What do you think?
Rate this book
Volynian Tales #3
Blood and the Dragon Rider
Bargaining with sorcerers is always a bad idea.
After the battle for Yrsa, Dawn is trapped in the Spire. She not only needs to find her way out of the dragon realm, but she must also pry the immortality stone from Arkadion. If she fails, Ilya is lost, and she knows it. She may have a plan, but it involves the Covenant.
Khesimir used compulsion on the chosen heir, and now his time is running out. When the sun sets on the second day, the vicious spell will kill Ilya, and the hope of the Covenant will die with him. Cornered and desperate as he is, the grand sorcerer still has one last trick up his sleeve.
When all fates are revealed, and the final pieces fall into place, the gods will give once and take twice, cutting threads short.
Blood and the Dragon Rider is the final installment of the Volynian Tales, a sword and sorcery dark fantasy woven with romance.
Content advisory for terrible language and abundant violence.
After the battle for Yrsa, Dawn is trapped in the Spire. She not only needs to find her way out of the dragon realm, but she must also pry the immortality stone from Arkadion. If she fails, Ilya is lost, and she knows it. She may have a plan, but it involves the Covenant.
Khesimir used compulsion on the chosen heir, and now his time is running out. When the sun sets on the second day, the vicious spell will kill Ilya, and the hope of the Covenant will die with him. Cornered and desperate as he is, the grand sorcerer still has one last trick up his sleeve.
When all fates are revealed, and the final pieces fall into place, the gods will give once and take twice, cutting threads short.
Blood and the Dragon Rider is the final installment of the Volynian Tales, a sword and sorcery dark fantasy woven with romance.
Content advisory for terrible language and abundant violence.
- GenresFantasy
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
About the author
Brien Feathers
25 books224 followersBrien Feathers is a fantasy author living in the land of permanent frost, horses, and Mongols. She likes reading, writing (of course), riding, drinking dark beer, and checking things off a to-do list.
Although she claims to love everyone equally, she really loves her youngest son the most. He has autism superpowers that allow him to speak all types of rare languages including drumbeats, elevator dings, and police sirens.
Miss Feathers loves grey days, orange cats, and all creatures human or otherwise. And she hopes you will love her world (fantasy) and people (characters) as well.
Connect with the author.
Sign up for the Feathers Newsletter at https://www.brienfeathers.com.
Although she claims to love everyone equally, she really loves her youngest son the most. He has autism superpowers that allow him to speak all types of rare languages including drumbeats, elevator dings, and police sirens.
Miss Feathers loves grey days, orange cats, and all creatures human or otherwise. And she hopes you will love her world (fantasy) and people (characters) as well.
Connect with the author.
Sign up for the Feathers Newsletter at https://www.brienfeathers.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The world is ending, and Dawn is plotting to let it burn. She isn't your hero, she's for Ilya. And Ilya? The Covenant has returned him as something darker.
This is Brien's most brilliant story yet.
Somehow her darkest yet happiest ending wrapped together.
Through the three books, the story takes its time building layer by layer. Sometimes the politics get muddied, but then there was always some moment, huge and gruesome or small yet full of heart that reminds you why these characters fight. They make the story and you either love them or hate them. Dawn is one.. she doesn't care if you like her, she's grasping her story by the saddle and riding into the sunset on her terms.
I very much enjoyed her tug and pull, how despite her best intentions, it interfered and influenced grander plans she wasn't always aware of. Her sweetness to Ilya in a world that thinks it would be better off without him. Her love saving his heart that could easily go harsh at a moments notice thanks to the cruelty of their reality.
Then there is Ash, and the Leshy, Borya. Should be terrifying creatures, yet they all found a way to make me laugh. Their world is ending and I am just giggling at their antics. It was wonderful!
I could go on and on and on about what I loved. Simply here, I will say, worth the read.
For clarity, I was provided an ARC copy through BookSirens at the behalf of the author. Even so, this review is on my terms, done of my own free will and of my own words.
This is Brien's most brilliant story yet.
Somehow her darkest yet happiest ending wrapped together.
Through the three books, the story takes its time building layer by layer. Sometimes the politics get muddied, but then there was always some moment, huge and gruesome or small yet full of heart that reminds you why these characters fight. They make the story and you either love them or hate them. Dawn is one.. she doesn't care if you like her, she's grasping her story by the saddle and riding into the sunset on her terms.
I very much enjoyed her tug and pull, how despite her best intentions, it interfered and influenced grander plans she wasn't always aware of. Her sweetness to Ilya in a world that thinks it would be better off without him. Her love saving his heart that could easily go harsh at a moments notice thanks to the cruelty of their reality.
Then there is Ash, and the Leshy, Borya. Should be terrifying creatures, yet they all found a way to make me laugh. Their world is ending and I am just giggling at their antics. It was wonderful!
I could go on and on and on about what I loved. Simply here, I will say, worth the read.
For clarity, I was provided an ARC copy through BookSirens at the behalf of the author. Even so, this review is on my terms, done of my own free will and of my own words.
Read
January 21, 2026Thank you to Brien Feathers and BookSirens for this free ARC.
'Die Once, live forever'.
We've finally reached the final installment of the Volynian Tales by Brien Feathers. It's been an epic ride of dragons and doom, and now we finally discover the fate of Volynia and its people.
