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The Dragonkin Trilogy ##3
Kingsteel
Rowen Locke has won the battle. But from the shadows comes an ancient enemy--a calculating and merciless foe who has been waiting centuries for the chance to strike. Despite all he has already suffered and sacrificed, Rowen finds himself mired in a war bigger and more terrible than anything he could have imagined.
The world’s only hope lies in Knightswrath, whose hard-won powers he has only begun to understand, let alone control. Calling upon unlikely new allies, Rowen must raise an army to defeat the vengeful Dragonkin before everything he loves becomes a smoldering ruin.
The world’s only hope lies in Knightswrath, whose hard-won powers he has only begun to understand, let alone control. Calling upon unlikely new allies, Rowen must raise an army to defeat the vengeful Dragonkin before everything he loves becomes a smoldering ruin.
577 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Michael Meyerhofer
18 books109 followersI'm the author of the Dragonkin Trilogy, a dark/epic fantasy series. The first book, WYTCHFIRE, also won the Whirling Prize and was a Readers Choice nomination by Big Al's Books and Pals. The sequels, KNIGHTSWRATH and KINGSTEEL, are both available now, as well, with an additional series in the works.
I've also published a few poetry books. My latest is WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE BURIED ALIVE. Previous poetry books are DAMNATIO MEMORIAE (lit. "damned memory", winner of the Brick Road Poetry Book Contest), BLUE COLLAR EULOGIES (Steel Toe Books), and LEAVING IOWA (winner of the Liam Rector First Book Award). I was also happy to have my poem, "For My Brother," featured in Goodreads' June 2014 newsletter. For more information and at least one embarrassing childhood photo, please visit wytchfire.com (fantasy) or troublewithhammers.com (poetry).
I've also published a few poetry books. My latest is WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE BURIED ALIVE. Previous poetry books are DAMNATIO MEMORIAE (lit. "damned memory", winner of the Brick Road Poetry Book Contest), BLUE COLLAR EULOGIES (Steel Toe Books), and LEAVING IOWA (winner of the Liam Rector First Book Award). I was also happy to have my poem, "For My Brother," featured in Goodreads' June 2014 newsletter. For more information and at least one embarrassing childhood photo, please visit wytchfire.com (fantasy) or troublewithhammers.com (poetry).
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 6, 2024
Shade…. 😫
December 18, 2017
Roven Locke may have one battle but the fight is far from over as an ancient enemy who has been waiting centuries is rising again. I loved this series and enjoyed this book until the end. While it says in the title that it's a trilogy surely the author is not going to leave it like this? Whether there will be another book added ot a new series started something needs to happen because the ending just sucks! I'm only giving it 3.5 stars because if it and not being able to find out if there is more to come.
3.5/5 STARS: **I received a free digital ARC in exchange for a honest, unbiased review. I sincerely thank the author and/or publisher for providing an ARC through NetGalley,.**
3.5/5 STARS: **I received a free digital ARC in exchange for a honest, unbiased review. I sincerely thank the author and/or publisher for providing an ARC through NetGalley,.**
November 22, 2017
Rowen Locke may have won his last battle, but he still has a long way to go. With an ancient enemy, who has waited for thousands of years, coming out of the shadows at last, Rowen may have more on his table than he can handle. Even though he wields the Kingswrath now, he is yet to unlock all its secrets. Will Rowen be able to fulfill his destiny or will he perish in the process?
The adventure continues for Rowen and his friends as they struggle and fight to do the right thing. Once again, they are facing a threat that is too big for them to handle on their own. As their plans are foiled at every turn, they turn towards an unlikely source for an alliance. The plot had been well laid out in the first two books and yet there were a few surprises in store.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
The adventure continues for Rowen and his friends as they struggle and fight to do the right thing. Once again, they are facing a threat that is too big for them to handle on their own. As their plans are foiled at every turn, they turn towards an unlikely source for an alliance. The plot had been well laid out in the first two books and yet there were a few surprises in store.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
August 28, 2017
Kingsteele by Michael Meyer Hofer.
Rowen Locke has won the battle. But from the shadows comes an ancient enemy--a calculating and merciless foe who has been waiting centuries for the chance to strike. Despite all he has already suffered and sacrificed, Rowen finds himself mired in a war bigger and more terrible than anything he could have imagined.The world’s only hope lies in Knightswrath, whose hard-won powers he has only begun to understand, let alone control. Calling upon unlikely new allies, Rowen must raise an army to defeat the vengeful Dragonkin before everything he loves becomes a smoldering ruin.
Good read with good characters. Thought this was never going to end. 4*. Netgalley and red adept publishing llc.
Rowen Locke has won the battle. But from the shadows comes an ancient enemy--a calculating and merciless foe who has been waiting centuries for the chance to strike. Despite all he has already suffered and sacrificed, Rowen finds himself mired in a war bigger and more terrible than anything he could have imagined.The world’s only hope lies in Knightswrath, whose hard-won powers he has only begun to understand, let alone control. Calling upon unlikely new allies, Rowen must raise an army to defeat the vengeful Dragonkin before everything he loves becomes a smoldering ruin.
Good read with good characters. Thought this was never going to end. 4*. Netgalley and red adept publishing llc.
May 12, 2016
My thanks to Michael Mayerhofer who was gracious enough to give me an e-copy of his book for review.
I've been busy doing so many things these days that I scarcely have reading time. I finally made out time to finish this book (which I did in just two sittings). The last book in the Trilogy delivered on its promise of intrigue and action-packed thrill. While I wasn't surprised as to how it all ended, I still must commend the author on his writing (suspense filled) and the extraordinary magic system. A great story.
I've been busy doing so many things these days that I scarcely have reading time. I finally made out time to finish this book (which I did in just two sittings). The last book in the Trilogy delivered on its promise of intrigue and action-packed thrill. While I wasn't surprised as to how it all ended, I still must commend the author on his writing (suspense filled) and the extraordinary magic system. A great story.
March 30, 2019
4.5
*Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Runn is in chaos with several kingdoms trying to claim dominion over the others. And in the midst of it all is an ordinary man thrown into an extraordinary situation and now in possession of a rare and powerful artifact, the sword known as Knightswrath. As rulers jockey for power, an ancient Dragonkin makes himself known for the first time in many centuries. He has hidden himself well and slowly built himself an army previously thought to be myth. He wants Runn for himself, but with others fighting for control there’s no guarantee he’ll win. Unless he can get his hands on Knightswrath. Everything will depend on Rowan Locke defeating Chorlga, but each time he uses the sword he loses more of himself. When the final battle is upon him, will he be enough to save all he holds dear?
The final installment of the Dragonkin Trilogy is full of action, battles, hardship and loss. But it’s also full of hope and the knowledge that when people come together they can do amazing things. The beginning of this tale picks up where Knightswrath left off. Before I go any further, this is not a standalone novel. Well, ok, maybe it could be? But seriously, don’t. Go back to book 1, Wytchfire and start from the beginning. This is epic fantasy people. You must start at the beginning to appreciate what comes after. And after is where this book shines. All the POVs are coming together, riding fast to the end. Omg, that end? I can’t say anything without giving away great stuff, so I’ll just say this: Read the whole trilogy! Also, could I please impale Crovis on a spike à la the Dhargothi? Pretty please?
*Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Runn is in chaos with several kingdoms trying to claim dominion over the others. And in the midst of it all is an ordinary man thrown into an extraordinary situation and now in possession of a rare and powerful artifact, the sword known as Knightswrath. As rulers jockey for power, an ancient Dragonkin makes himself known for the first time in many centuries. He has hidden himself well and slowly built himself an army previously thought to be myth. He wants Runn for himself, but with others fighting for control there’s no guarantee he’ll win. Unless he can get his hands on Knightswrath. Everything will depend on Rowan Locke defeating Chorlga, but each time he uses the sword he loses more of himself. When the final battle is upon him, will he be enough to save all he holds dear?
The final installment of the Dragonkin Trilogy is full of action, battles, hardship and loss. But it’s also full of hope and the knowledge that when people come together they can do amazing things. The beginning of this tale picks up where Knightswrath left off. Before I go any further, this is not a standalone novel. Well, ok, maybe it could be? But seriously, don’t. Go back to book 1, Wytchfire and start from the beginning. This is epic fantasy people. You must start at the beginning to appreciate what comes after. And after is where this book shines. All the POVs are coming together, riding fast to the end. Omg, that end? I can’t say anything without giving away great stuff, so I’ll just say this: Read the whole trilogy! Also, could I please impale Crovis on a spike à la the Dhargothi? Pretty please?
December 21, 2015
the ending was such a disappointment. seems to be that the author just for tired of the story or he got himself into a corner and he didn't even try to figure out how to come out of it.
in this entire book the bad guy gets more and more powerful, all kinds of bad things happen to the good guys. than in the last 20 pages all of a sudden without any explanation you get from "damn, how are the good guy going to win this one" to "3 months later the main character has an army behind him where before everybody pretty much didn't want anything to do with him and now they cornered the bad guy and they are going to kill him"....pleeease.
in this entire book the bad guy gets more and more powerful, all kinds of bad things happen to the good guys. than in the last 20 pages all of a sudden without any explanation you get from "damn, how are the good guy going to win this one" to "3 months later the main character has an army behind him where before everybody pretty much didn't want anything to do with him and now they cornered the bad guy and they are going to kill him"....pleeease.
March 21, 2018
This review is for the Audiobook version.
Story: 5/5 Stars
Performance: 4/5 Stars
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Kingsteel takes all of the events from the first two books and wraps everything up nice and neat, giving a satisfying conclusion to this epic fantasy trilogy. I’ve enjoyed this epic fantasy trilogy more than most due to the originality of everything. The author created a unique story, environment, races, and magic system, but what I enjoyed most was the unique and diverse cast of characters, who I’ve grown attached to throughout the trilogy. The characters act in realistic and believable ways, and even the antagonists are easy to get attached to. The only problem I had with this novel is that the narrator would pause in the middle of a sentence and that would break my sense of immersion. I didn’t notice it in the first two novels, and thankfully, I didn’t notice it throughout the whole novel, just in a few specific parts. Overall, the narrator did a good job giving unique and distinct voices to all the different characters and varying his volume based on what was happening in the book. This book and the trilogy as a whole are definite worth a listen.
This audiobook was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.
Story: 5/5 Stars
Performance: 4/5 Stars
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Kingsteel takes all of the events from the first two books and wraps everything up nice and neat, giving a satisfying conclusion to this epic fantasy trilogy. I’ve enjoyed this epic fantasy trilogy more than most due to the originality of everything. The author created a unique story, environment, races, and magic system, but what I enjoyed most was the unique and diverse cast of characters, who I’ve grown attached to throughout the trilogy. The characters act in realistic and believable ways, and even the antagonists are easy to get attached to. The only problem I had with this novel is that the narrator would pause in the middle of a sentence and that would break my sense of immersion. I didn’t notice it in the first two novels, and thankfully, I didn’t notice it throughout the whole novel, just in a few specific parts. Overall, the narrator did a good job giving unique and distinct voices to all the different characters and varying his volume based on what was happening in the book. This book and the trilogy as a whole are definite worth a listen.
This audiobook was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 10, 2017
I received the The Dragonkin Trilogy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, therefore, I'm going to start my review a bit different than usual. The reason for this change in the way I'm reviewing is because Goodreads counts trilogies, series, and anthologies as one book, and I'm greedy so I broke this one down to get credit for all three books, though I'll be reviewing the entire trilogy.
Kingsteel by Michael Meyerhofer is the last book in the Dragonkin Trilogy. Rowen has won the battle, but has he won the war? There is a new threat out there that Rowen must contend with.
Follow the link below to see my full review of The Dragonkin Trilogy:
http://feeroberts64.blogspot.com/2017...
Kingsteel by Michael Meyerhofer is the last book in the Dragonkin Trilogy. Rowen has won the battle, but has he won the war? There is a new threat out there that Rowen must contend with.
Follow the link below to see my full review of The Dragonkin Trilogy:
http://feeroberts64.blogspot.com/2017...
January 24, 2022
I think in the end I had to drop a star for being anti-climatic! So many enemies, how to kill them all ? Surely it's going to be really difficult to tie up all those loose ends in 1 Book - for any fans of Screen-rant "Super easy, barely an inconvenience" & that's why it dropped a star. We the reader are leading up to Rowen unleashing Kingswraith but without trying to spoil things: Bloody Prince - not involved Nightmare -No, Fadarah- No, Joylm - No, DragonJol-No, Corvis - No.....& by the fight scene with the Dragonkin he's only really there to stick the sword in.
I see Rowen is the "star" of a new Trilogy that actually takes place directly after this one, so whilst you could nearly argue that this is a standalone trilogy, if you want loose ends tied up then you have to read the next 3!
I see Rowen is the "star" of a new Trilogy that actually takes place directly after this one, so whilst you could nearly argue that this is a standalone trilogy, if you want loose ends tied up then you have to read the next 3!
February 18, 2017
A Great End to the Trilogy..
This book is the conclusion to The Dragonkin Trilogy.
The story line had a difficult battle and a new enemy and further character development.
There was suspense, action, a swinging sword, and compelling teamwork.
I don't want to give too much away in this book either, but I will say it was a Satisfying Great End to the Trilogy.
Craig Beck did well with the narration.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
May 14, 2018
This is a great series. Lots of war, blood and guts. But also, good characters and lots of surprises. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes science fiction, magic, and non-human folks. Smile.
October 13, 2016
Kingsteel is the conclusion to Michael Meyerhofer’s The Dragonkin Trilogy. I was hopeful going into it, but a little leery because I’ve been disappointed in the past with trilogies.
Well, that is NOT the case with Kingsteel.
The world Meyerhofer created is vast and filled with many different compelling characters and creatures. Meyerhofer gives each of them their due, showing their strengths and weaknesses as they battle to rid the world of the Dragonkin. They run into some of the worst people and at times seem as though they may not make it – and not all of them do.
What was important was that it wasn’t just Rowen Locke who could save the world – though he’s made to think he has to lead them. Yet, it’s teamwork and trust from an unlikely group of friends that winds up prevailing in the end.
Kingsteel offers a satisfying conclusion to this story, but hopefully not the ending to this great world.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Well, that is NOT the case with Kingsteel.
The world Meyerhofer created is vast and filled with many different compelling characters and creatures. Meyerhofer gives each of them their due, showing their strengths and weaknesses as they battle to rid the world of the Dragonkin. They run into some of the worst people and at times seem as though they may not make it – and not all of them do.
What was important was that it wasn’t just Rowen Locke who could save the world – though he’s made to think he has to lead them. Yet, it’s teamwork and trust from an unlikely group of friends that winds up prevailing in the end.
Kingsteel offers a satisfying conclusion to this story, but hopefully not the ending to this great world.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
August 24, 2016
These three books were extremely entertaining. The writing improved with each new book.
The characters were well developed, although Locke seemed to stall in his growth. One minute he could not or did not know what needed doing, then he did.
That is my one nitpick with this series as with others. The story is moving along and then it happens, we move on to the next phase. I think that is what separates Sanderson and others. We see the complete growth of the character, all throughout the book or series. I think it's why Sanderson finishing up Jordan's work breathed so much life into what I felt was a stale story line at that point.
This was well, don't get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I hope Locke and Saanji and Igrid and Zeia and Sahde, Jalist, Aecko and what not continue to live on in this world that Meyerhofer created.
I wanted more depth, and folks switched sides so quickly without their reason for switching being explained and documented from a story line perspective. It became a little frustrating. Now, this did improve somewhat as you read, but I wanted more of it.
Read thesem you will hopefully enjoy them as much as I did. And hopefully you will want more of Locke and this world's story line.
Some things to note:
Cool Magic
Bloodmares
Jolym
Dragonkin
Dragonward - what is on the other side.....
Hrathbham
Aecko
Jalist
Lost arts, Read through book and learn more about El'Rash Lin & Zeia
Shade
Chorlga - is he really gone, and the babies
Just a few items to look for. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. This was a really good read, Mr. Meyerhofer, please continue to add to the storyline.......... And if you take the time to read my review, read the books, buy the books, share the books!!!
The characters were well developed, although Locke seemed to stall in his growth. One minute he could not or did not know what needed doing, then he did.
That is my one nitpick with this series as with others. The story is moving along and then it happens, we move on to the next phase. I think that is what separates Sanderson and others. We see the complete growth of the character, all throughout the book or series. I think it's why Sanderson finishing up Jordan's work breathed so much life into what I felt was a stale story line at that point.
This was well, don't get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I hope Locke and Saanji and Igrid and Zeia and Sahde, Jalist, Aecko and what not continue to live on in this world that Meyerhofer created.
I wanted more depth, and folks switched sides so quickly without their reason for switching being explained and documented from a story line perspective. It became a little frustrating. Now, this did improve somewhat as you read, but I wanted more of it.
Read thesem you will hopefully enjoy them as much as I did. And hopefully you will want more of Locke and this world's story line.
Some things to note:
Cool Magic
Bloodmares
Jolym
Dragonkin
Dragonward - what is on the other side.....
Hrathbham
Aecko
Jalist
Lost arts, Read through book and learn more about El'Rash Lin & Zeia
Shade
Chorlga - is he really gone, and the babies
Just a few items to look for. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. This was a really good read, Mr. Meyerhofer, please continue to add to the storyline.......... And if you take the time to read my review, read the books, buy the books, share the books!!!
December 28, 2015
Although I wished more had been explained regarding Knightswrath's powers, this was a very satisfying conclusion to the Dragonkin trilogy. The protagonists are spread across Ruun and facing the newly revealed Dragonkin who has been hiding and gathering power for centuries and believes himself to be a god. Each alone, they seem destined for defeat--especially Rowan, who fears Knightswrath's seductive power and its hold on him. With the Dragonkin revealed and the fabled Jolym terrorizing the land, new and unprecedented alliances are forged of desperation. Even then, the future of all of Ruun may lie in Darkness.
The threads leading to the conclusion were subtly woven throughout. Definitely enjoyable. Not all arcs were completely wrapped up, hinting possibly at more, so it will be interesting to see whether Meyerhofer returns to the land of Ruun in future works. I know I'd love to learn more about some of the races not focused on as much in this trilogy, like the Queshi, as well as the fate of the future Shel'ai.
The threads leading to the conclusion were subtly woven throughout. Definitely enjoyable. Not all arcs were completely wrapped up, hinting possibly at more, so it will be interesting to see whether Meyerhofer returns to the land of Ruun in future works. I know I'd love to learn more about some of the races not focused on as much in this trilogy, like the Queshi, as well as the fate of the future Shel'ai.
September 13, 2016
Loved it.
I want more but it's a clean ending so I am glad for that. Michael Meyerhofer has a fan.
I want more but it's a clean ending so I am glad for that. Michael Meyerhofer has a fan.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews