The Hunger of the Dragon: Dark Viking Fantasy

by R.M. Schultz

“My Norse-obsessed friend wouldn’t stop raving about this book, so I had to read it.
– Loved it.”
“If The Bloodsworn and Jade City had an offspring that inherited the best qualities of both parents, this book may be it.”
“This book has the most interesting take on Norse magic and lore that I’ve read yet.”
“It’s Norse fantasy that sinks its teeth deep and does not let go.”

Divine remnants are hoarded, stolen, and killed for.

These items grant powerful magics to those with the strength to wield them.

The war of the gods has passed, leaving Midgard without direction, but vengeance and the battle for control has just begun.

A berserker of the Raven must protect her magical items from those bent on stealing them while a Wolf warrior renounces her clan to pursue the impossible—harnessing the magics of the Dragon. A thief of the Wolf is led astray and will never regain what is taken from him. They protect their own, claim what they can, and rise to power in waves of glory.

But when a mysterious new clan emerges seeking to conquer all, the Ravens and Wolves must safeguard their divine remains or destroy each other.

The resulting war will determine the fate of each clan as they succumb to the hunger of the Dragon and the forbidden runes.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Epic Fantasy, Fiction

574 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2025

About the author

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R.M. Schultz is a #1 best-selling author of fantasy and science fiction.

After reading Tolkien, Ryan wrote his first 100,000-word fantasy novel as a freshman in high school. When he’s not saving animals, he continues reading and writing fantasy and science fiction, and has done so for over two decades. Ryan founded and heads the North Seattle Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Group and has published over a dozen novels.

And more than anything, he wants to be knighted by George R.R. Martin.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, engaging characters and a unique magic system

I haven’t read many Norse fantasies before and was a bit skeptical that this would match my interests, but this book is outstanding! The writing is well done, and the story is always interesting and keeps a great pace without feeling rushed. I really enjoyed the Norse myth aspects and the magic system involving remnant powers left by the dead gods. It was refreshingly original, but also not all powerful where you lose that sense of risk and accomplishment. I’m already bookmarking this awaiting a sequel.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS STORY IS GRIPPING, COMPELLING, and AWESOME!!!

This book has the most interesting take on Norse magic and lore that I've read yet. It's Norse fantasy that sinks its teeth deep and does not let go. I felt like I was walking through an ancient Norse world full of real people and true emotion. I was more than a little scared at times.

Fans of John Gwynne, Fonda Lee, and Joe Abercrombie will probably love this book.

[Bookish Coffee UK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay im going ro do my best to make this spoiler free and express my love for this book at the same time.. bare with me..

Once again this author has created such an incredible complex world, well its more than just a world.. the characters, the magical aspect, the clans - are all deeply and beautifully created to bring a indepth and a vastly created world.

I loved going on this adventure, and I really grew on Marrin or shall I say they grew on me lol.. I was abit unsure about them at first but I feel like their character development and gained her desires!

I love love more to this storyline like what happens next..

[Joebot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's fist address the elephant in the room - this books feel, name, and cover art are very reminiscent of John Gwynne's Bloidsworn series. It feels like Gwynne and Schultz were handed the same loose concept and went off and did their own takes.

Hard to not compare the two. I think Schultz has better world-building and character concepts, but Gwynne had better prose and character work. This is a good book, but falls short of the books that it draws so many similarities from.

I will read more as it comes out, but prefer his The Forged and the Fallen series more. Wait a minute....that series names also seems familiar...

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start my saying Norse Fantasy isn't something I've ever read before, and so potentially my feelings are clouded by not being familiar with this genre!
For me, this is a book of two halves, the first half has an insane amount of world building, tonnes of characters and phrases and background that were unfamiliar to me, so I was struggling to find my way a bit. Once it hit the second half however I felt like I now understood who everyone was, how they were related to one another, and the action had massively ramped up.
There are some quite scary scenes, well they were for me, especially not being a fan of spiders anyway!! There are some emotional moments as well. There is action, suspense, a little romance, and pretty much every other genre you could imagine plays a part in here.
As we approached the last quarter of the book I was totally invested in what was going to happen next, and as we drew nearer the end I was thinking ahhhh I need the sequel to this NOW!
I feel like I've really come to feel fond for our main characters in the Raven, Wolf and Dragon clans and I need to see how their stories play out. In my head I see them all uniting, but I think the author will draw this out with lots to come in between.
I think the sequel will be incredibly exciting, now that we now who, what, where and why, I can't wait for the when!

[Echizero Rincewind · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Viking world should be hard, but AFTER Ragnarok is going to be very dark.
Yet it is an epic adventure, there are (and will be) victories, but with a bitter taste.

A future to be frigthen off lurks around the main characters, but they won't give up.

Thrilling, with plenty of action and a bit of political intrigue.
Huge enemies. High stakes. All odds against.

Just remember: all the Norse mythology you believe to know is from before Ragnarok. This is different, is fantasy and is original. Squared minds could get hurt.

It's hard to fathom how the story could become even more interesting in future books of the series, but I believe R.M. Schultz is somehow going to make it. Catch up before it grows more!

[Carole Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes

Such a good read. Good characters, plot, battles, Viking lore. It is a must read even if you have never read a story with Viking lore.

[Dani (piggindani_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! This is such a fantastic high fantasy novel that took me on a phenomenal journey.
The world building is intricate and detailed with incredible and vivid descriptions that made it so easy to envision the luscious world and epic fights/battles forming right before my very eyes (or in my head).
I loved learning about the many different clans that features and what strengths and abilities they had. I would absolutely love to see artwork of each clans emblem, even the evil clans lol. I also loved the magical aspect and powers left by the gods. Very clever and unique.

I loved the vast array of characters and felt they were all well developed especially those of the 3 main characters (the story is told via their POV) but my favourite is Märren. I connected with her and loved how her character developed.

As this is my first foray into Norse mythology, it took me a while to get use to the names/ language but it has completed whetted my appetite to, not only carry on this phenomenal fantasy series but, to find out more about Norse lore. Thank you so much, R.M. Schultz.

The ending has me hungry for more and, as soon as I can preorder book 2, I will be. I need it now!

Thank you so much, R.M. Schultz & Love Books Tours, for having me on this incredible journey.

#AD #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #ReadAlong #thehungerofthedragon #rmschultz #norsemythology

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

fantastic epic tale! I loved learning about all of the different clans and how they eventually come together to battle evil. The character and world building was in depth and I loved how each chapter was dedicated to individuals rather than it just being one ongoing story. you get to view everything from different perspectives which really added to the drama. keeping my fingers crossed for a book 2!

[Rebecca Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book it was so good

[Cindy Berling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great

The constant and abrupt changes in POV really disrupted the story. The characters aren't likable until the book is almost done. The different story lines don't gel until 85% of the book is read. Too bad, it sounded good in the promotion.

[Janet Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book

I really enjoyed this story. Marren is my favorite. I am curious to see how the voices she hears translate further in the story. Is it a reflection of Schizophrenia? How there are others that hear the voices and not just her. I like the multiple view points of the 3 main characters. I felt satisfied in how he ended the book. And his statement for why he choose to end it there with them deciding to work together to go into battle.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway. However, this book isn't really for me.

[Rashell Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sucks you into an action packed adventure

At first it wasn’t something I was into but it quickly sucked me in. I’m now invested in the characters & need to know how this war ends!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book. It was a little slow going at first but this book set up the rest of the series and if the end of this book is a tale for the rest of the series’s its going to be very good. The peice are set and the DRAGONS are coming!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Tania Ferraro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warriors

What a great read . I can’t wait for book 2.
It’s intricate, and builds the characters individually to unite. The power of 3. Love the clans characters.

[Richard Kopcho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and Satisfying Fantasy with a Norse Flair

This is an enjoyable epic scale story with plenty of characters that the reader can identify with and hope they survive and succeed.
The premise of clans and peoples that possess the powers akin to their totemic animals is intriguing and makes for good storytelling - a unusual and different slant I’ve not really come across before. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book.
Dark Viking fantasy.
Great characters .
You really can imagine being a part of this .
The descriptions are so vivid .
Its hard to put the book down and come back to reality.
Do not miss this great book.

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.M. Schultz’s The Hunger of the Dragon is the first book in the Forbidden Runes Series and is a dark fantasy novel with Norse and Viking lore. Set in Midgard, we meet Märren, Belfedrn, and Caëtin of the Wolf and Raven clans, respectively. They each have their own quests in protecting their people as new enemies arise and a new world order attempts to emerge.

Towards the end of the book, I like how the next book is set up. Overall, I thought the world building was well established, and I found it an accessible foundation to get to know the scenes, characters, clans, and setting.

I liked the pace of the chapters in this book and found it to be an effective way to seamlessly switch from one point of view to the next. It reminded me of how in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, how the story and exposition are advanced from the perspectives of each group within the fellowship. I could see the inspiration of Tolkien in this book.

There’s action and adventure throughout the novel. I liked how we saw the characters develop as we learn why they each take the path they choose. We understand their motivations, what’s driving them in this high stakes and in the aftermath of the war of the gods.

I found it interesting to see how the themes and attributes of each of the namesake animals of the clans represent themes of the story. Each of these animals has unique symbolism, often with a duality of meaning. We see this most evidently with the wolves in how their strength is amplified through being in a pack. Wolves are considered warriors, and are known for their loyalty. Ravens are known for being cunning and in Norse lore they represent memory and knowledge. I thought these themes are showcased well in the protagonists.

The Norse fantasy and magic were woven extensively throughout the book. I thought it was very interesting and one of the things that intrigued me when first reading the description of the book. As I read the novel, I saw how thoroughly and thought out it was incorporated into the plot.

Thank you to Love Books Tours and R.M Schultz for the gifted copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review this book! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.

[whatnolareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hunger of the Dragon by R.M. Schultz is a dark fantasy that leans hard into power, desire, and the consequences of becoming something more or something worse than you ever intended to be.

This story isn’t just about dragons or magic. It’s about hunger in all its forms: hunger for control, freedom, survival, love, and purpose. From the start, the tone is heavy and intentional. The world feels dangerous, and that danger doesn’t magically disappear when things get difficult. I appreciated that the book trusts the reader to sit with discomfort instead of rushing toward easy resolutions.

One of the strongest aspects of this book for me was the emotional undercurrent. The characters aren’t clean or simple. They struggle internally, and you can feel that tension in their decisions. I connected most with the inner conflicts the constant push between who they are, who they want to be, and who the world forces them to become. Those moments felt real and grounded, even within a fantasy setting.

The writing style is gritty and descriptive without going overboard. Schultz does a good job of building atmosphere you can feel the weight of the world, the pressure of power, and the looming consequences of every choice. I especially liked that the darker moments weren’t softened or rushed. When something heavy happens, the story lets it land.

That said, the pacing did slow in a few places for me. There were moments where the exposition felt a bit dense, and I had to consciously stay engaged. I also found myself wanting more depth from some of the side characters. They felt interesting and layered, but I wasn’t always ready to move on from them when the story did. It’s not a flaw so much as a missed opportunity for even more emotional impact.

Overall, The Hunger of the Dragon is a solid, immersive read that offers more than just surface-level fantasy. It asks questions about power, identity, and the cost of survival, and it doesn’t hand you easy answers. This isn’t a light or cozy fantasy it’s meant to be felt.

I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy darker fantasy with morally gray characters, emotional weight, and real consequences. If you like stories that linger in your mind after you finish the last page, this one is worth picking up.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Hunger of the Dragon’ is a Norse mythology-based epic fantasy, that is an incredibly complex world, full of intriguing, robust characters and sets the scene for an exciting sequel! This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I was in a huge reading slump at the start of the year, and John Gwynne’s ‘Bloodsworn Saga’ brought me out of it. So, a series that was based on the same ideology was enticing, and this was an awesome read.

Schultz manages to build a very complex world so easily and effortlessly. The best fantasy writers are the ones whose worlds you just instantly accept and fall headfirst into. This was the case here. There was a lot of time spent steadily putting plot points and moving the characters’ motivations forward without the reader really noticing. It was part of the landscape, and as you experience it, it locks right in. A love when a writer is dealing with the big issues but subtly conveying it.

The first part of the book was the intricate world-building, and the latter is where the characters start to meet and the action picks up. The multiple POVs allow the tension to mount and make it a very engaging read. It encourages you to carry on reading, especially if a favourite character is getting into a pickle! All three main characters were extremely well written, complex, but with authentic and straightforward motivations. Their individual stories worked well against the backdrop of the common enemy, and as they start to intermingle, it steps up the story a notch. Märren was my favourite, but Caëtin was a close second. The use of ‘voices’ in Märren’s head was portrayed authentically and with much empathy.

This was the type of book where you don’t notice the time passing. You look up and bam, three hours have passed, and it’s 2 a.m.! This was a very engaging and compelling read, and it was the characters that pulled you in and got their claws into you, and they don’t let go! I just finished this book, and I am already itching for the next book!

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunger of the Dragon is a brutal and immersive plunge into a grim world of Norse myth reborn in shadow. The story follows Märren, a haunted warrior mother carrying her daughter’s skull through rain-soaked mountains, hunted by trolls and later captured by the Sea Serpent clan. Her desperate quest to find the Dragon people, to claim a god’s scale, intertwines with Caëtin, a Raven berserker navigating shifting alliances and divine magic. It’s a saga thick with loss, myth, and raw survival, where every battle feels like it was written in blood and mud. The book draws from the bones of Norse legend but rebuilds the myth into something darker, stranger, and heartbreakingly human.

Author R.M. Schultz writes with a grim beauty that’s almost hypnotic. The language is visceral, heavy with texture and sound. It’s not a kind story. There’s no bright hero or warm victory, only people scraping meaning from ruin. Still, the characters burned themselves into me. Märren especially. She’s hard, bitter, tender in private moments. Caëtin feels carved from ice and fire, both ruthless and weary. I found myself pulled between them, torn by their choices.

By the time I finished, I felt wrung out. The book leaves you raw, sitting in silence for a while after closing it. Schultz doesn’t flinch from horror or grief. There’s love here, too, but it’s buried deep, found in loyalty and defiance more than tenderness. I liked that honesty. The pacing runs hot and cold, slow scenes steeped in myth and madness, then sudden violence that makes you jump. It’s harsh, yet beautiful. The kind of writing that crawls under your skin and stays there. I didn’t love every choice, sometimes the lore weighed down the emotion, but the ambition is staggering. The world feels ancient and endless, as if Schultz unearthed it rather than invented it.

I’d recommend The Hunger of the Dragon to readers who want their fantasy rough and full of heartache. If you like sagas that smell of smoke and iron, if you want women who fight and bleed and curse the gods, this is for you.

[Jessica Juby | jesshidesinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gifted copy was provided through Love Books Tours in exchange for an honest review.

While pretty standard for opening any new epic fantasy series, the start of this book is necessarily slow paced to get you embedded in this new world. However, with an opening line of "The child was dead", how can you say no?

The Hunger of the Dragon is book one in a new dark viking fantasy series, The Forbidden Runes. We have a whole host of characters to learn about and numerous clans too. But perseverance will reward you.

The narrative flicks between three key POVs, each told through the eyes of a character with different (or no) clan affiliations, setting us up in a good position to get the story told through very different approaches. What I liked about this as the story progressed, was that I was invested in all three equally. It's difficult for me to pick a favourite because I became so immersed in their individual goals and challenges. The tension and conflict was well-built for all three. If you've seen my answer to the last readalong question though, you'll know that side character Onunith, jarl and berserker from the Boar clan, stood out for me. Strong, independent women abound in this story and I love to see it.

I enjoyed the richness of the worldbuilding. It would've been easier for the author to pick a few clans but no, R.M. Schultz was committed to the task at hand and we have depth in the worldbuilding built clan by clan, and I'm excited to learn more as the series progresses. The backstory elements of how the different gods came to pass were also very well delivered, along with the details of each magic that they embodied and passed onto their clan members.

The ending was intentionally sudden, aiming to keep us sat for book two and I'll be (im)patiently waiting! I'm hoping all the main characters survive but I fear there's a heartbreak or two on the horizon.

Definitely add this to your TBR if you're looking for a new epic fantasy read.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This epic Norse fantasy is the first in the forbidden Runes series, that blends immersive world building with plot twists and action so very well.
Following the main clans POV and the main characters really helps keep the story moving forward and interesting. Getting to know the clans and their laws and how their magic works and I love that they were based off animals. Ravens, spiders, wolves, boar, horse, sea serpents and more! All with their own magic systems and strengths.

I did struggle a little in the first maybe 200 pages or so being the first epic fantasy Iv read I think I underestimated how much I’d need to concentrate, I think at another time in my life that was less busy I’d have been able to follow it easier. However that’s a me thing, and it didn’t take away from my enjoyment and Iam sure more avid fantasy readers wouldn’t struggle at all.
I really enjoyed when the action and twist with the turns came thick and fast! The lies, deceit and fighting even among their own clans made for such a gripping and page turning read.
Schultz weaves such a dark and fascinating world, the writing had me feeling fully immersed in this world of clans and I felt invested in the out come for each character and clan.
The art work is so cool and brings the main three characters to life in my mind, and the glossary at the back with the names of characters etc all written out to help you pronounce them I found so helpful, this addition to a fantasy read really helps people like me who are not necessarily avid fantasy readers. Also it has a map! Who doesn’t love a good map 😍

Book 1 has very much set you up for wanting more at the end, cannot wait to see where the second book takes everything.

This is one for those die hard fantasy readers who can deep dive into such a clever Norse/viking fantasy inspired word.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you ready to be fully immersed into a very different world? A world where different clans exist alongside each other. Are we entering a time where these clans can no longer live side by side, has the time come where they may begin to turn on each other?

There is a lot of world building in this story, especially as you meet all the different clans and learn of their territories and powers and gods. It took me until around 300 pages in to be fully engaged, but after this point I was really invested.

To me, it felt like three different stories as we follow Belfedrn, Caëtin and Märren on their adventures, but they do start to pull together towards the end and I liked how the stories came together, and how things may proceed into the next instalment.

Märren’s character surprised me, I wasn’t too sure of her to start with, but did enjoy her development throughout the book. Belfedrn really grew on me too, especially as you begin to see his caring side and how important his clan is to him. I’m yet to decide how I feel about Caëtin and the ravens!

The Norse mythology was an interesting concept as was learning about all the different ranks within the clans and the different magics the clans could wield. I’m not sure this is a world I would want to live in, or could indeed survive! From the Ravens to the Sea Serpents, the Wolves to the Dragons, there is so much to learn but the story is written well and you can easily imagine everything in your minds eye. This could easily be seen as an epic fantasy movie one day.

So all in all a good read, but you need patience to let the world and mythology build around you. Once you have achieved this, you will be fully immersed and wanting more.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best stories that I have read this year. It's compelling, gripping and jaw dropping with the amount of action, world building and storytelling that takes place. It's the first book I have read from the author and the first epic style fantasy books I have read.

I really enjoyed that the book is told from multiple POV'S that all intertwine into the story that is unfolding. It felt like a movie playing out throughout my mind and I just couldn't get enough. The author was able to build up so much emotions in the main characters along with the side characters and made a truly spectacular piece of writing.

The multiple clans were one of the highlights for me as they were all beautifully created and added alot of depth into the world that you as the reader were transported into. I enjoyed the Norse mythology especially as this captured my interest from the blurb of the book and with being a fan of shows like The Vikings and The Last Kingdom. The magic system was very interesting and the author really built this into the story along with the character development, I enjoyed the progression of the characters and where the story took them.

I am looking forward to book 2 of this series as it blew me away. This book has been a turning point into diving into more epic fantasies and reading out ewith my comfort zone of romantasy and fantasy books.

Thank you so much to the author and Love Book Tours for providing me a copy in exchange for the honest review.

[Michelle Ryles · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into The Hunger of the Dragon as I'm quite new to fantasy and there are a lot of Norse names of people in various clans to remember. There is a map at the start and a glossary of Norse words at the back that contains a cast of characters so it's well worth referring to this as you go along.

The story is told from three different points of view: Märren (a grieving mother who is searching for a dragon scale), Caëtin (a shapeshifting raven and adopted daughter of the jarl) and Belfedrn (a wolf warrior and Märren's cousin). I liked all characters but I really felt for Märren who lost her daughter and is understandably struggling with her mental health.

Whilst I liked the multiple points of view, I found it a little difficult to follow at times and I was just getting used to the characters in the chapter by the time it ended. I think anyone used to reading fantasy would cope better than I did. I loved reading about the various clans and their particular magic skills.

Filled with Norse mythology and battling clans, The Hunger of the Dragon is like a cross between Vikings and Game of Thrones, so if you love this type of story then it's definitely worth a read.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to R M Schultz and Love Books Tours for my copy, here is my honest review.

I love a good fantasy story so couldn't resist applying when this book came up and I'm glad I did. The complex world is set out throughout the story with each chapter being a different POV, it delves into the different clans and their histories as well as weaving in the current story of impending war, mixed uneasy alliances and leaves you with a need to know more at the end.

I enjoyed the different POV as I felt it helped to keep the storyline moving along with everyone's events happening along the same timeline. I liked how the clans were different creatures and their members displayed traits of those creatures in both strengths and weaknesses. I thought the various magic systems that they displayed were great and particularly enjoyed having the Norse Mythology aspects woven into the story too.

There was plenty of tension and infighting within the clans which helped to keep you wondering just who could be trusted. The different tiers and types of warriors also kept things interesting, along with the magic bestowed upon berserkers after they're endowed by remnants of the old fallen Gods. Overall I enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and LBT for allowing me to tour The Hunger of the Dragon.

As someone with a fascination with all things Norse, I jumped at the chance to read this book. What a brilliant decision it was!

Now, don't go expecting the norm style Viking type books you'd usually read, because it simple isn't. This is a book filled with so much lore of the Norse but its of its own story.

Plot: so jam packed, you're given so much to go through and enjoy. The world building is spectacular and an absolute must for those that like a good chunky book with plenty of plot.
You'll meet the characters, their sides, basically every detail you'd need to get to know them and connect with them.

Characters: because of the sheer depth of the plot, as I've mentioned you get to the know the characters, not just one but multiple, with their clans. You start to side with the ones you feel the most connected with and its just another reason why this read was so good.

Would I recommend?
You read or hear many stories of what happens leading up to Ragnarök.. you don't do you? Its always the lead up, and not many stories of the aftermath. This book, gives you a story of the aftermath! Interested? Go read this book! Its a superb read, and I promise you'll enjoy it as much as I did :)

[Amorina Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is really great at building an authentic feeling fantasy world. Even though it's high fantasy and completely unlike our world, it feels real and raw and alive. The characters' motivations seem realistic and relatable - mostly as a mother - I could relate to the raw emotional rollercoaster of her loss and mission. In the same situation, I feel like I might do the same thing (I have one daughter and we are very close).

The author has a trigger warning at the front including such dark topics as r@pe, child loss, violence, and more. And I urge you to heed the warning. A good book will always wait for you to get into the right headspace.

If you are, this is a tale with so much to offer. All sorts of animal/people, adventure, battles, love, passion, family, and so much more! And the kinds of animals are amazing - wolves, serpents, horses, dragons, ravens, and all sorts of other creatures rove through the pages.

Like with many fantasy (and scifi) tales I stumbled a bit with the sheer number of characters! It can be a little overwhelming sometimes, and this is one of the clunkier fantasies - so it is easy to get a little lost. But if you're a true fantasy lover with the proper experience and mindset - you will absolutely love it!!