✍🏽📖 The Reading Experience
The story picks up where we left off, dropping us right in the thick of it (literally. Guts, yuck!) as Khesimir continues his goal to free his god Veles. The pacing is generally fast, packed with action sequences, with smaller moments of interaction throughout. Since this is the final book in which there's a war, I don't mind the higher intensity. While the story mostly follows Dawn and Ilya, we do get several other character POVs, however I felt some there were unnecessary and didn't add meaningful weight to the plot.
As for the climax, I wasn't sure entirely sure what I was expecting—maybe an epic showdown between Khesimir and our two heroes, or a forced alliance between the Volynians and Osukhans to send Veles back to the beneath. Instead, the ending felt underwhelming. Our heroes do not have to do much in the end, except broker a treaty with the Osukhans.
📚 The Story
The story follows the events of the previous book: Ilya is under Grand Sorcerer Khesimir's compulsion, and Tsar Kraso is his prisoner. Meanwhile, Dawn, Dion and Nocrathion are still in the Spire with no way back to Winter.
Dawn having come back to Winter, and Ilya free from compulsion, must now content with the looming threat of the sleeping god's awakening. With Khesimir picking off the Kniazhev's one by one, they have to use all they can and decide what they are willing to do to save Volynia from destruction.
🪄 The Magic System
I found the origins of the magical stones an interesting part of the lore, and the necromantic elements felt naturally part of the world. And the dragons? Well, they're dragons—they are, of course, my favourite part!😊
That said, I have to be honest, I didn't like the whole time travel element. Time travel's all well and good but only if it's established as being a viable part of the universe's system beforehand, rather than suddenly dropped in as a possibility at the end (in other words 'deus ex machina'). Time loops or rewinds can be done well. A recent example for me is 7th Time Loop (It's a manga/light novel, but I watched the anime) , which established very early on that the protagonist is on her seventh loop having awoken from her previous one. The past loops are also shown though flashbacks, relevant to what's happening to the character at present.
In Blood and the Dragon Rider, I felt the emotional impact when the MC's died, even the ones I didn't really like. But when Ilya decided to reset time, that impact was wasted; their deaths lost their meaning and weight.
Imagine if in Avengers: Endgame they used the Time Stone to save characters like Vision, Gamora, Loki, Natasha, and Tony. All great, beloved characters. Their deaths had such an impact because they were permanent, and their deaths had meaning to them, the story and the characters who are affected by their loss.
For a closer example, I'll use Game of Thrones, in which this book has a lot of parallels. On the one hand for some, Jon Snow resurrecting felt like a departure from the show's 'anyone can die at any time' theme. Yet some forget that the ability to resurrect was already established earlier with the red priest, Thoros of Myr, bringing Beric Dondarrion back to life—numerous times in fact.
I felt it would have been better to keep the deaths permanent for more emotional impact or least introduced the possibility of time being rewritten earlier in the book series.
💡Themes
This book has plenty of moral greyness. No character is purely 'good' (and I would say that there are no purely bad characters, except Khesimir, who doesn't show any sort of redeeming quality). They can make questionable decisions. Could there be another way to do things? Sure. Except in the heat of the moment, when you have to make a choice and quickly, most don't use those extra moments to think of a third option. They may question if what they're choosing to do is right, and it may not be, but that doesn't stop them doing so. No matter who it may hurt or even if it will make things worse in the long run, like real people. This ties in the theme of being true to oneself.
Accepting all sides of you, even the ones that are less than perfect, and the characters in this book are anything but. They may try to be better for someone else but ultimately their true nature remains. Finally, love is shown to be a powerful force. It can be hard to come by amidst the politics and power plays, but it can be shown in ways large and small—from forgiving someone, to the lengths someone will go for another.
👥 Characters
Dawn: She's flawed, impulsive and oftentimes selfish. Not to say she isn't kind and doesn't have generous moments, but my point is that she doesn't suddenly become a 'Power Female Character'. Don't get me wrong, she is a female, but she doesn't become powerful, or a skilled dragon rider, (a Mary Sue type). In fact, she's self-aware enough she says it herself:
Ilya: Dawn seems to see him through rose-coloured glasses, but he does have a dark side that's more on the surface now. Of all the characters, he's had the most growth in the series, changed, I think, from his time away from Dawn, and he doesn't try to hide it as much anymore, as he says:
Kraso: We see more of him and his backstory here, seeing the softer side of this tyrant. We see that his presence held back the threat of war for centuries, which begins to unravel in his absence, sparking a power vacuum as the vultures come pecking.
Khesimir: Delusions of grandeur he may have but that doesn't detract from the power he can back them up. He is the Grand Sorcerer, capable of terrible, powerful feats of which he demonstrates on the Volynian people. The end of his arc is very fitting.
Arcadion & Nocrathion: They've grown on me since the first book. He and Ilya had the most growth, both character wise; individually, and relationship wise; with each other. Oh, they still loathed each other, but by the end they'd come to an understanding. What I loved most about him was his relationship with his dragon, Noc.
✔️ Final Thoughts
While I have issues with the climax, this was a satisfying final installment to the series overall. If you're looking for a book that has a Shadow & Bones, and Games of Thrones vibe (the good and bad parts), you won't be too far off with this one. 😊
'Die Once, live forever'.
We've finally reached the final installment of the Volynian Tales by Brien Feathers. It's been an epic ride of dragons and doom, and now we finally discover the fate of Volynia and its people.
✍🏽📖 The Reading Experience
The story picks up where we left off, dropping us right in the thick of it (literally. Guts, yuck!) as Khesimir continues his goal to free his god Veles. The pacing is generally fast, packed with action sequences, with smaller moments of interaction throughout. Since this is the final book in which there's a war, I don't mind the higher intensity. While the story mostly follows Dawn and Ilya, we do get several other character POVs, however I felt some there were unnecessary and didn't add meaningful weight to the plot.
As for the climax, I wasn't sure entirely sure what I was expecting—maybe an epic showdown between Khesimir and our two heroes, or a forced alliance between the Volynians and Osukhans to send Veles back to the beneath. Instead, the ending felt underwhelming. Our heroes do not have to do much in the end, except broker a treaty with the Osukhans.
📚 The Story
The story follows the events of the previous book: Ilya is under Grand Sorcerer Khesimir's compulsion, and Tsar Kraso is his prisoner. Meanwhile, Dawn, Dion and Nocrathion are still in the Spire with no way back to Winter.
Dawn having come back to Winter, and Ilya free from compulsion, must now content with the looming threat of the sleeping god's awakening. With Khesimir picking off the Kniazhev's one by one, they have to use all they can and decide what they are willing to do to save Volynia from destruction.
🪄 The Magic System
I found the origins of the magical stones an interesting part of the lore, and the necromantic elements felt naturally part of the world. And the dragons? Well, they're dragons—they are, of course, my favourite part!😊
That said, I have to be honest, I didn't like the whole time travel element. Time travel's all well and good but only if it's established as being a viable part of the universe's system beforehand, rather than suddenly dropped in as a possibility at the end (in other words 'deus ex machina'). Time loops or rewinds can be done well. A recent example for me is 7th Time Loop (It's a manga/light novel, but I watched the anime) , which established very early on that the protagonist is on her seventh loop having awoken from her previous one. The past loops are also shown though flashbacks, relevant to what's happening to the character at present.
In Blood and the Dragon Rider, I felt the emotional impact when the MC's died, even the ones I didn't really like. But when Ilya decided to reset time, that impact was wasted; their deaths lost their meaning and weight.
Imagine if in Avengers: Endgame they used the Time Stone to save characters like Vision, Gamora, Loki, Natasha, and Tony. All great, beloved characters. Their deaths had such an impact because they were permanent, and their deaths had meaning to them, the story and the characters who are affected by their loss.
For a closer example, I'll use Game of Thrones, in which this book has a lot of parallels. On the one hand for some, Jon Snow resurrecting felt like a departure from the show's 'anyone can die at any time' theme. Yet some forget that the ability to resurrect was already established earlier with the red priest, Thoros of Myr, bringing Beric Dondarrion back to life—numerous times in fact.
I felt it would have been better to keep the deaths permanent for more emotional impact or least introduced the possibility of time being rewritten earlier in the book series.
💡Themes
This book has plenty of moral greyness. No character is purely 'good' (and I would say that there are no purely bad characters, except Khesimir, who doesn't show any sort of redeeming quality). They can make questionable decisions. Could there be another way to do things? Sure. Except in the heat of the moment, when you have to make a choice and quickly, most don't use those extra moments to think of a third option. They may question if what they're choosing to do is right, and it may not be, but that doesn't stop them doing so. No matter who it may hurt or even if it will make things worse in the long run, like real people. This ties in the theme of being true to oneself.
Accepting all sides of you, even the ones that are less than perfect, and the characters in this book are anything but. They may try to be better for someone else but ultimately their true nature remains. Finally, love is shown to be a powerful force. It can be hard to come by amidst the politics and power plays, but it can be shown in ways large and small—from forgiving someone, to the lengths someone will go for another.
👥 Characters
Dawn: She's flawed, impulsive and oftentimes selfish. Not to say she isn't kind and doesn't have generous moments, but my point is that she doesn't suddenly become a 'Power Female Character'. Don't get me wrong, she is a female, but she doesn't become powerful, or a skilled dragon rider, (a Mary Sue type). In fact, she's self-aware enough she says it herself:
'I was a shit veiler, couldn't ride at all, and wasn't particularly bright, not for a Kniazhev anyway.'I do wish she had taken more leadership roles earlier to make her eventual ascension more believable.
Ilya: Dawn seems to see him through rose-coloured glasses, but he does have a dark side that's more on the surface now. Of all the characters, he's had the most growth in the series, changed, I think, from his time away from Dawn, and he doesn't try to hide it as much anymore, as he says:
'I couldn't be bothered, and that was my truth. The only reason I'd pretend to be a better person would be for Dawn, and she wasn't here’.
Kraso: We see more of him and his backstory here, seeing the softer side of this tyrant. We see that his presence held back the threat of war for centuries, which begins to unravel in his absence, sparking a power vacuum as the vultures come pecking.
Khesimir: Delusions of grandeur he may have but that doesn't detract from the power he can back them up. He is the Grand Sorcerer, capable of terrible, powerful feats of which he demonstrates on the Volynian people. The end of his arc is very fitting.
Arcadion & Nocrathion: They've grown on me since the first book. He and Ilya had the most growth, both character wise; individually, and relationship wise; with each other. Oh, they still loathed each other, but by the end they'd come to an understanding. What I loved most about him was his relationship with his dragon, Noc.
✔️ Final Thoughts
While I have issues with the climax, this was a satisfying final installment to the series overall. If you're looking for a book that has a Shadow & Bones, and Games of Thrones vibe (the good and bad parts), you won't be too far off with this one. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2026
4.5⭐️ This book definitely wasn’t flawless. There were a few plot inconsistencies, and I caught some grammar mistakes here and there. Under normal circumstances, those things might have pulled me out of the story. But somehow, none of it mattered. For some reason, I just couldn’t put this book down. Even with several new releases I’ve been excited for sitting on my shelf, I kept coming back to this story.
