it’s a solid adventure.
Did our characters experience actual personal growth, or have they just had enough concussions that their fundamental personalities have shifted? I still don’t know the answer, but it’s irrelevant. What matters is that every single one of these characters brings me immense joy (except Relfread; that dude’s a piece of work). They’re funny; they’re foolish. The only thing they ever agree on is that Ma Jenkins is the most terrifying entity to ever exist. It’s a great time for almost no one involved and I can’t get enough. Don’t even get me started on the new character they encounter. One in particular had me snorting with laughter hard enough to risk vascular damage.
The storyline gets a similarly concise statement in my initial notes: A steady, methodical plot peppered with dry humor and unexpected parody culminating in a breakneck cacophony of ‘holy shit what just happened.’ The audacity of the author to leave us in such a state of shock is a criminal act and we will be pursuing legal action. (The legal action is just demanding the next book as soon as possible)
I don’t know how to adequately explain this book. It stands as entirely unique and yet it feels unexpectedly comfortable in that bookish sort of way that good stories feel like happy memories. It delivers a solid, creeping storyline tempered with sarcasm, buffoonery, and begrudgingly affectionate exasperation. It’s memorable, it’s enjoyable, and it’s one I’m definitely going to want to read again.
September 6, 2025
A Path Fraught With Ruin by Matthew J Turner
A big thank you to @matthewjturnerauthor for the eARC of the second novel in the epic fantasy series: A Yarn Spun From The Lore of Uprynenos.
A Path Fraught With Ruin truly is epic!
Events follow on from A Reign Of Emerald Fire and I really liked how there is a recap page before chapter 1. I wish more books had recap pages.
There is a lot of world building and character development in this second installment. It's an immersive fantasy adventure with grimdark elements (the squalor of some locations, the dark villainous machinations, and the bloody violence), magic & dragons, and lots of humour (puns, daft names & funny banter). It's not an easy mix to pull off but it works well. Some parts had me laughing out loud, other parts made me feel squeamish and other bits had me racing through the pages to see what would happen next.
Most of the book follows our band of unlikely heroes in their journey to find and destroy a dragon. There's little chance of success but it is the absolution that exiled Captain of the Watch, Stanwilte, needs. Accompanied by Brolo the dwelf (half- dwarf, half-elf), arrogant and rather inept lordling Wilkhelm (destined for greatness?), new Watch recruit and simple lad, Smiggly, and Yilonia, an earl's daughter who has escaped from high-keeper Relfread and also wants vengeance against the dragon.
There are chapters where we follow Relfread and his villainous doings as he heads up the Dragonia religion and aims at taking power. He truly is diabolical and it creates an interesting diversion from the groups quest.
Imagine the Discworld City Watch humour of Pratchett mixed with the grimdark posturing of Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and you're partway to the style of this book.
A lot of fun.
There is a showdown with the dragon but the book leaves us with a lot to be resolved.
Bring on book three!
A big thank you to @matthewjturnerauthor for the eARC of the second novel in the epic fantasy series: A Yarn Spun From The Lore of Uprynenos.
A Path Fraught With Ruin truly is epic!
Events follow on from A Reign Of Emerald Fire and I really liked how there is a recap page before chapter 1. I wish more books had recap pages.
There is a lot of world building and character development in this second installment. It's an immersive fantasy adventure with grimdark elements (the squalor of some locations, the dark villainous machinations, and the bloody violence), magic & dragons, and lots of humour (puns, daft names & funny banter). It's not an easy mix to pull off but it works well. Some parts had me laughing out loud, other parts made me feel squeamish and other bits had me racing through the pages to see what would happen next.
Most of the book follows our band of unlikely heroes in their journey to find and destroy a dragon. There's little chance of success but it is the absolution that exiled Captain of the Watch, Stanwilte, needs. Accompanied by Brolo the dwelf (half- dwarf, half-elf), arrogant and rather inept lordling Wilkhelm (destined for greatness?), new Watch recruit and simple lad, Smiggly, and Yilonia, an earl's daughter who has escaped from high-keeper Relfread and also wants vengeance against the dragon.
There are chapters where we follow Relfread and his villainous doings as he heads up the Dragonia religion and aims at taking power. He truly is diabolical and it creates an interesting diversion from the groups quest.
Imagine the Discworld City Watch humour of Pratchett mixed with the grimdark posturing of Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and you're partway to the style of this book.
A lot of fun.
There is a showdown with the dragon but the book leaves us with a lot to be resolved.
Bring on book three!
July 31, 2025
Even if we don't quite remember who is who, the narrative is easy to get into and slowly reminds us of the parts of many characters. Of course, characters like Brolo are harder to forget. (Still, I would love that the author added a list of characters with simple reminders at the end or start of the book.)
We continue to get more glimpses and flashbacks of each of them, building them up, deepening our understanding of their actions and motivation.
This volume is much more political, courted intrigue, and world-building in that sense, with a strong focus on succession.
The humor keeps me going. I love their dialogue.
"Snouts and Broomsticks"
"Why must we always attract the village toad-licker?"
"Lad, your horse isn't a fire. You can't feed him sticks." (I read an arc, so I didn't quote word for word. These are from my memory, so they may not be exactly as in the book, but you get the gist.
The king is dead, so what happens now? Should they abandon the quest or prove their worth? While they ponder, they visit a lot of taverns and they plenty of encounters. This part of the book will slow down a bit during the middle, but the author will give us awesome chapters closer to the end. (Thank you, author, for those crucial decisions at the end.)
Yes, it will include a dragon (just in case you start thinking you'll have to wait for book 3). I am waiting for book 3, but for other reasons.
Again, a lot happens, a lot of information added to making the world richer, especially with all the Relfread's chapters. Adds a lot of court intrigue and conspiracy.
We continue to get more glimpses and flashbacks of each of them, building them up, deepening our understanding of their actions and motivation.
This volume is much more political, courted intrigue, and world-building in that sense, with a strong focus on succession.
The humor keeps me going. I love their dialogue.
"Snouts and Broomsticks"
"Why must we always attract the village toad-licker?"
"Lad, your horse isn't a fire. You can't feed him sticks." (I read an arc, so I didn't quote word for word. These are from my memory, so they may not be exactly as in the book, but you get the gist.
The king is dead, so what happens now? Should they abandon the quest or prove their worth? While they ponder, they visit a lot of taverns and they plenty of encounters. This part of the book will slow down a bit during the middle, but the author will give us awesome chapters closer to the end. (Thank you, author, for those crucial decisions at the end.)
Yes, it will include a dragon (just in case you start thinking you'll have to wait for book 3). I am waiting for book 3, but for other reasons.
Again, a lot happens, a lot of information added to making the world richer, especially with all the Relfread's chapters. Adds a lot of court intrigue and conspiracy.
December 24, 2025
There are not many times I get to say this, but in my humble opinion, book two was better than book one. Matthew J. Turner has a writing style that is spectacular. It is a mix of Christopher Paolini, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, and the humor of the Hound from Game of Thrones. His novels are hilarious and full of events that ensue because of the character's realistic and sarcastic reactions to the other characters' actions which drives the plot naturally.
A Path Fraught with Ruin continues with the same characters from the first novel. The group continues their quest to slay the dragon that destroyed Yilonia's caravan in book one. It weaves between the group on their comical adventure and the strategic plotting done by Relfread to control Uprynenos.
Throughout this novel, characters are knocked down shafts on a whim, the characters grow and develop into even more well-rounded individuals, there are visions of what may come in the future, and magic is unlocked that may be used slay a mighty dragon.
The concept of the Three Roots of Magic was also an intriguing concept. I hope that gets explained more in later novels.
I also enjoyed how the climactic battle against the dragon was told from so many points of view. It made the fight full of high stakes. It drew out the battle for an appropriate amount of time.
Overall, it is a hilarious read full of adventure, dragons, and back stabbing plots.
A Path Fraught with Ruin continues with the same characters from the first novel. The group continues their quest to slay the dragon that destroyed Yilonia's caravan in book one. It weaves between the group on their comical adventure and the strategic plotting done by Relfread to control Uprynenos.
Throughout this novel, characters are knocked down shafts on a whim, the characters grow and develop into even more well-rounded individuals, there are visions of what may come in the future, and magic is unlocked that may be used slay a mighty dragon.
The concept of the Three Roots of Magic was also an intriguing concept. I hope that gets explained more in later novels.
I also enjoyed how the climactic battle against the dragon was told from so many points of view. It made the fight full of high stakes. It drew out the battle for an appropriate amount of time.
Overall, it is a hilarious read full of adventure, dragons, and back stabbing plots.
September 6, 2025
Ahh… it felt so good to dive back into this series! We rejoin our band of misfits on their quest to hunt down a dragon, with plenty of chaos, banter and unfortunate events along the way. The insults they throw at each other always have me either cracking up or rolling my eyes 😂
Book 1 set the stage perfectly, so it was easy to jump right back into the world of Uprynenos. I loved seeing the characters continue to grow and learn how to work alongside one another. The beginning pulled me in fast, the middle slowed down a little, but the ending is definitely a page turner.. and now we are left with so many questions as to what is going to happen next! One of my favorite parts was getting chapters from Realfred’s perspective… I can never resist a good villain origin story 😉
Overall, I’m giving this a solid 4/5 stars and I already can’t wait for book 3! Huge thanks to the author for reaching out and providing an ARC of this latest installment. I was hoping to have this finished before release day but I’ve been short on free time as of late! Please, if you have been thinking about starting this series, it is a must. Highly recommend!
Book 1 set the stage perfectly, so it was easy to jump right back into the world of Uprynenos. I loved seeing the characters continue to grow and learn how to work alongside one another. The beginning pulled me in fast, the middle slowed down a little, but the ending is definitely a page turner.. and now we are left with so many questions as to what is going to happen next! One of my favorite parts was getting chapters from Realfred’s perspective… I can never resist a good villain origin story 😉
Overall, I’m giving this a solid 4/5 stars and I already can’t wait for book 3! Huge thanks to the author for reaching out and providing an ARC of this latest installment. I was hoping to have this finished before release day but I’ve been short on free time as of late! Please, if you have been thinking about starting this series, it is a must. Highly recommend!
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November 3, 2025A huge thank you to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
After enjoying A Reign of Emerald Fire and being curious to see how the series would continue to grow, I was excited to dive into book two. Turner’s imagination and ambition for the world he’s building really shine through, and it’s great to see a developing fantasy voice expand its scope and style.
That said, this instalment didn’t fully connect with me on a personal level. I struggled to stay engaged at times, and some of the character moments and pacing didn’t land for me the way I’d hoped. Ultimately, I wasn’t able to finish, which is always a little disappointing when you can see the passion and creativity behind the pages.
Readers who enjoy lighter, humour-forward fantasy with a playful tone may find a lot to appreciate here, and I believe this series has an audience who will connect with its charm far more than I did.
Since I didn’t complete the eARC, I don’t feel it’s fair to assign a rating. I may return to it later, I’ve paused books before (The Dragonbone Chair, for example!) only to enjoy them once I was in the right reading mood.
After enjoying A Reign of Emerald Fire and being curious to see how the series would continue to grow, I was excited to dive into book two. Turner’s imagination and ambition for the world he’s building really shine through, and it’s great to see a developing fantasy voice expand its scope and style.
That said, this instalment didn’t fully connect with me on a personal level. I struggled to stay engaged at times, and some of the character moments and pacing didn’t land for me the way I’d hoped. Ultimately, I wasn’t able to finish, which is always a little disappointing when you can see the passion and creativity behind the pages.
Readers who enjoy lighter, humour-forward fantasy with a playful tone may find a lot to appreciate here, and I believe this series has an audience who will connect with its charm far more than I did.
Since I didn’t complete the eARC, I don’t feel it’s fair to assign a rating. I may return to it later, I’ve paused books before (The Dragonbone Chair, for example!) only to enjoy them once I was in the right reading mood.
October 29, 2025
Second book in the series continues with even funnier dialogues and lovable characters, alongside with high stakes action. We finally saw the dragon himself! So many annoying characters proved themselves useful and loving. I enjoyed their friendly and (enemily?) banter so much! The world building was vast and well detailed too.
The writing style is very unique in my experience. While it is full of British style humour and jokes, the heavy descriptions in every sentence could tire me out as a reader whose first language isn't English. Apart from that the middle of the book slowed down which made me take long breaks, hence brought down the rating.
All in all, the book is solid and stronger than first one and I know it will only get better! Thanks the author for providing me with free e-copy!
3.5 stars
The writing style is very unique in my experience. While it is full of British style humour and jokes, the heavy descriptions in every sentence could tire me out as a reader whose first language isn't English. Apart from that the middle of the book slowed down which made me take long breaks, hence brought down the rating.
All in all, the book is solid and stronger than first one and I know it will only get better! Thanks the author for providing me with free e-copy!
3.5 stars
September 7, 2025
I was very lucky to get an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
We keep following our ragged band of misfits on their journey to slay a dragon. Political tensions are brewing, stakes are getting higher, and our team keeps going on, despite the continuous struggle and dangerous road ahead.
I just love the characters. They might not always see eye to eye, but if it comes to it, they are there for each other. I love the quarrels between them. They feel realistic, but they are also darn funny!
There is a storm brewing. Who is scheming with who? Which religion will be victorious in the end? I can't wait for the next part!
We keep following our ragged band of misfits on their journey to slay a dragon. Political tensions are brewing, stakes are getting higher, and our team keeps going on, despite the continuous struggle and dangerous road ahead.
I just love the characters. They might not always see eye to eye, but if it comes to it, they are there for each other. I love the quarrels between them. They feel realistic, but they are also darn funny!
There is a storm brewing. Who is scheming with who? Which religion will be victorious in the end? I can't wait for the next part!
August 21, 2025
I received an e-arc and this is my honest opinion.
This was a fun book to read! While some of the language turned me off a bit (I'm not a fan of toilet humour, so this is not a negative thing! Just personal preference - I know plenty of people will enjoy it) I loved the story and characters. by the second half I found myself considerably invested and where this book really shines is the ending. it was intense, exciting, and surprisingly emotional. If you enjoyed the first book in this series I definitely recommend continuing with this sequel.
This was a fun book to read! While some of the language turned me off a bit (I'm not a fan of toilet humour, so this is not a negative thing! Just personal preference - I know plenty of people will enjoy it) I loved the story and characters. by the second half I found myself considerably invested and where this book really shines is the ending. it was intense, exciting, and surprisingly emotional. If you enjoyed the first book in this series I definitely recommend continuing with this sequel.
July 23, 2025
ARC Review
Are you ready for the second book? I for sure was, and its almost here!
A Path of Fraught with Ruin was a fun time, with a epic classic journey and great friendship moment that will make you fall in love with Matthew's world.
This one is just as great as the first one, the characters are still fantastical created. The world building is exceptional, and we get more of what I hoped for!
I think this is gonna be a series that will be loved by many people
Are you ready for the second book? I for sure was, and its almost here!
A Path of Fraught with Ruin was a fun time, with a epic classic journey and great friendship moment that will make you fall in love with Matthew's world.
This one is just as great as the first one, the characters are still fantastical created. The world building is exceptional, and we get more of what I hoped for!
I think this is gonna be a series that will be loved by many people
September 6, 2025
A Path Fraught with Ruin is another wild, witty, and politically charged addition to Turner’s series. The insults and banter between the misfit crew kept me entertained, while the deeper flashbacks built out the characters beautifully. With more intrigue, succession struggles, and high-stakes worldbuilding, this book raises the bar and left me eager for what’s next.
July 23, 2025
A gripping sequel to A Reign of Emerald Fire; thick with puns, intrigue and yet again, gritty characters. 10/10 would read again.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews