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The Dragons of Kendualdern #1
Ascension
In a world dominated by dragons, Gorliad, a young dragon prince must fight for his throne when his birthright is taken from him by cruel tricks of fate. If he presses forward, then he will go against thousands of years of tradition and laws that will exile him from his family and mark him for death.
In order to succeed, he will have to outsmart rival dragons as well as the dwarves who serve them... and risk everyone he has ever loved.
In order to succeed, he will have to outsmart rival dragons as well as the dwarves who serve them... and risk everyone he has ever loved.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2015
75 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Sam Ferguson
64 books132 followers Sam is a very lucky guy. He juggles work in such a way that he makes sure to spend enough time with his loving wife and five sons. He is blessed to be writing full time now. In his spare time he is an avid powerlifter, and competes from time to time.
He spent nearly five years serving as a U.S. Diplomat and absolutely loved the experience, but decided to move back home. Outside of the U.S. he has lived in Latvia, Hungary, and Armenia. He speaks Russian, Hungarian, and Armenian. (He used to speak some Latvian too, but he has no one to practice with anymore…)
He has a large, happy dog.
He plays the Elder Scrolls series.
His favorite superhero is Wolverine, but Batman is a close second.
If the kids go to bed at a reasonable hour, he will cuddle up with his wife to watch Scrubs reruns, the Big Bang Theory, Castle, and Burn Notice.
If you enjoy his books, then join Sam Ferguson’s Facebook page, sign up for alerts on his Amazon page where we would encourage you to leave reviews on the books you have read, or you can follow Sam on his author blog: www.talesfromterramyr.com/ and on his weight lifting blog: www.steeldads.blogspot.com
He spent nearly five years serving as a U.S. Diplomat and absolutely loved the experience, but decided to move back home. Outside of the U.S. he has lived in Latvia, Hungary, and Armenia. He speaks Russian, Hungarian, and Armenian. (He used to speak some Latvian too, but he has no one to practice with anymore…)
He has a large, happy dog.
He plays the Elder Scrolls series.
His favorite superhero is Wolverine, but Batman is a close second.
If the kids go to bed at a reasonable hour, he will cuddle up with his wife to watch Scrubs reruns, the Big Bang Theory, Castle, and Burn Notice.
If you enjoy his books, then join Sam Ferguson’s Facebook page, sign up for alerts on his Amazon page where we would encourage you to leave reviews on the books you have read, or you can follow Sam on his author blog: www.talesfromterramyr.com/ and on his weight lifting blog: www.steeldads.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 16, 2021
This is the best book I have read so far this year... In fact it is better than all the books I read last year as well! The author is a master storyteller and he weaves his words together sublimely! When an author is really good I don't read their books... I live them! And this book has Dragons and Dwarves living together and I am loving very page of it. Books like this are what makes reading the very best thing... The world this author has created is so rich and and diverse yet in some ways so simple that it comes alive effortlessly! I can't wait to get started on book 2 in the series!!
June 28, 2022
A fantastic and gripping tale.
The story unfolds in an extremely hierarchical, caste based society of dragons and dwarves ruled by a dragon king and overseen by inflexible laws and traditions.
In such a world, some just abide by the rules, some do not and suffer for it, while others covertly attempt to preserve their feelings and desires and their status both.
It is by those rules that Gorliad one day finds himself an outcast. Not only is he disowned as heir, but his sire and dam repudiate his very existence as their offspring, and he finds himself thrown at the lowliest grade of the society. Then his dam engages in a dreadful deceit to maintain her own status, and keep her mate.
His few allies must tread carefully lest they would be destroyed themselves.
I did not expect such intensity from the nearly first half of the book (yet it was already good so far), then a cascading chain of events is set in motion in an unstoppable domino effect.
The character relationships, the plots are well crafted so that the reader is engaged not only with the fate of the main character, but with all of them, with none truly being a villain even when doing terrible wrongs.
A tale about resilience as one could guess from the summary, but not only that.
No cliffhanger end, this story stands by itself. Yet I am curious to see what the other books in that series and world may hold.
The story unfolds in an extremely hierarchical, caste based society of dragons and dwarves ruled by a dragon king and overseen by inflexible laws and traditions.
In such a world, some just abide by the rules, some do not and suffer for it, while others covertly attempt to preserve their feelings and desires and their status both.
It is by those rules that Gorliad one day finds himself an outcast. Not only is he disowned as heir, but his sire and dam repudiate his very existence as their offspring, and he finds himself thrown at the lowliest grade of the society. Then his dam engages in a dreadful deceit to maintain her own status, and keep her mate.
His few allies must tread carefully lest they would be destroyed themselves.
I did not expect such intensity from the nearly first half of the book (yet it was already good so far), then a cascading chain of events is set in motion in an unstoppable domino effect.
The character relationships, the plots are well crafted so that the reader is engaged not only with the fate of the main character, but with all of them, with none truly being a villain even when doing terrible wrongs.
A tale about resilience as one could guess from the summary, but not only that.
No cliffhanger end, this story stands by itself. Yet I am curious to see what the other books in that series and world may hold.
March 15, 2023
I have only read this first book in the series and I am going to be stopping here. The story is alright, but I was expecting more.
The story focuses on character building disproportionately, in a sense that the world is rather poorly explained. The primary concepts of the universe introduced are obviously part of some grander design, but it is not revealed in the first book, only aspects of it are mentioned in passing. This is not unique on its own, many authors do that with the initial book, but in this one I've missed some depth.
Character development is okay. I liked it overall.
The main thing I've disliked about the book is the writing style - to me it feels rather simplistic and superficial, glossing over and failing to reach the depth I am looking for in the story. Sometimes it almost feels like I am beyond the age group of a target audience for this work. The writing itself is not bad, just simple. That said, there are quite a few really obvious spelling mistakes left in the text, which I've found rather strange. Editing was done really poorly or not at all.
I was debating between two or three stars for this story, as I found it more "okay" than "I liked it", as per Goodreads guidelines. But it's not a bad story, I just wasn't a fan of how it was told.
The story focuses on character building disproportionately, in a sense that the world is rather poorly explained. The primary concepts of the universe introduced are obviously part of some grander design, but it is not revealed in the first book, only aspects of it are mentioned in passing. This is not unique on its own, many authors do that with the initial book, but in this one I've missed some depth.
Character development is okay. I liked it overall.
The main thing I've disliked about the book is the writing style - to me it feels rather simplistic and superficial, glossing over and failing to reach the depth I am looking for in the story. Sometimes it almost feels like I am beyond the age group of a target audience for this work. The writing itself is not bad, just simple. That said, there are quite a few really obvious spelling mistakes left in the text, which I've found rather strange. Editing was done really poorly or not at all.
I was debating between two or three stars for this story, as I found it more "okay" than "I liked it", as per Goodreads guidelines. But it's not a bad story, I just wasn't a fan of how it was told.
January 18, 2018
The Dragons of Kendualdern: Ascension
Wow the tale threw me off my reading schedule, but it was worth it. Read this tale and see it unfold into a tale of spirit and noble ideals. It is the unfolding life of Prince Gorliad, after he is injured looking part of a foreleg he becomes an outcast. After clashing with his younger brother Prince Beleriad and his mother Siravel he goes on his own and has the adventure of a lifetime.
Wow the tale threw me off my reading schedule, but it was worth it. Read this tale and see it unfold into a tale of spirit and noble ideals. It is the unfolding life of Prince Gorliad, after he is injured looking part of a foreleg he becomes an outcast. After clashing with his younger brother Prince Beleriad and his mother Siravel he goes on his own and has the adventure of a lifetime.
April 27, 2018
More detailed review to come, way too invested in the series to stop atm.
Essentially, Age of Fire but with less gratuitous gut-punches, and a lot more epicness. Incredible battle scenes and emotional button-mashing.
Protagonist and setup at the start gave me a bit of deja-vu with Dragon Outcast, but it's really a very different story.
The author seems to be incredibly prolific, and I'm more than happy to dive into the rest of his works.
Essentially, Age of Fire but with less gratuitous gut-punches, and a lot more epicness. Incredible battle scenes and emotional button-mashing.
Protagonist and setup at the start gave me a bit of deja-vu with Dragon Outcast, but it's really a very different story.
The author seems to be incredibly prolific, and I'm more than happy to dive into the rest of his works.
July 7, 2021
I enjoyed the beginning but the book fell apart for me after the 'incident'.
February 17, 2021
Ascension
This was quite a wonderful book with a very unique take on a dragon world. The dragons are the dominant species and there are no humans. I am looking forward to the next book
This was quite a wonderful book with a very unique take on a dragon world. The dragons are the dominant species and there are no humans. I am looking forward to the next book
January 23, 2016
Good read
Takes you to another place. You forget almost forget the main character is not human. Makes me wish I could find more written from a dragon's point of view.