There were so many surprises throughout the story, along with moments that made me emotional. It kept me hooked the whole time.
I really liked the main characters, especially Dawn. When everything around her was falling apart and everyone else was getting knocked down, she only became stronger. Watching her step up and lead was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And Kraso… I loved his character. He felt exactly how an immortal tsar should feel. The way he spoke, the way he thought, and the way he gave commands all made him seem ancient, powerful, and confident. At the same time, I found him surprisingly funny at times, which made me love his character even more. The author did a great job bringing him to life.
Overall, this series was such an unexpected surprise for me. I started Book 1 as an ARC read, thinking it would just be another review book. Instead, I ended up reading the entire series. I guess that’s the biggest compliment I can give it.
There were so many surprises throughout the story, along with moments that made me emotional. It kept me hooked the whole time.
I really liked the main characters, especially Dawn. When everything around her was falling apart and everyone else was getting knocked down, she only became stronger. Watching her step up and lead was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And Kraso… I loved his character. He felt exactly how an immortal tsar should feel. The way he spoke, the way he thought, and the way he gave commands all made him seem ancient, powerful, and confident. At the same time, I found him surprisingly funny at times, which made me love his character even more. The author did a great job bringing him to life.
Overall, this series was such an unexpected surprise for me. I started Book 1 as an ARC read, thinking it would just be another review book. Instead, I ended up reading the entire series. I guess that’s the biggest compliment I can give it.
January 23, 2026
Book Review: The Blood and the Dragon Rider by Brien Feathers
The Blood and the Dragon Rider wraps up Brien Feathers’ trilogy with actual consequences, rather than the usual fantasy habit of promising them later. Told through multiple POVs and split into six parts, it finally answers the question the series has been circling for three books. Who is in charge, and why should anyone trust them?
The book opens with Dawn trapped in the Spire and Ilya on death’s very specific schedule, thanks to Khesimir’s conveniently irreversible curse. The ticking clock is impossible to ignore, but it keeps the story moving while the rotating perspectives show the magical and political fallout of the earlier books. Unlike many finales, this endgame is complete.
Dawn’s time in the Spire is where the book earns its weight. This is not about flashy battles or last minute heroics. It is about realizing that leadership is mostly inconvenient and that power is not something you can decline without consequences. By the time she escapes, she is no longer drifting into authority. She is being pushed directly into it.
Khesimir is refreshingly committed to being a villain. He is captured, refuses repentance, and is executed without a sudden moral awakening. The book then does something even rarer. It keeps going. Kraso is imprisoned, names Dawn his heir, and the long running political tension is resolved rather than deferred.
In the end, The Blood and the Dragon Rider succeeds because it knows when to stop. The curses are broken, the gods retreat, and the trilogy closes its arcs with intention instead of excess. Longtime readers may not be shocked, but they will likely appreciate a fantasy finale that actually finishes the story.
Thank you to the publisher and BookSirens for the ARC. This is my honest and unbiased review.
The Blood and the Dragon Rider wraps up Brien Feathers’ trilogy with actual consequences, rather than the usual fantasy habit of promising them later. Told through multiple POVs and split into six parts, it finally answers the question the series has been circling for three books. Who is in charge, and why should anyone trust them?
The book opens with Dawn trapped in the Spire and Ilya on death’s very specific schedule, thanks to Khesimir’s conveniently irreversible curse. The ticking clock is impossible to ignore, but it keeps the story moving while the rotating perspectives show the magical and political fallout of the earlier books. Unlike many finales, this endgame is complete.
Dawn’s time in the Spire is where the book earns its weight. This is not about flashy battles or last minute heroics. It is about realizing that leadership is mostly inconvenient and that power is not something you can decline without consequences. By the time she escapes, she is no longer drifting into authority. She is being pushed directly into it.
Khesimir is refreshingly committed to being a villain. He is captured, refuses repentance, and is executed without a sudden moral awakening. The book then does something even rarer. It keeps going. Kraso is imprisoned, names Dawn his heir, and the long running political tension is resolved rather than deferred.
In the end, The Blood and the Dragon Rider succeeds because it knows when to stop. The curses are broken, the gods retreat, and the trilogy closes its arcs with intention instead of excess. Longtime readers may not be shocked, but they will likely appreciate a fantasy finale that actually finishes the story.
Thank you to the publisher and BookSirens for the ARC. This is my honest and unbiased review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
While I love the series as a whole, I felt this 3rd and final book lacked that final rush I came to expect with Feathers other works.
I loved the strength and journeys of all the heroes and the threads that bound them.
I definitely noticed the derailment of spice In this book, but that's a likely thing given war was knocking down the door for the entire book.
I am thrilled that Khesimir remained a evil little worm throughout the series, I'd have been majorly disappointed if he'd had a stroke of conscience and changed his path. I hate redemption for true villains, it's cliche. So kudos.
I found the ending very off kilter with the theme of the series, but it kind of made it more within the realms of it's fairytale vibes.
I honestly felt it was a little forced, I love a HEA like the best of them, but it just didn't give me the same closure. I hoped for a different outcome with all that had happened, but still wanted to read some semblance of peace.
I feel like there could be a realm of opportunity to create a novella regarding the future endeavours of the rider children, that would be something I'd like to read, and perhaps a redeeming moment for the trilogy and throwing us back into the chaos I'd loved only now with a dash of peace.
Full of dragons, dark magic, sorcerers, chaos and war, this is definitely one to read.
I'm thankful to have ARC read this whole trilogy. It was nothing short of epic. I will be recommending this to fantasy fans, perhaps not YA and while I feel it was a little narrow on the ending, it did wrap up things successfully. There are still some unanswered questions, but I feel that always happens, maybe it's just my curiosity.
4 Starfire stars.
I loved the strength and journeys of all the heroes and the threads that bound them.
I definitely noticed the derailment of spice In this book, but that's a likely thing given war was knocking down the door for the entire book.
I am thrilled that Khesimir remained a evil little worm throughout the series, I'd have been majorly disappointed if he'd had a stroke of conscience and changed his path. I hate redemption for true villains, it's cliche. So kudos.
I found the ending very off kilter with the theme of the series, but it kind of made it more within the realms of it's fairytale vibes.
I honestly felt it was a little forced, I love a HEA like the best of them, but it just didn't give me the same closure. I hoped for a different outcome with all that had happened, but still wanted to read some semblance of peace.
I feel like there could be a realm of opportunity to create a novella regarding the future endeavours of the rider children, that would be something I'd like to read, and perhaps a redeeming moment for the trilogy and throwing us back into the chaos I'd loved only now with a dash of peace.
Full of dragons, dark magic, sorcerers, chaos and war, this is definitely one to read.
I'm thankful to have ARC read this whole trilogy. It was nothing short of epic. I will be recommending this to fantasy fans, perhaps not YA and while I feel it was a little narrow on the ending, it did wrap up things successfully. There are still some unanswered questions, but I feel that always happens, maybe it's just my curiosity.
4 Starfire stars.
Review of advance copy
I love how this has multiple POVs. Not just the main characters but the villains or other side characters get their time. It added to the richness of the story. The world building is phenomenal. I would say Dawn and Ilya are not the only main characters as Kraso and Maria also play a big role. I grew to absolutely loathe Khesimir, the grand sorcerer, wanting him to perish in just as vile ways as he did to others. From the first installment I believe the books would’ve greatly benefitted from a map of the kingdom. It’s hard to get a sense of where people are and the distances they have to travel without a good visual.
Where I think this got lost is just the extra side quests that got put into the book. Even the ending, after the showdown with Khesimir, Part 6 still rolled out. Was it absolutely necessary? Maybe. But at times it just felt like filler was added. This installment morphed into high fantasy dealing with political intrigue, leaving the “romance” to the wayside. Sure Dawn and Ilya had a “I would do anything for you and die without you” vibe but their relationship was established so that was not even tertiary to the story. If you come for spice you’re looking at 1 🌶️. And there was such an awesome opportunity with a floating scene that could’ve been greatly expanded. But alas… The trilogy is worth it and the ending was satisfying. Always sad to end a trilogy end.
I willingly read this ARC and am happy to leave the review. … albeit a bit sad it’s over.
Where I think this got lost is just the extra side quests that got put into the book. Even the ending, after the showdown with Khesimir, Part 6 still rolled out. Was it absolutely necessary? Maybe. But at times it just felt like filler was added. This installment morphed into high fantasy dealing with political intrigue, leaving the “romance” to the wayside. Sure Dawn and Ilya had a “I would do anything for you and die without you” vibe but their relationship was established so that was not even tertiary to the story. If you come for spice you’re looking at 1 🌶️. And there was such an awesome opportunity with a floating scene that could’ve been greatly expanded. But alas… The trilogy is worth it and the ending was satisfying. Always sad to end a trilogy end.
I willingly read this ARC and am happy to leave the review. … albeit a bit sad it’s over.
April 8, 2026
4.75 Stars
I was already preparing myself to hate the ending and then the book proved me wrong.
This final book pulled me in just as quickly as the others. The writing, the humor, and the overall tone are still incredibly engaging, and it’s so easy to move through the story. The whole series feels very readable without ever feeling shallow.
At first, I was actually unsure about the ending. There was a moment where I genuinely thought this was how it would end and I really didn’t like it. But then the story continued, shifted, and brought everything together in a way that I ended up really appreciating.
Some of the final parts are quite complex, and I even went back to reread certain chapters just to fully understand everything. But I really like that. It shows how much thought went into the story and makes it feel more layered.
What continues to stand out most are the family dynamics. They’re messy, unconventional, and sometimes even toxic but they feel real. Nothing is idealized, and that’s what makes it believable.
I also really loved the relationship between Ilya and Dawn. Their connection feels strong, natural, and genuinely emotional, and I found myself really rooting for them.
And as always, the humor—especially through Dawn—adds so much charm to the story.
Overall, this was a very satisfying conclusion. While the first book is still my favorite, this one wraps up the series in a way that feels earned.
As a series, this is easily a 5-star read for me.
I was already preparing myself to hate the ending and then the book proved me wrong.
This final book pulled me in just as quickly as the others. The writing, the humor, and the overall tone are still incredibly engaging, and it’s so easy to move through the story. The whole series feels very readable without ever feeling shallow.
At first, I was actually unsure about the ending. There was a moment where I genuinely thought this was how it would end and I really didn’t like it. But then the story continued, shifted, and brought everything together in a way that I ended up really appreciating.
Some of the final parts are quite complex, and I even went back to reread certain chapters just to fully understand everything. But I really like that. It shows how much thought went into the story and makes it feel more layered.
What continues to stand out most are the family dynamics. They’re messy, unconventional, and sometimes even toxic but they feel real. Nothing is idealized, and that’s what makes it believable.
I also really loved the relationship between Ilya and Dawn. Their connection feels strong, natural, and genuinely emotional, and I found myself really rooting for them.
And as always, the humor—especially through Dawn—adds so much charm to the story.
Overall, this was a very satisfying conclusion. While the first book is still my favorite, this one wraps up the series in a way that feels earned.
As a series, this is easily a 5-star read for me.
Review of advance copy
With Ilya under compulsion and soon to die, both Dawn and Khesimir are running out of time. Dawn needs to escape The Spire with the immortality stone, and Khesimir needs Ilya to stay alive to fulfill his destiny. As bargains and treachery twist the path forward, fates are finally revealed and the gods take their due.
My favorite thing about this series is just how real and unrefined the characters are. No one is perfect, or really even all that heroic. It makes everything just so much more realistic and striking. For example, Dawn has learned things, but at her core she is still the driven, selfish character she was at the beginning of the books. With all the manipulations and threats she has lived through, she has had little personal improvement upon her character, but she still holds firm to her core motivation: saving the one person she loves. As a result, her decisions crash through the world like a brick through a window, but we continue to root for her, even as she brings the end of the world ever closer.
Blood and the Dragon Rider is the final book in the Volynian Tales. As the violence and betrayals continue, it takes a critical look on selfishness, love, and sectarianism. It is a brutal and raw read that will ultimately make you feel wrung out but satisfied.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My favorite thing about this series is just how real and unrefined the characters are. No one is perfect, or really even all that heroic. It makes everything just so much more realistic and striking. For example, Dawn has learned things, but at her core she is still the driven, selfish character she was at the beginning of the books. With all the manipulations and threats she has lived through, she has had little personal improvement upon her character, but she still holds firm to her core motivation: saving the one person she loves. As a result, her decisions crash through the world like a brick through a window, but we continue to root for her, even as she brings the end of the world ever closer.
Blood and the Dragon Rider is the final book in the Volynian Tales. As the violence and betrayals continue, it takes a critical look on selfishness, love, and sectarianism. It is a brutal and raw read that will ultimately make you feel wrung out but satisfied.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Blood and the Dragon Rider is a solid conclusion to the Volynian Tales trilogy, with plenty of action, magic, and high stakes for readers who’ve been following the series.
The worldbuilding continues to be one of the book’s strongest points. The magic, gods, and political tension give the story an epic fantasy feel, and there’s no shortage of danger or dramatic moments. Dawn’s quest to save Ilya and stop powerful forces from tearing everything apart keeps the plot moving, especially during the action-heavy scenes.
That said, the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some parts were fast and intense, while others dragged longer than needed and didn’t always add much to character development. The romance, while present, often felt secondary to the plot, so some emotional moments didn’t hit as hard as they could have. A few story elements also leaned on familiar fantasy tropes, which made parts of the story feel predictable.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and a satisfying wrap-up for fans of the series, even if it didn’t fully wow me. I think readers who enjoy dark fantasy with strong worldbuilding and don’t mind a lighter romance subplot will get the most out of it.
Thank you Book Sirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The worldbuilding continues to be one of the book’s strongest points. The magic, gods, and political tension give the story an epic fantasy feel, and there’s no shortage of danger or dramatic moments. Dawn’s quest to save Ilya and stop powerful forces from tearing everything apart keeps the plot moving, especially during the action-heavy scenes.
That said, the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some parts were fast and intense, while others dragged longer than needed and didn’t always add much to character development. The romance, while present, often felt secondary to the plot, so some emotional moments didn’t hit as hard as they could have. A few story elements also leaned on familiar fantasy tropes, which made parts of the story feel predictable.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and a satisfying wrap-up for fans of the series, even if it didn’t fully wow me. I think readers who enjoy dark fantasy with strong worldbuilding and don’t mind a lighter romance subplot will get the most out of it.
Thank you Book Sirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Wow, this is definitely a wild ride. Dawn is determined to save Ilya from the evil sorcerer Khesimir, at any cost, but in order to do so she needs to find a way out of the dragon realm and get the immortality stone. Unfortunately, in saving Ilya she opens up the door for Khesimir’s ultimate revenge, and without the immortal Tsar Kraso it is doubtful that the Covenant sorcerers can be defeated.
This is a very dark and steamy fantasy romance with plenty of graphic violence, bloodshed, war, magic, dragons, betrayal, and lots of unexpected, sometimes surprising twists in the plot that it left me reeling. These characters are utterly fascinating and quite frankly some of them seem to be somewhat unhinged while others seem to be downright insane. Dawn and Ilya are a couple who will literally do anything to stay together, even kill, and while I was absolutely fascinated by their twisted dynamics and enjoyed their very bloody love story. I have to say that this book may not be for everyone. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark and bloody fantasy romance, but I must also add that it is a must to read the other books in this fantastic series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.
This is a very dark and steamy fantasy romance with plenty of graphic violence, bloodshed, war, magic, dragons, betrayal, and lots of unexpected, sometimes surprising twists in the plot that it left me reeling. These characters are utterly fascinating and quite frankly some of them seem to be somewhat unhinged while others seem to be downright insane. Dawn and Ilya are a couple who will literally do anything to stay together, even kill, and while I was absolutely fascinated by their twisted dynamics and enjoyed their very bloody love story. I have to say that this book may not be for everyone. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark and bloody fantasy romance, but I must also add that it is a must to read the other books in this fantastic series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.
March 1, 2026
What an epic ride that was!
Lots of spoilers below!
I had so much fun reading this, so happy I picked up the first book as an ARC!
Lots of spoilers below!
I had so much fun reading this, so happy I picked up the first book as an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fantastic conclusion/finale to this trilogy. Definitely had me going for a minute there near the end, but ABSOLUTELY loved the way things wrapped up and turned out! Definitely hope to be able to get some gorgeous SE hardcover versions at some point down the road if we are lucky enough - DEFINITELY recommend this series.
The way the characters and plot and story all wrapped up, the final things that finally came out, came to a head, the way the big bad was taken down, all of it was FANTASTIC! Also LOVE the fact that the queen of dragons can basically drop a nuke at will if she chose to - some of the people DEFINITELY got what they had coming, sucks for those who didn't really deserve that, but 1000% fits with the trend of life in the country of Volynia and all. Love, love, love Dawn and Ilya, even the tsar has some fantastic (for him) moments that were fun, definitely will be looking forward to re-reading this at some point in the future. LOVED it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The way the characters and plot and story all wrapped up, the final things that finally came out, came to a head, the way the big bad was taken down, all of it was FANTASTIC! Also LOVE the fact that the queen of dragons can basically drop a nuke at will if she chose to - some of the people DEFINITELY got what they had coming, sucks for those who didn't really deserve that, but 1000% fits with the trend of life in the country of Volynia and all. Love, love, love Dawn and Ilya, even the tsar has some fantastic (for him) moments that were fun, definitely will be looking forward to re-reading this at some point in the future. LOVED it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
An interesting plot where gods exist, walk the world and even influence wars. What starts as religious fervor ends up in gluttony for power versus a struggle for survival, where even achieving immortality doesn't satisfy and sacrificing many others becomes an acceptable loss. War is so ugly, heart-rending and irrevocable in real life, but in fantasy… everything is possible.
Did you ever love so much that choosing love over everything and anything makes any consequences acceptable? Even the end of the world?
The end to the trilogy is as good as I thought it would be. Not sharing spoilers makes it hard to give my reasons for appreciating it, but I will certainly keep following this author. Very well done!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Did you ever love so much that choosing love over everything and anything makes any consequences acceptable? Even the end of the world?
The end to the trilogy is as good as I thought it would be. Not sharing spoilers makes it hard to give my reasons for appreciating it, but I will certainly keep following this author. Very well done!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Volynian Tales concludes with a powerful, heart-wrenching finale. Gods walk the world, wars rage, and ambition collides with survival in a story where even immortality can’t quench desire. This final installment doesn’t shy away from loss—many beloved characters don’t make it, and the stakes feel devastatingly real.
What I loved most was seeing the past finally revealed and getting a glimpse of the future. The story balances epic magic, brutal war, and deep emotional resonance perfectly. Choosing love, even against impossible odds, hits hard, and the ending left me both satisfied and aching.
I’m sad to see this trilogy end, but I’ll absolutely be following this author’s work. A beautifully crafted conclusion to an unforgettable series.
What I loved most was seeing the past finally revealed and getting a glimpse of the future. The story balances epic magic, brutal war, and deep emotional resonance perfectly. Choosing love, even against impossible odds, hits hard, and the ending left me both satisfied and aching.
I’m sad to see this trilogy end, but I’ll absolutely be following this author’s work. A beautifully crafted conclusion to an unforgettable series.
February 16, 2026
I love being transported into Brien Feathers’ fantasy worlds, and this third and final instalment is immensely satisfying. One of the things I appreciate most is how closely she releases her books—it makes returning to her stories effortless and immersive.
Blood and the Dragon Rider carries a powerful current of love throughout its pages, which gives the story real emotional depth. Amid the war, political intrigue, and moments of brutality, it is love that ultimately triumphs—and that balance is what makes this book so compelling.
The ending was superb. It took unexpected turns that had me laughing one moment and wiping away tears the next. Brien Feathers is a gifted storyteller, and reading her work is always a pleasure.
Blood and the Dragon Rider carries a powerful current of love throughout its pages, which gives the story real emotional depth. Amid the war, political intrigue, and moments of brutality, it is love that ultimately triumphs—and that balance is what makes this book so compelling.
The ending was superb. It took unexpected turns that had me laughing one moment and wiping away tears the next. Brien Feathers is a gifted storyteller, and reading her work is always a pleasure.
February 18, 2026
I was so happy to get to read this conclusion to the Volynian Tales trilogy. There was a great pace to the book that kept things moving along. I liked the new POVs sprinkled throughout the book as well. I read all three books in a row, which helped greatly with keeping up with the storyline. I think I might have struggled to get caught up if I had taken a break between books. Overall, I think each characters story conclusion was well written, albeit a bit short winded at the end of the book, but I did not wonder about any character when I finished the book. I would recommend this trilogy to fellow enthusiasts of the fantasy/romance genre. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2026
Let's begin with this: I am not a fan of endings. But this book is a brilliant ending to this series that kept expanding and building.
This has been one of my favorite new series of the last couple years. The fantasy is dark, the stakes are high and real, for which I commend the author, it is so easy to make your characters untouchable, or at least able to handle everything eventually.
Blood and the Dragon Rider binds all the stories and characters back together and left me, (sort of) satisfied.
This part of Dawn and Ilya(and co)'s story is finished.. And there also lies my hatred for endings, this part of their story is finished, but so much more could've happened. And this story will keep me thinking about it for a while longer.
This has been one of my favorite new series of the last couple years. The fantasy is dark, the stakes are high and real, for which I commend the author, it is so easy to make your characters untouchable, or at least able to handle everything eventually.
Blood and the Dragon Rider binds all the stories and characters back together and left me, (sort of) satisfied.
This part of Dawn and Ilya(and co)'s story is finished.. And there also lies my hatred for endings, this part of their story is finished, but so much more could've happened. And this story will keep me thinking about it for a while longer.
Review of advance copy
This is the final part of the Volynian Tales. There is no shortage of magic, war and heart break.
The previous book ended quite dark and now the war continues. As we all know, there is no war without lives lost. Some important characters do not see the end of this war.
It is difficult to talk about this book without giving spoilers but I can say that we finally get some answers about the past. It was also a nice touch to let us see what the future brings.
I'm sad this story is over but I will definitely follow this author.
Thank you Brien Feathers and BookSirens for the copy I received. This is my honest review.
The previous book ended quite dark and now the war continues. As we all know, there is no war without lives lost. Some important characters do not see the end of this war.
It is difficult to talk about this book without giving spoilers but I can say that we finally get some answers about the past. It was also a nice touch to let us see what the future brings.
I'm sad this story is over but I will definitely follow this author.
Thank you Brien Feathers and BookSirens for the copy I received. This is my honest review.
February 26, 2026
I loved reading Blood and the Dragon Rider. The whole Volynian Tales trilogy has been amazing, and this final book was the perfect ending to it. It had everything that I've loved about the series so far culminating in a very satisfying ending. If you've read the first two books in the series, you should definitely read this one. If you're new to the series and like dark fantasy, be sure to start with the first book. Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2026
Well, be prepared for everything that could possibly go wrong to go wrong, to cry and to gasp and to be utterly shocked...but you'll also laugh and blush and kick your feet!
This was a great ending adventure to the series!! If you haven't read any of these yet, you're missing out!!!
There are dragons and magic and politics. There's a sassy FMC and a villainous MMC. Spice and hilarious one liners!! What else could you need?
#bloodandthedragonrider #volyniantales #dragons #sorcerers #darkromantasy
This was a great ending adventure to the series!! If you haven't read any of these yet, you're missing out!!!
There are dragons and magic and politics. There's a sassy FMC and a villainous MMC. Spice and hilarious one liners!! What else could you need?
#bloodandthedragonrider #volyniantales #dragons #sorcerers #darkromantasy
February 27, 2026
“Blood and the Dragon Rider: Volynian Tales: Book 3” delivers a gripping and satisfying finale to the series. It’s epic fantasy operating at a high level—rich world‑building, enticing characters, and action that never lets up. Every chapter offers a fresh surge of adventure, making this conclusion as exhilarating as it is immersive.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2026
Ilya, Dawn and Khesimir are all running out of time in the ending of this story. And it was awesome to read and watch it all play out. Would they all make it to the end alive and themselves made it so fun to read. So much danger, intrigue and surprises to keep things interesting and it hard to put down. Loved it.
Currently Reading
February 24, 2026RELEASES SOON!
March 10, 2026
This trilogy has been non-stop from the beginning. Each book has its own twists and turns but just puts its hooks into you more. All I can say is dragons, sorceress, and war oh my.
April 7, 2026
loved this series a dramatic end to a wonderful series highly reccomened this series
May 12, 2026
ARC Review of Blood and the Dragon Rider by Brien Feathers
5/5 Stars
1/5 Spice
*insert Elmo in flames GIF here*
Chaos. Everywhere. All the wrong people are dying. All the wrong people are living. WHY WON’T KHESMIR JUST DIE ALREADY?!
I have STRONG opinions about this book. It was a fantastic conclusion to the Volynian Tales trilogy, but it sure did tick me off! Haha. WHY WON’T KHESMIR JUST DIE ALREADY?!
I would estimate I spent a good 75% of this book low key panicking because EVERYTHING was going wrong, and I was afraid the happily ever after was going to be one of those bittersweet ones where Dawn and Ilya walk off into the afterlife together— which I wasn’t opposed to for them. But my sweet Ilya deserved to experience a good life and family after all he endured growing up the way he did.
This book had me on the edge of my seat until the end. I was not expecting the twist that Brien threw in there to resolve everything. It was quite brilliant; it was serving Avengers: Infonity War energy. IS KHESMIR REALLY AND FINALLY DEAD?!
The ending of this series is one that makes you go, “But is it really over?” I firmly feel that if Brien wanted to, there is absolutely room for another series set at a later time that could “continue” this storyline if she really wanted to.
5/5 Stars
1/5 Spice
*insert Elmo in flames GIF here*
Chaos. Everywhere. All the wrong people are dying. All the wrong people are living. WHY WON’T KHESMIR JUST DIE ALREADY?!
I have STRONG opinions about this book. It was a fantastic conclusion to the Volynian Tales trilogy, but it sure did tick me off! Haha. WHY WON’T KHESMIR JUST DIE ALREADY?!
I would estimate I spent a good 75% of this book low key panicking because EVERYTHING was going wrong, and I was afraid the happily ever after was going to be one of those bittersweet ones where Dawn and Ilya walk off into the afterlife together— which I wasn’t opposed to for them. But my sweet Ilya deserved to experience a good life and family after all he endured growing up the way he did.
This book had me on the edge of my seat until the end. I was not expecting the twist that Brien threw in there to resolve everything. It was quite brilliant; it was serving Avengers: Infonity War energy. IS KHESMIR REALLY AND FINALLY DEAD?!
The ending of this series is one that makes you go, “But is it really over?” I firmly feel that if Brien wanted to, there is absolutely room for another series set at a later time that could “continue” this storyline if she really wanted to.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews