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Ringlander: Fallen Shards
The Ringlander Series continues with the next epic FALLEN SHARDS
THE SCARS OF A WOUNDED WORLD ARE REOPENING...War continues to blight the Ringland continents of Rengas, from Nord to Kemen and over the Middle Sea to the shores of Sulitaria. The Forbringrs fight in the heavens, leaving those who dwell unto dust, while the human rebellion struggles on against a unifying Bohr front and the treacherous Order of the White Dragon.
As God's Gift, Abika can wield Soulfire, a power only possessed by Banèmen, but she's still the unwanted child struggling to answer why she was left for dead. As she searches for meaning amongst a chaotic land, she discovers that the worlds have other plans for her.
THE SCARS OF A WOUNDED WORLD ARE REOPENING...War continues to blight the Ringland continents of Rengas, from Nord to Kemen and over the Middle Sea to the shores of Sulitaria. The Forbringrs fight in the heavens, leaving those who dwell unto dust, while the human rebellion struggles on against a unifying Bohr front and the treacherous Order of the White Dragon.
As God's Gift, Abika can wield Soulfire, a power only possessed by Banèmen, but she's still the unwanted child struggling to answer why she was left for dead. As she searches for meaning amongst a chaotic land, she discovers that the worlds have other plans for her.
619 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 9, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Ringlander: Fallen Shards is the second novel in the epic fantasy series Ringlander, written by Michael S. Jackson. A sequel set several years after The Path and the Way, returning to this rich world, and going deeper into the conflict between the Bohr and the humans, taking back some familiar characters from book 1, but also with new characters to follow, expanding the scope of the story.
The plot will be mainly focused on Abika, a trouble-making teen that is able to wield Soulfire; after traumatic events, she will be forced to flee and to find her place in the world. A character whose arc I deeply enjoyed, especially as she started not being especially likeable, but the growth of the character while travelling a troubled world is certainly worth of mention.
In parallel with Abika's arc, we will see how in Sulitaria, the Guard of the White Dragon is trying to defy the humans, aiming to bring the Bohr into this world, showing how some threads from the first book are still open.
While there are more secondary threads, all of them show Jackson's ability to create nuanced and complex characters, whose backstories we care as readers; some readers might feel there are too many POVs, but they help to weave a full picture of what's happening in the world.
The worldbuilding is extremely rich, putting extra emphasis on the mundane aspects, making it feel alive; some themes touched are quite dark, including scenes that can be called brutal, but Jackson always approaches with tact.
While this rich style of narration helps to visualize what's happening, it is true that we are paying with the pacing in exchange; Fallen Shards is a slow book, a big epic that takes its sweet time to present all to the reader.
Ringlander: Fallen Shards is a great second novel in the saga, perfect if you are looking for a coming of age story, a big epic arc that delves deeper into the world presented in The Path and the Way. A really enjoyable book that continues cementing the foundations of a big world.
Ringlander: Fallen Shards is the second novel in the epic fantasy series Ringlander, written by Michael S. Jackson. A sequel set several years after The Path and the Way, returning to this rich world, and going deeper into the conflict between the Bohr and the humans, taking back some familiar characters from book 1, but also with new characters to follow, expanding the scope of the story.
The plot will be mainly focused on Abika, a trouble-making teen that is able to wield Soulfire; after traumatic events, she will be forced to flee and to find her place in the world. A character whose arc I deeply enjoyed, especially as she started not being especially likeable, but the growth of the character while travelling a troubled world is certainly worth of mention.
In parallel with Abika's arc, we will see how in Sulitaria, the Guard of the White Dragon is trying to defy the humans, aiming to bring the Bohr into this world, showing how some threads from the first book are still open.
While there are more secondary threads, all of them show Jackson's ability to create nuanced and complex characters, whose backstories we care as readers; some readers might feel there are too many POVs, but they help to weave a full picture of what's happening in the world.
The worldbuilding is extremely rich, putting extra emphasis on the mundane aspects, making it feel alive; some themes touched are quite dark, including scenes that can be called brutal, but Jackson always approaches with tact.
While this rich style of narration helps to visualize what's happening, it is true that we are paying with the pacing in exchange; Fallen Shards is a slow book, a big epic that takes its sweet time to present all to the reader.
Ringlander: Fallen Shards is a great second novel in the saga, perfect if you are looking for a coming of age story, a big epic arc that delves deeper into the world presented in The Path and the Way. A really enjoyable book that continues cementing the foundations of a big world.
October 12, 2025
Michael S. Jackson returns to the world of Ringlander in this second book in the series, aptly named Fallen Shards.
Taking place 12 years after the original book, Ringlander: Fallen Stars follows characters from the previous book, but also introduces us to new characters such as Abika. The child that Kyira saved at the end of the last book.
The story starts with us being introduced to Abika and how she is now in the care of foster parents. This is far from a happy home life and Abika does everything she can to antagonise her foster parents until she eventually leaves their company to find her way in the world.
In addition to the introduction of Abika, we also follow more familiar characters Kyira and Fia from Ringlander.
The second book expands the world of Rengas and as we follow the other character points of view this opens up the stage and gives the reader a more expansive view of the world.
Whilst it is good to get back to former characters, the most interesting point of view comes from the Bohr side of the coin. Kaliste, one of the minor characters of the original book who has now become Queen, which gives the reader more insight into Bohr society. The other character is Jagar, the Baneman that Kyira kills in the first book makes an appearance and with his POV shows us more of the supernatural elements that were hinted at in book one. This fleshes out the mythology and gives us a greater epicness to the story.
Despite this being a hefty tome, the story moves at a quick pace, engaging the reader in the complexities of the story and the world that Michael S. Jackson has created.
One of the things that is immediately evident is how Michael S. Jackson’s writing has improved in this second outing, and it is evident that he has gained confidence enough to give time to the characters to grow and develop.
Ringlander: Fallen Stars is a perfect book for those who like their fantasy epic with good character development.
Taking place 12 years after the original book, Ringlander: Fallen Stars follows characters from the previous book, but also introduces us to new characters such as Abika. The child that Kyira saved at the end of the last book.
The story starts with us being introduced to Abika and how she is now in the care of foster parents. This is far from a happy home life and Abika does everything she can to antagonise her foster parents until she eventually leaves their company to find her way in the world.
In addition to the introduction of Abika, we also follow more familiar characters Kyira and Fia from Ringlander.
The second book expands the world of Rengas and as we follow the other character points of view this opens up the stage and gives the reader a more expansive view of the world.
Whilst it is good to get back to former characters, the most interesting point of view comes from the Bohr side of the coin. Kaliste, one of the minor characters of the original book who has now become Queen, which gives the reader more insight into Bohr society. The other character is Jagar, the Baneman that Kyira kills in the first book makes an appearance and with his POV shows us more of the supernatural elements that were hinted at in book one. This fleshes out the mythology and gives us a greater epicness to the story.
Despite this being a hefty tome, the story moves at a quick pace, engaging the reader in the complexities of the story and the world that Michael S. Jackson has created.
One of the things that is immediately evident is how Michael S. Jackson’s writing has improved in this second outing, and it is evident that he has gained confidence enough to give time to the characters to grow and develop.
Ringlander: Fallen Stars is a perfect book for those who like their fantasy epic with good character development.
November 12, 2025
Spoiler free review
I am a huge fan of The Path and the Way and the novella The Battle that Was Lost, so naturally Fallen Shards was one of my most anticipated books of the 2025, and I was not dissappointed.
Rengas is one the most immersive fantasy worlds I've ever read and it was so amazing to be back, although a lot has changed since we last saw it. Over a decade has passed since the events at Tyr, and humans still continue to struggle against the Bohr, whose brutal culture we learn a lot more about this time round, as well as more about the terrifying Banèmen and their strange ways.
The previous books mostly took place in the west of Rengas, so it was exciting to explore the rest of the Circle of the World via some returning characters (I won't spoil who), and our new (questionable) protagonist Abika. From the outset it's apparent she's a troubled youth trying to find her place. I loved her journey and development throughout the story, and although she does do some shocking things, I think she can be (mostly) justified and I can't help but find her attitude endearing.
The writing and dialogue is superb as ever. Real characters with real emotions. Some chapters will melt your heart and others are straight up horror. Also very glad to see one of my favourite villains continue to be a menace.
Cannot recommend this book and series enough.
I am a huge fan of The Path and the Way and the novella The Battle that Was Lost, so naturally Fallen Shards was one of my most anticipated books of the 2025, and I was not dissappointed.
Rengas is one the most immersive fantasy worlds I've ever read and it was so amazing to be back, although a lot has changed since we last saw it. Over a decade has passed since the events at Tyr, and humans still continue to struggle against the Bohr, whose brutal culture we learn a lot more about this time round, as well as more about the terrifying Banèmen and their strange ways.
The previous books mostly took place in the west of Rengas, so it was exciting to explore the rest of the Circle of the World via some returning characters (I won't spoil who), and our new (questionable) protagonist Abika. From the outset it's apparent she's a troubled youth trying to find her place. I loved her journey and development throughout the story, and although she does do some shocking things, I think she can be (mostly) justified and I can't help but find her attitude endearing.
The writing and dialogue is superb as ever. Real characters with real emotions. Some chapters will melt your heart and others are straight up horror. Also very glad to see one of my favourite villains continue to be a menace.
Cannot recommend this book and series enough.
October 12, 2025
Full review on Queen's Book Asylum.
Michael S. Jackson returns to the richly imagined world of Rengas in this sequel to his gripping epic fantasy debut, The Path and the Way. Fallen Shards deepens the conflict between humanity and the formidable, animalistic Bohr, expanding both the cast and the scope of the world while continuing the arcs of familiar characters.
It delves deeper into Bohr culture and internal struggles, and the remains of the human resistance, after the cataclysmic battle of Tyr.
In Sulitaria, the Guard of the White Dragon—a human sect evangelising Bohr dominion—secretly works to defy humanity. All of these elements show the conflict begun in The Path and the Way is far from over.
Jackson introduces fresh faces, among them Abika, a riotous teenager seething with anger, and Vasta, a pacifist Bohr, and through his cast showcases his great skill in character development.
The blend of coming-of-age themes with more mature arcs grounds the “epic” in personal stakes, offering perspective to a wide range of readers. Neither arc flinches from hardship or uncertainty—Fallen Shards dives into even darker territory than its prequel, with some brutal scenes and portrayals of addiction and trauma, above all urging perseverance in the face of chaos, fear, and pain.
The only real weakness lies in the narrative style, which often bogs down engagement. Characters often react to events or dialogue not shown on the page, making some interactions feel disjointed or incomplete, and leading me to wonder if I was missing something, all within the same paragraph or page. However, I should note my copy was an ARC (advanced reader copy), and likely these structural and dialogue issues have been smoothed out in the final edition.
Fallen Shards is a battle-drenched examination of the self—a bold continuation to the Ringlander saga. As it broadens conflicts and further blurs the fate of our characters, it offers no tidy resolution, only a simple, resonant motif: may you always fight.
And so it rallies readers to endure life’s changing tides, no matter the cost, no matter the fear.
Michael S. Jackson returns to the richly imagined world of Rengas in this sequel to his gripping epic fantasy debut, The Path and the Way. Fallen Shards deepens the conflict between humanity and the formidable, animalistic Bohr, expanding both the cast and the scope of the world while continuing the arcs of familiar characters.
It delves deeper into Bohr culture and internal struggles, and the remains of the human resistance, after the cataclysmic battle of Tyr.
In Sulitaria, the Guard of the White Dragon—a human sect evangelising Bohr dominion—secretly works to defy humanity. All of these elements show the conflict begun in The Path and the Way is far from over.
Jackson introduces fresh faces, among them Abika, a riotous teenager seething with anger, and Vasta, a pacifist Bohr, and through his cast showcases his great skill in character development.
The blend of coming-of-age themes with more mature arcs grounds the “epic” in personal stakes, offering perspective to a wide range of readers. Neither arc flinches from hardship or uncertainty—Fallen Shards dives into even darker territory than its prequel, with some brutal scenes and portrayals of addiction and trauma, above all urging perseverance in the face of chaos, fear, and pain.
The only real weakness lies in the narrative style, which often bogs down engagement. Characters often react to events or dialogue not shown on the page, making some interactions feel disjointed or incomplete, and leading me to wonder if I was missing something, all within the same paragraph or page. However, I should note my copy was an ARC (advanced reader copy), and likely these structural and dialogue issues have been smoothed out in the final edition.
Fallen Shards is a battle-drenched examination of the self—a bold continuation to the Ringlander saga. As it broadens conflicts and further blurs the fate of our characters, it offers no tidy resolution, only a simple, resonant motif: may you always fight.
And so it rallies readers to endure life’s changing tides, no matter the cost, no matter the fear.
December 19, 2025
Michael S. Jackson is back with the next installment in the Ringlander series and if you’re looking for an engaging, coming of age fantasy adventure, this is a series you absolutely need to add to your TBR.
We pick up after the events of book one, and the war between the humans and the Bohr is far from over. We see some familiar faces, and we also meet some new characters. One of our new main characters is Abika, who can wield Soulfire and is trying to find her place in the world. I really enjoyed her POV, and overall, I thought she was a fascinating, complex character.
Jackson has created a really compelling world with the Ringlander series, and I thought the world-building was excellent. The world feels detailed and well-crafted, and I really enjoyed that we get to see more of the world in this installment. Fallen Shards feels darker and more bloody than The Path and the Way, with some pretty dark and gruesome moments. Jackson’s writing style is engaging, and I often found I didn’t want to put this book down.
Overall, Fallen Shards is a tremendous sequel, one that will leave readers wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, from the intricate, well-crafted plot to that absolutely gorgeous cover. If you’ve read book one, book two is a must-read, and if you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure with fascinating characters and a compelling plot, Ringlander is a series you do not want to miss!
We pick up after the events of book one, and the war between the humans and the Bohr is far from over. We see some familiar faces, and we also meet some new characters. One of our new main characters is Abika, who can wield Soulfire and is trying to find her place in the world. I really enjoyed her POV, and overall, I thought she was a fascinating, complex character.
Jackson has created a really compelling world with the Ringlander series, and I thought the world-building was excellent. The world feels detailed and well-crafted, and I really enjoyed that we get to see more of the world in this installment. Fallen Shards feels darker and more bloody than The Path and the Way, with some pretty dark and gruesome moments. Jackson’s writing style is engaging, and I often found I didn’t want to put this book down.
Overall, Fallen Shards is a tremendous sequel, one that will leave readers wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, from the intricate, well-crafted plot to that absolutely gorgeous cover. If you’ve read book one, book two is a must-read, and if you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure with fascinating characters and a compelling plot, Ringlander is a series you do not want to miss!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews