Eternal Dominion

by Dan Hardez

Eternal Dominion (The Eden Vault Series, Book 1)



For centuries, the Kingdom of Valkalor has commanded prehistoric creatures to dominate rivals and expand its reach. But when a new external threat emerges—one powerful enough to disrupt the delicate balance holding Gadrion’s armies in check—he seizes the chance to strike decisively at his greatest adversaries.

His carefully laid plans unravel when his daughters, Kendra and Cerelia, stumble upon the dark truth behind his ambitions. Forced into a deadly game of survival and strategy, they embark on the beginning of their journey across a continent teeming with carnivorous saurians, ruthless assassins, and rival kingdoms that will stop at nothing to either seize the knowledge the sisters have uncovered…or forever silence them.



Blending epic fantasy, dinosaur-driven adventure, and high-stakes, heart-pounding political intrigue, Eternal Dominion follows the sisters and their desperate allies as they race across perilous lands toward the legendary Eden Vault—an ancient chamber said to hold the power of creation itself. Can forging alliances with their father’s enemies avert total annihilation? Will the Vault save them—or unleash a force beyond their control? And who is manipulating events from the shadows of Gadrion’s schemes?



Praise for Eternal

"I have not felt such intrigue since the emergence of David Eddings and his druid Allanon, nor have I watched in such shock since Ned Stark had his head lobbed off in The Game of Thrones series. A thrilling roller coaster of corruption, action, and suspense—truly impossible to put down." – Anne B., Beta Reader

"The blend of 'Jurassic Park' and 'Game of Thrones' elements is masterful. Exceptional world-building, captivating concepts, and distinct character voices make this a story that commands attention." – Jennifer L., Editor

"Regarding Gadrion, I hate him, I hate what he did and does to his family. He makes my skin crawl and I find him absolutely revolting… But make no mistake, he is one of the best antagonists that I have read inside 190 books." – Anne B., Beta Reader



Perfect for fans of creature-driven fantasy, political intrigue, high-stakes adventure, and dark, character-centered epics, Eternal Dominion sets the stage for an unforgettable saga of power, betrayal, and survival.

Genres: Fantasy

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the author. But believe me when I say that I mean every word of this review! An epic fantasy set in a feral landscape, this book has been described as Fourth Wing (or Game of Thrones) meets Jurassic Park. There is so much going on that I truly think everyone can find something to enjoy.

Pick this one up if you vibe with high stakes battles on land and sea; dinosaurs with human riders; dolphins with human riders; mind reading; illicit drug smuggling; two strong willed (and polar opposite) princesses; mer people (the scary kind); an epic adventure to save mankind; betrayal; and more!

I loved how every single character was written. There are a lot of different POV and I genuinely enjoyed reading the story from all of them. Cerelia and Kendra are both badass in their own unique way. I love strong female characters with dynamic personalities and who are relatable. And the ending! I went through all the stages of grief in the span of about 30 minutes.

There is so much more to explore with the next book too. The elven and orcish people have been mentioned but not yet featured. The paths of Fenix and Cinderr (two other awesome characters) converged at the end, and I just know they're going to get into a mess or two. I'm excited (and impatient) for all that's to come. This book puts the epic in epic fantasy!

[Melanie Dubois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok wow! I want to say that although I was gifted this book, my review is genuine!!

This is not my typical book, its more along the lines of my typical movie watching style🤣 but damn! It was so good! It reminded me of Jerassic Park meets - game of thrones or Lord of the Rings.

There was several different povs, multiple different journeys that converged as one! Alot of plot twists I didnt see coming. The battle scenes were EPIC, the perfect amount of fighting, detail and death to make it realistic and exciting!

The world building and gammer style took some getting use to, but fit the story perfectly!

The ending broke my heart and soul, so thanks for that😭🤣

Anyone into Lord of The rings, Game of Thrones, Starwars, Jurassic Park; This book would be right up your ally!

I really love all the components to this story. The powers the crown has, the elves, orcs and men's! I love the fighting dinosaurs, the memory, the dolphins😍. It was a really complex story!!

[bookishbunna]

“But Kendra is outside. If I scream, she will defy even you to come save me.” — Cerelia

SYNOPSIS: Fenix is determined to save the world, even if it means betraying all his friends in the process.

Cinderr must leave behind her secret lover to go on a dangerous mission to save her family.

Princess Kendra is desperate to prove herself as an irreplaceable warrior to escape her impending marriage.

King Gadrion wants to unify the world by all means necessary.

And young Princess Cerelia wants nothing more than to impress her father, for example, by opening a mysterious locked door...

◆ open-door mild spice 🌶
◆ stoic warrior mentor x black cat apprentice sapphic side couple
◆ multi-pov epic fantasy with dinosaur steeds and talking dolphins 🐬
◆ mind-bending plot twists and THAT TERRIBLE CLIFFHANGER OMG!!!

The worldbuilding in this is absolutely insane and immersive! From feisty women who can talk to dolphins to menacing mer to dinosaur riders ... I was so impressed by how well it all came together! I could read ten more books set in the world of Eternal Dominion and still be wanting for more. And I particularly enjoyed the many (many) character POVs we got to see this spectacular world from!

I also adored all the characters and how complex everyone was. Nobody seemed solely on the side of good or evil, save for the young Princess Cerelia, yet everyone was fully convinced that they were doing The Right Thing (yes, even the utterly frightening antagonist King Gadrion). The final plot twist threw me and I absolutely loved the ending, even though it almost felt like a betrayal to me!!

I desperately need the next installment now!!!

Content warning: Addiction, Animal death, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking at this book and thinking…there’s no way every review is 4-5 stars, I’m here to ask you, why are there even any 4 star reviews? This book is so damn good!

Eternal Dominion by Dan Hardez is an epic fantasy filled with dinosaurs, political intrigue, evil kings, merfolk, dolphins, you name it. Instead of dragon bonding, you get dinosaur and dolphin melding.

A group of infiltrators travel to another land to destroy a creature called the Rakern, for some unknown reason. Meanwhile, an evil king is trying to eradicate all non-men species such as merfolk, orcs, etc. You also have two princesses who are trying to find their way in their world, one by becoming a mighty warrior, and proving herself to her father king, and the other trying to impress him with her knowledge. There are so many layers to this story, I could go on and on, but I think it would be better for you just to read it.

If you’ve been missing Game of Thrones and are tired of waiting for that next book to release, read this one! Word is book two will be out later this year so there won’t be as long a wait as there is for The Winds of Winter. 😉

Fantastic book!

[C Me Read Write Now · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown Away!

Wow! How do I even leave a review? This book was, woah! I expected to read a Jurassic World book, and I got SO much more than that because what do you mean there are crowns that show you visions, dolphins, sharks, princesses, different worlds, etc. I felt like I was reading a fantasy book with the crowns and kingdom. What do you mean there are orcs and elves?! And why did they poison the king? I’d tell you but I’m not going to spoil it! This is a MUST read book! Wow! Wow! Wow!!

[Tracey Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Eternal Dominion only knowing it had been described as Jurassic Park meets Fourth Wing and while that’s a fun comparison, it’s so much more than that.
This is a true epic fantasy. Alongside the battle dinosaurs, there are characters who command dolphins, deadly assassins, political betrayal, and a ruthless king who will do anything for power, even sacrificing his own daughters. The world is full of unique ideas that kept me hooked.
I’ll admit I was slightly intimidated at first. The world-building is detailed, and it took me a little while to get to grips with the characters and politics. But once everything clicked, I was completely immersed.
I loved how the women were portrayed, strong, resilient, and trained for battle. My favourite was Cinderr, an assassin in Valkalor’s Crescent Knights. She’s deadly, but learning about her past gave her so much depth that I couldn’t help but have a soft spot for her.
I also loved that every chapter title counted down the days until the Tragedy of Northshard, which built tension throughout the story. Another standout was the crown that lets its wearer see other people’s memories and visions, such a brilliant and original concept.
And that ending… that was a shocker, I did not see it coming at all.
This is an immersive fantasy packed with action, twists, and imaginative world-building. For me it took a little time to settle into, but it was worth it.

[Bookdreamer.nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy, these opinions are all my own.

Jurassic park meets Game of Thrones. This description is pretty spot on.

We switch between muli- character POV chapters all counting down to a single moment. It honestly took me a while to get my bearings in this world- a bit of magic, many characters and a few dinosaurs sprinkled in. Once my brain could keep everyone straight, this book TOOK OFF. I loved all of the action, the big reveals and how it all came together. I came for the dinosaurs but I'm staying for the story. This is for you if you love characters with depth, an amazing storyline and lots of action. I honestly cannot believe this hasn't been picked up trad (maybe that isn't the direction the author wants to go in, this book was so well written). I cannot wait for the continuation of this story!

[Beatrice Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gadrion has commanded his armies through battle after battle, but the fight he finds himself facing next is a lot closer to home. The Kingdom on Valkalor holds it’s ground firmly, protected by powerful forces much stronger than mere men. Abilities to meld with different creatures provides a distinct advantage, allowing soldiers to command the large and ruthless beasts against their enemies. But, amongst the excitement of a gladiatorial tournament in the lead up to Gadrion’s birthday, a truth begins to come to light that he must contain before it’s damage is irreversible.

Cerelia may not be the strongest of her siblings, but her first love has always been knowledge. She would rather spend her time reading, than training like her older sister, Kendra. However, when she begins to unravel hidden secrets within the kingdom, even she can’t sit by and let things play out without finding out the truth behind what her father’s true plans are.

In the midst of family tragedies and drama, danger unfolds. Rival kingdoms add an intense layer of political intrigue to this novel, with forces stepping forth into the kingdom unbeknownst to the king, and more action happening further afield. Treachery burns bright within a few characters, and a fierce battle between loyalty and following the heart rings true. Careful strategy, spies, traitors, and not knowing who to trust – this book is packed full of intrigue and certainly keeps your attention held throughout!

There are a lot of characters in this book. To begin with, it can be a little difficult to keep track of them all, but once you have got the main names down, everything slots into place and the story unfolds easily. Tensions rise throughout, as you follow multiple threads of the same story, things happening in different places, all leading up to one event – the tragedy of Northshard. From court dealings to sea battles, from dinosaurs to mermaids, this book doesn’t leave anything out. With incredible world building, the setting truly comes to life, and you can picture everything as and when it happens. In particular, the scenes of action, of life and death fighting, whether against men or dinosaurs, are written so amazingly, I quickly found myself lost in the pages. This is the kind of book that you read late into the night because you don’t want to put it down.

It would be impossible to talk about every aspect of the novel I want to, because to do so would include spoilers, and explanation into who each character is and their role in the story. So instead, I will narrow it down. Gadrion is, without a doubt, one of the most spine-tinglingly evil characters I have read about in a long time. He is without emotion, his only link to human pain and suffering through the crown he wears, allowing him to feel the emotions of others around him. And the worst part? The fear and pain are the emotions he most enjoys feeling radiating off others. He is not afraid to kill or maim to get what he wants, and his ambitions stretch far beyond what he lets those around him see. He is ruthless, deadly, and quite frankly terrifying. On the other hand, his youngest daughter, Cerelia, was one of my favourite characters of this book. She is brave, not because she is without fear, but because she pushes through it to try and do what is right. She protects those who she feels needs protecting, and tries to do right by everyone she meets. She is kind, caring, and a genuinely nice person. The differences between her and Gadrion are so stark, it is almost difficult to see how they are related.

There is so much I could say about this book, but this is certainly the kind of book you need to read for yourself to truly appreciate. With a vast mix of ancient civilisations, with a science fantasy twist of powerful objects and dinosaurs thrown into the mix, this is an truly fabulous epic fantasy novel with top-tier storytelling and world building that draws you into the story and holds you captive throughout.

*I received a copy of this book from RABT Blog Tours for review consideration.

[Anthony DAgostino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read such a captivating work of fiction before. Never before has an author compared the Jurassic Period with Epic fantasy and the medieval concept. If Fourth Wing and Jurassic Park had a baby it would be Eternal Dominion. The author did an amazing job incorporating the dragon rider concept but instead of dragon riders you have knights that ride T-rexs and those tyraxs patrol the kingdom and are controlled by knights that can meld or mentally control the dinosaurs. This author weaves a magical and jurassic story at the same time. This author also weaves a sinister tale of familial betrayal that honestly comes out of nowhere and you think the antagonists of the story are never going to show themselves than it hits you like a ton of bricks right in the middle of the book and you do not see it coming. This author does an amazing job at giving plot twists that make the reader read faster and faster. Once you hit more than one point in the book in the beginning where the story takes shape and it takes off the story lets loose and doesnt stop until the last page that ends on a cliff hanger and I cannot wait for this author to release the prequels in paperback formats as well as the second book. I will be buying every other book this author writes because you can tell this author has done his research and takes great pride in his writing and his character devleopment as well as his world building and is a wordsmith that takes epic fantasy storytelling to a whole new level. Do yourself a favor immerse yourself into this amazing body of work you will want to know what is behind the door of the Eden Vault the further you get immersed in this amazing work Dan Hardez has written. If I could give this review 100 stars I would add this to your TBR asap you will not be disappointed.

[Chris Chinchilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I had a blast reading *Eternal Dominion.* Dan Hardez has crafted a gem that grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. If you love epic fantasy but sometimes wish the pace moved a bit faster, this is the book for you.

The story weaves complex plot threads that always feel driven by the characters' compelling choices. The cast—especially Cerelia, Kendra, and Gadrion—are distinct and fully realized; their individual voices and evolving relationships are a major highlight. You can feel the weight of their decisions and watch their character arcs unfold in subtle, surprising, and completely satisfying ways.

Beyond the excellent character work, the worldbuilding is vivid and immersive. Whether you're in a terrifying battle or exploring a quiet corner of the kingdom, the scenes, settings, and dialogue are rich with sensory detail. It's the kind of book where you can hear every character's voice in your head and picture every single location clearly.

If you're looking for a well-written, fast-paced, and tightly plotted epic fantasy that will leave you eager for the next installment, look no further. This is easily one of the best-written manuscripts I've had the pleasure of reading.

Disclosure: I had the privilege of beta-reading the manuscript for *Eternal Dominion* before its publication, and I am providing this honest, uncompensated review.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read. The imagery is rich and immersive—I often felt like I was right there in the scenes—and the author does an incredible job bringing this world to life. It opens with a brutal dinosaur attack that immediately hooks you, then shifts perspective, leaving you anxious to know what happens next.
There’s a large cast of characters, and while it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, the character list and chapter headings (with POV and timeline) really help keep things clear. Once the story finds its rhythm, the fast pace and layered plot pull you in completely. By the second chapter, I was already invested and had picked out several favourites.
I loved how the story follows multiple plotlines, occasionally intersecting, and really leans into the ripple effect of each character’s actions.
By the end, I was fully hooked. I’m excited to read the prequels to spend more time with these characters, and I cannot wait for the next book—I need to know what happens next (and I’m really hoping certain characters cross paths soon!).

[Sophia Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever read a fantasy that blends worlds quite like Eternal Dominion. It feels like Jurassic-era chaos and medieval epic fantasy collided in the best possible way, and somehow it just works.

Instead of dragon riders, we get knights bonded to and mentally linked with massive dinosaurs—T-rexes included— The worldbuilding is bold and imaginative, mixing kingdoms, mystical artifacts, and even hints of other realms in a way that keeps expanding the story the further you
Once the story finds its footing, it takes off and doesn’t slow down. Twists hit hard, especially around betrayal and hidden agendas you never see coming.

It’s fast, immersive, and constantly evolving, with a scope that feels huge but still easy to follow. By the end, I wasn’t ready to leave the world behind.

If you want something original, high-energy, and full of surprises, Eternal Dominion is absolutely worth the read.

[Leah-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinosaurs,dolphins, brutal wars, and morally grey characters… that’s the vibe of Eternal Dominion.

It did take me a little while to fully get to grips with the characters, POVs, and world because there’s SO much going on! dinosaurs, politics, battles, and unique creatures. But once everything clicked into place, the story really took off.

I loved learning about the different animals and the dynamics between them and the humans, and the multiple POVs helped build an immersive world. All of the characters felt really complex, like there’s still so much more to learn about them. Nobody felt fully good or evil, which made the story even more interesting.

Since this is part of a series, the heavy world building makes sense, and I’m definitely interested to see where the story goes next.

If you love epic fantasy, battle dinosaurs, immersive worlds, and action-packed battles with twists, definitely give this one a go.

[kristeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete SURPRISED! Eternal Dominion is easily one of the most unique fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. Dan Hardez has built a fascinating,universe where prehistoric creatures are weaponized for kingdom expansion.
​The story follows two sisters, Kendra and Cerelia, who uncover a dark secret about their father, King Gadrion. What follows is a brutal, struggle for survival as they have to deal with rival kingdoms and make alliances, all while being hunted by both assassins and deadly prehistoric creatures.
​Alongside the action and the ruthless warrior Cinderr, the book has a beautifully written, slow-burn romance between a mentor and disciple that gives the story more depth and keeps you reading.
​It's thrilling, original, and completely wild. I cannot wait to see where The Eden Vault series goes next! Thank you Dan Hardez for this masterclass of a book! You definitely gave me an adventure I was craving!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending this copy in exchange for my honest review.

We have dinosaurs, magical objects, mer and dolphins, what's not to love?!

We're straight in on the action as the scene is set for this imaginative unpredictable story. There's multiple POV's as we see how the story connects together. All of the characters are unique and interesting. My favourite is Princess Cerelia, I enjoyed her connection to the crown and finding out about the Eden Vault. I also enjoyed Fenix's journey and meeting the mer and dolphins.

I worked out pretty quickly that we had an unjust king but I was surprised at where that storyline went. I found the King's character really interesting, particularly his relationships with other people.

This is well written, well thought and fast paced and I can't wait to read more. I recommend this to fantasy lovers who enjoy am unpredictable action packed story.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic adventure fantasy that blended fantasy and dinosaurs with political intrigue and fantasy creatures!

This book was thrilling and pulled me in from the start. I was sucked into this new fantasy world with unique magics and I loved the dinosaurs!

The description and world building was well done and I could picture myself in the story. The story offered multiple character POVs giving us a wider and more broader look at the world around.

I appreciated the multiple POVs and loved the thrilling action and unique world created!

The end was amazing! I enjoyed the direction and story is going and the high stakes! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

If you enjoy epic fantasies, multiple POVs, thrilling battles, strong FMCs, unique magicks, dinosaurs, political intrigue, opposing kingdoms, past mysteries, twists, betrayals and more then add this to you tbr!

[Mari Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is an awesome fantasy book like Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, and Fourth Wing!

The world building, unique power system, and epic fantasy had me so intrigued the whole plot; I was so immersed and felt the experiences firsthand. The book and different story elements, such as mystical/magical creatures (dinosaurs), political intrigue, plot twists, and so much more kept me locked in the whole time; i could barely lay down the book! I loved the story line, action, and character adventures so much as well. They were written with so much description, thought, and depth.

I really recommend this book for Jurassic Park lovers that want a complex, intricate story to dive into; put this on yall's TBR!

[Sally Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be sent this book to review and I have absolutely loved it. If I am honest if I had looked at the cover in a bookstore I probably wouldn’t have picked it due to the dinosaur being on the front but I really really enjoyed it. The world building was great and I loved all of the plot twists too.

Strong female leads and a true villain in the story appeal to my demographic and I have literally ploughed through the book. There are 3 prequels that I am definitely going to read and will look forward to the next book coming out too.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eternal Dominion by Dan Hardez is one of those books that just pulls you in and refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the intense world-building and the way the story slowly reveals its deeper layers. The plot feels big and ambitious, but it never gets confusing or overwhelming. Instead, it keeps you curious and wanting more.

Overall, Eternal Dominion is a fantastic read if you enjoy immersive stories with strong characters and a gripping plot. Definitely a 5-star book for me—I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for their next great read.

[Misty F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for fantasy fans looking for something a bit different. The combination of epic adventure, incredible world-building, and various dinosaurs creates a unique and deeply immersive fantasy experience. From all the rich lore, high-stakes action, and imaginative settings it just kept my pages turning from start to finish. If you enjoy exploring new worlds filled with danger, mystery, and unforgettable creatures, Eternal Dominion is the one! Looking forward to the next book in the series and have already started reading the anthologies to get me through the wait.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

In reading, you notice that the plots hold together well. There is steady character development, also, the plot points are developed and allowed to change, rather than be dangled and drawn out. We learn more as we read.

Dan Hardez did a great job of giving just enough description and detail while still giving us a lot of the action of the novel. It has wonderful pacing and a lot going on. The book isn't always intense, but there are moments of intensity.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eternal Dominion is definitely worth the time and investment in reading.

In reading, you notice that the plots hold together well. There is steady character development, also, the plot points are developed and allowed to change, rather than be dangled and drawn out. We learn more as we read.

Dark themes that explore many themes and politics.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic fantasy that mixes adventure, mystery, and fantasy with deeper themes.

It follows two sisters who must navigate a dangerous world filled with mythical creatures, hidden powers, and their father’s war ambitions.

Strong characters in a world that is fantastical and easy to picture due to the authors writing style.

There is action a plenty, though the plot takes time to unfold.

[Pam McElhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and telling of it is flawless. You are transported with the narrative of the story and immersed into a fantastic time and space. Pack the snacks and get a cuppa ready to settle in for a ride that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eternal Dominion is an epic first book in this sci-fi/fantasy series. You'll flip every page with anticipation of what's coming next.

I highly recommend it to any sci-fi and fantasy lover!

[Shelley Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the multiple POVs sending you all over the story. Action packed and fast paced. Excited to continue the series.

[Cindy Crivellone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite the book! Definitely an interesting storyline combining fantasy aspects with battle dinosaurs. There are hints of spice which is a nice break. There is a lot of action and fighting scenes and twists and turns! I cannot wait for the next book!