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Desolation of the Dragon: Part of a slow burn romantasy series
The Overlord of the Commonwealth is dead at the hands of his brother.
With Anton Ashbourne murdered by Dalton’s hand, the Commonwealth is thrown into a flux. Major Kaladin takes action, seeking to take down Dalton before more fall at his feet. Giving chase on his dragon, Gundrag, Kaladin is assisted by Drementhol, Anton’s dragon. However, the arrival of Sinibad to the Haven forces Kaladin to call off the pursuit.
Back on the ground, Ayr and Elanor are not yet absolved of their crimes. They are dragged before the Dragon Lords as the investigation into Dalton continues. Once again, Ayr and Elanor must rely on each other to survive whatever the Commonwealth throws at them.
Desolation of the Dragon is the third installment in the epic fast paced slow burn dragon rider romantasy by Matt Mememaro. If you thought you knew where the rest of the series was going, be sure to strap yourself in, because you have not seen anything yet.
With Anton Ashbourne murdered by Dalton’s hand, the Commonwealth is thrown into a flux. Major Kaladin takes action, seeking to take down Dalton before more fall at his feet. Giving chase on his dragon, Gundrag, Kaladin is assisted by Drementhol, Anton’s dragon. However, the arrival of Sinibad to the Haven forces Kaladin to call off the pursuit.
Back on the ground, Ayr and Elanor are not yet absolved of their crimes. They are dragged before the Dragon Lords as the investigation into Dalton continues. Once again, Ayr and Elanor must rely on each other to survive whatever the Commonwealth throws at them.
Desolation of the Dragon is the third installment in the epic fast paced slow burn dragon rider romantasy by Matt Mememaro. If you thought you knew where the rest of the series was going, be sure to strap yourself in, because you have not seen anything yet.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2025
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Matt Mememaro
35 books151 followersHailing from the enchanting landscapes of Australia, Matt Mememaro is a distinguished fantasy author who has recently ventured into the realms of romfantasy, seamlessly blending magic with matters of the heart.
Immersed in the rich tapestry of Australian culture, Matt's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the mystical and the extraordinary. This fascination with the fantastical, coupled with a love for storytelling, laid the foundation for his journey into the world of fantasy literature.
As Matt Mememaro ventures into the uncharted territories of romfantasy, he brings his signature blend of magic, adventure, and heartwarming romance to captivate readers. His works transport audiences from the sun-kissed landscapes of Australia to realms where love and magic intertwine, creating a literary experience that is as enchanting as the author himself.
Click "FOLLOW" to be notified about new releases, or follow Matt on his social media outlets.
Immersed in the rich tapestry of Australian culture, Matt's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the mystical and the extraordinary. This fascination with the fantastical, coupled with a love for storytelling, laid the foundation for his journey into the world of fantasy literature.
As Matt Mememaro ventures into the uncharted territories of romfantasy, he brings his signature blend of magic, adventure, and heartwarming romance to captivate readers. His works transport audiences from the sun-kissed landscapes of Australia to realms where love and magic intertwine, creating a literary experience that is as enchanting as the author himself.
Click "FOLLOW" to be notified about new releases, or follow Matt on his social media outlets.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 15, 2025
4.5⭐️
"The charred cinders and blackened bone fragments were all that remained ... " to "Climb aboard rider, we'll see it done." WHAT THE FRIGGING WHAT? I'm so close to hiding until this series is done. My heart cannot take it. Now I have to wait an ungodly amount of time until the next one.
As the two MCs grow in strength with their dragons ... grow in knowledge with their fighting ... and grow closer with each other ... their endeavors never waiver. The battles are battling. The Dragons are hardcore. The action is every where.
I believe this is the turning point in this series. That ending has me second guessing everything. I thought I knew where it was going. Now I habe to start over. It also left me quite sad. I am now unbelievably irrational thoughts, knowing I have to wait for the next one.
"The charred cinders and blackened bone fragments were all that remained ... " to "Climb aboard rider, we'll see it done." WHAT THE FRIGGING WHAT? I'm so close to hiding until this series is done. My heart cannot take it. Now I have to wait an ungodly amount of time until the next one.
As the two MCs grow in strength with their dragons ... grow in knowledge with their fighting ... and grow closer with each other ... their endeavors never waiver. The battles are battling. The Dragons are hardcore. The action is every where.
I believe this is the turning point in this series. That ending has me second guessing everything. I thought I knew where it was going. Now I habe to start over. It also left me quite sad. I am now unbelievably irrational thoughts, knowing I have to wait for the next one.
March 23, 2026
I am absolutely loving this series. It’s action packed and full of twists that leave you second guessing everything.
I loved the character growth, the bond between the dragons and riders, the relationship development between Ayr and Elanor - both amazing main characters. Elanor is a badass and I am so here for it. It was all just amazing and perfectly written.
The way Matt writes makes you feel like you are part of the magic and story.
I loved the character growth, the bond between the dragons and riders, the relationship development between Ayr and Elanor - both amazing main characters. Elanor is a badass and I am so here for it. It was all just amazing and perfectly written.
The way Matt writes makes you feel like you are part of the magic and story.
January 2, 2026
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Desolation of the dragon. Book Three of the Ashbourne Saga raises the stakes to a new level. Following the murder of Anton Ashbourne, leader of the Commonwealth, at Dalton’s hands, Major Kaladin moves swiftly to prevent the realm from descending further into chaos. His pursuit of Dalton adds urgency and tension as the consequences of betrayal ripple across the Commonwealth.
Meanwhile, Ayr and Elanor continue their fight to prove their innocence, only to find themselves brought before the Dragon Lords. With their ties to Dalton still under scrutiny, they are forced to rely on one another as threats close in from both sides of the conflict. Trust becomes not just a choice, but a necessity for survival.
This installment deepened my investment in the series even more. The escalating conflict delivers more dragons, higher stakes battles, and an intensifying sense of danger. Ayr’s growing command of his magic is impressive, while Elanor’s emotional growth, lowering her defenses and placing more trust in Ayr adds meaningful depth to their relationship. Though doubts about Ayr’s true motives remain, that lingering tension only strengthens the narrative.
By the final page, I was left eagerly craving (like always) for Book 4. I can’t wait to see how their story and the fate of the realm unfolds next.💛
Meanwhile, Ayr and Elanor continue their fight to prove their innocence, only to find themselves brought before the Dragon Lords. With their ties to Dalton still under scrutiny, they are forced to rely on one another as threats close in from both sides of the conflict. Trust becomes not just a choice, but a necessity for survival.
This installment deepened my investment in the series even more. The escalating conflict delivers more dragons, higher stakes battles, and an intensifying sense of danger. Ayr’s growing command of his magic is impressive, while Elanor’s emotional growth, lowering her defenses and placing more trust in Ayr adds meaningful depth to their relationship. Though doubts about Ayr’s true motives remain, that lingering tension only strengthens the narrative.
By the final page, I was left eagerly craving (like always) for Book 4. I can’t wait to see how their story and the fate of the realm unfolds next.💛
December 20, 2025
Desolation of the Dragon is the third instalment in the Ashbourne Saga, and it absolutely delivered for me.
Ayr and Eleanor are still navigating survival, but this book takes everything a step deeper. The emotional and psychological challenges felt more layered, with trust, loyalty, and tension constantly in motion. The romance continues to simmer in a way that felt natural and well paced, knowing exactly when to intensify and when to pull back.
I found myself connecting even more strongly with Eleanor in this instalment. Watching her sit with her own emotions, her sense of duty, and the weight of difficult confrontations added real depth to her character, and I loved seeing her growth on the page.
There is also a noticeable increase in action here. The battle scenes felt vivid and immersive, and Ayr’s magic is far more present, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It added an extra layer of intensity that kept me fully engaged.
That ending was pure adrenaline and left me desperately wanting more. This series has firmly become a favourite of mine, and now begins the long, impatient wait for book four.
I received this book as an ARC, however this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Ayr and Eleanor are still navigating survival, but this book takes everything a step deeper. The emotional and psychological challenges felt more layered, with trust, loyalty, and tension constantly in motion. The romance continues to simmer in a way that felt natural and well paced, knowing exactly when to intensify and when to pull back.
I found myself connecting even more strongly with Eleanor in this instalment. Watching her sit with her own emotions, her sense of duty, and the weight of difficult confrontations added real depth to her character, and I loved seeing her growth on the page.
There is also a noticeable increase in action here. The battle scenes felt vivid and immersive, and Ayr’s magic is far more present, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It added an extra layer of intensity that kept me fully engaged.
That ending was pure adrenaline and left me desperately wanting more. This series has firmly become a favourite of mine, and now begins the long, impatient wait for book four.
I received this book as an ARC, however this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
December 25, 2025
Desolation of the Dragon is a captivating entry in a slow-burn romantasy series that blends high-stakes adventure with simmering romance. Matt Mememaro creates a world that feels vast and immersive, full of dragons, danger, and rich lore that kept me turning pages.
The slow-burn romance is handled beautifully — tension-filled glances, unspoken feelings, and moments of connection that gradually build into something compelling and emotionally satisfying. The characters are complex and relatable, with flaws and inner struggles that make their growth feel genuine.
The story’s pacing is mostly excellent, though some parts lean more into world-building than plot, which may feel slow if you’re craving constant action. Still, the dramatic moments hit hard, and the combination of adventure, magic, and romance makes for a thrilling read overall.
While it’s best appreciated as part of the series, this installment stands strong on its own, giving enough context to enjoy the story while leaving plenty of hooks for the next book.
The slow-burn romance is handled beautifully — tension-filled glances, unspoken feelings, and moments of connection that gradually build into something compelling and emotionally satisfying. The characters are complex and relatable, with flaws and inner struggles that make their growth feel genuine.
The story’s pacing is mostly excellent, though some parts lean more into world-building than plot, which may feel slow if you’re craving constant action. Still, the dramatic moments hit hard, and the combination of adventure, magic, and romance makes for a thrilling read overall.
While it’s best appreciated as part of the series, this installment stands strong on its own, giving enough context to enjoy the story while leaving plenty of hooks for the next book.
December 7, 2025
This author has DONE IT AGAIN. This ones is my favorite so far. The action, the romance, the battle, the dragons, freaking Dalton, man I love it all. This series so far has had me wanting more, ans this one was no exception. Read in one day because I can't get enough♥︎ We get different pov, different perspective of what is going one. Ayr and Eleanor have to go through different trials as well as their dragons plus we get more of Kaladin and Dalton. The ending? I need book 4 nowwww ! But I'll wait becuase I know it will be even better. Definitely add the Ashborne saga to you tbr if you want in on this awesome series.
March 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just when I thought I knew where the series was going @mettmememaro comes out with this! I don't want to post spoilers from previous books so just know that everything in this one kicks up a notch. It may just be my favorite, but we have one more to go.
Matt's descriptive writing style will keep you on the edge of your seat as you're drawn into more high stakes battles. The action is ramped up and the slow burn romance is on point.
Definitely a slow burn romantasy series you don't want to miss!
#DesolationoftheDragon #TheAshbourneSaga #slowburn #romantasy #dragonrider
Just when I thought I knew where the series was going @mettmememaro comes out with this! I don't want to post spoilers from previous books so just know that everything in this one kicks up a notch. It may just be my favorite, but we have one more to go.
Matt's descriptive writing style will keep you on the edge of your seat as you're drawn into more high stakes battles. The action is ramped up and the slow burn romance is on point.
Definitely a slow burn romantasy series you don't want to miss!
#DesolationoftheDragon #TheAshbourneSaga #slowburn #romantasy #dragonrider
December 12, 2025
I was lucky to be given the chance to review Desolation of the Dragon of my own accord, through being offered an eARC.
What a way to build the suspense and keep it going!
I love multi-POV books, they often seem to deliver a more engaging story.
Another great instalment in the Ashbourne Saga, and what an ending! I cannot wait for book 4.
What a way to build the suspense and keep it going!
I love multi-POV books, they often seem to deliver a more engaging story.
Another great instalment in the Ashbourne Saga, and what an ending! I cannot wait for book 4.
January 19, 2026
Relentless, I couldn't stop reading
Look, if you're looking for a new series of books that will elicit EVERY emotion you have, this is it. The author flawlessly paints scenes that have you raging, holding your breath and kicking your feet in glee. Can't wait for book 4!
Look, if you're looking for a new series of books that will elicit EVERY emotion you have, this is it. The author flawlessly paints scenes that have you raging, holding your breath and kicking your feet in glee. Can't wait for book 4!
January 30, 2026
Good, but them cliffhangers tho...
The political intrigue really ramped up. I would have liked a more tragic ending for one of the characters after what he did. All in all it wasn't too bad. I'm looking forward to the next one.
The political intrigue really ramped up. I would have liked a more tragic ending for one of the characters after what he did. All in all it wasn't too bad. I'm looking forward to the next one.
March 22, 2026
I absolutely love that each book in this series literally picks up right where the last one left off! The adventure and drama continue and book 3 with multiple twists and turns. Truly addicting series.
December 31, 2025
This book was awesome I couldn’t put it down I’ve always loved a good slow burn romantasy book and this one did not disappoint
January 12, 2026
Buckle up for more of a ride on these dragons. I enjoy this series. I’m looking forward to the rest. This one kept me entertained from the start to the finish!
January 1, 2026
Book three of the Ashbourne Saga.
With Anton Ashbourne, leader of the Commonwealth, murdered at Dalton’s hand, Major Kaladin takes action, seeking to take down Dalton before there is any further chaos.
While Ayr and Elanor are still trying to prove their innocence, they are dragged before the Dragon Lords as their connection to Dalton is still in question and the two need to place their trust in each other to survive whatever is thrown at them from both sides of the conflict.
I am absolutely hooked on this series and I fall a little more in love with Elanor and Ayr in each book. As the conflict increases, we see more of the dragons in this book and the battles are intensified. Both characters have also grown a lot in this book with Ayr showing more of what he’s capable of with his magic and Elanor showing more trust in Ayr and letting some barriers down. Elanor still has some doubts over Ayr’s motives and I would really like to see where that goes in the next book.
Waiting eagerly for the next book in this series!
I received this book as an ARC and the thoughts in this review are my own
With Anton Ashbourne, leader of the Commonwealth, murdered at Dalton’s hand, Major Kaladin takes action, seeking to take down Dalton before there is any further chaos.
While Ayr and Elanor are still trying to prove their innocence, they are dragged before the Dragon Lords as their connection to Dalton is still in question and the two need to place their trust in each other to survive whatever is thrown at them from both sides of the conflict.
I am absolutely hooked on this series and I fall a little more in love with Elanor and Ayr in each book. As the conflict increases, we see more of the dragons in this book and the battles are intensified. Both characters have also grown a lot in this book with Ayr showing more of what he’s capable of with his magic and Elanor showing more trust in Ayr and letting some barriers down. Elanor still has some doubts over Ayr’s motives and I would really like to see where that goes in the next book.
Waiting eagerly for the next book in this series!
I received this book as an ARC and the thoughts in this review are my own
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews