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A Time of Dragons #3
The Last Ballad of Hope
From Philip C. Quaintrell, author of The Echoes Saga
'For lovers of your classic Tolkien, this series has it all' - Alan Coleman - Amazon customer
'Best newcomer to the genre. Philip is up there with Feist and Sanderson' - Philip Spick - Amazon customer
--
DEATH CANNOT HOLD HIM—THAT'S WHAT THEY SAID.
AND THEY WERE RIGHT...Evil has been made manifest, returned from shadow and madness. Try as they might, those who would be heroes could not prevent the return of The Dark One.
In the shattering aftermath, the survivors have but one hunt down what cannot be killed. Cob, the ranger—the cursed—must find his quarry before the enemy makes his first move. By his side rides Androma, fearless and unyielding. They must succeed. To fail would doom the realm to a new war, a war without end.
But in a world slipping into darkness, not all hope is lost.
A time of dragons is yet to come. Joran Pendain must shoulder the weight of that destiny, but he need not shoulder it alone anymore. In the depths of Azad-guul, where only despair might breed, Joran’s path crossed with that of a dragon egg—his egg.
Theirs was not the only path to cross, however.
True to his word, Baelon Vos—Dragonlord—would make Joran a Rider worthy of legend—if he could survive the training. Baelon’s designs for the world have been years in the making, and Joran might just be the missing piece to bring it all together. Or bring it all down.
And beneath the waves, the ocean races stir, the currents swelling with revolution and the hope of freedom. Kitrana Voden, a battle maiden of the Swordsworn and proud Nimean, must find her way back to the people of Nimala before extinction drowns them all—before the oldest demon from the oldest world awakens from its slumber.
Above or below, it matters not to The Dark One. He is not afraid to be called evil. If evil could not be corrupted, bound, or destroyed, then he would gladly endure the title, if only to weed out the beasts that clothe themselves as men.
HE IS NOT THE CHOSEN ONE. HE IS NOT A HERO.
JUST A MAN—wHO REFUSED TO DIE.
--
'A rare talent. A wonderful new beginning!' - Stephen Dudley - Amazon customer - A Time of Dragons
'Philip Quaintrell is a master storyteller' - David Nichols - Amazon customer - A Time of Dragons
'For lovers of your classic Tolkien, this series has it all' - Alan Coleman - Amazon customer
'Best newcomer to the genre. Philip is up there with Feist and Sanderson' - Philip Spick - Amazon customer
--
DEATH CANNOT HOLD HIM—THAT'S WHAT THEY SAID.
AND THEY WERE RIGHT...Evil has been made manifest, returned from shadow and madness. Try as they might, those who would be heroes could not prevent the return of The Dark One.
In the shattering aftermath, the survivors have but one hunt down what cannot be killed. Cob, the ranger—the cursed—must find his quarry before the enemy makes his first move. By his side rides Androma, fearless and unyielding. They must succeed. To fail would doom the realm to a new war, a war without end.
But in a world slipping into darkness, not all hope is lost.
A time of dragons is yet to come. Joran Pendain must shoulder the weight of that destiny, but he need not shoulder it alone anymore. In the depths of Azad-guul, where only despair might breed, Joran’s path crossed with that of a dragon egg—his egg.
Theirs was not the only path to cross, however.
True to his word, Baelon Vos—Dragonlord—would make Joran a Rider worthy of legend—if he could survive the training. Baelon’s designs for the world have been years in the making, and Joran might just be the missing piece to bring it all together. Or bring it all down.
And beneath the waves, the ocean races stir, the currents swelling with revolution and the hope of freedom. Kitrana Voden, a battle maiden of the Swordsworn and proud Nimean, must find her way back to the people of Nimala before extinction drowns them all—before the oldest demon from the oldest world awakens from its slumber.
Above or below, it matters not to The Dark One. He is not afraid to be called evil. If evil could not be corrupted, bound, or destroyed, then he would gladly endure the title, if only to weed out the beasts that clothe themselves as men.
HE IS NOT THE CHOSEN ONE. HE IS NOT A HERO.
JUST A MAN—wHO REFUSED TO DIE.
--
'A rare talent. A wonderful new beginning!' - Stephen Dudley - Amazon customer - A Time of Dragons
'Philip Quaintrell is a master storyteller' - David Nichols - Amazon customer - A Time of Dragons
- GenresFantasy
1026 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
284 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Philip C. Quaintrell
26 books1,486 followersPhilip started his career as an emergency nurse and began writing the books he’d want to read as a hobby between shifts.
He published his first novel in 2016, and soon began his epic fantasy series, The Echoes Saga which went straight into the Amazon bestsellers list in 4 countries.
Now one of the best-selling indie authors worldwide, Philip lives in Manchester, England with his wife and two young children and is hoping this is just the beginning.
He published his first novel in 2016, and soon began his epic fantasy series, The Echoes Saga which went straight into the Amazon bestsellers list in 4 countries.
Now one of the best-selling indie authors worldwide, Philip lives in Manchester, England with his wife and two young children and is hoping this is just the beginning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 1, 2025
**I was provided an E-Arc of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
“Last Ballad of Hope” book 3 in Phillip Quaintrell’s latest Epic “A Time of Dragons” has landed with the energy and wrath that only the best of creative minds can bring to life. With the largest entry to this Saga yet, Phillip pens, in often brutal but awe inspiring detail, the turning point that now has us racing towards a final 2 entries that can bring nothing but Unwavering valour, Unyielding honour and Unending sacrifice on the wings of timeless power! 🔥
I feel like a broken record here, but once again Quaintrell shows us all what absolute, top notch world building and story lore looks like when done at this level. Detail is never spared in this sprawling landscape, and in true Phillip fashion, we are introduced to new places, times and realms that will steal our very breath, while we pray for even more! I'm still trying to recover from some of these chapters…dear Lord! 🤯
The multiple PoV’s that have guided us through the first 2 books return, with more at stake than ever, and yes …more introduced. Quaintrell has mastered the ability to navigate this spiderweb of story lines long ago, and boy is that evident in “Last Ballad of Hope”. Not once are we confused as to what's going on, or to where in the story/landscape we are currently. Every chapter leads perfectly to the next and even at almost 1000 pages, I actually wished for more…it was that engaging. Breathtaking new areas and intense battle scenes will have your heart pounding like never before, while each character continues to show us more to their storied pasts. I definitely have my favorite 3 characters to read but damn if the rest aren't right on their heels. One new character arc in particular, and in a jarring fashion, captured my utmost attention. Bravo Phillip, captivating your audience, achieved! 👏
Verda is on fire, dragons and riders battle choices that test their very bonds, and civilization itself hangs on a blade's edge. Can weapons of power tip the balance, or will they unleash what should be lost to time and forgotten… A Time of Dragons may be on the horizon, but what will it truly bring? A shadow looms over them all, and with it comes wrath, vengeance and possibly…hope. Vahlken, Men, Dwarves and Riders alike, with unyielding magic and honor will battle shadow spawn and evil that the world of Verda dares not fathom…but now faces. 😈
5⭐ for this midway point in the Saga, but somehow, with the events in the final part of the book, it feels like a whole new start to the tumultuous and unforgiving hill our hero's already climb. Honor, strength, love and sacrifice are demanded…let's ‘Hope’ this “Last Ballad” sings that very song! 📚🍻
This review is available on Grimoire Ink Reviews
“Last Ballad of Hope” book 3 in Phillip Quaintrell’s latest Epic “A Time of Dragons” has landed with the energy and wrath that only the best of creative minds can bring to life. With the largest entry to this Saga yet, Phillip pens, in often brutal but awe inspiring detail, the turning point that now has us racing towards a final 2 entries that can bring nothing but Unwavering valour, Unyielding honour and Unending sacrifice on the wings of timeless power! 🔥
I feel like a broken record here, but once again Quaintrell shows us all what absolute, top notch world building and story lore looks like when done at this level. Detail is never spared in this sprawling landscape, and in true Phillip fashion, we are introduced to new places, times and realms that will steal our very breath, while we pray for even more! I'm still trying to recover from some of these chapters…dear Lord! 🤯
The multiple PoV’s that have guided us through the first 2 books return, with more at stake than ever, and yes …more introduced. Quaintrell has mastered the ability to navigate this spiderweb of story lines long ago, and boy is that evident in “Last Ballad of Hope”. Not once are we confused as to what's going on, or to where in the story/landscape we are currently. Every chapter leads perfectly to the next and even at almost 1000 pages, I actually wished for more…it was that engaging. Breathtaking new areas and intense battle scenes will have your heart pounding like never before, while each character continues to show us more to their storied pasts. I definitely have my favorite 3 characters to read but damn if the rest aren't right on their heels. One new character arc in particular, and in a jarring fashion, captured my utmost attention. Bravo Phillip, captivating your audience, achieved! 👏
Verda is on fire, dragons and riders battle choices that test their very bonds, and civilization itself hangs on a blade's edge. Can weapons of power tip the balance, or will they unleash what should be lost to time and forgotten… A Time of Dragons may be on the horizon, but what will it truly bring? A shadow looms over them all, and with it comes wrath, vengeance and possibly…hope. Vahlken, Men, Dwarves and Riders alike, with unyielding magic and honor will battle shadow spawn and evil that the world of Verda dares not fathom…but now faces. 😈
5⭐ for this midway point in the Saga, but somehow, with the events in the final part of the book, it feels like a whole new start to the tumultuous and unforgiving hill our hero's already climb. Honor, strength, love and sacrifice are demanded…let's ‘Hope’ this “Last Ballad” sings that very song! 📚🍻
This review is available on Grimoire Ink Reviews
August 24, 2025
This cover 👌 🔥 absolutely love that we get a villain on the cover.
It is no secret that I'm a massive fan of the world of Verda and I was honoured and excited to be an ARC reader of The Last Ballad of Hope.
Another strong entry in Quaintrell's growing universe, as ever the prose are accessible yet emotive and the story has a cinematic tone. And even as this is the 15th book in Verda, the Worldbuilding building is still as rich as the first.
Set in a world of chaos and war, we continue to follow our set of flawed, compelling, and now weary heroes forming a resistance against overwhelming darkness.
This had a touch more of horror than I thought, which added to the ever growing tension. And the book has the best aerial action scenes I've ever read. The plot also made a good job of tying everything from the first two books together, as well as containing more of those subtle easter eggs.
With two books left in the series, and the trajectory of the current books I think this will be my all time favourite series. If that isn't enough to for you to pick up the echoes, I don't know will!
It is no secret that I'm a massive fan of the world of Verda and I was honoured and excited to be an ARC reader of The Last Ballad of Hope.
Another strong entry in Quaintrell's growing universe, as ever the prose are accessible yet emotive and the story has a cinematic tone. And even as this is the 15th book in Verda, the Worldbuilding building is still as rich as the first.
Set in a world of chaos and war, we continue to follow our set of flawed, compelling, and now weary heroes forming a resistance against overwhelming darkness.
This had a touch more of horror than I thought, which added to the ever growing tension. And the book has the best aerial action scenes I've ever read. The plot also made a good job of tying everything from the first two books together, as well as containing more of those subtle easter eggs.
With two books left in the series, and the trajectory of the current books I think this will be my all time favourite series. If that isn't enough to for you to pick up the echoes, I don't know will!
September 1, 2025
Review of The Last Ballad of Hope
By Philip C. Quaintrell
Stepping back into the world of Verda was much anticipated by this reader. After the gasping-for-breath ending of book two of A Time Of Dragons, In The Shadow of Kings, I was more than ready to dive headlong into this next installment.
Starting off in Kanofell, the destruction of that place because of their support of Skara, is complete, and leads to the banishment of the Kedradi people, and an unbreakable curse laid upon the male descendants of House Thayne, the royal house. There are two things which can break the curse, but the memory of it has been taken away. The dragons are not pleased by this, because their power is required to create and maintain the curse. But they acquiesce. And one of the heroes bears this curse…
One of the things I enjoyed immensely about this book is the viewpoints of the MC’s, taken from a historic time 40 years in the past, to the present. The years are elegantly drawn closer as time passes, with influence from the past catching up to the present, and SO MANY THINGS GET MORE LORE. I love lore, and will lap it up like a thirsty horse at a trough. The ties between Joran, the Dragon Riders, and his rather surprising bloodlines made my eyes boggle more than once. Just wait!
Daijen’s arc is my absolute favorite, but that doesn’t mean I find any of them lesser. He just seems to be in pivotal places, even though he exiles himself from the group which includes Grarfath and Yamnomora, as well as Cob and Androma. You will have to read to find this out, though. I’m not going to ruin it for you. Did I mention that Slait keeps showing up like a bad penny? I can’t count the number of times I exclaimed in rage at Slait’s cat-like ability to survive. Actually, cats, and their 9 lives, have nothing on this lunatic.
So, Daijen foolishly touched a bone etched with powerful runes of magic, which threw him into the mind of a minion of Skara’s, a golem, which has so many repercussions, the worst of which is his skewed view of Skara himself. But he knows the secrets of the Skaramangians now, and who they grew from, and what their gods truly are. And they sure aren’t benevolent!
Then there’s Joran, who has been taken into Baelon Vos’s grasp, and is now his “guest”, as Baelon begins training him as a Dragon Rider, but using the new oath of the Riders who broke from the original teachings. He’s still so young, and though he always does things from the viewpoint of helping people, he’s being manipulated by a man 1,000 years his senior. And much is hidden from him, distorting what Androma and Kassanda were teaching him. Ah, the naivete of 17 year olds… Oh, and a newly hatched dragon, the son of Malliath and Icerys, has made his appearance… you know, the egg that Daijen found, and somehow saved…40 years ago. And Joran found….
Malliath plays a rather pivotal role in the story unfolding, but that’s all I will say. But there is so much light shed on his brokenness, and how it happened. It will make you burn to see Skara’s head upon a pike! I did not think I would feel such sympathy for him, because if you’ve read all of the Echoes Saga books, you will have had a glimpse of his broken mind fueled by hate and rage. This shows how he got there, and I have to be honest, it broke my heart. But Daijen’s determination to retrieve Malliath from the Shadow Realm has major repercussions to an oath Daijen took to Illithandra. All is changed when he emerges, and life has taken a decidedly more violent turn.
The Dwarves get quite a bit of the spotlight this time around, especially Grarfath and Yamnomora. I love these two characters, and their relationship spools out into something that made me wiggle in my chair. They are two of the best! And again, SO MUCH MORE LORE, and MACHINES, to build the foundations which we eventually see eons from now in Echoes. The story goes from the past, and the events that transpired then, with the warring factions each trying to lay claim to the Weapons of Power, to the present, where Skara is blazing a path of fire and death to a throne he has coveted for centuries. And our heroes are trying desperately to heal the rift between Andarans and Eradorans…and the decades spin past, drawing the events closer and closer, and weaving the years past and present, into a whole that is explosive. Philip Quaintrell is masterful in his telling of the stories of each of the cast of treacherous villains, to those of the disparate, yet united cast of those only seeking to unite Verda under a banner of peace, and stop the scourge that is Skara.
The emotions are poignant, and I felt myself holding my breath more than once, or cursing out loud against Skara and his zealous sheep, the Skaramangians. This is a brilliant sequel in this series, which will have two more following. I will have to calm my impatience whilst waiting on those…. Re-reads are in my future.. I could keep going, because there’s so much I want to share about this book, but you will have to find out on your own. Which you should do. RIGHT NOW. So stop wasting time and get it!
By Philip C. Quaintrell
Stepping back into the world of Verda was much anticipated by this reader. After the gasping-for-breath ending of book two of A Time Of Dragons, In The Shadow of Kings, I was more than ready to dive headlong into this next installment.
Starting off in Kanofell, the destruction of that place because of their support of Skara, is complete, and leads to the banishment of the Kedradi people, and an unbreakable curse laid upon the male descendants of House Thayne, the royal house. There are two things which can break the curse, but the memory of it has been taken away. The dragons are not pleased by this, because their power is required to create and maintain the curse. But they acquiesce. And one of the heroes bears this curse…
One of the things I enjoyed immensely about this book is the viewpoints of the MC’s, taken from a historic time 40 years in the past, to the present. The years are elegantly drawn closer as time passes, with influence from the past catching up to the present, and SO MANY THINGS GET MORE LORE. I love lore, and will lap it up like a thirsty horse at a trough. The ties between Joran, the Dragon Riders, and his rather surprising bloodlines made my eyes boggle more than once. Just wait!
Daijen’s arc is my absolute favorite, but that doesn’t mean I find any of them lesser. He just seems to be in pivotal places, even though he exiles himself from the group which includes Grarfath and Yamnomora, as well as Cob and Androma. You will have to read to find this out, though. I’m not going to ruin it for you. Did I mention that Slait keeps showing up like a bad penny? I can’t count the number of times I exclaimed in rage at Slait’s cat-like ability to survive. Actually, cats, and their 9 lives, have nothing on this lunatic.
So, Daijen foolishly touched a bone etched with powerful runes of magic, which threw him into the mind of a minion of Skara’s, a golem, which has so many repercussions, the worst of which is his skewed view of Skara himself. But he knows the secrets of the Skaramangians now, and who they grew from, and what their gods truly are. And they sure aren’t benevolent!
Then there’s Joran, who has been taken into Baelon Vos’s grasp, and is now his “guest”, as Baelon begins training him as a Dragon Rider, but using the new oath of the Riders who broke from the original teachings. He’s still so young, and though he always does things from the viewpoint of helping people, he’s being manipulated by a man 1,000 years his senior. And much is hidden from him, distorting what Androma and Kassanda were teaching him. Ah, the naivete of 17 year olds… Oh, and a newly hatched dragon, the son of Malliath and Icerys, has made his appearance… you know, the egg that Daijen found, and somehow saved…40 years ago. And Joran found….
Malliath plays a rather pivotal role in the story unfolding, but that’s all I will say. But there is so much light shed on his brokenness, and how it happened. It will make you burn to see Skara’s head upon a pike! I did not think I would feel such sympathy for him, because if you’ve read all of the Echoes Saga books, you will have had a glimpse of his broken mind fueled by hate and rage. This shows how he got there, and I have to be honest, it broke my heart. But Daijen’s determination to retrieve Malliath from the Shadow Realm has major repercussions to an oath Daijen took to Illithandra. All is changed when he emerges, and life has taken a decidedly more violent turn.
The Dwarves get quite a bit of the spotlight this time around, especially Grarfath and Yamnomora. I love these two characters, and their relationship spools out into something that made me wiggle in my chair. They are two of the best! And again, SO MUCH MORE LORE, and MACHINES, to build the foundations which we eventually see eons from now in Echoes. The story goes from the past, and the events that transpired then, with the warring factions each trying to lay claim to the Weapons of Power, to the present, where Skara is blazing a path of fire and death to a throne he has coveted for centuries. And our heroes are trying desperately to heal the rift between Andarans and Eradorans…and the decades spin past, drawing the events closer and closer, and weaving the years past and present, into a whole that is explosive. Philip Quaintrell is masterful in his telling of the stories of each of the cast of treacherous villains, to those of the disparate, yet united cast of those only seeking to unite Verda under a banner of peace, and stop the scourge that is Skara.
The emotions are poignant, and I felt myself holding my breath more than once, or cursing out loud against Skara and his zealous sheep, the Skaramangians. This is a brilliant sequel in this series, which will have two more following. I will have to calm my impatience whilst waiting on those…. Re-reads are in my future.. I could keep going, because there’s so much I want to share about this book, but you will have to find out on your own. Which you should do. RIGHT NOW. So stop wasting time and get it!
August 29, 2025
The Last Ballad Of Hope • Philip C. Quaintrell • Rating: 🔟/🔟
"For the first time, the young Rider inhaled the clearing air of clarity. There was no grey. There wasn't even a choice of paths. When there were lives in the balance, there was only instinct and the will to act on that instinct"
In a world scarred by war and shadow, a fragile peace is beginning to unravel. Old powers stir, kingdoms fracture, and legends thought long gone rise again to shape the fate of all who remain. Amidst this turmoil, heroes and outcasts alike are drawn together, each burdened by their own past yet bound by a common destiny. As hope flickers in the darkness, their choices will echo through history, for this is not only a tale of survival, but of sacrifice, courage, and the final song of a world on the edge 👀
After the shocking end of the last book, I have been waiting impatiently for this one, and I am pleased to say that it surpassed even my extremely high expectations 😁 The Skara POV chapters are super harrowing, but they're so gripping that you literally can't look away, and I absolutely loved watching Daijen go full John Wick 😱
It's rare to find a fantasy book where all of the POVs are equally good, but I enjoyed each and every one of them so much! Yamnamora was a standout character in this book, and I really enjoyed finding out more about what drives her 😢 Joran's emotional journey in this book feels like the main driving force, but I also thoroughly enjoyed finding out more about the mysterious Cob 😎
🪬Book vibe🪬
- Brutal training
- Villain POV
- Shadow realm
- Tested loyalties
- Epic fantasy
Overall, this is yet another fantastic addition to what is quickly becoming one of my all-time favourite series! The only question remaining is, can PCQ write a bad book? 🤔🤣
Disclaimer - The author provided me with a copy of this e-book, in exchange for an honest review.
#thelastballadofhope #atimeofdragons #philipcquaintrell #bookreview #bookstagram #books #bookish #fantasybooks #bookaesthetic #epicfantasy
"For the first time, the young Rider inhaled the clearing air of clarity. There was no grey. There wasn't even a choice of paths. When there were lives in the balance, there was only instinct and the will to act on that instinct"
In a world scarred by war and shadow, a fragile peace is beginning to unravel. Old powers stir, kingdoms fracture, and legends thought long gone rise again to shape the fate of all who remain. Amidst this turmoil, heroes and outcasts alike are drawn together, each burdened by their own past yet bound by a common destiny. As hope flickers in the darkness, their choices will echo through history, for this is not only a tale of survival, but of sacrifice, courage, and the final song of a world on the edge 👀
After the shocking end of the last book, I have been waiting impatiently for this one, and I am pleased to say that it surpassed even my extremely high expectations 😁 The Skara POV chapters are super harrowing, but they're so gripping that you literally can't look away, and I absolutely loved watching Daijen go full John Wick 😱
It's rare to find a fantasy book where all of the POVs are equally good, but I enjoyed each and every one of them so much! Yamnamora was a standout character in this book, and I really enjoyed finding out more about what drives her 😢 Joran's emotional journey in this book feels like the main driving force, but I also thoroughly enjoyed finding out more about the mysterious Cob 😎
🪬Book vibe🪬
- Brutal training
- Villain POV
- Shadow realm
- Tested loyalties
- Epic fantasy
Overall, this is yet another fantastic addition to what is quickly becoming one of my all-time favourite series! The only question remaining is, can PCQ write a bad book? 🤔🤣
Disclaimer - The author provided me with a copy of this e-book, in exchange for an honest review.
#thelastballadofhope #atimeofdragons #philipcquaintrell #bookreview #bookstagram #books #bookish #fantasybooks #bookaesthetic #epicfantasy
August 25, 2025
This is my most anticipated book of the year! When Phillip offered to let me read a review copy, not only was I as excited as a kid on Christmas morning, but I was completely honored as well!
This book picks up right in the middle of the chaos at the end of book 2. And it picks up with non stop action. You know things are getting good when every word of every page grips you like the jaws of a dragon and won’t let go. The world as we know it continues to expand in a way that is vast and expansive, giving hints to future events. I got goosebumps multiple times reading just the first few chapters of this and they didn’t stop coming as the story progressed. The characters continue to grow and develop in ways that bring life to each of them and depth that makes you feel like you’ve known them your whole life. You come to despise yet cheer for even the lowliest of villains. It was refreshing to see a main character who is torn between right and wrong and how that affect his destiny/path, how his beliefs mold his view of each. Joran is an amazing character to study and watch, his inner turmoil something that makes him grounded and relatable, Cob continue his journey of self discovery, Androma and her gripping charm and total badassness, Skara and his journey for conquest, Daijen and his quest to save the world through the Drakalis. Let’s not forget the dwarves here. They are awesome. I love the wit and dry humor they present to the story. Each aspect of this book is special in its own way, especially when it comes to combat. I don’t think I’ve had a book in recent memory where the combat is so vivid that I can see every movement in my head and piece the story together. The immersive and emotional experience of this book was on a whole new level for me. This book absolutely lived up to the hype and was so much fun to read! I’ll definitely be thinking about this book for many days and weeks to come!
This book picks up right in the middle of the chaos at the end of book 2. And it picks up with non stop action. You know things are getting good when every word of every page grips you like the jaws of a dragon and won’t let go. The world as we know it continues to expand in a way that is vast and expansive, giving hints to future events. I got goosebumps multiple times reading just the first few chapters of this and they didn’t stop coming as the story progressed. The characters continue to grow and develop in ways that bring life to each of them and depth that makes you feel like you’ve known them your whole life. You come to despise yet cheer for even the lowliest of villains. It was refreshing to see a main character who is torn between right and wrong and how that affect his destiny/path, how his beliefs mold his view of each. Joran is an amazing character to study and watch, his inner turmoil something that makes him grounded and relatable, Cob continue his journey of self discovery, Androma and her gripping charm and total badassness, Skara and his journey for conquest, Daijen and his quest to save the world through the Drakalis. Let’s not forget the dwarves here. They are awesome. I love the wit and dry humor they present to the story. Each aspect of this book is special in its own way, especially when it comes to combat. I don’t think I’ve had a book in recent memory where the combat is so vivid that I can see every movement in my head and piece the story together. The immersive and emotional experience of this book was on a whole new level for me. This book absolutely lived up to the hype and was so much fun to read! I’ll definitely be thinking about this book for many days and weeks to come!
September 4, 2025
Arc reader review..
10 stars no notes. This was just as good if not better than the previous. Phil just keeps smashing them our the park.
Lots of action and my love for the characters only increases. So fantastic to see a villian on the cover and I can't wait for the next one!
Very privileged to have this arc before release.
recommend to the world!
10 stars no notes. This was just as good if not better than the previous. Phil just keeps smashing them our the park.
Lots of action and my love for the characters only increases. So fantastic to see a villian on the cover and I can't wait for the next one!
Very privileged to have this arc before release.
recommend to the world!
August 28, 2025
The Last Ballad of Hope is pure perfection and flawless. Philip C. Quaintrell has an uncanny gift for weaving together vast, layered storylines and then bringing them crashing into one another with perfect timing. It is powerful and emotional, all while maintaining the grandeur of a world brimming with magic, dragons, and destiny.
What struck me most was how seamlessly the story balances breathtaking action with raw, heartfelt moments. Each character is intricately crafted, their actions and emotions carrying weight and significance. The story’s pacing occasionally lingers, giving moments the depth they deserve, yet it also surges with relentless intensity.
This installment is a ballad of triumph and sorrow. It is an epic fantasy that leaves you speechless and lingers long after the last page is turned. ABSOLUTELY SPEECHLESS!!!
I’m very grateful that Philip has given me the privilege to read the ARC. It was absolutely phenomenal!
What struck me most was how seamlessly the story balances breathtaking action with raw, heartfelt moments. Each character is intricately crafted, their actions and emotions carrying weight and significance. The story’s pacing occasionally lingers, giving moments the depth they deserve, yet it also surges with relentless intensity.
This installment is a ballad of triumph and sorrow. It is an epic fantasy that leaves you speechless and lingers long after the last page is turned. ABSOLUTELY SPEECHLESS!!!
I’m very grateful that Philip has given me the privilege to read the ARC. It was absolutely phenomenal!
August 28, 2025
I reached out to Phillip, asking for an eARC, which he was kind enough to send me. I am so glad he did.
Each book in the series just gets better and better. I love that we had even more DRAGONS in Ballad. The previous two books really took the time to set up the dynamics and stakes without it feeling like a set up. The flow and story structure is excellent. I never feel like I’m struggling through world building, it’s done so expertly.
I really loved having more background with the Kedradi and Cob. We’ve been introduced to more of the culture and people and I love the storyline happening there. You have inklings of what’s coming and you know it’s coming, so the payoff with that particular point is insane. I was smiling while reading it.
Phillip does such an incredible job balancing multiple characters and ensuring they all have their time to shine. I really enjoy all of the POVs though I do have to say I am very partial to the Dwarves 💕
I know Ballad is only about to be released, but I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes next!
Each book in the series just gets better and better. I love that we had even more DRAGONS in Ballad. The previous two books really took the time to set up the dynamics and stakes without it feeling like a set up. The flow and story structure is excellent. I never feel like I’m struggling through world building, it’s done so expertly.
I really loved having more background with the Kedradi and Cob. We’ve been introduced to more of the culture and people and I love the storyline happening there. You have inklings of what’s coming and you know it’s coming, so the payoff with that particular point is insane. I was smiling while reading it.
Phillip does such an incredible job balancing multiple characters and ensuring they all have their time to shine. I really enjoy all of the POVs though I do have to say I am very partial to the Dwarves 💕
I know Ballad is only about to be released, but I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes next!
September 1, 2025
The timelines! My beautiful idiot Dajien
I KNEW IT- I just want it on record that I called it!
Now, the review:
With another prologue giving us a clue into the ancient world of dark magic and the dragons founding, the story grabs you from the start.
Our favorite troupe of heroes divide (and hopefully conquer?) in an attempt to out race the growing evil. After all, how do you think like a 1000+ year old villian?
Full of well written characters, new developments, and hair pulling moments- you will not be sorry to continue the story with our rag-tag team 🐉✨️
Not sure where to start in the world of Verda? I liked started with ATOD ➡️ Ranger Archives ➡️ Echos, BUT you can choose your own adventure 😉
I KNEW IT- I just want it on record that I called it!
Now, the review:
With another prologue giving us a clue into the ancient world of dark magic and the dragons founding, the story grabs you from the start.
Our favorite troupe of heroes divide (and hopefully conquer?) in an attempt to out race the growing evil. After all, how do you think like a 1000+ year old villian?
Full of well written characters, new developments, and hair pulling moments- you will not be sorry to continue the story with our rag-tag team 🐉✨️
Not sure where to start in the world of Verda? I liked started with ATOD ➡️ Ranger Archives ➡️ Echos, BUT you can choose your own adventure 😉
September 5, 2025
Wow. This is the best book in the series so far, and the best book I've read this year. I loved the first two books, but I never loved them as much as the Echoes Saga. This book changed that opinion. It stands right alongside Echoes, and that is the highest praise I can give.
I loved seeing Joran step forward as a character. He is the 'chosen one' trope done to perfection. I am so glad that he can now fight alongside his allies as a Rider and actively impact the world and its story. Cannot wait to see what he and his dragon do in the next book.
Loved seeing Kitrana again, I really want to explore the underwater kingdoms and races more in future books and judging by the events of this book, that's what we'll get.
Baelon was a great villain. You KNOW he's a bad guy, but you can totally see why people would follow him and believe in his vision.
Barad-Agin is right up there with the Echoes Villains as one of the greatest bad guys I've ever seen in fantasy. I was so disappointed in previous books to see how cool he was, knowing he was dead and gone. Bringing him back was a brilliant move. His dark kingdom was genuinely terrifying. Hope we see more of him down the line.
I could go on and on about how much I love this book, but instead, I will just commend the author on his amazing work. I know you are wary of bloating this world with more series, but as a fan, I hope you continue to write in the world of Verda for years to come. I can't get enough.
I loved seeing Joran step forward as a character. He is the 'chosen one' trope done to perfection. I am so glad that he can now fight alongside his allies as a Rider and actively impact the world and its story. Cannot wait to see what he and his dragon do in the next book.
Loved seeing Kitrana again, I really want to explore the underwater kingdoms and races more in future books and judging by the events of this book, that's what we'll get.
Baelon was a great villain. You KNOW he's a bad guy, but you can totally see why people would follow him and believe in his vision.
Barad-Agin is right up there with the Echoes Villains as one of the greatest bad guys I've ever seen in fantasy. I was so disappointed in previous books to see how cool he was, knowing he was dead and gone. Bringing him back was a brilliant move. His dark kingdom was genuinely terrifying. Hope we see more of him down the line.
I could go on and on about how much I love this book, but instead, I will just commend the author on his amazing work. I know you are wary of bloating this world with more series, but as a fan, I hope you continue to write in the world of Verda for years to come. I can't get enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
awesome
Wonderful book to read it’s telling of the beginning of Dragons and Magic on Verda and good and evil as always good will always prevail
Wonderful book to read it’s telling of the beginning of Dragons and Magic on Verda and good and evil as always good will always prevail
October 30, 2025
Oh wow ... I devoured this book like all works of Quaintrell before. The Story unfolds beautifully, the stakes get higher, the world gets more grim - and we'll get so see an antagonist I'm pretty sure very few readers expected to emerge till this book. I'm very excited for the next two planned installments in this series. Quaintrells worldbuilding is just superb as are his characters - and having read all his other books, the events of this series changes my perception of these stories, making the world even more nuanced than before. Waiting for 2026 now - impatiently^^
November 26, 2025
I really wanted to read this one as fast as I could..But I also wanted to make it last until book 4 would come out. But I just could not help myself.. Really needed to know what would happen.
What a sequel! I love these characters and this world. Every character really believes that what they are doing is for the good of their world. Everything is so well written.
Really hope Daijen will catch a break someday though! He is one of my favorites so please don't kill him off...
And that ending.. Wow..
I really really need the next book now!
What a sequel! I love these characters and this world. Every character really believes that what they are doing is for the good of their world. Everything is so well written.
Really hope Daijen will catch a break someday though! He is one of my favorites so please don't kill him off...
And that ending.. Wow..
I really really need the next book now!
September 16, 2025
I feel like an absolute hater writing this review. Yet, Philip C. Quaintrell is a brilliant fantasy author, and for that reason I believe he should be read to filth for this latest installment to the A Time of Dragons series. This was his longest and by far most frustrating work. However, let me start with the things I enjoyed and the things I think he got right.
Again, the lore dropped about the Dwarves of Verda was peak. Yamnomora’s back story was heartbreaking but also made complete sense given her character. Watching her and Grarfath fall in love has also been a very fulfilling and fun story arc despite the turmoil of the world around them. I love just how determined Yamnomora is, and how ready Grarfath is to support her, even when she is determined to go her own way.
Kitrana Voden quickly has become one of my favorites. Her path back to the ocean was harrowing and I rooted for her the whole way. Her last chapter left me yearning for more and I will pick up the next book for her story alone despite my disappointment in other character arcs. I just wish that her return to the sea would have given up a little more lore about the various merfolks.
Kassanda Grey and Garganafan were incredible. The conflict that Garganafan feels over fighting the other dragons/riders is a dilemma that is felt in every battle they participate in. But so is the devotion and unity between he and Kassanda. They’re my favorite rider and dragon pair in all of Verda.
Another bright spot in this slog was Cob’s story. Learning about how his family came to be cursed and the wide reaching implications that punishment had not just on the Thaynes, but all of the Kedradi people and their culture was so interesting. I loved the descriptions of New Nithrael and learning about Cob’s family. Where we left off with Cob was great. I’m so excited for both him and Aurelian. I can’t wait to see where Cob’s path leads.
However, despite all of those incredible parts of this book, I feel like the other parts were so frustrating/bad that they completely detract from the rest of the story.
Firstly, I have had about enough of Daijin Saeth’s bullshit. He went on and on about how his previous mistakes had humbled him, yet still chooses to hide the knowledge he has gained to “protect” his warrior friends from their own decisions to fight the Skaramangians. He still reeks of incredible hubris, believing that he alone can do what is necessary to prevent the return of the Dark One, and in that belief is probably directly responsible for how things have ultimately shaken out. Yay, it’s great he brought Malliath back to Verda. But also, the path that led to that was absolutely ridiculous to tread alone, let alone without telling anyone what his plan was.
Then there is the whole super speed training that Joran receives from Baelon Vos, and really just the annoyance that is Baelon Vos and Kalaghan in general. Like seriously, please explain to me how Kalaghan is the only dragon with memories of the time that Skara lived and yet Baelon, who is able to SEE those memories, somehow teams up with Skara, even though it was supposedly the knowledge that the Skaramangians had instigated the war between Erador and Andara and Rhaymion’s lack of care that led to them turning the order upside down. It just doesn’t make sense, and don’t get me started on how fast Joran was ready to go to war or how he apparently was capable of killing a dragon rider with centuries under their belt despite what seems like weeks of training. How? How does that make sense? I’m sorry, but no amount of Vahlken mutations explains that away, especially when we saw how hard Daijin and Illithranda had to train in the previous books.
I am also still mad that the Andarans were created by Skara. I just don’t get the point in having both elves and a sort of pseudo elf race both created by evil wizards. There are so many cooler ways that the Andarans could have came about. It just seems like a lack of creativity.
Finally, I am really not digging the addition of both the Amon-Agin and the Shadow Realm. It’s clear they’re both going to make a reappearance down the line and I just feel like neither add anything of interest. The Hollow King was not a shocking reveal, and I can only hope and pray that Milliath burned him to a crisp. I really could do without him returning.
Anyway, I gave this three stars. I wanted to rate it higher but I feel like for how enormous this book was, it’s unforgivable that the story wasn’t moved further along. It felt rushed, which in of itself is a feat when you’re talking about a book that’s more than a thousand pages.
Again, the lore dropped about the Dwarves of Verda was peak. Yamnomora’s back story was heartbreaking but also made complete sense given her character. Watching her and Grarfath fall in love has also been a very fulfilling and fun story arc despite the turmoil of the world around them. I love just how determined Yamnomora is, and how ready Grarfath is to support her, even when she is determined to go her own way.
Kitrana Voden quickly has become one of my favorites. Her path back to the ocean was harrowing and I rooted for her the whole way. Her last chapter left me yearning for more and I will pick up the next book for her story alone despite my disappointment in other character arcs. I just wish that her return to the sea would have given up a little more lore about the various merfolks.
Kassanda Grey and Garganafan were incredible. The conflict that Garganafan feels over fighting the other dragons/riders is a dilemma that is felt in every battle they participate in. But so is the devotion and unity between he and Kassanda. They’re my favorite rider and dragon pair in all of Verda.
Another bright spot in this slog was Cob’s story. Learning about how his family came to be cursed and the wide reaching implications that punishment had not just on the Thaynes, but all of the Kedradi people and their culture was so interesting. I loved the descriptions of New Nithrael and learning about Cob’s family. Where we left off with Cob was great. I’m so excited for both him and Aurelian. I can’t wait to see where Cob’s path leads.
However, despite all of those incredible parts of this book, I feel like the other parts were so frustrating/bad that they completely detract from the rest of the story.
Firstly, I have had about enough of Daijin Saeth’s bullshit. He went on and on about how his previous mistakes had humbled him, yet still chooses to hide the knowledge he has gained to “protect” his warrior friends from their own decisions to fight the Skaramangians. He still reeks of incredible hubris, believing that he alone can do what is necessary to prevent the return of the Dark One, and in that belief is probably directly responsible for how things have ultimately shaken out. Yay, it’s great he brought Malliath back to Verda. But also, the path that led to that was absolutely ridiculous to tread alone, let alone without telling anyone what his plan was.
Then there is the whole super speed training that Joran receives from Baelon Vos, and really just the annoyance that is Baelon Vos and Kalaghan in general. Like seriously, please explain to me how Kalaghan is the only dragon with memories of the time that Skara lived and yet Baelon, who is able to SEE those memories, somehow teams up with Skara, even though it was supposedly the knowledge that the Skaramangians had instigated the war between Erador and Andara and Rhaymion’s lack of care that led to them turning the order upside down. It just doesn’t make sense, and don’t get me started on how fast Joran was ready to go to war or how he apparently was capable of killing a dragon rider with centuries under their belt despite what seems like weeks of training. How? How does that make sense? I’m sorry, but no amount of Vahlken mutations explains that away, especially when we saw how hard Daijin and Illithranda had to train in the previous books.
I am also still mad that the Andarans were created by Skara. I just don’t get the point in having both elves and a sort of pseudo elf race both created by evil wizards. There are so many cooler ways that the Andarans could have came about. It just seems like a lack of creativity.
Finally, I am really not digging the addition of both the Amon-Agin and the Shadow Realm. It’s clear they’re both going to make a reappearance down the line and I just feel like neither add anything of interest. The Hollow King was not a shocking reveal, and I can only hope and pray that Milliath burned him to a crisp. I really could do without him returning.
Anyway, I gave this three stars. I wanted to rate it higher but I feel like for how enormous this book was, it’s unforgivable that the story wasn’t moved further along. It felt rushed, which in of itself is a feat when you’re talking about a book that’s more than a thousand pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
Unwavering valour, Unyielding honor, Unending sacrifice… 5/5
These, I believe, are the key words of this third installment in the saga, and what can I say— their meaning strikes both on an epic and an intimate level. Never before in the earlier chapters of the saga have we been able to so fully understand and live—sometimes brutally and viscerally—what it truly means to be a Dragon Rider.
The ancient Dragon Riders’ motto is carried forth by Joran and Morgwyn, the undisputed protagonists of this third volume. Where once Joran was tossed about by events, treated almost more as a weapon of fate than a person, in The Last Ballad of Hope we witness his psyche emerge and blossom under a new light, giving his character striking three-dimensionality. Writing “chosen” young heroes is always a challenge, often falling into clichés or stereotypes, but seeing the new bond between a boy burdened by prophecy and his dragon, descendant of the two most legendary dragons of Verda (Malliath… COFF COFF), was an incredible journey. A journey full of love, certainly, and filled with courage and valor—but not right away. And that, I believe, is Philip’s greatest strength: his characters are not born heroes. They must become them.
Everyone— from Joran to the Kedradi Cob, from Androma to Yamnomora, even our beloved Daijen Seth—must wrestle with the meaning of their respective oaths. What does it mean to “save the world”? Who must they become? Which ideals must they pursue to truly call themselves heroes? What pain must they endure in order to become something greater than their fears? Joran’s dilemma, set against the vision of Baelon Vos and the new Dragon Riders, is the central knot of this tale. Both seek to end pain, to end war, but while Baelon’s conclusion is born of weariness, anger, and the frustration of long years watching Verda’s endless misdeeds, Joran reaches his through a single, binding truth: life is worth sacrifice, honor, and valor—even in the face of unspeakable pain, even in the shadow of death, even before total destruction. There is no life worth living without humanity.
I find that every character in this book sits somewhere on that continuum of awareness. From Joran and Cob, who undertake a profound inner exploration to discover the role they want to play in the time left to Verda, to Skara… Philip’s most complex creation yet, by far. I’ll never have enough words of praise for the magnificent work done with Skara. Twisted, cruel, sadistic—he commits acts a reader can never forgive—yet Philip still makes you empathize. You see the reasons behind his downfall, the scar that tore his soul apart, leaving behind nothing but a shell longing for dissolution, for the peace of nothingness. Journeying through his fractured mind, haunted by countless lives and memories, was at times alienating—in the best possible way. Philip makes you feel as disoriented and lost as Skara himself, who has nothing left but to embody what he believes he must: cruelty without limits. He isn’t justified, excused, or redeemed. And that is the brilliance of inhabiting the mind of a villain—staring evil in the face always leaves its mark, and Philip writes it with mastery and great maturity.
This saga is truly his Magnum Opus. The mythology he has woven, the staggering consequences that ripple into The Echoes Saga, make A Time of Dragons a cornerstone of Verda’s grand Epopee.
The action is heartfelt, cinematic (Philip, please—grant us a TV series someday!), as adrenaline-fueled as ever, with countless moments that left me wide-eyed with awe. The characters are even more intricate than those of the previous saga: profoundly flawed, profoundly… human. The lore expands further, especially through Daijen’s flashbacks (which I won’t spoil here, but which I believe to be the most captivating and visually groundbreaking parts of the entire novel), even exploring other dimensions—hints of which we had before, but now revealed in greater depth.
It’s hard to capture in mere words how epic and emotionally intense this book is—you have to live this journey on your own skin.
I received an ARC from Philip, for which I’ll always be grateful, because—this time as with the previous ones—his books are the very quintessence of fantasy: pure love for the genre, imagination, heart, pathos, unforgettable characters, and surreal places.
If you are a lover of the genre, I am convinced that Philip’s works will stand among the cornerstones of modern fantasy—and for that reason, you absolutely must read them.
We are three books into five of A Time of Dragons… when’s the next one?
These, I believe, are the key words of this third installment in the saga, and what can I say— their meaning strikes both on an epic and an intimate level. Never before in the earlier chapters of the saga have we been able to so fully understand and live—sometimes brutally and viscerally—what it truly means to be a Dragon Rider.
The ancient Dragon Riders’ motto is carried forth by Joran and Morgwyn, the undisputed protagonists of this third volume. Where once Joran was tossed about by events, treated almost more as a weapon of fate than a person, in The Last Ballad of Hope we witness his psyche emerge and blossom under a new light, giving his character striking three-dimensionality. Writing “chosen” young heroes is always a challenge, often falling into clichés or stereotypes, but seeing the new bond between a boy burdened by prophecy and his dragon, descendant of the two most legendary dragons of Verda (Malliath… COFF COFF), was an incredible journey. A journey full of love, certainly, and filled with courage and valor—but not right away. And that, I believe, is Philip’s greatest strength: his characters are not born heroes. They must become them.
Everyone— from Joran to the Kedradi Cob, from Androma to Yamnomora, even our beloved Daijen Seth—must wrestle with the meaning of their respective oaths. What does it mean to “save the world”? Who must they become? Which ideals must they pursue to truly call themselves heroes? What pain must they endure in order to become something greater than their fears? Joran’s dilemma, set against the vision of Baelon Vos and the new Dragon Riders, is the central knot of this tale. Both seek to end pain, to end war, but while Baelon’s conclusion is born of weariness, anger, and the frustration of long years watching Verda’s endless misdeeds, Joran reaches his through a single, binding truth: life is worth sacrifice, honor, and valor—even in the face of unspeakable pain, even in the shadow of death, even before total destruction. There is no life worth living without humanity.
I find that every character in this book sits somewhere on that continuum of awareness. From Joran and Cob, who undertake a profound inner exploration to discover the role they want to play in the time left to Verda, to Skara… Philip’s most complex creation yet, by far. I’ll never have enough words of praise for the magnificent work done with Skara. Twisted, cruel, sadistic—he commits acts a reader can never forgive—yet Philip still makes you empathize. You see the reasons behind his downfall, the scar that tore his soul apart, leaving behind nothing but a shell longing for dissolution, for the peace of nothingness. Journeying through his fractured mind, haunted by countless lives and memories, was at times alienating—in the best possible way. Philip makes you feel as disoriented and lost as Skara himself, who has nothing left but to embody what he believes he must: cruelty without limits. He isn’t justified, excused, or redeemed. And that is the brilliance of inhabiting the mind of a villain—staring evil in the face always leaves its mark, and Philip writes it with mastery and great maturity.
This saga is truly his Magnum Opus. The mythology he has woven, the staggering consequences that ripple into The Echoes Saga, make A Time of Dragons a cornerstone of Verda’s grand Epopee.
The action is heartfelt, cinematic (Philip, please—grant us a TV series someday!), as adrenaline-fueled as ever, with countless moments that left me wide-eyed with awe. The characters are even more intricate than those of the previous saga: profoundly flawed, profoundly… human. The lore expands further, especially through Daijen’s flashbacks (which I won’t spoil here, but which I believe to be the most captivating and visually groundbreaking parts of the entire novel), even exploring other dimensions—hints of which we had before, but now revealed in greater depth.
It’s hard to capture in mere words how epic and emotionally intense this book is—you have to live this journey on your own skin.
I received an ARC from Philip, for which I’ll always be grateful, because—this time as with the previous ones—his books are the very quintessence of fantasy: pure love for the genre, imagination, heart, pathos, unforgettable characters, and surreal places.
If you are a lover of the genre, I am convinced that Philip’s works will stand among the cornerstones of modern fantasy—and for that reason, you absolutely must read them.
We are three books into five of A Time of Dragons… when’s the next one?
November 23, 2025
Verda is one of my favourite fantasy worlds. The worldbuilding that Quaintrell deploys in his books to overlap more than 10,000 years of history is truly insane. I love the way he writes these books, dangling little bits of information on a hook so you can get just a nibble at a time rather than being dumped with so much exposition at once makes me want to keep reading and reading.
This book felt much more seamless than the second one (which I also loved), and we had different characters rising up and taking the limelight. It was great to get to know more about Cob and his origins and he'll definitely be an interesting character going forward in the series.
Daijen goes to hell and back through every one of these books, but there's one past scene between him and Ilithranda that devastated me.
Joran really came into his own in this installation. I've loved Joran since the first book, but to finally have him becoming his own person and making his own decisions has been great. I'm always a big fan of a good dragon bond, and himself and Morgwyn are well written, with the relationship building as time goes by. He's naive, inexperienced, but just wants to find somewhere he belongs, and that's what endears me to him so much.
Quaintrell always writes a good antagonist, and Skara infuriated me beyond belief throughout this book, which shows that he's definitely doing it right.
Can't wait to see how a certain dragon falls into place in the next book. I'm waiting patiently...for now.
⚔️ 🐉
This book felt much more seamless than the second one (which I also loved), and we had different characters rising up and taking the limelight. It was great to get to know more about Cob and his origins and he'll definitely be an interesting character going forward in the series.
Daijen goes to hell and back through every one of these books, but there's one past scene between him and Ilithranda that devastated me.
Joran really came into his own in this installation. I've loved Joran since the first book, but to finally have him becoming his own person and making his own decisions has been great. I'm always a big fan of a good dragon bond, and himself and Morgwyn are well written, with the relationship building as time goes by. He's naive, inexperienced, but just wants to find somewhere he belongs, and that's what endears me to him so much.
Quaintrell always writes a good antagonist, and Skara infuriated me beyond belief throughout this book, which shows that he's definitely doing it right.
Can't wait to see how a certain dragon falls into place in the next book. I'm waiting patiently...for now.
⚔️ 🐉
October 19, 2025
A whirlwind with a crazy climax!
This series is complex, the history, the way it's depicted and then how it's all tied into the present in the book is at times overwhelming. But then you see it being woven together like an elaborate tapestry and then you see it... They're are some seriously nightmarish characters that make the majority of what I've read before placid in comparison. It's gruesome! The loss of some key characters was also gut wrenching. I can't work out which book I like most, but what I can say is that Ending has me wanting book 4 as quickly as possible!
Sorry, trying to stay spoiler free! Loved the book, especially the last 25%. If you like complex stories, works and characters this series is a perfect fit, just be prepared to be patient and not always knowing how the pieces fit together with lots of back and forth across hundreds of years sometimes, but Philip pulls it together beautifully
This series is complex, the history, the way it's depicted and then how it's all tied into the present in the book is at times overwhelming. But then you see it being woven together like an elaborate tapestry and then you see it... They're are some seriously nightmarish characters that make the majority of what I've read before placid in comparison. It's gruesome! The loss of some key characters was also gut wrenching. I can't work out which book I like most, but what I can say is that Ending has me wanting book 4 as quickly as possible!
Sorry, trying to stay spoiler free! Loved the book, especially the last 25%. If you like complex stories, works and characters this series is a perfect fit, just be prepared to be patient and not always knowing how the pieces fit together with lots of back and forth across hundreds of years sometimes, but Philip pulls it together beautifully
October 26, 2025
Lets all say it, this took me FOREVER to finish. Not because it was bad, far from it! But because I’m a terribly slow reader when I read the physical copy. Moving on….
The enemy has returned and the adventure continues. What I love most about this series and the world of Verda, in general, is that these are classic good vs. evil stories. The heroes, while by no means perfect, work and fight for what they know to be good for the realm. They battle curses, destiny, duty, and the greatest evil of their time all while inspiring to do the next right thing. “Always forwards.” Give me heroes that inspire HOPE! While at times the middle felt a little slow I could tell that it was all building up to something immense and once again the last chunk of the book delivered! If you love plot driven stories with heart racing action sequences and rich lore then this is the series for you. READ IT! I mean that in the kindest way.
The enemy has returned and the adventure continues. What I love most about this series and the world of Verda, in general, is that these are classic good vs. evil stories. The heroes, while by no means perfect, work and fight for what they know to be good for the realm. They battle curses, destiny, duty, and the greatest evil of their time all while inspiring to do the next right thing. “Always forwards.” Give me heroes that inspire HOPE! While at times the middle felt a little slow I could tell that it was all building up to something immense and once again the last chunk of the book delivered! If you love plot driven stories with heart racing action sequences and rich lore then this is the series for you. READ IT! I mean that in the kindest way.
October 19, 2025
Why did I think this was the last book in the series? When I read Epilogue and nothing was resolved I wanted to RIOT.
This would have been 5 stars, but I knocked off a star for how needlessly long this book was…and I love long books!
Slait is honestly my favorite character. He’s horrible but hilarious and I want more inside of his mind.
Skara is also incredible and won’t lie him and Slait want me to root for the bad guys.
I loved that Joran was an idiot kid. So many fantasy books have the teens being all knowing and strong. Joran is working his way up to strength but he’s an idiot so many times. I feel for the kid. I do.
I want more Aegres. Yah dragons everyone loves them, but the Aegres are way more interesting to me.
This would have been 5 stars, but I knocked off a star for how needlessly long this book was…and I love long books!
Slait is honestly my favorite character. He’s horrible but hilarious and I want more inside of his mind.
Skara is also incredible and won’t lie him and Slait want me to root for the bad guys.
I loved that Joran was an idiot kid. So many fantasy books have the teens being all knowing and strong. Joran is working his way up to strength but he’s an idiot so many times. I feel for the kid. I do.
I want more Aegres. Yah dragons everyone loves them, but the Aegres are way more interesting to me.
November 4, 2025
Really cannot speak highly enough of this series. Quaintrell is gifted in the art of the classic epic fantasy. The way that the timeline from book one to book 3 is set up was so well done, and by the end of LBoH my heart was racing!!
It’s so refreshing to find a fantasy author that writes clean, epic fantasy that really does service to the genre. The world building, character development, and fight scenes are engaging and at no point was my interest lost and waiting for the next “thing to happen”.
I don’t want to spoil anything- but the character developments in this book will break your heart and warm them in the same breath. The complexity makes the characters feel so real, that you can’t help but root for them (or wish for their demise, not naming NAMES).
Can’t wait for book 4, because the cliffhanger has just about taken me out.
It’s so refreshing to find a fantasy author that writes clean, epic fantasy that really does service to the genre. The world building, character development, and fight scenes are engaging and at no point was my interest lost and waiting for the next “thing to happen”.
I don’t want to spoil anything- but the character developments in this book will break your heart and warm them in the same breath. The complexity makes the characters feel so real, that you can’t help but root for them (or wish for their demise, not naming NAMES).
Can’t wait for book 4, because the cliffhanger has just about taken me out.
November 20, 2025
the pieces fell in together
One of the longer books Philip has authored and the expansion into a realm we haven’t seen yet is truly remarkable along with the descriptions that follow.
It is a heavier read with many stories intertwining briefly and falling apart, but nonetheless the final hours spent reading were perhaps some of the best in all of his work.
Well done, Philip. Looking forward to more.
One of the longer books Philip has authored and the expansion into a realm we haven’t seen yet is truly remarkable along with the descriptions that follow.
It is a heavier read with many stories intertwining briefly and falling apart, but nonetheless the final hours spent reading were perhaps some of the best in all of his work.
Well done, Philip. Looking forward to more.
September 15, 2025
if I could I’d give Time of Dragons 10 stars
From book 1 to book 3, the character development, the realm building, the writing is just incredible. Mr. Quaintrell weaves a story so compelling as to make Verda seem real. I love dragon fantasy and Mr. Quaintrell’s storytelling never disappoints.
From book 1 to book 3, the character development, the realm building, the writing is just incredible. Mr. Quaintrell weaves a story so compelling as to make Verda seem real. I love dragon fantasy and Mr. Quaintrell’s storytelling never disappoints.
September 23, 2025
How?!? How is this book, third of a planned five, even more epic than the first two? And it gets us and the characters to an interesting place for the rest of the series.
I don't understand how Philip can write one of these amazing monsters per year, but I am not complaining. See you in 2026 for the next chapter!
I don't understand how Philip can write one of these amazing monsters per year, but I am not complaining. See you in 2026 for the next chapter!
October 3, 2025
Must Read !!!
Let me introduce my newest best author and since I’ve read all of his books a friend. He had me with the first Echoes Saga book and now 20 books later I’m so glad to hear that there will be 2 more books in this series. Can’t wait. Do yourself a favor and start reading his work. You will not be disappointed.
A fan for life. Editing
Let me introduce my newest best author and since I’ve read all of his books a friend. He had me with the first Echoes Saga book and now 20 books later I’m so glad to hear that there will be 2 more books in this series. Can’t wait. Do yourself a favor and start reading his work. You will not be disappointed.
A fan for life. Editing
October 17, 2025
The adventure continues
A worthy successor to the continuing adventures of Jordan Pendain. Finally, a Dragon Rider, Jordan ponders the Dragon Rider oaths versus the use of power for control. Faced with a war between the forces of good versus evil has always been challenging thus hard choices have to be made.
A worthy successor to the continuing adventures of Jordan Pendain. Finally, a Dragon Rider, Jordan ponders the Dragon Rider oaths versus the use of power for control. Faced with a war between the forces of good versus evil has always been challenging thus hard choices have to be made.
October 18, 2025
Brilliant world building and storytelling!
Waiting for book 4 with bated breath. From rangers to riders, from dwarves to elves, the epic world building of these high fantasies brings so much richness to me life, every day. It's difficult when each one comes to an end and the wait begins for the next to be published.
Waiting for book 4 with bated breath. From rangers to riders, from dwarves to elves, the epic world building of these high fantasies brings so much richness to me life, every day. It's difficult when each one comes to an end and the wait begins for the next to be published.
December 29, 2025
Another masterpiece
Another great story in the world created by Philip. He does an exceptional job of saving the world together and connecting dots you didn’t even know needed connecting. Creating the origin stories of our favorite characters from the Echos saga is brilliant. An awesome read looking forward to the final two book in this series.
Another great story in the world created by Philip. He does an exceptional job of saving the world together and connecting dots you didn’t even know needed connecting. Creating the origin stories of our favorite characters from the Echos saga is brilliant. An awesome read looking forward to the final two book in this series.
September 11, 2025
Loved 99% of it pacing, lore history, character development.
Felt Baelon Vos was a little under developed and if he is dead after what happened at the end then it feel like it was cut way too short, don’t know how it could have been done but yeah not a fan of that
Felt Baelon Vos was a little under developed and if he is dead after what happened at the end then it feel like it was cut way too short, don’t know how it could have been done but yeah not a fan of that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
DREW ME IN!
Have been reading Quaintrell long time now. This book floored me! The marvelous interweaving of stories and characters, the appeal of the characters (except for Skara, of course), the gut-clenching twists - Wow! Cannot wait to see the story unfold in book 4.
Have been reading Quaintrell long time now. This book floored me! The marvelous interweaving of stories and characters, the appeal of the characters (except for Skara, of course), the gut-clenching twists - Wow! Cannot wait to see the story unfold in book 4.
September 26, 2025
Awesome book!
I really enjoyed reading this book, the story line and everything else kept me hooked. The individual stories of the people in the book was amazing. I highly recommend this book and its author.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the story line and everything else kept me hooked. The individual stories of the people in the book was amazing. I highly recommend this book and its author.
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