Takes you to another place. You forget almost forget the main character is not human. Makes me wish I could find more written from a dragon's point of view.
July 31, 2023
Actual rating 3.5 out of 5 stars
Where the story lacks in description it makes up for nicely written characters and delves into themes of integrity and freedom. The action scenes were also nicely executed and kept me guessing who will survive the next skirmish.
With that said, the last handful of chapters felt very unrewarding. Villains didn’t get their rightful comeuppance and one was straight up forgiven for all the wrongdoings she’d done by her doormat of a husband - who would’ve benefitted from having a few more chapters to himself to get more of his side of the story.
Overall, this was a thoroughly entertaining read. I haven’t enjoyed a dragon book in years!
Where the story lacks in description it makes up for nicely written characters and delves into themes of integrity and freedom. The action scenes were also nicely executed and kept me guessing who will survive the next skirmish.
With that said, the last handful of chapters felt very unrewarding. Villains didn’t get their rightful comeuppance and one was straight up forgiven for all the wrongdoings she’d done by her doormat of a husband - who would’ve benefitted from having a few more chapters to himself to get more of his side of the story.
Overall, this was a thoroughly entertaining read. I haven’t enjoyed a dragon book in years!
September 2, 2020
I absolutely adore Sam Ferguson and his dragon stories. The normal tropes are there, but the way he spins the story is soooo good. My only problem is that is absolutely hell trying to find books in the Kendualdern series. Please Mr. Ferguson if you read this.....reprint!
P.S. Keep writing more
P.S. Keep writing more
May 5, 2021
I love love love this book. The characters were complex and changed over time. The story was captivating and the writing was great! The only small issue I had was the settings could have been described a little more, but that is such a small thing that I'm not going to take a star away. I'm looking forward to reading book 2!
January 20, 2018
Wings of Dragon realm
From a Prince hatching to a maimed warrior becoming a compassionate king leads the reader through the trials and tribulations of dragons and dwarves lives and interactions as the strive to unify.
From a Prince hatching to a maimed warrior becoming a compassionate king leads the reader through the trials and tribulations of dragons and dwarves lives and interactions as the strive to unify.
May 25, 2018
A truly epic story that spans decades in the lives of a kingdom of dragons and their dwarvish servants. Intrigue, familial strife, traditions and altered ability all play a major role in this sweeping story that will delight and move you.
A great read from a great writer.
A great read from a great writer.
April 18, 2019
NOTHING CAN KEEP YOU AWAY FROM THAT WHICH YOU DESIRE
A wonderful story of a prince to be who was deposed of his inheritance because of a law. There is treachery, jealousy and a strong will to be wound into this story.
A wonderful story of a prince to be who was deposed of his inheritance because of a law. There is treachery, jealousy and a strong will to be wound into this story.
November 29, 2017
Very unique!
I really enjoyed this book, it kept me interested all the time I was reading it . It has a great story line to it.
I really enjoyed this book, it kept me interested all the time I was reading it . It has a great story line to it.
November 1, 2022
Love and Law
Shows how to balance love & law. How to balance each with one another, or give priority to each other appropriately.
Shows how to balance love & law. How to balance each with one another, or give priority to each other appropriately.
Read
August 15, 2017After my initial review I found out from the author that there is no cussing in this story and I am excited to keep on reading!
August 12, 2016
Favorite book of the summer!
Ascension is a great story that follows Gorliad through his Ascension, or rise from egg to whatever he becomes
(no spoilers here).
Let's start where readers start: The cover art is amazing! It made me want to read the book.
When I started reading it was immediately different from most books I have read because of the perspective. It comes from the perspective of dragons (and sometimes dwarfs). In many fantasy books the dragons are feared and looked at as some kind of thing to be killed. So the perspective of this book in itself is refreshing and original.
The story is engaging yet detailed. I have enough information that I can picture everything that is happening, and make predictions of what is to come, and yet the story isn't bogged down, or slowed down by too much. It is a perfect balance of setting the stage and giving me non-stop action.
Several times while reading this book I started to guess what might happen next. While I was often right, I was also sometimes surprised by the turn of events which is fun for me as a reader.
The ending of the book is fantastic! The climax battle sequence, was very well done, and left me completely satisfied! I also love that it packaged up the entire book into something you can read as a stand alone, but I am also excited for the next installment that will bring me back into Kendualdern.
Easily the best book I've read this summer! Five Stars!
Ascension is a great story that follows Gorliad through his Ascension, or rise from egg to whatever he becomes
(no spoilers here).
Let's start where readers start: The cover art is amazing! It made me want to read the book.
When I started reading it was immediately different from most books I have read because of the perspective. It comes from the perspective of dragons (and sometimes dwarfs). In many fantasy books the dragons are feared and looked at as some kind of thing to be killed. So the perspective of this book in itself is refreshing and original.
The story is engaging yet detailed. I have enough information that I can picture everything that is happening, and make predictions of what is to come, and yet the story isn't bogged down, or slowed down by too much. It is a perfect balance of setting the stage and giving me non-stop action.
Several times while reading this book I started to guess what might happen next. While I was often right, I was also sometimes surprised by the turn of events which is fun for me as a reader.
The ending of the book is fantastic! The climax battle sequence, was very well done, and left me completely satisfied! I also love that it packaged up the entire book into something you can read as a stand alone, but I am also excited for the next installment that will bring me back into Kendualdern.
Easily the best book I've read this summer! Five Stars!
January 17, 2016
Really original story and good too!
In this story the dwarves are in charge of the nurseries that house dragon eggs. The eggs are kept according to their stations in life. The egg with a red spot is the MOST important egg and very rare.
After the eggs hatch, the lesser are trained in service to the king and other stations in their subservient lives. The Dragon from the egg with the red spot is placed into a royal nursery and taught by the dwarves in all subjects necessary for this dragon to be successful, someday, in his own kingdom.
There are many female dragons trying to attract the attention of the King dragon. The Queen of the dragons is fearful when the other "younger" females try to get the king to notice them.
I have given you a brief intro into this story which is so much more involved and very much worth the read.
In this story the dwarves are in charge of the nurseries that house dragon eggs. The eggs are kept according to their stations in life. The egg with a red spot is the MOST important egg and very rare.
After the eggs hatch, the lesser are trained in service to the king and other stations in their subservient lives. The Dragon from the egg with the red spot is placed into a royal nursery and taught by the dwarves in all subjects necessary for this dragon to be successful, someday, in his own kingdom.
There are many female dragons trying to attract the attention of the King dragon. The Queen of the dragons is fearful when the other "younger" females try to get the king to notice them.
I have given you a brief intro into this story which is so much more involved and very much worth the read.
June 19, 2021
Dragon's aplenty
I have to be honest I am not a fan of Dragon mcs normally but I tried this story anyway for a change. I wasn't expecting much which was good as I enjoyed this book even more. It's a long book with what I would call a balanced amount of time given to other characters which enriches the story while not taking away from our M.C and hero who I love. He fights through adversity and stigma of a disability from those stuck in their ways to overcome those views
I have to be honest I am not a fan of Dragon mcs normally but I tried this story anyway for a change. I wasn't expecting much which was good as I enjoyed this book even more. It's a long book with what I would call a balanced amount of time given to other characters which enriches the story while not taking away from our M.C and hero who I love. He fights through adversity and stigma of a disability from those stuck in their ways to overcome those views
February 20, 2021
Absolutely and thoroughly enjoyable
I had thought that the story started off a little small but it is so creative and so imaginative that it just draws you in and you just can’t stop reading and the ending is also wonderful
I had thought that the story started off a little small but it is so creative and so imaginative that it just draws you in and you just can’t stop reading and the ending is also wonderful
February 27, 2021
Exciting
I really enjoyed reading about the dragons and dwarves. It’s hard to imagine that the dragons enslaved them or that they birthed them out of the mountain. It was full of so many factions and I loved it.
I really enjoyed reading about the dragons and dwarves. It’s hard to imagine that the dragons enslaved them or that they birthed them out of the mountain. It was full of so many factions and I loved it.
March 29, 2022
Wow...just WOW!
This is a great book! The story has a realistic feel and characters I think many will identify with.
It has joy, heartbreak, hope and loss Eventually climaxing into a profoundly satisfying conclusion.
I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
This is a great book! The story has a realistic feel and characters I think many will identify with.
It has joy, heartbreak, hope and loss Eventually climaxing into a profoundly satisfying conclusion.
I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
January 26, 2021
Great
This book disappeared a while back, and I’m happy to see it return. A great and unique series, and I can’t wait for the next book.
This book disappeared a while back, and I’m happy to see it return. A great and unique series, and I can’t wait for the next book.
July 12, 2021
Really tho? Really?
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews