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The Forged And The Fallen #4
Through Winter and Darkness
He was not meant to ride dragons. Not until he was willing to bleed for them.
Cyran Orendain and his dragon, Shadelmere, have been branded as outcasts and traitors to the kingdom, a hefty price placed on their heads. Cyran begins freeing Shadelmere’s kin, a crime punishable by death, and this time he goes too far. Not even his dragonknight title and magics can save him.
In the midst of his struggles, Cyran must earn vast amounts of coin—if that were possible in this world—to build a legion to confront the Harrowed and their hordes, or all of Cimeren will fall. He travels to arenas, seeking victories, and must work with the thieves’ and merchants’ guilds to span a chasm of distrust, deceit, and murder. Only then will he be ready to face the coming dead who yearn for vengeance five centuries in the making. But his legion falls ill and only one can cure and ready them for battle—a legendary dragon healer, the likes of which Cimeren has not seen in an age.
In the bleak north, Jaslin and her comrades flee the aftermath of the war, hunting the Sky Sea Pearl. If the living are to stand any chance against the coming tide, she must reclaim the pearl, or all dragon bonds will be shattered.
Sirra the Dragon Queen seeks a new mount, a beast who could withstand the armies of the Harrowed. But to find such a creature, she must travel to the ends of the world, to the sky sea and beyond, to where the old gods locked away a monster so terrifying that they bound it for all eternity.
In winter’s darkest embrace, the greatest of uncertainties unfolds, and all paths are precarious, each leading to an alternate but inevitable bloody end.
Cyran Orendain and his dragon, Shadelmere, have been branded as outcasts and traitors to the kingdom, a hefty price placed on their heads. Cyran begins freeing Shadelmere’s kin, a crime punishable by death, and this time he goes too far. Not even his dragonknight title and magics can save him.
In the midst of his struggles, Cyran must earn vast amounts of coin—if that were possible in this world—to build a legion to confront the Harrowed and their hordes, or all of Cimeren will fall. He travels to arenas, seeking victories, and must work with the thieves’ and merchants’ guilds to span a chasm of distrust, deceit, and murder. Only then will he be ready to face the coming dead who yearn for vengeance five centuries in the making. But his legion falls ill and only one can cure and ready them for battle—a legendary dragon healer, the likes of which Cimeren has not seen in an age.
In the bleak north, Jaslin and her comrades flee the aftermath of the war, hunting the Sky Sea Pearl. If the living are to stand any chance against the coming tide, she must reclaim the pearl, or all dragon bonds will be shattered.
Sirra the Dragon Queen seeks a new mount, a beast who could withstand the armies of the Harrowed. But to find such a creature, she must travel to the ends of the world, to the sky sea and beyond, to where the old gods locked away a monster so terrifying that they bound it for all eternity.
In winter’s darkest embrace, the greatest of uncertainties unfolds, and all paths are precarious, each leading to an alternate but inevitable bloody end.
643 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2026
About the author
R.M. Schultz
127 books447 followersReceive a FREE R.M. Schultz best seller:
https://rmschultzauthor.com/landing-p...
R.M. Schultz is a #1 best-selling author of fantasy and science fiction.
After reading Tolkien, Ryan wrote his first 100,000-word fantasy novel as a freshman in high school. When he’s not saving animals, he continues reading and writing fantasy and science fiction, and has done so for over two decades. Ryan founded and heads the North Seattle Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Group and has published over a dozen novels.
And more than anything, he wants to be knighted by George R.R. Martin.
https://rmschultzauthor.com/landing-p...
R.M. Schultz is a #1 best-selling author of fantasy and science fiction.
After reading Tolkien, Ryan wrote his first 100,000-word fantasy novel as a freshman in high school. When he’s not saving animals, he continues reading and writing fantasy and science fiction, and has done so for over two decades. Ryan founded and heads the North Seattle Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Group and has published over a dozen novels.
And more than anything, he wants to be knighted by George R.R. Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 14, 2026
Great adventure with everything in fantasy : dragons, magic, elves, undead... war, treason, love ...
The path of the hero is never easy and this complex and twisted story neither. With several points of view you can follow all sides of a war that could change the world.
This is part of a series and you must read the previous books, otherwise you'll be lost. But it worths the time. And then you'll must read the next (and final?) one as soon as it's released.
There are good people, evil ones and a lot in between.
A thrilling tale that hooks you where enemies can turn into allies and losing the war may not be the worst scenario.
Certainly the end of the war is far from peace and there is yet a lot to fight for. I'm already honing my sword.
The path of the hero is never easy and this complex and twisted story neither. With several points of view you can follow all sides of a war that could change the world.
This is part of a series and you must read the previous books, otherwise you'll be lost. But it worths the time. And then you'll must read the next (and final?) one as soon as it's released.
There are good people, evil ones and a lot in between.
A thrilling tale that hooks you where enemies can turn into allies and losing the war may not be the worst scenario.
Certainly the end of the war is far from peace and there is yet a lot to fight for. I'm already honing my sword.
April 21, 2026
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book; I just needed to know what Cyran would do next after the ending of book 3! This story is thrilling with the same great character development and action that the series is known for. We get an exciting conclusion to one storyline, but also the stakes are set to what looks to be an amazing book 5! I particularly enjoyed the mix of epic scale conflict between the opposing sides along with some more character-centered adventure scenes in this one. 5 stars, I highly recommend this book.
April 21, 2026
This is a fantastic book .
Great characters .
The words allowed you to imagine being there .
Loved the book.
Great characters .
The words allowed you to imagine being there .
Loved the book.
August 8, 2026
A TRUE MASTERPIECE!!!!!
Schultz does an outstanding job through all of his books keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The nail biting tale of good vs evil with true integrity and honor fighting the corrupt evil intent on enslaving the dragons and ruling people of cimeren. The Dread king is truly dishonest trying to appear as a loving kind king who underneath is as bad or worse than Beninthel the harrowed elf king they just defeated. Schultz is truly gifted to create such a spellbinding tale of true love, friendship and loyalty vs dark desires of the greedy and murderous dread king who will stop at nothing to obtain power. I can’t wait for the last book in series to be released.
Schultz does an outstanding job through all of his books keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The nail biting tale of good vs evil with true integrity and honor fighting the corrupt evil intent on enslaving the dragons and ruling people of cimeren. The Dread king is truly dishonest trying to appear as a loving kind king who underneath is as bad or worse than Beninthel the harrowed elf king they just defeated. Schultz is truly gifted to create such a spellbinding tale of true love, friendship and loyalty vs dark desires of the greedy and murderous dread king who will stop at nothing to obtain power. I can’t wait for the last book in series to be released.
May 29, 2026
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. This series just gets more incredible. Well written with detailed imagery, this latest edition had me totally immersed into the storyline as the plans are made to defeat the Harrowed. Despite the many complications, each one a journey of its own, hope thrives and plans are set until joining for the ultimate battle. Fast paced, action packed with nail biting moments that keeps you reading well into the night. The characters, the dragons and thieves work tirelessly, becoming crucial to success The uncertainty keeps you reading, until the epic ending which leaves you waiting to know more
April 25, 2026
Epic tale of dragons, knights, and an evil treacherous king. Tremendous battle at end of book, dragon vs undead (Harrowed), archers, knights with blades. Harrowed king leading his Harrowed knights, dragons, and other creatures against the living. At same time 2 different guilds, the Merchants and the Thieves and assassins Guild vie for power. The knight Cyran and his companions must deal with evil plotting on all sides. I should note I received an ARC from the author.
May 30, 2026
The author did a really good job of tying many story lines together at the end. I'm torn between wishing he would have finished the entire story with this book and being excited it didn't stop and that there is more to go.
There are some definite and strong analogies to frustrations most of us have that people aren't willing to see past their own needs for the benefit of others, even when they are benefitted by the success of the whole.
There are some definite and strong analogies to frustrations most of us have that people aren't willing to see past their own needs for the benefit of others, even when they are benefitted by the success of the whole.
June 12, 2026
What a great read! RM Schultz does not let up on the great storytelling. I have been onto this book series for a while now. I cannot wait for the final installment to come out. The characters especially in this book make me feel like I'm in this lord of the rings style epic fantasy where these characters are all banded together on such a high stakes journey. It definitely still follows that more traditional fantasy approach of the good guys turning the tide against all odds.
May 12, 2026
Fabulous read
Loved the fourth book in this series Watching how the characters evolve even further Some learning their new found power s others learning to control the ones they had If id realised there was going to be a 5th book J probably would have waited till it had been realised cos now I'm dying to know what happens next
Loved the fourth book in this series Watching how the characters evolve even further Some learning their new found power s others learning to control the ones they had If id realised there was going to be a 5th book J probably would have waited till it had been realised cos now I'm dying to know what happens next
June 6, 2026
This seemed to be the the darkest of the four books, and the most confusing as I had trouble following Sirra's story but it all worked out by the end. Without giving away anything, I will just say there were some real surprises that I did not see coming! The book did not lack for action, adventure, and sorrow...but also hope. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to Book 5.
Read
July 14, 2026Ok so finished this book and have to say, reading the dust cover Was concerned, fighting for coin? Let me say Cyran and Jaslin have developed into characters I truly care for and look to see fulfill their destiny.the story continues to add intrigue and looking forward to Sira and Shadalmere taking their places with our hero’s.
August 6, 2026
Another great book in the series
This is another solid read in this series. If you've made it this far in the series then you know that these books have a great and unique take on the typical dragon rider fantasy books. This one is no exception, it's well written and captivating from start to finish.
This is another solid read in this series. If you've made it this far in the series then you know that these books have a great and unique take on the typical dragon rider fantasy books. This one is no exception, it's well written and captivating from start to finish.
April 24, 2026
Just when you think an epic series couldn't get better, R.M. Schultz just keeps delivering! Whenever I'm reading his books, I always hope he'll never stop writing, because the escape to the worlds he creates is like no other. He just keeps writing better and better.
June 3, 2026
Love this series
I fell in love with the characters and how this saga developed and grew and revealed the story. It was complex but not so big that I couldn't follow it. Thank you for writing this. Its been fun and I can't wait for the next book
I fell in love with the characters and how this saga developed and grew and revealed the story. It was complex but not so big that I couldn't follow it. Thank you for writing this. Its been fun and I can't wait for the next book
April 24, 2026
My new favorite fantasy series of all time!
These books just keep blowing me away and getting better and better. The characters, the interwoven plot lines, the dragons!
These books just keep blowing me away and getting better and better. The characters, the interwoven plot lines, the dragons!
April 24, 2026
The ending of this one blew me away. The rest of the story was awesome as well.
April 24, 2026
Amazing story line continues with deep interwoven connections, magic, and characters.
April 24, 2026
Amazingly engaging story over almost 700 pages. An epic fantasy masterpiece.
April 25, 2026
The dragons make my jaw drop.
This story has the kind of heart that drips off the page and the magic of the best fantasy series. A must read for all fantasy fans.
This story has the kind of heart that drips off the page and the magic of the best fantasy series. A must read for all fantasy fans.
May 2, 2026
Really love the covers of this series. I can't wait to dive in I've been wanting to read these for far too long!
May 8, 2026
Another amazing fantasy story that will make you want more. Any book dealing with fantasy and especially dragons by this author is my absolute favourite.
June 21, 2026
Didn’t love it. Stuck with it this far hoping it would get better. Won’t read the next one, had enough at this point.
July 22, 2026
Wow!
All I can say is the 4 books I've read so far is "simply brilliant" Can't wait for the next one.
All I can say is the 4 books I've read so far is "simply brilliant" Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews