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The Ash Remains: The Law of Teeth: Book One
The epic fantasy debut from the Award-Winning author of indie hit What Blood Remembers.
The son of a murdered emperor caught between destinies. A dragon rider wrestling with untold power. An old warrior forced back into the fray. And a master of dragons with the fate of his order resting on a single choice.
When an unknown dragon and its rider burn Aneving Keep, it throws the world off-balance, teetering on the edge of chaos. An army is on the march, bringing fire and death to the people of the Empire.
At the mountain monastery of Mun-Alin, the dragon riders have been forced into sequester. No one knows why. But this new threat to the Empire cannot be ignored.
The throne of Ir-Anan sits empty.
The dragon riders have vanished.
The Empire burns.
The son of a murdered emperor caught between destinies. A dragon rider wrestling with untold power. An old warrior forced back into the fray. And a master of dragons with the fate of his order resting on a single choice.
When an unknown dragon and its rider burn Aneving Keep, it throws the world off-balance, teetering on the edge of chaos. An army is on the march, bringing fire and death to the people of the Empire.
At the mountain monastery of Mun-Alin, the dragon riders have been forced into sequester. No one knows why. But this new threat to the Empire cannot be ignored.
The throne of Ir-Anan sits empty.
The dragon riders have vanished.
The Empire burns.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2026
About the author
C. William Phillips
2 books19 followersC. William Phillips was born and raised in the hills of Kentucky, and has been telling stories as long as he can remember.
He resides in Louisville, with his wife, Tana, and their brood of children.
He resides in Louisville, with his wife, Tana, and their brood of children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 23, 2026
Carnage, chaos, and creativity combine with dragon fire and high-stakes violence in C. William Phillip’s The Ash Remains, an evocative start to a new series in epic fantasy.
I typically start my reviews with a summary of the plot behind the book I’ve just read to set the stage and introduce the character to those who want a little bit more information and are on the fence about grabbing a book. For The Ash Remains, I’m choosing deliberately to forgo that for two reasons. One, the plot is so intimately woven into the character’s back story that it would be hard to describe without either giving away spoilers or being incredibly vague. And two, I think this is one of those books that will serve you well if you go in mostly blind and let the story win you over. So in lieu of a summary, let me ask you a couple of questions to entice you…
Do you like dragons?
Are you a fan of the bonded rider trope?
Do you love an old, grizzly veteran taking care of a younger ward, à la Wolverine in the movie Logan?
Do you want magic and battle sequences that will leave you clinging to the page?
If you answered yes to any or all of those things, pick up The Ash Remains, and I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Williams proves he’s as adept with the pen as he was in his neo-western debut What Blood Remembers. The line writing is smooth. The pacing is considerate. Never do you feel like some aspect of the story is stalled or slow. In fact, if there is any complaint it could be aimed at some of the lack of plot preceding the starting point.
That’s not to say that the story on its own doesn’t stand up, but more so, I would have liked some answers to questions that were left a little vague, and I can see a number of readers clamoring for a prequel or a novella showing how riders are selected to attend the academy of Mun-Alin. Indeed, I would make mention that perhaps the world building in general is the weakest point of the novel, but that’s not to say that it is severely lacking - simply that the other elements that comprise the narrative, like characterization and pacing, overtake it in importance.
This is a novel that is gripping, composed, and thoughtful. And very much like many first books in an epic fantasy series, it is doing the work of investing the reader into the world and preparing them for what is still yet to come - a feat that must be impressive to follow a cinematic, resoundingly good final battle sequence.
4.5/5 - a worthwhile adventure to sink your (law of) teeth into sooner rather than later.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I typically start my reviews with a summary of the plot behind the book I’ve just read to set the stage and introduce the character to those who want a little bit more information and are on the fence about grabbing a book. For The Ash Remains, I’m choosing deliberately to forgo that for two reasons. One, the plot is so intimately woven into the character’s back story that it would be hard to describe without either giving away spoilers or being incredibly vague. And two, I think this is one of those books that will serve you well if you go in mostly blind and let the story win you over. So in lieu of a summary, let me ask you a couple of questions to entice you…
Do you like dragons?
Are you a fan of the bonded rider trope?
Do you love an old, grizzly veteran taking care of a younger ward, à la Wolverine in the movie Logan?
Do you want magic and battle sequences that will leave you clinging to the page?
If you answered yes to any or all of those things, pick up The Ash Remains, and I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Williams proves he’s as adept with the pen as he was in his neo-western debut What Blood Remembers. The line writing is smooth. The pacing is considerate. Never do you feel like some aspect of the story is stalled or slow. In fact, if there is any complaint it could be aimed at some of the lack of plot preceding the starting point.
That’s not to say that the story on its own doesn’t stand up, but more so, I would have liked some answers to questions that were left a little vague, and I can see a number of readers clamoring for a prequel or a novella showing how riders are selected to attend the academy of Mun-Alin. Indeed, I would make mention that perhaps the world building in general is the weakest point of the novel, but that’s not to say that it is severely lacking - simply that the other elements that comprise the narrative, like characterization and pacing, overtake it in importance.
This is a novel that is gripping, composed, and thoughtful. And very much like many first books in an epic fantasy series, it is doing the work of investing the reader into the world and preparing them for what is still yet to come - a feat that must be impressive to follow a cinematic, resoundingly good final battle sequence.
4.5/5 - a worthwhile adventure to sink your (law of) teeth into sooner rather than later.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2026
I rate this a 4.75.
C. William Phillips’ The Ash Remains is a gripping fantasy that immediately pulls you into a world of dragons, danger, an empty throne, and high-stakes chaos. The action is relentless and the story has real depth.
What really stood out to me were the characters—they feel real, flawed, and unpredictable. You’re following young riders trying to figure out who they are, how to grow stronger, and learning truths that were kept secret—all while coming together to face a looming threat.
I especially loved the layered, emotional bond between riders and dragons. The mix of POVs and characters is perfectly balanced, and the story is immersive and intricate without ever feeling overwhelming. I devoured this book because it was impossible to put down. Whether you love sweeping battles or character-driven moments, this one hits every mark.
If you’re into immersive fantasy with epic stakes, a complex founding family dynamic, and enough twists to keep you on your toes, The Ash Remains is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see where Phillips takes this story next.
I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity to read your eARC for an honest review. ☺️🫶🏼
C. William Phillips’ The Ash Remains is a gripping fantasy that immediately pulls you into a world of dragons, danger, an empty throne, and high-stakes chaos. The action is relentless and the story has real depth.
What really stood out to me were the characters—they feel real, flawed, and unpredictable. You’re following young riders trying to figure out who they are, how to grow stronger, and learning truths that were kept secret—all while coming together to face a looming threat.
I especially loved the layered, emotional bond between riders and dragons. The mix of POVs and characters is perfectly balanced, and the story is immersive and intricate without ever feeling overwhelming. I devoured this book because it was impossible to put down. Whether you love sweeping battles or character-driven moments, this one hits every mark.
If you’re into immersive fantasy with epic stakes, a complex founding family dynamic, and enough twists to keep you on your toes, The Ash Remains is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see where Phillips takes this story next.
I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity to read your eARC for an honest review. ☺️🫶🏼
May 10, 2026
I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review and I can HONESTLY say, DAMN WHAT A FUCKING FANTASTIC STORY!! And I can’t what until other readers get the chance to get a copy of this book! This story blew me away and played out so magically in my head as if I was a fly on the wall watching everything take place. I fell in love with a handful of the characters and their growth alone at the end had me crying tears. DEFINITELY, a must read!
May 5, 2026
Check out my spoiler-free video review here: The Ash Remains - C William Phillips - Book Review - FFO Bloodsworn Saga and Bound & the Broken
https://youtu.be/q0yshPfi9OA
The Ash Remains is not only my new favorite dragon-rider fantasy, it is one of the most engaging and refreshing fantasy books I have read in ages.
C William Phillips has crafted a fantasy novel that pays tribute to the works that came before while also breathing fresh life into the dragon-rider fantasy subgenre. Through intricately crafted characters, exquisite pacing and some of the best action I have ever read, Phillips draws the reader in from page one and does not let go through the whole journey. I COULD NOT put this book down- I was even late to work so that I could finish the epilogue.
If you love fantasy that will completely enthrall you with its character work, story-telling, world, and AMAZING dragon characters, you quite frankly NEED to read this. It is out on May 15th! Go buy it! Read it! Huzzah!
https://youtu.be/q0yshPfi9OA
The Ash Remains is not only my new favorite dragon-rider fantasy, it is one of the most engaging and refreshing fantasy books I have read in ages.
C William Phillips has crafted a fantasy novel that pays tribute to the works that came before while also breathing fresh life into the dragon-rider fantasy subgenre. Through intricately crafted characters, exquisite pacing and some of the best action I have ever read, Phillips draws the reader in from page one and does not let go through the whole journey. I COULD NOT put this book down- I was even late to work so that I could finish the epilogue.
If you love fantasy that will completely enthrall you with its character work, story-telling, world, and AMAZING dragon characters, you quite frankly NEED to read this. It is out on May 15th! Go buy it! Read it! Huzzah!
June 8, 2026
I am very grateful to the author for an ARC of this amazing work!
This is a solid story that left me wanting more! Dragons, bonded riders, mysterious enemies and forthcoming action! I’m interested and looking forward to the next installment!
Why I gave it 3 stars was mainly because of some of the basic handling of how the story was told.
I honestly felt like I had been dropped further into the story instead of starting to read at the beginning and having the world built for me. I felt like I should already know more about the world than I actually did- like I had skipped 10 chapters. I’m still foggy about how this world is managed. Who runs it? Is everything supposed to be under one ruler or just one section of the realm?
I get the basics of the magic system, but again, it’s never really discussed or built up, we only know that most people have a well that gets depleted over time while others have a rare, refillable source based solely on heritage. Are dragonriders the only ones with these reserves? If not, why? What happens to people who have completely depleted their reserves?
Two of the characters really don’t like each other- to the point that one seriously injures the other’s dragon- but we don’t know why. Honestly, the animosity between them is so great that the fact that it isn’t furthered anchored makes their conflict seem childish. And the attack on the dragon basically had no consequences- that seems like a very bad betrayal considering that the dragons willingly work with the humans and they were on the same side for nothing to have come out of it.
Another of the characters, impossibly bonds with a dragon that is supposed to die. We have no idea why this happened but for some reason, the dragon blames her for being alive and their relationship is strained. Why the dragon blames her or thinks that she is powerful enough somehow to keep him alive is confusing to me. It just seems like a convenient thing to cause a strained relationship moment in the book.
Other basic things are left out completely. We don’t find out that there are two moons to this world until much later or even that one of the main characters has blonde hair- it’s like it was a forgotten detail that was suddenly brought up whenever it was needed for a descriptive moment in the story.
Some of the logistics also seemed shallow. One of the main antagonists stood on the back of his dragon while the dragon was hovering in place and it was made to seem like he was standing perfectly still with no problem. I realize this is fantasy, but physics needs to still apply even then for a good story. The sheer act of flapping wings on a dragon that large would not have produced a solid platform. In another instance, another of the main dragons which is supposed to be the largest and was described as taking up a lot of room in a cavern comes to hover above a crowd of people in the same cavern and somehow fits with no problem and has enough area for its wingspan.
Descriptive words are also frequently reapplied when talking about the same character. For instance, one of the dragons always has yellow eyes as big as a horse. Another character always has his grey eyes mentioned. One of the main antagonist always cocks his head. Another always grins to the point that all I can see regardless of the circumstances is a guy walking around smiling idiotically. Everybody chuckles. The gleam of the dragon’s scales is always mentioned and more specifically the color depending on the dragon. Other than that, I have very little idea what the dragons look like. It wasn’t until the end of the book until I found out that one dragon has a ‘crown of horns’.
Lore occasionally gets tossed around but again it’s not anchored to anything and is so fleeting that it seems like nothing more than convention just to flash an interesting ‘something’ or to drive the story forward.
I guess basically my main complaint is that the story while good, feels very shallow. Like just a bunch of events tied together. I’m not trying to be overly critical. I do like this story and I think it’s got a huge amount of potential, I just don’t think that enough meat is being put into it. So dear author, if you do read this, please don’t think ill of me. I do like your story and I want to see it at its best. It’s already there. It’s already in you. Just deepen the world a little bit.
I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book and will happily read it.
This is a solid story that left me wanting more! Dragons, bonded riders, mysterious enemies and forthcoming action! I’m interested and looking forward to the next installment!
Why I gave it 3 stars was mainly because of some of the basic handling of how the story was told.
I honestly felt like I had been dropped further into the story instead of starting to read at the beginning and having the world built for me. I felt like I should already know more about the world than I actually did- like I had skipped 10 chapters. I’m still foggy about how this world is managed. Who runs it? Is everything supposed to be under one ruler or just one section of the realm?
I get the basics of the magic system, but again, it’s never really discussed or built up, we only know that most people have a well that gets depleted over time while others have a rare, refillable source based solely on heritage. Are dragonriders the only ones with these reserves? If not, why? What happens to people who have completely depleted their reserves?
Two of the characters really don’t like each other- to the point that one seriously injures the other’s dragon- but we don’t know why. Honestly, the animosity between them is so great that the fact that it isn’t furthered anchored makes their conflict seem childish. And the attack on the dragon basically had no consequences- that seems like a very bad betrayal considering that the dragons willingly work with the humans and they were on the same side for nothing to have come out of it.
Another of the characters, impossibly bonds with a dragon that is supposed to die. We have no idea why this happened but for some reason, the dragon blames her for being alive and their relationship is strained. Why the dragon blames her or thinks that she is powerful enough somehow to keep him alive is confusing to me. It just seems like a convenient thing to cause a strained relationship moment in the book.
Other basic things are left out completely. We don’t find out that there are two moons to this world until much later or even that one of the main characters has blonde hair- it’s like it was a forgotten detail that was suddenly brought up whenever it was needed for a descriptive moment in the story.
Some of the logistics also seemed shallow. One of the main antagonists stood on the back of his dragon while the dragon was hovering in place and it was made to seem like he was standing perfectly still with no problem. I realize this is fantasy, but physics needs to still apply even then for a good story. The sheer act of flapping wings on a dragon that large would not have produced a solid platform. In another instance, another of the main dragons which is supposed to be the largest and was described as taking up a lot of room in a cavern comes to hover above a crowd of people in the same cavern and somehow fits with no problem and has enough area for its wingspan.
Descriptive words are also frequently reapplied when talking about the same character. For instance, one of the dragons always has yellow eyes as big as a horse. Another character always has his grey eyes mentioned. One of the main antagonist always cocks his head. Another always grins to the point that all I can see regardless of the circumstances is a guy walking around smiling idiotically. Everybody chuckles. The gleam of the dragon’s scales is always mentioned and more specifically the color depending on the dragon. Other than that, I have very little idea what the dragons look like. It wasn’t until the end of the book until I found out that one dragon has a ‘crown of horns’.
Lore occasionally gets tossed around but again it’s not anchored to anything and is so fleeting that it seems like nothing more than convention just to flash an interesting ‘something’ or to drive the story forward.
I guess basically my main complaint is that the story while good, feels very shallow. Like just a bunch of events tied together. I’m not trying to be overly critical. I do like this story and I think it’s got a huge amount of potential, I just don’t think that enough meat is being put into it. So dear author, if you do read this, please don’t think ill of me. I do like your story and I want to see it at its best. It’s already there. It’s already in you. Just deepen the world a little bit.
I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book and will happily read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2026
Wow. In a world where Dragon Riders are a risk- for fear of rehashing the same old stuff all over again. C. Williams Phillips, In his fantasy debut, does something that I think is pretty special.
While the book follows multiple POVs it’s easier to break it down like this. The Ash Remains follows the POVs of those Dragon Riders sequestered at their Monastary and Sen, a middle aged man traveling to the capital protecting a newly orphaned child.
Will has taken elements that are tried and true Fantasy story points, the fallen - in hiding heir to the kingdom, the girl with expansive power, the old mentor and dragon riders and somehow produced something fresh and different.
First of all, while Will does keep some of the familiar elements of the Dragon Bond, he has also added his own twist to it that makes this feel new and allows him to explore the connection in new ways. I don’t want to say more for fear of spoiling some cool stuff - but when he does make these twists he doesn’t just explore it from one angle.
While the book makes much about the rivalry between Eorodan and Rialin, the interesting differences in Will’s version of the dragon bond are borne out when looking at Rialin’s bond and the experiences of Wik in her training.
It is really hard to sit here and pick a comp for this book, because what it is doing is different from other Dragon Rider stories BUT, this book makes me feel like I am reading John Gwynne. It has an essence that reminds of Gwynn’s work, particularly in tone. Its not too dark, its not too hopeful, there are some really separated plot lines that you want to piece together that ultimately do.
Also, the character Sen really gives me Old Wolf Maquin vibes. And pivoting from there I want to shout out this plot line- the love that develops between Sen who is a killing machine of a man, and this child that he is protecting is special and elevates the story and its emotional impact to heights I was never expecting.
There is a device that Phillips uses in this book that I really quite enjoyed. When we are introduced to Sen, we actually witness him briefly through a different POV and we see him through those eyes. He does this again during a battle scene, where instead of simply following the main character POV we jump to a new character watching the POV character. Phillips uses this to great effect.
Now I am just VERY upset that this book isnt even out yet and I desperately want book 2.
Do yourselves the favor of pre ordering this book - as it’s being given a significant pre order discount. This is a fresh, exciting take on the dragon rider genre and it is not to be missed.
I was given an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
While the book follows multiple POVs it’s easier to break it down like this. The Ash Remains follows the POVs of those Dragon Riders sequestered at their Monastary and Sen, a middle aged man traveling to the capital protecting a newly orphaned child.
Will has taken elements that are tried and true Fantasy story points, the fallen - in hiding heir to the kingdom, the girl with expansive power, the old mentor and dragon riders and somehow produced something fresh and different.
First of all, while Will does keep some of the familiar elements of the Dragon Bond, he has also added his own twist to it that makes this feel new and allows him to explore the connection in new ways. I don’t want to say more for fear of spoiling some cool stuff - but when he does make these twists he doesn’t just explore it from one angle.
While the book makes much about the rivalry between Eorodan and Rialin, the interesting differences in Will’s version of the dragon bond are borne out when looking at Rialin’s bond and the experiences of Wik in her training.
It is really hard to sit here and pick a comp for this book, because what it is doing is different from other Dragon Rider stories BUT, this book makes me feel like I am reading John Gwynne. It has an essence that reminds of Gwynn’s work, particularly in tone. Its not too dark, its not too hopeful, there are some really separated plot lines that you want to piece together that ultimately do.
Also, the character Sen really gives me Old Wolf Maquin vibes. And pivoting from there I want to shout out this plot line- the love that develops between Sen who is a killing machine of a man, and this child that he is protecting is special and elevates the story and its emotional impact to heights I was never expecting.
There is a device that Phillips uses in this book that I really quite enjoyed. When we are introduced to Sen, we actually witness him briefly through a different POV and we see him through those eyes. He does this again during a battle scene, where instead of simply following the main character POV we jump to a new character watching the POV character. Phillips uses this to great effect.
Now I am just VERY upset that this book isnt even out yet and I desperately want book 2.
Do yourselves the favor of pre ordering this book - as it’s being given a significant pre order discount. This is a fresh, exciting take on the dragon rider genre and it is not to be missed.
I was given an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re a fan of dragons, war, brutal combat, and stories that pull you so deep into the characters that you feel everything alongside them, this is absolutely a book you need to pick up.
C. William Phillips’ The Ash Remains (The Law of Teeth, Book One) is a fast-paced, emotionally gripping fantasy that delivers both action and depth. It is very obvious the author is willing to take risks to enhance the story. What stood out most to me is how much care was put into the characters. Each one feels real, carrying their own backstory, struggles, and internal conflicts that unfold naturally throughout the story. This is the kind of book that gets you invested quickly and doesn’t let go, taking you through a Rollercoaster of emotion at a moments notice.
I really appreciated how the story balances two separate plotlines without losing momentum. The Dragon Riders of Mun-Alin bring the larger scope and conflict, while Sen’s journey offers a more grounded, personal perspective shaped by his past. Both narratives complement each other well, and I found myself equally invested in where each was going.
The pacing is tight, the action is intense, and the emotional moments land exactly where they should. It feels like the start of something much bigger, and if this first installment is any indication, The Law of Teeth series has the potential to become something truly special.
Thank you so much for allowing me early access to eArc, it was a wonderful experience
C. William Phillips’ The Ash Remains (The Law of Teeth, Book One) is a fast-paced, emotionally gripping fantasy that delivers both action and depth. It is very obvious the author is willing to take risks to enhance the story. What stood out most to me is how much care was put into the characters. Each one feels real, carrying their own backstory, struggles, and internal conflicts that unfold naturally throughout the story. This is the kind of book that gets you invested quickly and doesn’t let go, taking you through a Rollercoaster of emotion at a moments notice.
I really appreciated how the story balances two separate plotlines without losing momentum. The Dragon Riders of Mun-Alin bring the larger scope and conflict, while Sen’s journey offers a more grounded, personal perspective shaped by his past. Both narratives complement each other well, and I found myself equally invested in where each was going.
The pacing is tight, the action is intense, and the emotional moments land exactly where they should. It feels like the start of something much bigger, and if this first installment is any indication, The Law of Teeth series has the potential to become something truly special.
Thank you so much for allowing me early access to eArc, it was a wonderful experience
May 5, 2026
I just finished this gem and was blown away. First, let me mention that I was lucky to be able to get an ARC of the book from the author in exchange for a review. Thank you, Will!
The book took me a few chapters to get a handle on the various characters, the world, and POVs, but once I got past that I simply couldn’t put this book down. I may or may not have dropped my Kindle a few times due to staying up too long reading and falling asleep. (BTW, the Kindle suffered no actual lasting harm during the reading of this book).
The story was gritty with realistic battle scenes, complex characters, and a story that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. While this story does contain dragons and dragon riders, the relationship between the two species is a little more complex than in other dragon rider stories which was pretty cool. Dragons were only part of the story, the character work was great and you really become attached to the main characters - their history, their struggles, and their strengths and flaws. In short, they are real and relatable. Great job, C. William Phillips!
Lastly, the end of the book left me craving to start the next book now. I’ll stop before I accidentally spoil something but go pre-order this book now and add it to your immediate reading plans - you won’t regret it.
Oh, and how awesome is the cover of this book!
The book took me a few chapters to get a handle on the various characters, the world, and POVs, but once I got past that I simply couldn’t put this book down. I may or may not have dropped my Kindle a few times due to staying up too long reading and falling asleep. (BTW, the Kindle suffered no actual lasting harm during the reading of this book).
The story was gritty with realistic battle scenes, complex characters, and a story that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. While this story does contain dragons and dragon riders, the relationship between the two species is a little more complex than in other dragon rider stories which was pretty cool. Dragons were only part of the story, the character work was great and you really become attached to the main characters - their history, their struggles, and their strengths and flaws. In short, they are real and relatable. Great job, C. William Phillips!
Lastly, the end of the book left me craving to start the next book now. I’ll stop before I accidentally spoil something but go pre-order this book now and add it to your immediate reading plans - you won’t regret it.
Oh, and how awesome is the cover of this book!
May 5, 2026
5⭐️
What a book! If you know me as a reader a little, you probably know that I don’t give out high ratings much. But this arc was extraordinary. I dropped my physical book for this. Thank you for letting me read this beauty of a arc.
To put it simple, this is a book about a dragon school/ society and the normal world. In the past the dragons where the protectors of this world. But they are resigned atm. Something happens that makes them need to get back to fighting. You follow multiple pov, (sometimes a little to much), from different peoples and there bonded dragons. If they have a dragon ofcourse. I really really liked Sen. He is a super strong and well trained soldier. I love strong characters so much. I can’t wait to see what Eoradon and the riders of Mun-Alin will get up to. (Hope to get that arc one day!!!! Ieeee)
I was crying by the end of it. I loved every second. If you like Brandon Sanderson but want dragons sprinkled in I think this is the book for you!
“I am Uanari the black. I am the dread weapon of the empire. I am the living storm. I am the guardian of Mun-Alin, and these people are under my protection.”
What a book! If you know me as a reader a little, you probably know that I don’t give out high ratings much. But this arc was extraordinary. I dropped my physical book for this. Thank you for letting me read this beauty of a arc.
To put it simple, this is a book about a dragon school/ society and the normal world. In the past the dragons where the protectors of this world. But they are resigned atm. Something happens that makes them need to get back to fighting. You follow multiple pov, (sometimes a little to much), from different peoples and there bonded dragons. If they have a dragon ofcourse. I really really liked Sen. He is a super strong and well trained soldier. I love strong characters so much. I can’t wait to see what Eoradon and the riders of Mun-Alin will get up to. (Hope to get that arc one day!!!! Ieeee)
I was crying by the end of it. I loved every second. If you like Brandon Sanderson but want dragons sprinkled in I think this is the book for you!
“I am Uanari the black. I am the dread weapon of the empire. I am the living storm. I am the guardian of Mun-Alin, and these people are under my protection.”
May 14, 2026
Fantasy debut? Excuse me?!
This novel was so good, I couldn’t put it down! It’s been a while since I’ve been completely immersed in a world, and oh did I miss it! I did not want it to end!
It has everything I love in a story : action, dragons, interesting characters, intriguing plot, mystery, devastation…
I have a hard time putting into words everything this book put me through. I’m a mood reader so I need my books to make me FEEL. And oh did Phillips deliver!
I absolutely love reading, but staying fully concentrated and invested in a story can be really hard for me as I have both ADHD and aphantasia (I have no images in my head). So when I come upon a book like this one that keeps me so enthralled that my full attention is on the story, it’s an incredible experience for me.
The only thing I’m sad about is that I don’t already have book two in my hands.
If you love everything I listed above as well as characters you care about, a pace that is not crazy but keeps you fully invested, multiple POVs that don’t feel confusing, and more, then I would suggest you pick up this book immediately.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was so good, I couldn’t put it down! It’s been a while since I’ve been completely immersed in a world, and oh did I miss it! I did not want it to end!
It has everything I love in a story : action, dragons, interesting characters, intriguing plot, mystery, devastation…
I have a hard time putting into words everything this book put me through. I’m a mood reader so I need my books to make me FEEL. And oh did Phillips deliver!
I absolutely love reading, but staying fully concentrated and invested in a story can be really hard for me as I have both ADHD and aphantasia (I have no images in my head). So when I come upon a book like this one that keeps me so enthralled that my full attention is on the story, it’s an incredible experience for me.
The only thing I’m sad about is that I don’t already have book two in my hands.
If you love everything I listed above as well as characters you care about, a pace that is not crazy but keeps you fully invested, multiple POVs that don’t feel confusing, and more, then I would suggest you pick up this book immediately.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2026
The Ash Remains is a great start to a series. It has all the things that I love about fantasy. The book’s story was told in a steady pace. The action scenes were incredible. The characters were great and were multilayered. I feel like I was learning about the world organically without it being overwhelming. It was slowly peeling off the layers of the world. I had enjoyed the dragon bonds. The ending was fantastic, and I can't wait until I can read the next book. I do highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(4.5/5)
**eARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I recently finished Philip Quaintrells the Echoes Saga for the first time. If you haven't read it, you should, and I'm sure Will would agree. But, the entire time I was reading through it, Will would DM or visa versa to track where I was in the series and what my thoughts were. I know he's Quaintrells series as a comp title or inspiration and boy, oh boy, does he wear that on his sleeve in this book in the best kind of way, while still maintaining his own breathtaking pacing, everyman dialogue style, and snarling brutal action that jarred all of us in his debut "What Blood Remembers."
I was gobsmacked by Wills pacing work in WBR last year and was very curious if that would show up or translate into epic fantasy, and sure enough, he doubled down on it. The man simply understands how to drive narrative forward in uniquely engaging ways while still delivering key character moments, bits of reflection, and just enough world building, all without it ever feeling like slog or a big dump. For my money, Philips is one of the great masters of story pacing out there right now.
When it comes to his characters, he doesn't go out of his way to try to reinvent the wheel here. All the epic fantasy archetypes are here: the gnarled but still dangerous veteran, the reluctant heir, the child of prophesy, dragon, the murderous rogue, bigger dragon, much bigger dragon, etc. But Philips works within these known quantities in his own pulse pounding way and really makes the characters sing. Each one of them carrying their own unique voices that are immediately recognizable. It's part of what really grips you right from the jump. My only knock, as others have mentioned, is I would have liked to spend more time with some of them and really get to see more interpersonal backstories. But, as its a Book 1, I imagine we have more of that coming.
Much like Quaintrell, Philips presents his action setpieces, and his world in general, through an extremely cinematic lens. Character movement within big action sequences is very clear and at times does feel like I'm watching it through a camera, moving with them, zooming in kills, and zooming out wide as he paints a picture of a city under siege, or a dragons sweeping across plains and mountains. He doesn't waste words in these sequences, making every blow from an axe, swipe from a sword, or blast of fire from a dragon feel horrifying but wholly earned.
I think this book will appeal to broad swaths of fantasy readers but particularly those who enjoy dragon riders, epic fantasy, modern fantasy, and grim dark. It's a beat for beat banger of a good time and I'm definitely ready for book 2.
**eARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I recently finished Philip Quaintrells the Echoes Saga for the first time. If you haven't read it, you should, and I'm sure Will would agree. But, the entire time I was reading through it, Will would DM or visa versa to track where I was in the series and what my thoughts were. I know he's Quaintrells series as a comp title or inspiration and boy, oh boy, does he wear that on his sleeve in this book in the best kind of way, while still maintaining his own breathtaking pacing, everyman dialogue style, and snarling brutal action that jarred all of us in his debut "What Blood Remembers."
I was gobsmacked by Wills pacing work in WBR last year and was very curious if that would show up or translate into epic fantasy, and sure enough, he doubled down on it. The man simply understands how to drive narrative forward in uniquely engaging ways while still delivering key character moments, bits of reflection, and just enough world building, all without it ever feeling like slog or a big dump. For my money, Philips is one of the great masters of story pacing out there right now.
When it comes to his characters, he doesn't go out of his way to try to reinvent the wheel here. All the epic fantasy archetypes are here: the gnarled but still dangerous veteran, the reluctant heir, the child of prophesy, dragon, the murderous rogue, bigger dragon, much bigger dragon, etc. But Philips works within these known quantities in his own pulse pounding way and really makes the characters sing. Each one of them carrying their own unique voices that are immediately recognizable. It's part of what really grips you right from the jump. My only knock, as others have mentioned, is I would have liked to spend more time with some of them and really get to see more interpersonal backstories. But, as its a Book 1, I imagine we have more of that coming.
Much like Quaintrell, Philips presents his action setpieces, and his world in general, through an extremely cinematic lens. Character movement within big action sequences is very clear and at times does feel like I'm watching it through a camera, moving with them, zooming in kills, and zooming out wide as he paints a picture of a city under siege, or a dragons sweeping across plains and mountains. He doesn't waste words in these sequences, making every blow from an axe, swipe from a sword, or blast of fire from a dragon feel horrifying but wholly earned.
I think this book will appeal to broad swaths of fantasy readers but particularly those who enjoy dragon riders, epic fantasy, modern fantasy, and grim dark. It's a beat for beat banger of a good time and I'm definitely ready for book 2.
June 26, 2026
This was a very fun dragon rider fantasy, and one with plenty of political drama, action, and magical introspection to keep you on your toes. We follow Wik, a young but powerful dragon rider in training; Eoradon and Rialin, rival dragon riders, the first a crown prince and the other a temperamental loner; and Sen, an aging but skilled warrior whose name alone puts fear into the hearts of any man.
Of course, we also get to see the insights and emotions of dragons as well. Iaxal is Eoradon's bonded dragon, who is fiesty and energetic but with the emotional grounding and confidence that her Rider seeks. Uanari, the bonded to their leader the Dragonmaster, is also a fascinating "King of Dragons," showing us over the course of the book how he came to earn that name.
All four find their stories colliding to a final battle, where a shadowy foe to dragon riders and the empire alike claims to speak for old, forgotten gods. The Dragonmaster, Meristofales, seems to have secrets of his own regarding this shadowy Rider and the news he brings.
My only complaint is that, as cool as Sen was, he felt somewhat overpowered by the time he was captured and had to plan his escape. I do think he could have gotten out of that situation in a different way, but it took me out of the story for a moment before I got back into it. A few other incidents after this had a similar issue. His other scenes were so much fun and I looked forward to them.
I also wished Eoradon and Rialin's rivarly could have been deepened a little further; their initial dislike leading up to a massive, destructive fight felt disproportionally small to the outcome of their duel. I find it understandable that Rialin, a commoner who resists some traditions, would have issues with Eoradon, who is royalty and better embraces the teachings of their monastery. However, why did he dislike his royal status? The book is not shy about class inequity elsewhere, so I found it odd that his distrust of his royal status and natural acceptance into the group was never further explored. It would have deepened the drama between them and made their journey together all the more interesting.
Wik I feel had the strongest character arc. She shows realistic but satisfying growth in her skills and abilities, including her bond to a dragon none thought possible. While she did not have as big a part in the story until just after the middle of the book, her build up to it was enjoyable and gave a unique insight into the magic of the dragon riders and the world at large.
All of this lead to a chapters long battle scene (woo hoo!) that was so hard to put down. The ending was tense, satisfying, and left me wanting more while also feeling like a good, natural conclusion for all involved. Looking forward to book 2!
Of course, we also get to see the insights and emotions of dragons as well. Iaxal is Eoradon's bonded dragon, who is fiesty and energetic but with the emotional grounding and confidence that her Rider seeks. Uanari, the bonded to their leader the Dragonmaster, is also a fascinating "King of Dragons," showing us over the course of the book how he came to earn that name.
All four find their stories colliding to a final battle, where a shadowy foe to dragon riders and the empire alike claims to speak for old, forgotten gods. The Dragonmaster, Meristofales, seems to have secrets of his own regarding this shadowy Rider and the news he brings.
My only complaint is that, as cool as Sen was, he felt somewhat overpowered by the time he was captured and had to plan his escape. I do think he could have gotten out of that situation in a different way, but it took me out of the story for a moment before I got back into it. A few other incidents after this had a similar issue. His other scenes were so much fun and I looked forward to them.
I also wished Eoradon and Rialin's rivarly could have been deepened a little further; their initial dislike leading up to a massive, destructive fight felt disproportionally small to the outcome of their duel. I find it understandable that Rialin, a commoner who resists some traditions, would have issues with Eoradon, who is royalty and better embraces the teachings of their monastery. However, why did he dislike his royal status? The book is not shy about class inequity elsewhere, so I found it odd that his distrust of his royal status and natural acceptance into the group was never further explored. It would have deepened the drama between them and made their journey together all the more interesting.
Wik I feel had the strongest character arc. She shows realistic but satisfying growth in her skills and abilities, including her bond to a dragon none thought possible. While she did not have as big a part in the story until just after the middle of the book, her build up to it was enjoyable and gave a unique insight into the magic of the dragon riders and the world at large.
All of this lead to a chapters long battle scene (woo hoo!) that was so hard to put down. The ending was tense, satisfying, and left me wanting more while also feeling like a good, natural conclusion for all involved. Looking forward to book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set in a world on the brink of conflict, The Ash Remains immediately pulls you into the action from page one. Our story sees a rising threat creeping across the continent, foreshadowing world-changing events. Stagnant empires, forgotten heroes, and legends of battle are all in play as this gripping story unfolds. The first book in the Law of Teeth Series by C. William Philips is classic dragonrider fantasy done well with some novel twists. This book balances world-building, magic, big battles, and palace intrigue in all the right ways.
What works for this book is that it does a great job providing rich but not over-engineered backstories of the characters and the world at large. If anything, it deftly uses some of the open mysteries as a great way to keep the reader guessing and ends on a fantastic note that will keep the reader guessing and wanting the next book in the series. There is a lot of ground covered in a medium-length fantasy book, which is refreshing and should lend itself to more casual fantasy readers or those looking to get into fantasy.
One thing I especially appreciated about this book is that magic is unpredictable and does not lead to overpowered characters who can progress their way through a rigidly defined system. The dragons are familiar but unique and add an additional layer of plot development that really works to serve the story in a complementary way and not a heavy-handed one. And most importantly, the author does a great job pulling at your heartstrings just enough to get the reader invested in and caring about the characters, even those who make questionable decisions.
My one complaint with the book is a plot device used on the journey of two of our characters that felt awkward and unnecessary. For the most part, this book has real stakes with real consequences. But for one brief section, there is, in my opinion, a throwaway character, and the sequence of events that lead to their downfall seemed too easy and overinflated the legend of our great warrior. That being said, this is a rock-solid book from start to finish.
This is a fantastic first book in a new and exciting series. I am very excited to continue the series and see how the author continues to build out his world, discover the secrets that are hinted at, and learn more about the nefarious powers in the shadows. A fantastic read that should be on everyone’s 2026 TBR. A big thank you to C. William Philips for the eARC and the opportunity to review this book before its release.
What works for this book is that it does a great job providing rich but not over-engineered backstories of the characters and the world at large. If anything, it deftly uses some of the open mysteries as a great way to keep the reader guessing and ends on a fantastic note that will keep the reader guessing and wanting the next book in the series. There is a lot of ground covered in a medium-length fantasy book, which is refreshing and should lend itself to more casual fantasy readers or those looking to get into fantasy.
One thing I especially appreciated about this book is that magic is unpredictable and does not lead to overpowered characters who can progress their way through a rigidly defined system. The dragons are familiar but unique and add an additional layer of plot development that really works to serve the story in a complementary way and not a heavy-handed one. And most importantly, the author does a great job pulling at your heartstrings just enough to get the reader invested in and caring about the characters, even those who make questionable decisions.
My one complaint with the book is a plot device used on the journey of two of our characters that felt awkward and unnecessary. For the most part, this book has real stakes with real consequences. But for one brief section, there is, in my opinion, a throwaway character, and the sequence of events that lead to their downfall seemed too easy and overinflated the legend of our great warrior. That being said, this is a rock-solid book from start to finish.
This is a fantastic first book in a new and exciting series. I am very excited to continue the series and see how the author continues to build out his world, discover the secrets that are hinted at, and learn more about the nefarious powers in the shadows. A fantastic read that should be on everyone’s 2026 TBR. A big thank you to C. William Philips for the eARC and the opportunity to review this book before its release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75/5 Stars
Format: E-Book ARC
Spoilers: No
Big thank you to the author for sending me an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Ash Remains is the first book in a planned dragon rider series from C. William Phillips. This book was extremely entertaining, and very impressive for an early work from a new author, being his second published book. In this story, we follow a team of dragon riders who have isolated themselves from the world, but are called back into action as ancient forces are coming to wreak havoc.
Phillips does a great job with battle scenes in particular. You can see his grim dark influences shining through in these vivid fighting scenes, and the action and pacing of the book beyond the first few chapters is nonstop. We also get some great characters, and Phillips does a great job writing characters that you really care about. I also thought this was a really great take on the traditional dragon rider story. Fans of dragons and dragon riders will enjoy the nostalgic feel of the book, but it is definitely not just a rehash of old dragon stories. Phillips does a wonderful job exploring the bond between dragon and rider. We also get a very interesting and mysterious magic in the world, and fans of books that don't spell the magic out to you will really enjoy this one.
In terms of critiques, I did want a bit more world building and background, especially for a book one. There was so much action, and there is a lot of mystery (especially in our epigraphs) surrounding the history and the magic, that I would have liked some more background on the world, and in particular, the riders and their history. I have a suspicion that that will come more as the series goes on. There was also a bit of repetition when it came to the battle scenes, especially in terms of frequent descriptions of the smell of battle. I think that major grim dark fans will probably not bat an eye, but if you're not super into the world of grim dark stories, some of the battle descriptions may feel a bit much.
Overall however, this is a great first entry from a promising new author. I will definitely continue the series, loved the characters, and am interested to learn more about the world and the magic. Congratulations to C William Phillips on a great book, and if you love dragon rider stories with some grit, and love a good battle scene, then you need to check this one out!
Format: E-Book ARC
Spoilers: No
Big thank you to the author for sending me an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Ash Remains is the first book in a planned dragon rider series from C. William Phillips. This book was extremely entertaining, and very impressive for an early work from a new author, being his second published book. In this story, we follow a team of dragon riders who have isolated themselves from the world, but are called back into action as ancient forces are coming to wreak havoc.
Phillips does a great job with battle scenes in particular. You can see his grim dark influences shining through in these vivid fighting scenes, and the action and pacing of the book beyond the first few chapters is nonstop. We also get some great characters, and Phillips does a great job writing characters that you really care about. I also thought this was a really great take on the traditional dragon rider story. Fans of dragons and dragon riders will enjoy the nostalgic feel of the book, but it is definitely not just a rehash of old dragon stories. Phillips does a wonderful job exploring the bond between dragon and rider. We also get a very interesting and mysterious magic in the world, and fans of books that don't spell the magic out to you will really enjoy this one.
In terms of critiques, I did want a bit more world building and background, especially for a book one. There was so much action, and there is a lot of mystery (especially in our epigraphs) surrounding the history and the magic, that I would have liked some more background on the world, and in particular, the riders and their history. I have a suspicion that that will come more as the series goes on. There was also a bit of repetition when it came to the battle scenes, especially in terms of frequent descriptions of the smell of battle. I think that major grim dark fans will probably not bat an eye, but if you're not super into the world of grim dark stories, some of the battle descriptions may feel a bit much.
Overall however, this is a great first entry from a promising new author. I will definitely continue the series, loved the characters, and am interested to learn more about the world and the magic. Congratulations to C William Phillips on a great book, and if you love dragon rider stories with some grit, and love a good battle scene, then you need to check this one out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a fantasy debut, this was incredibly well done!
If you love dragon riders, dragon bonds, characters with mysterious pasts, and an ominous threat poised to destroy everything, this is definitely a book you’ll want to pick up.
I was fully locked in with these characters! I wanted to learn more about them and uncover their pasts. They were easy to connect with, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. I love anything involving dragons, especially dragon bonds, and I thought that aspect was handled beautifully here. You can really feel the depth of love and loss between the riders and their dragons. The magic system was also easy to follow, and I especially loved the concept of wielding the Rider blade with the mind; it felt super unique.
The action was phenomenal and definitely a standout. I was on the edge of my seat during the fight scenes, especially toward the end. My mind usually drifts during action sequences, but that wasn’t the case here. They were engaging and very well executed. The tension was thoughtfully built, which made the pacing feel tight and punchy.
One small thing I found myself wanting more of was Eoradon’s flashbacks, It felt like a pivotal scene, and I would have loved to spend a bit more time there. In general, it would be nice to connect more with his past and time growing up in Mun-Alin. I also noticed that the Riders at Mun-Alin felt somewhat distant from one another, with less camaraderie than I expected. That said, this may be intentional and something that develops further as the series continues, While I thoroughly enjoyed it, I think a deeper dive into the characters' shared history could elevate this from great to exceptional.
Since this is the first book in a series, we don’t have all the answers yet. There are still so many mysteries surrounding the characters, the events around Mun-Alin, and the enemy. I am more than ready for book two!
If you love dragon riders, dragon bonds, characters with mysterious pasts, and an ominous threat poised to destroy everything, this is definitely a book you’ll want to pick up.
I was fully locked in with these characters! I wanted to learn more about them and uncover their pasts. They were easy to connect with, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. I love anything involving dragons, especially dragon bonds, and I thought that aspect was handled beautifully here. You can really feel the depth of love and loss between the riders and their dragons. The magic system was also easy to follow, and I especially loved the concept of wielding the Rider blade with the mind; it felt super unique.
The action was phenomenal and definitely a standout. I was on the edge of my seat during the fight scenes, especially toward the end. My mind usually drifts during action sequences, but that wasn’t the case here. They were engaging and very well executed. The tension was thoughtfully built, which made the pacing feel tight and punchy.
One small thing I found myself wanting more of was Eoradon’s flashbacks, It felt like a pivotal scene, and I would have loved to spend a bit more time there. In general, it would be nice to connect more with his past and time growing up in Mun-Alin. I also noticed that the Riders at Mun-Alin felt somewhat distant from one another, with less camaraderie than I expected. That said, this may be intentional and something that develops further as the series continues, While I thoroughly enjoyed it, I think a deeper dive into the characters' shared history could elevate this from great to exceptional.
Since this is the first book in a series, we don’t have all the answers yet. There are still so many mysteries surrounding the characters, the events around Mun-Alin, and the enemy. I am more than ready for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Top ten best feelings in the world? Reading a book that reminds you why you fell in love with fantasy in the first place.
The Ash Remains by C. William Phillips is one of those books.
From the outset, this is a confident and compelling debut that wastes no time pulling you in. At its core, this is a multi-POV epic fantasy that actually understands how to use perspective well. Each storyline feels purposeful, each character distinct, and every shift in viewpoint adds momentum rather than slowing it down.
What makes this stand out, however, is how it plays with familiar fantasy elements. Dragon riders, hidden legacies, powerful magic, the tension between good and evil; it is all here, but nothing feels tired or derivative. Instead, Phillips takes these well-loved tropes and reshapes them, adding nuance through shifting perspectives and a subtle thread of unpredictability that keeps the narrative feeling fresh.
The duality of the storylines was a particular highlight for me. On one side, you have the dragon riders, steeped in magic, training, and political tension. On the other, a far more grounded journey following a battle-worn man tasked with protecting a child. That latter storyline carries a surprising emotional weight, exploring themes of morality, responsibility, and found family in a way that elevates the entire book.
If I had one takeaway, it is this: this is the kind of debut that feels like the beginning of something much bigger. There is a clear confidence in the storytelling, and a sense that this world, these characters, have only just begun to unfold.
I am already impatient for book two.
I received an eARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review
The Ash Remains by C. William Phillips is one of those books.
From the outset, this is a confident and compelling debut that wastes no time pulling you in. At its core, this is a multi-POV epic fantasy that actually understands how to use perspective well. Each storyline feels purposeful, each character distinct, and every shift in viewpoint adds momentum rather than slowing it down.
What makes this stand out, however, is how it plays with familiar fantasy elements. Dragon riders, hidden legacies, powerful magic, the tension between good and evil; it is all here, but nothing feels tired or derivative. Instead, Phillips takes these well-loved tropes and reshapes them, adding nuance through shifting perspectives and a subtle thread of unpredictability that keeps the narrative feeling fresh.
The duality of the storylines was a particular highlight for me. On one side, you have the dragon riders, steeped in magic, training, and political tension. On the other, a far more grounded journey following a battle-worn man tasked with protecting a child. That latter storyline carries a surprising emotional weight, exploring themes of morality, responsibility, and found family in a way that elevates the entire book.
If I had one takeaway, it is this: this is the kind of debut that feels like the beginning of something much bigger. There is a clear confidence in the storytelling, and a sense that this world, these characters, have only just begun to unfold.
I am already impatient for book two.
I received an eARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review
May 27, 2026
I started this book not knowing what I was about to get into. I knew it was fantasy and it was a book one of a series, so I thought I would give this author a read and see what he’s all about.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. The author has a skill that will keep you turning the pages, from world building, character development, complexity of emotions, etc. I have not read many classic-type fantasy stories before, and I love how the author makes it simple and easy to love.
Character development is my absolute favorite part of this story. The author has a way of making you feel what the characters feel, the emotions they have; even to the point that you feel as if you know them. You’ll find yourself cheering them on and yearning to learn more about them. The writing gives the impression that the characters are real, which made the story even more enjoyable to me.
The antagonist has a very deep sense of evil and gives the impression that he is invincible. I could feel the hatred in the scenes that he and his dragon are in which helped propel me through the story to see how/if this evil will be conquered or carried forward in the series.
The ending is something that I did not see coming and has me eagerly awaiting the author to complete book two. I look forward to re-reading this story when then next one is close to being published.
Thank you very much to the author for allowing me to be part of this journey and I greatly appreciate you sending me the eARC to dive right into. I look forward to reading more of your work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. The author has a skill that will keep you turning the pages, from world building, character development, complexity of emotions, etc. I have not read many classic-type fantasy stories before, and I love how the author makes it simple and easy to love.
Character development is my absolute favorite part of this story. The author has a way of making you feel what the characters feel, the emotions they have; even to the point that you feel as if you know them. You’ll find yourself cheering them on and yearning to learn more about them. The writing gives the impression that the characters are real, which made the story even more enjoyable to me.
The antagonist has a very deep sense of evil and gives the impression that he is invincible. I could feel the hatred in the scenes that he and his dragon are in which helped propel me through the story to see how/if this evil will be conquered or carried forward in the series.
The ending is something that I did not see coming and has me eagerly awaiting the author to complete book two. I look forward to re-reading this story when then next one is close to being published.
Thank you very much to the author for allowing me to be part of this journey and I greatly appreciate you sending me the eARC to dive right into. I look forward to reading more of your work.
April 16, 2026
First off, I want to take a moment to admire the cover art of this book. The floating, massive sword beckons a lot of questions and the dragon missing part of its leg? I’m intrigued. One thing I love is a good prologue that gives you just enough information but also leaves you with a ton of questions, and this one did just that. This story is a traditional multi- POV story that even changes perspective in the middle of the chapter, but that didn’t confuse or distract me from my enjoyment. The story follows a wide cast of characters who each have their own past, traumas, and victories. The author does a great job explaining missing pieces of the story with really good, thought out flashback chapters. One thing I love in fantasy or any story in general is the mind blowing Ah-ha moments. There are plenty of those here and those are pivotal in keeping the reader engaged and sucked into the story. This book had some amazing fights especially with the dragons and the other characters. The battle at the end was epic on a whole other scale, I’ll leave it at that. Every mark was hit throughout this story. And in the end, I was even holding back tears or joy and sorrow. When you read it you’ll know. This was an amazing book one in a series and I can’t wait for book 2! And I’m going to need some more art as well! These dragons sound go cool from the descriptions. Easy 5 stars!
June 6, 2026
Firstly, how dare you!!! You know what you did!
What an amazing debut indie novel from Will that pulls on your heartstrings throughout.
We're introduced to a few POVs throughout the story, each of which I feel is handled quite well. Sen and Erick stole the spotlight for me. I think their relationship, while not an uncommon one in fantasy, was handled well and quickly created an emotional connection for the reader.
The use of the bond between the Dragon and their Rider is done in an interesting way. Will hasn't reinvented the wheel with the bond, but still makes it interesting, and at times, emotionally devastating. The Rider blade is something that I have not seen the likes of in media before, and was a nice and refreshing new addition to this kind of story.
I thought the battle scenes were written very well. I'm one of those people who can't really visualise when I read, and so often find myself trying really hard to avoid skimming a battle scenes. But I felt the way these were written you could really easily visualise the combat as it was happening. Some brutal scenes along the way that I felt were done well with the proper impact on the reader through their description.
A lot of questions have been left for future books, so I'm looking forward to reading more of the series as it comes out!
What an amazing debut indie novel from Will that pulls on your heartstrings throughout.
We're introduced to a few POVs throughout the story, each of which I feel is handled quite well. Sen and Erick stole the spotlight for me. I think their relationship, while not an uncommon one in fantasy, was handled well and quickly created an emotional connection for the reader.
The use of the bond between the Dragon and their Rider is done in an interesting way. Will hasn't reinvented the wheel with the bond, but still makes it interesting, and at times, emotionally devastating. The Rider blade is something that I have not seen the likes of in media before, and was a nice and refreshing new addition to this kind of story.
I thought the battle scenes were written very well. I'm one of those people who can't really visualise when I read, and so often find myself trying really hard to avoid skimming a battle scenes. But I felt the way these were written you could really easily visualise the combat as it was happening. Some brutal scenes along the way that I felt were done well with the proper impact on the reader through their description.
A lot of questions have been left for future books, so I'm looking forward to reading more of the series as it comes out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★★ (5/5 Teeth) — The Ash Remains by C. William Phillips
C. William Phillips comes out swinging with a phenomenal series opener. From the jump, it’s fast-paced and confident, pulling you in while layering mythology on a strict need-to-know basis. You’re never overwhelmed, but you’re always aware there’s something bigger just out of sight.
The multiple POVs are tight and purposeful, constantly driving momentum. And there’s a very real “no one is safe” energy here that gave me strong early Game of Thrones vibes — the world feels dangerous, unpredictable, and earned.
What really impressed me is how Phillips plays with classic fantasy pillars — found family, chosen one, good vs. evil — while adding just enough edge with unreliable narration and shifting perspectives to keep things fresh. Nothing feels cheap or overdone. It’s familiar in the best way, but never lazy.
I’m already fully invested in Ir-Anan, Mun-Alin, and wherever C. William Phillips takes this story next. This is one of those debuts where you can feel the confidence building something bigger.
Can’t wait for book two!
C. William Phillips comes out swinging with a phenomenal series opener. From the jump, it’s fast-paced and confident, pulling you in while layering mythology on a strict need-to-know basis. You’re never overwhelmed, but you’re always aware there’s something bigger just out of sight.
The multiple POVs are tight and purposeful, constantly driving momentum. And there’s a very real “no one is safe” energy here that gave me strong early Game of Thrones vibes — the world feels dangerous, unpredictable, and earned.
What really impressed me is how Phillips plays with classic fantasy pillars — found family, chosen one, good vs. evil — while adding just enough edge with unreliable narration and shifting perspectives to keep things fresh. Nothing feels cheap or overdone. It’s familiar in the best way, but never lazy.
I’m already fully invested in Ir-Anan, Mun-Alin, and wherever C. William Phillips takes this story next. This is one of those debuts where you can feel the confidence building something bigger.
Can’t wait for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
The Ash Remains is book one of The Law of Teeth in C. William Phillips fantasy debut series and I absolutely soared through this dragon-rider story.
From the start, I was head down and constantly reading these characters. Phillips way of writing made it easy to understand whilst also giving little hints of backstory and lore throughout. I actually wanted to know more about the past, and I hope to get that more as the series progresses because I feel like there's a lot to be told there.
I do like the characters in this one. They are so unique, with their own perspectives and interactions. The rivalry, the bonds, the family aspects are so believable. You're thrust into the start of this journey with no backstory but Phillips has you knowing these characters and their traits pretty quickly.
The story itself was enjoyable. It seems like a typical "good vs evil" so far but I'm sure there is a lot more in store. And the last few chapters had me fuming at certain others.
This is a book for those that enjoy dragon rider stories with a little difference. I think this is going to be a brilliant series.
The Ash Remains is book one of The Law of Teeth in C. William Phillips fantasy debut series and I absolutely soared through this dragon-rider story.
From the start, I was head down and constantly reading these characters. Phillips way of writing made it easy to understand whilst also giving little hints of backstory and lore throughout. I actually wanted to know more about the past, and I hope to get that more as the series progresses because I feel like there's a lot to be told there.
I do like the characters in this one. They are so unique, with their own perspectives and interactions. The rivalry, the bonds, the family aspects are so believable. You're thrust into the start of this journey with no backstory but Phillips has you knowing these characters and their traits pretty quickly.
The story itself was enjoyable. It seems like a typical "good vs evil" so far but I'm sure there is a lot more in store. And the last few chapters had me fuming at certain others.
This is a book for those that enjoy dragon rider stories with a little difference. I think this is going to be a brilliant series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Solid start to the series and I'm intrigued where it's going. I'm not a huge classic fantasy person in terms of story style, but Sen kept me interested early, and then a couple other characters pulled me in further.
Not a huge world building person either. appreciate its value, but it can drag me out of the story a little, and that was my disconnect early on with a lot of the characters besides Sen. As they got more into plot focus, I felt more invested.
The action scenes are fun and gripping, with stakes that felt real. The pointed flashbacks worked really well, and I'm excited to see where the court intrigue goes in the next one. The antagonist was compelling and ominous with a presence that could be felt on the page.
For anyone that loves the more classic fantasy style, this is definitely worth your attention. For readers like me, it's the promise of the payoff that makes the earlier build worth it. This happens with me in a lot of book ones, and it's very much a my preference thing. Phillips did a good job of hitting his important building points while keeping it intriguing enough where readers will be comfortable trusting the process.
Not a huge world building person either. appreciate its value, but it can drag me out of the story a little, and that was my disconnect early on with a lot of the characters besides Sen. As they got more into plot focus, I felt more invested.
The action scenes are fun and gripping, with stakes that felt real. The pointed flashbacks worked really well, and I'm excited to see where the court intrigue goes in the next one. The antagonist was compelling and ominous with a presence that could be felt on the page.
For anyone that loves the more classic fantasy style, this is definitely worth your attention. For readers like me, it's the promise of the payoff that makes the earlier build worth it. This happens with me in a lot of book ones, and it's very much a my preference thing. Phillips did a good job of hitting his important building points while keeping it intriguing enough where readers will be comfortable trusting the process.
June 8, 2026
This is a really cool debut fantasy from Will. It has the dragons I wanted and really well written characters. Will does a great job of hitting beats in the story that make you want to move to the next chapter ASAP which he also did very well in What Blood Remembers. If you've read that, I'd say that story felt very intimate and this one, while you also get time with characters, builds out the world. This book doesn't mess around with fluff either, it moves the whole time. I think I read the last 50-100 pages straight.
There are aspects to the magic system that I thought were very cool and I am looking forward to seeing how it develops. There's also an ax and some sword stuff I want to know more about, some bad asses and bad asses to be that develop throughout.
If you read after you finish, I think you'll be surprised at a character that was written in later to the book.
If you want dragons and dragon riders, good and evil, battle axes and swords that fly, come check this one out. Bonus: a dragon does something in this which I have never seen an author do before even though it is obvious in retrospect!
There are aspects to the magic system that I thought were very cool and I am looking forward to seeing how it develops. There's also an ax and some sword stuff I want to know more about, some bad asses and bad asses to be that develop throughout.
If you read after you finish, I think you'll be surprised at a character that was written in later to the book.
If you want dragons and dragon riders, good and evil, battle axes and swords that fly, come check this one out. Bonus: a dragon does something in this which I have never seen an author do before even though it is obvious in retrospect!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I beta read this book for Will and even in its early stage I’d easily give it at least 4.5 stars! Looking forward to seeing the full polish.
I haven’t read a dragon rider fantasy since the Inheritance Cycle when I was a teen but this was the perfect way to step back in for me. It still captured the pulse-pounding thrill and wonder of taking to the skies on dragon back but did so with much more adult themes and action.
If you’ve read Will’s debut novel What Blood Remembers (and if you haven’t you should) you’ll know he doesn’t shy away from the bloody details of violence and this book was no exception.
The magic is awesome and fresh (I mean how cool are giant floating telekinetically controlled swords?). The final battle is one of the more well done, full-scale battles I’ve ever read. And the most badass character in the book doesn’t even need a dragon.
Will is clearly setting up for a lot in this book so I look forward to seeing where the story goes in the world he has so vividly imagined.
I haven’t read a dragon rider fantasy since the Inheritance Cycle when I was a teen but this was the perfect way to step back in for me. It still captured the pulse-pounding thrill and wonder of taking to the skies on dragon back but did so with much more adult themes and action.
If you’ve read Will’s debut novel What Blood Remembers (and if you haven’t you should) you’ll know he doesn’t shy away from the bloody details of violence and this book was no exception.
The magic is awesome and fresh (I mean how cool are giant floating telekinetically controlled swords?). The final battle is one of the more well done, full-scale battles I’ve ever read. And the most badass character in the book doesn’t even need a dragon.
Will is clearly setting up for a lot in this book so I look forward to seeing where the story goes in the world he has so vividly imagined.
Review of advance copy received from Author
C. William Phillips aka Words With Will provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And honestly, holy shit man. This is absolutely unreal. It's incredibly bleak and brutal, but there are a few moments of hope as well. I don't want to spoil big plot points, but there are some insane twists towards the end (one that broke my soul another that sets up for the series to really explode) and I was on the edge of my seat.
I really appreciate how Will takes standard dragonrider fantasy tropes and uses them in unique ways. I think it's the way he writes his characters, it makes their decisions more realistic and impactful. That way even when there are a few tropey moments, they feel deserved.
Also, holy cow can this man write an epic fighting sequence. The action is so brutal, but incredibly badass. Sen my GOAT, I shall say more. He's not the only one though.
Just... What a book. I devoured this so fast and I'm definitely going to read it again, probably over the summer. Do yourself a favor and go read this!
And honestly, holy shit man. This is absolutely unreal. It's incredibly bleak and brutal, but there are a few moments of hope as well. I don't want to spoil big plot points, but there are some insane twists towards the end (one that broke my soul another that sets up for the series to really explode) and I was on the edge of my seat.
I really appreciate how Will takes standard dragonrider fantasy tropes and uses them in unique ways. I think it's the way he writes his characters, it makes their decisions more realistic and impactful. That way even when there are a few tropey moments, they feel deserved.
Also, holy cow can this man write an epic fighting sequence. The action is so brutal, but incredibly badass. Sen my GOAT, I shall say more. He's not the only one though.
Just... What a book. I devoured this so fast and I'm definitely going to read it again, probably over the summer. Do yourself a favor and go read this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC!
This is a promising start for The Law of Teeth, however long the series may turn out to be. It's a lot of setup for a coming conflict, as the first entry in a fantasy series often is, and what it's setting up looks like it's going to be really interesting.
It was also quite nice to read a dragon rider story that isn't a coming-of-age, as most of them tend to be. The magic system was also quite interesting, being on the softer and more unpredictable side, and I hope that more focus goes into it in the future of the series.
Sen was by far the most interesting character to me, and with the direction his story took at the end of the book I'm quite looking forward to seeing what happens next with him.
Overall, this was a solid read and I think this is going to be a series to keep an eye on!
This is a promising start for The Law of Teeth, however long the series may turn out to be. It's a lot of setup for a coming conflict, as the first entry in a fantasy series often is, and what it's setting up looks like it's going to be really interesting.
It was also quite nice to read a dragon rider story that isn't a coming-of-age, as most of them tend to be. The magic system was also quite interesting, being on the softer and more unpredictable side, and I hope that more focus goes into it in the future of the series.
Sen was by far the most interesting character to me, and with the direction his story took at the end of the book I'm quite looking forward to seeing what happens next with him.
Overall, this was a solid read and I think this is going to be a series to keep an eye on!
May 18, 2026
No surprise, I really enjoyed this one. It’s a fairly classic approach to dragon riding and riders with some neat variations. Such as giant psychic swords. And some interesting things going on around bonding.
What I really liked was that we start the story after the glory days of the dragon riders. The heroes are past their prime, both the dragon-rider kind and the Sen-kind (though still formidable) and the new generation is mostly untested. We also have some mystery set-ups that I really want to know more about!
Characters:
I surprisingly don’t have a stand-out favorite. I usually gravitate to one, maybe two, but I really enjoyed all the perspectives pretty evenly. I was always eager to dive into the next one even if I really wanted to stick with the last one a little longer.
Possibly my favorite relationship and one I hope we continue to explore is Rialin and Eorodan. There’s history and tension and rivalry but also respect between the two and I can’t wait to see how their story develops.
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I really liked was that we start the story after the glory days of the dragon riders. The heroes are past their prime, both the dragon-rider kind and the Sen-kind (though still formidable) and the new generation is mostly untested. We also have some mystery set-ups that I really want to know more about!
Characters:
I surprisingly don’t have a stand-out favorite. I usually gravitate to one, maybe two, but I really enjoyed all the perspectives pretty evenly. I was always eager to dive into the next one even if I really wanted to stick with the last one a little longer.
Possibly my favorite relationship and one I hope we continue to explore is Rialin and Eorodan. There’s history and tension and rivalry but also respect between the two and I can’t wait to see how their story develops.
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My first thoughts about “The Ash Remains” after my
beta read were similar to my emotions when I read
Will’s debut novel “What Blood Remembers”.
If you are already a fan - you do not want to
miss out on his upcoming dark epic fantasy!!
The action keeps things fast - paced & the
character work kept me invested. The plot
includes familiar elements that I already knew
I’d enjoy, such as dragon bonds, morally grey
characters with dark pasts, struggling in their
current situations to decifier between right & wrong.
There is mystery to this world that kept me wanting
more - that kept pushing me forward as I followed
multple character POV’s. Most of all I loved the
dragons. Done in such a way that made me feel like
I got an inside look into the lore instead of being
on the outside wishing for more.
The ending. The battles. The devastation.
Absolutely phenomenal.
I can not wait to see what happens next!!
beta read were similar to my emotions when I read
Will’s debut novel “What Blood Remembers”.
If you are already a fan - you do not want to
miss out on his upcoming dark epic fantasy!!
The action keeps things fast - paced & the
character work kept me invested. The plot
includes familiar elements that I already knew
I’d enjoy, such as dragon bonds, morally grey
characters with dark pasts, struggling in their
current situations to decifier between right & wrong.
There is mystery to this world that kept me wanting
more - that kept pushing me forward as I followed
multple character POV’s. Most of all I loved the
dragons. Done in such a way that made me feel like
I got an inside look into the lore instead of being
on the outside wishing for more.
The ending. The battles. The devastation.
Absolutely phenomenal.
I can not wait to see what happens next!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first dragon rider book and I really enjoyed it. The fact that this is a fantasy debut is very impressive. The battle scenes were incredible and I found the entire story highly entertaining.
While at first I had some issues figuring out what was going on I really enjoyed the different aspects of the story. Following Wik as she learns to be a dragon rider, Sen as he protects Erik and the rest of the Dragon Riders as they struggle with their sequestering had me not wanting to put the book down.
I especially loved the way the book ended, the action was fast paced and gritty and I am so investing into seeing what happens in the next book.
If you are looking for a fun dragon rider series definitely pick this one up when it comes out.
This was my first dragon rider book and I really enjoyed it. The fact that this is a fantasy debut is very impressive. The battle scenes were incredible and I found the entire story highly entertaining.
While at first I had some issues figuring out what was going on I really enjoyed the different aspects of the story. Following Wik as she learns to be a dragon rider, Sen as he protects Erik and the rest of the Dragon Riders as they struggle with their sequestering had me not wanting to put the book down.
I especially loved the way the book ended, the action was fast paced and gritty and I am so investing into seeing what happens in the next book.
If you are looking for a fun dragon rider series definitely pick this one up when it comes out.
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