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The Dragon Lords #2
False Idols
Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Hobbit in this rollicking fantasy adventure series.
The Dragons who once ruled over the land are dead.
The motley crew that stumbled through that revolution are rich and praised as saviors.
Everyone gets to live happily ever after, right?
Right?
Well, it might have worked out that way if the dragons in Kondorra had been the only ones. If they hadn't been just the tip of the spear about to fall upon the whole world...
The Dragon Lords
The Dragon Lords: Fool's Gold The Dragon Lords: False Idols
The Dragons who once ruled over the land are dead.
The motley crew that stumbled through that revolution are rich and praised as saviors.
Everyone gets to live happily ever after, right?
Right?
Well, it might have worked out that way if the dragons in Kondorra had been the only ones. If they hadn't been just the tip of the spear about to fall upon the whole world...
The Dragon Lords
The Dragon Lords: Fool's Gold The Dragon Lords: False Idols
640 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2017
71 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Jon Hollins
6 books118 followersJon Hollins is a pseudonym for urban fantasy author Jonathan Wood
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 16, 2017
I'm not going to lie, when I read the second book in a series I am always skeptical and I am always worried it just won't be as good, or it will feel like it's a filler-story. This is not that at all, in fact, I would say this is better than the first book in the series because not only are the stakes massively higher and the world far more expansive, we also already have our first book knowledge of the characters and we can settle into a story with them quite quickly.
This book begins about 12months after the ending of book #1 so we open the story by catching up with each of the characters from book #1 who we already know and love. Balor, Lettie, Will, Quirk and Ferkin (please excuse spelling, I audiobook-ed this - which was brilliant and I would highly recommend!) are all returning characters, each with their own lives and distinctly different ones. Howeve, soon there is a looming threat of yet more dragons, and they all have to reunite in order to once again rid the world of a dragon...or rather this time quite a lot of dragons...
What I love about this series is that it's so much fun right from the start. I love the banter, the hilarity, the light-hearted classic band of misfits who are on an adventure to save the world yet freely admit they have no damn idea what to do. It's all just great. Throughout this there were plenty of times where I found myself laughing at the phrases the characters used, the bickering, the insults and the wit. It's all just so good.
When it comes to story this book actually held a fair few surprises for me and made some turns I didn't see coming. Although it does rely on some fantasy staples, it still manages to feel original and fresh and vibrant through out and in the latter half of the book in particular the stakes of the story and threat to the characters is just so exciting! I really loved the ending and the way everything went a bit (totally) mad. I have a feeling there will be more books to come, but I'm also fascinated by how this author twists things and just makes you keep on guessing.
I really loved this and I would highly recommend the series as a whole so far. I do hope there's more to come, and I gave this a 5*s in the end... bring on the rest...
This book begins about 12months after the ending of book #1 so we open the story by catching up with each of the characters from book #1 who we already know and love. Balor, Lettie, Will, Quirk and Ferkin (please excuse spelling, I audiobook-ed this - which was brilliant and I would highly recommend!) are all returning characters, each with their own lives and distinctly different ones. Howeve, soon there is a looming threat of yet more dragons, and they all have to reunite in order to once again rid the world of a dragon...or rather this time quite a lot of dragons...
What I love about this series is that it's so much fun right from the start. I love the banter, the hilarity, the light-hearted classic band of misfits who are on an adventure to save the world yet freely admit they have no damn idea what to do. It's all just great. Throughout this there were plenty of times where I found myself laughing at the phrases the characters used, the bickering, the insults and the wit. It's all just so good.
When it comes to story this book actually held a fair few surprises for me and made some turns I didn't see coming. Although it does rely on some fantasy staples, it still manages to feel original and fresh and vibrant through out and in the latter half of the book in particular the stakes of the story and threat to the characters is just so exciting! I really loved the ending and the way everything went a bit (totally) mad. I have a feeling there will be more books to come, but I'm also fascinated by how this author twists things and just makes you keep on guessing.
I really loved this and I would highly recommend the series as a whole so far. I do hope there's more to come, and I gave this a 5*s in the end... bring on the rest...
April 19, 2018
Whew! What an ending.
Sorry. Let's back up a bit.
Fool's Gold, the first one in the series, was an excellent book with great humour which somehow made standard fantasy tropes interesting again. Let me reiterate - humour. But, False Idols does not rely on humour to carry it. It instead focuses on character development, a far better story and world building. So, False Idols is literally three steps forward and one step back.
Does it work? Yes, it does. The main characters - all of them - have moments where they are challenged, question their world view and then move forward. The story has twists and turn and, though a mite predictable, is still fresh. We see a lot more of the world. In fact, barring a single chapter, nothing happens in Kondorra. We see more Dragons. We see Gods (did I mention I am a sucker for any book that involves Gods or Mythology?). And the action is great. Especially the climax. Which brings me to the beginning of the review. The ending is going to blow your mind (at least a little).
So, in conclusion, while I am bit sad that the balls-crazy humour is no longer so strong in False Idols, it is still one of the best and 'funnest' books around.
Sorry. Let's back up a bit.
Fool's Gold, the first one in the series, was an excellent book with great humour which somehow made standard fantasy tropes interesting again. Let me reiterate - humour. But, False Idols does not rely on humour to carry it. It instead focuses on character development, a far better story and world building. So, False Idols is literally three steps forward and one step back.
Does it work? Yes, it does. The main characters - all of them - have moments where they are challenged, question their world view and then move forward. The story has twists and turn and, though a mite predictable, is still fresh. We see a lot more of the world. In fact, barring a single chapter, nothing happens in Kondorra. We see more Dragons. We see Gods (did I mention I am a sucker for any book that involves Gods or Mythology?). And the action is great. Especially the climax. Which brings me to the beginning of the review. The ending is going to blow your mind (at least a little).
So, in conclusion, while I am bit sad that the balls-crazy humour is no longer so strong in False Idols, it is still one of the best and 'funnest' books around.
July 10, 2018
So much fun. This killed it!
I loved the first book- it wasn’t perfect, it was kind of up and down in the pacing and characters sometimes but it got five stars from me anyway because it was entertaining and made me laugh at some of its progressively more absurd predicaments and completely up my alley, so wrong it’s funny, comedy (I still laugh about that damned cow two years later).
This book improves upon those issues with pacing, rounds out the characters and is still fun as hell.
The story picks up months after the end of the first, where we find our group of dragon slaying thieves off living their happily-ever-afters which are turning out to be not quite what they’d hoped for.
Quirk is busy being a VIP instead of getting to study and lecture about Dragons. She wasn’t a favorite in the first book but man, I loved her in this! She rocks!
Balur is finding being a leader of Kondurra way more diplomatic and with less face-eating than he’d prefer. His, more fighting/less diplomacy attitude, gets them into more trouble than not.
Lette was bored to tears being a farmer with Will. Love Lette, she’s tough, sarcastic, and fun and doesn’t know what to do with her soft-hearted boyfriend. Also Balur and Lette together are pure gold-they make me laugh so much.
Will is trying to get over Lette leaving him. - Will is still a favorite. I love how he tries to keep Lette and Balur on the straight and narrow, and I love his never-ending plans and how affronted he gets when everyone does bad shit.
And Firkin is still drunk. -You can see where this is going with him, but it’s such a great ride and I liked how much more rounded out he becomes in this book.
So the Dragons are on the rise again. They are sending priests from city to city, preaching the wrongs of the current religions/gods, and converting people to worship the Dragons instead (think the Ori in Stargate). If they can’t convert the people with magic, they will enforce it with brute strength to get them to conform to the Dragon Gods.
Our heroes are having none of that and reunite (not exactly on purpose) to make sure the Dragons don’t succeed and as you can imagine Will’s plans don’t always go the way he expects.
What follows is more fun adventure, crass and dark at times humor, madcap plans- some succeeding better than they expected and some going down the toilet, and some hilarious conversations as the team bickers their way through trying to raise an army to keep the dragons from winning.
This whole thing was such a blast! I don’t even know what else to add other than Go buy this now! If you are looking for crazy shenanigans, a little bit of gore, dark humor and language somewhere in the vicinity of a Samuel L Jackson interview, then this book is right where you want to be.
Other notes-
-I don’t know if it was an intentional call-back to book one, but I loved the trojan horse cows and also that whole Balur lightning bolt episode! hahaha (I’m still laughing)
-Preordered the next book, something I rarely do.
-That closing line...perfection!
-This series needs to come with a no cows were harmed in the making of this series footnote.
I loved the first book- it wasn’t perfect, it was kind of up and down in the pacing and characters sometimes but it got five stars from me anyway because it was entertaining and made me laugh at some of its progressively more absurd predicaments and completely up my alley, so wrong it’s funny, comedy (I still laugh about that damned cow two years later).
This book improves upon those issues with pacing, rounds out the characters and is still fun as hell.
The story picks up months after the end of the first, where we find our group of dragon slaying thieves off living their happily-ever-afters which are turning out to be not quite what they’d hoped for.
Quirk is busy being a VIP instead of getting to study and lecture about Dragons. She wasn’t a favorite in the first book but man, I loved her in this! She rocks!
Balur is finding being a leader of Kondurra way more diplomatic and with less face-eating than he’d prefer. His, more fighting/less diplomacy attitude, gets them into more trouble than not.
Lette was bored to tears being a farmer with Will. Love Lette, she’s tough, sarcastic, and fun and doesn’t know what to do with her soft-hearted boyfriend. Also Balur and Lette together are pure gold-they make me laugh so much.
Will is trying to get over Lette leaving him. - Will is still a favorite. I love how he tries to keep Lette and Balur on the straight and narrow, and I love his never-ending plans and how affronted he gets when everyone does bad shit.
And Firkin is still drunk. -You can see where this is going with him, but it’s such a great ride and I liked how much more rounded out he becomes in this book.
So the Dragons are on the rise again. They are sending priests from city to city, preaching the wrongs of the current religions/gods, and converting people to worship the Dragons instead (think the Ori in Stargate). If they can’t convert the people with magic, they will enforce it with brute strength to get them to conform to the Dragon Gods.
Our heroes are having none of that and reunite (not exactly on purpose) to make sure the Dragons don’t succeed and as you can imagine Will’s plans don’t always go the way he expects.
What follows is more fun adventure, crass and dark at times humor, madcap plans- some succeeding better than they expected and some going down the toilet, and some hilarious conversations as the team bickers their way through trying to raise an army to keep the dragons from winning.
This whole thing was such a blast! I don’t even know what else to add other than Go buy this now! If you are looking for crazy shenanigans, a little bit of gore, dark humor and language somewhere in the vicinity of a Samuel L Jackson interview, then this book is right where you want to be.
Other notes-
-I don’t know if it was an intentional call-back to book one, but I loved the trojan horse cows and also that whole Balur lightning bolt episode! hahaha (I’m still laughing)
-Preordered the next book, something I rarely do.
-That closing line...perfection!
-This series needs to come with a no cows were harmed in the making of this series footnote.
August 14, 2017
Even better than Fools Gold, this one. The book starts at a decent slower pace to remind you who each of the characters are, serving both those who have waited 12 months for this 2nd book in the series, as well as anyone new to the Dragon Lords books (although if that's you, you should really be reading Fools Gold first even though this book doesn't insist on it) but after a few chapters the action ramps up and barely takes a breath for the following 500 pages.
I've read books before that have been all action and they've become a bit tiresome, but False Idols manages to feel exciting without that level of tedium you'd often get. Even the slower sections without fighting have a level of excitement to them, whether that's the relationship between the characters (which takes an awesome twist towards the end) or the build up of a new plan to defeat the dragons, I constantly felt desperate to turn the page and find out what came next. If you've been with Will, Lette and co since the start then there's little chance you'll get through this without some kind of emotional turmoil, such is the way the characters come to be so likeable, and that's another key reason why I found it so incredibly difficult to put this down.
If you've read and liked Fools Gold then you need to read this as soon as possible. If you haven't read Fools Gold, read that NOW and then go straight into this. The Dragon Lords series is poised to become one of my favourite ever fantasy series, and with the book's ending lending itself to an epic third story it's going to be a long 12 months before we find out what comes next.
I've read books before that have been all action and they've become a bit tiresome, but False Idols manages to feel exciting without that level of tedium you'd often get. Even the slower sections without fighting have a level of excitement to them, whether that's the relationship between the characters (which takes an awesome twist towards the end) or the build up of a new plan to defeat the dragons, I constantly felt desperate to turn the page and find out what came next. If you've been with Will, Lette and co since the start then there's little chance you'll get through this without some kind of emotional turmoil, such is the way the characters come to be so likeable, and that's another key reason why I found it so incredibly difficult to put this down.
If you've read and liked Fools Gold then you need to read this as soon as possible. If you haven't read Fools Gold, read that NOW and then go straight into this. The Dragon Lords series is poised to become one of my favourite ever fantasy series, and with the book's ending lending itself to an epic third story it's going to be a long 12 months before we find out what comes next.
September 11, 2017
A messy, chaotic, bursting at the seams book that somehow makes to work all the humor, and silliness work amidst a mad cap plot that gets darker towards the end
My review of this book will be quite similar to that of the last one - its fun, silly, crass and a total hoot. However, it does tend of get exhausting after a while which quite wasnt how book 1 turned out to be. But it still is oodles of fun - just tempered with the fact that we kind of have a middle book syndrome
Like Guardians of the Galaxy 2, the 2nd part isnt quite as nimble and there are stretches that deal with relationship issues and daddy issues. Plus now there be dragons in bigger numbers with greater ambitions. And then there are Gods. Gosh, your head starts aching when you try to put them in a plot - and best to do is to continue to read and just go with the flow (Yes, I am typing this review like Balur who is quite like Drax in a lot of things)
There is never a dull moment which is a credit to the book but its sheer length and the pressure to keep the wisecracks going does make it exhausting. The end twist in some ways was coming but does leave the book and our characters in an interesting situation for the next one. Also, hidden within is an examination of the god phenomenon - did man create god or viceversa
My review of this book will be quite similar to that of the last one - its fun, silly, crass and a total hoot. However, it does tend of get exhausting after a while which quite wasnt how book 1 turned out to be. But it still is oodles of fun - just tempered with the fact that we kind of have a middle book syndrome
Like Guardians of the Galaxy 2, the 2nd part isnt quite as nimble and there are stretches that deal with relationship issues and daddy issues. Plus now there be dragons in bigger numbers with greater ambitions. And then there are Gods. Gosh, your head starts aching when you try to put them in a plot - and best to do is to continue to read and just go with the flow (Yes, I am typing this review like Balur who is quite like Drax in a lot of things)
There is never a dull moment which is a credit to the book but its sheer length and the pressure to keep the wisecracks going does make it exhausting. The end twist in some ways was coming but does leave the book and our characters in an interesting situation for the next one. Also, hidden within is an examination of the god phenomenon - did man create god or viceversa
December 24, 2017
Listening to this book is a pleasure and a joy. It's a remarkably funny read that regularly had me laughing out loud. The audio narration by Jon Banks is superb with distinct and well acted voices for each characters. He doesn't simply read the book but truly performs it.
January 15, 2019
Dude, this book. Is awesome. Read it, it is funny it has action twists turns and all of the spy action thriller stuff. and there is only one book left... I need to read the next one.
January 7, 2020
The Empire strikes back of the series! Great read and entertainment!
November 29, 2020
This is the sequel to Fool's Gold and we see where our heroes ended up. Will, Lette, Balur, Firkin, and Quirk return and not everything is "happily ever after".
I can't say much (spoilers), but this was quite humorous and Balur is a favourite of mine. Quirk I'm not the highest fan, Will has an endearing naivity about him, and Lette has the most growth in a way.
The story was engrossing, although I kind saw some of the plot in advance (ish). The characters, old and new, have some diversity and I respected that it didn't feel like "box ticked". I'm intrigued how the story will end and will continue in the New Year.
One question though, sexy cows?
I can't say much (spoilers), but this was quite humorous and Balur is a favourite of mine. Quirk I'm not the highest fan, Will has an endearing naivity about him, and Lette has the most growth in a way.
The story was engrossing, although I kind saw some of the plot in advance (ish). The characters, old and new, have some diversity and I respected that it didn't feel like "box ticked". I'm intrigued how the story will end and will continue in the New Year.
One question though, sexy cows?
May 17, 2022
’You think you killed us? We’re the fucking gods’
Alright, that was pretty fucking awesome.
False Idols is the second book in the trilogy, and is at least 99% better than the already amazing first book. It took quite literally EVERY positive thing about book 1 and then improved upon it. Amazing dialogue? Check. Witty and hilarious banter? Check. Engaging characters? Check. A plot that is always interesting and never gets boring? Check. An easy to read prose? Check. What more could you possibly want people?!
But of course, because Jon Hollins is the GOAT, he had to outdo himself. False Idols expands on the world-building, mythology and politics of this series via tenfold, and it made it just that more interesting and fun to learn about than the first. It also develops on the characters, giving Lette, Balur and Quirk that backstory and in-depth focus I wanted after I finished the 1st one. It also gave us some more LGBT+ rep, with confirmed bisexual, asexual and lesbian characters, as well as one of the Gods of the series being gender-fluid, which I always appreciate. Do I still find Will super annoying and a bit of a prick? Yes! Do I care? No, this series is just way too fucking fun for that!
The major twist was epic, the final few chapters were AMAZING and I cannot wait to immediately read the final book to this one-of-a kind trilogy.
And of course, as is now tradition, here are some of my favourite chapter names (in no particular order):
1. Buckling Under the Pressure of Thinking Up Funny Chapter Names (this is the best one yet, had me laughing out loud)
2. Oh Snap
3. Mistakes Were Made
4. Balls
5. WTF?
6. Deus Ex Machina
7. Changing Plans Like Diapers
8. Oh My God
9. Hail to the King, Baby
Alright, that was pretty fucking awesome.
False Idols is the second book in the trilogy, and is at least 99% better than the already amazing first book. It took quite literally EVERY positive thing about book 1 and then improved upon it. Amazing dialogue? Check. Witty and hilarious banter? Check. Engaging characters? Check. A plot that is always interesting and never gets boring? Check. An easy to read prose? Check. What more could you possibly want people?!
But of course, because Jon Hollins is the GOAT, he had to outdo himself. False Idols expands on the world-building, mythology and politics of this series via tenfold, and it made it just that more interesting and fun to learn about than the first. It also develops on the characters, giving Lette, Balur and Quirk that backstory and in-depth focus I wanted after I finished the 1st one. It also gave us some more LGBT+ rep, with confirmed bisexual, asexual and lesbian characters, as well as one of the Gods of the series being gender-fluid, which I always appreciate. Do I still find Will super annoying and a bit of a prick? Yes! Do I care? No, this series is just way too fucking fun for that!
The major twist was epic, the final few chapters were AMAZING and I cannot wait to immediately read the final book to this one-of-a kind trilogy.
And of course, as is now tradition, here are some of my favourite chapter names (in no particular order):
1. Buckling Under the Pressure of Thinking Up Funny Chapter Names (this is the best one yet, had me laughing out loud)
2. Oh Snap
3. Mistakes Were Made
4. Balls
5. WTF?
6. Deus Ex Machina
7. Changing Plans Like Diapers
8. Oh My God
9. Hail to the King, Baby
June 2, 2019
A ridiculously fun and exaggerated story with full throttle action and adventure that parodies the cliched tropes and settings of epic fantasy in a delightfully epic manner. I enjoyed the wild ride I had with this novel. There is humor, action, gods, and dragons aplenty in the story. The characters are complex and well-rounded, and the plot though feels repetitive at places manages to soar with new twists and revelations. It is a novel with lots of levity, but at times there are grim and dark moments filled with fire, blood, and death, and some of the characters really have awful pasts. Hollins writes with the sole purpose of entertaining, and he does that with passion. The result is a heady concoction of a story that satirizes itself in the narrative and whoops in glee at the accomplishment.
June 10, 2019
In my head I was building a monolith of awesome things to say whilst reading this but then Hollins sucker-punched me with an ending that reduced my remaining coherent thoughts to a simple, ceaseless chant of...
How dare you, Hollins?
How dare you?!
...
Now watch as I demonstrate an inhuman level of self-discipline to not read the last in the trilogy immediately after Hollins BROKE MY FUCKING HEART!
...
How dare you, Hollins?
How dare you?!
...
Now watch as I demonstrate an inhuman level of self-discipline to not read the last in the trilogy immediately after Hollins BROKE MY FUCKING HEART!
...
September 30, 2020
One of the mid-to-final chapters of this second entry into the world of Will, Lette, Balur and Quirk is simply titled "WTF"
It's a sentiment I can't feel but echo throughout some of its deftly wowen twists, turns, betrayals and impossible cons being pulled out of thin air.
Because that ending? Those final couple of chapters? "It's good to be the king"? And Will's last, closing words?
WTF!
Jumping straight into the final volume of this amazing trilogy, because a cliffhanger like that needs to be addressed pronto.
It's a sentiment I can't feel but echo throughout some of its deftly wowen twists, turns, betrayals and impossible cons being pulled out of thin air.
Because that ending? Those final couple of chapters? "It's good to be the king"? And Will's last, closing words?
WTF!
Jumping straight into the final volume of this amazing trilogy, because a cliffhanger like that needs to be addressed pronto.
June 13, 2018
This is perfect, everyone should read this. It is hilarious and has a great story!
June 13, 2018
Really looking forward to the final book. It's nice to read fantasy with humor again.
November 20, 2019
Non stop action, fun and absurdity. Great escapism.
August 12, 2018
Original Review Here
I don’t think I’ve added a book to my basket as quickly as when I saw The Dragon Lords: False Idols on The Works’ website. I adored the first book and knew I had to read the second.
I’m pleased to say this one didn’t disappoint. I found it just as humorous as the first and even had the awkward moment of laughing out loud on the train – I wasn’t quick enough to swallow my giggles this time.
Will has tried to live a quiet life as a farmer with his new-found riches. But when Lette takes off and Balur comes searching for her, Will has no choice but to hit the road again. They don’t get very far before they find both Lette and trouble – and trouble one again comes in the form of dragons.
The trio are determined to put a stop to the dragons’ rule, but it’s not that simple. They are up against soldiers, fanatics and fanatical soldiers. No one wants to hear that the dragons are dangerous but Will is desperate – and when Will loses his temper, drastic plans come to light.
Quirke has her own problems. Being driven from her home and accidentally becoming the leader of a resistance movement, for starters. Her internal battle over whether to burn the world or save it being another problem.
When the gang join forces and stumble upon Firkin, they might just have a chance to defeat the dragons. After all, this team did it before, and they can do it again.
Lette is determined to become a better person; Quirke tries not to give into her magic; Balur wants to kill things; Will just wants to be a farmer and Firkin may or may not be possessed. The team are well and truly back together and I love the characterisations and relationships that develop as the book goes on.
Technically, the plot is about stopping tyranny and preventing the dragons from becoming gods by manipulating everyone’s beliefs. But that makes it sound so serious: what I love about Jon Hollins is how funny his books are. There are impossible odds, tension, blood, guts and gore… and the way the narration unfolds, especially with how the characters react to situations, just leaves you giggling.
The dialogue adds the humour to the book. Balur’s style of speech makes his statements entertaining and the characters’ reactions to their situations are so real that it makes it funny: what comes out of their mouths would be exactly what would go through your head if you were suddenly confronted with those sorts of situations. They don’t set out to be the heroes – everyone else decides that is who they are and no matter what they do, they end up having to save the day.
I find Hollins’ writing so refreshing. The content, dialogue and situations are aimed at adults, but there are very few fantasy books for an adult audience that make me laugh throughout.
Pure entertainment from beginning to end.
I don’t think I’ve added a book to my basket as quickly as when I saw The Dragon Lords: False Idols on The Works’ website. I adored the first book and knew I had to read the second.
I’m pleased to say this one didn’t disappoint. I found it just as humorous as the first and even had the awkward moment of laughing out loud on the train – I wasn’t quick enough to swallow my giggles this time.
Will has tried to live a quiet life as a farmer with his new-found riches. But when Lette takes off and Balur comes searching for her, Will has no choice but to hit the road again. They don’t get very far before they find both Lette and trouble – and trouble one again comes in the form of dragons.
The trio are determined to put a stop to the dragons’ rule, but it’s not that simple. They are up against soldiers, fanatics and fanatical soldiers. No one wants to hear that the dragons are dangerous but Will is desperate – and when Will loses his temper, drastic plans come to light.
Quirke has her own problems. Being driven from her home and accidentally becoming the leader of a resistance movement, for starters. Her internal battle over whether to burn the world or save it being another problem.
When the gang join forces and stumble upon Firkin, they might just have a chance to defeat the dragons. After all, this team did it before, and they can do it again.
Lette is determined to become a better person; Quirke tries not to give into her magic; Balur wants to kill things; Will just wants to be a farmer and Firkin may or may not be possessed. The team are well and truly back together and I love the characterisations and relationships that develop as the book goes on.
Technically, the plot is about stopping tyranny and preventing the dragons from becoming gods by manipulating everyone’s beliefs. But that makes it sound so serious: what I love about Jon Hollins is how funny his books are. There are impossible odds, tension, blood, guts and gore… and the way the narration unfolds, especially with how the characters react to situations, just leaves you giggling.
The dialogue adds the humour to the book. Balur’s style of speech makes his statements entertaining and the characters’ reactions to their situations are so real that it makes it funny: what comes out of their mouths would be exactly what would go through your head if you were suddenly confronted with those sorts of situations. They don’t set out to be the heroes – everyone else decides that is who they are and no matter what they do, they end up having to save the day.
I find Hollins’ writing so refreshing. The content, dialogue and situations are aimed at adults, but there are very few fantasy books for an adult audience that make me laugh throughout.
Pure entertainment from beginning to end.
July 24, 2019
The second book in the Dragon Lord's series: False Idol by Jon Hollins. OMG THIS IS SO GOOD! Definitely better than the first book! This story took place 12 months after the incidents in the first book (Fool's Gold) whereby we follow the main characters Will, Lette, Balur, Quirk and Firkin in their subsequent adventures. After the heist in the first book, each characters thought that they could move on with their lives with the gold that they have stolen from the Dragon in Kondorra. What they dont know is that there are more dragons outside the city of Kondorra. All these dragons were planning to get rid of the old Gods and make themselves the new Gods to be worshipped by the citizens of Avarra. So we follow the main characters' journey in stopping the dragons' plan whereby they worked together with the old Gods to do so. But in the end, they themselves were betrayed by one of the old Gods! I really did not see this coming and I am always very intrigued by unforeseeable plot twists! Jon Hollins maintained its distinguished writing style with so much honour element but still maintained the detailed descriptions of the inner conflicts of each characters (especially Lette and Quirk) and the complicated relationships or interactions between characters. The pacing of the story is perfect and there's so much fun in reading this book! A strong 4.5/5 star rating from me. I started the third book of this series right away after reading the major cliffhanger at the end of the chapter and I can't wait to know what will happen to the fate of all the major characters!
April 24, 2018
Dragon Lords - Jon Hollins
Band 2 - Gefallene Götter
Verlag: Heyne
Taschenbuch: 14,99 €
Ebook: 11,99 €
ISBN: 978-3-453-31855-7
Erscheinungsdatum: 12. März 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Seiten: 688
Inhalt:
Seit der ehemalige Bauer Will Fallows und seine Gefährten den Drachenkönig Mattrax getötet und Kondorra von der Herrschaft der geflügelten Ungeheuer befreit haben, werden sie im ganzen Land wie Helden gefeiert: Sie schwimmen im Gold, die Frauen reißen sich um die tapferen Recken, und sie können sich jeden Wunsch erfüllen. Und sie leben glücklich bis Ende ihrer Tage. So oder so ähnlich hätte die Geschichte zumindest ausgehen können. Wenn die Drachen Kondorras die einzigen gewesen wären. Wenn sich die Drachenkönige der Nachbarreiche von Kondorra ferngehalten hätten. Haben sie aber nicht. Und deshalb beginnt für Will und seine Freunde das gefährlichste Abenteuer ihres Lebens – wieder einmal
Mein Fazit:
Zum Cover:
Hier ist wieder ein Cover, was mir richtig gut gefällt. Ich mag Drachen sehr gern und dieser hier ist wirklich schön. Auch die Farben sind gut gewählt und es ist rundum ein schönes Cover.
Zum Buch:
Also erst einmal muss ich dazu sagen das ich Band 1 nicht kenne und direkt Band 2 gelesen habe, aber das störte mich nicht.
Die Protagonisten sind gut, aber mitunter auch sehr skurril dargestellt, der realitätsgehalt ist hier wenig bis kaum gegeben, aber es ist ja auch ein Fantasy – Buch.
Hier trifft man auf Drachenkönige, Elfenprinzen, Hohepriestern, Echsenwesen, Gottheiten die keiner kennt und noch vieles mehr. Ich glaube hier gibt es wenig was es an Verrücktheit noch übertreffen könnte.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig, trotz der mitunter komplizierten Namen, die gehen aber mit der Zeit leichter von der Zunge. Es ist spannend, aber doch überwiegend läuft es auf der humorvollen Schiene und man kann hier wirklich gut lachen. Ein wenig Action ist hier aber auch vorhanden, alles in einer mehr oder wenigen guten Mischung, im Vordergrund steht hier der Humor, aber das ist nur mein Empfinden. Lasst euch davon bitte nicht abschrecken, diese Geschichte zu lesen. Wer weiß vielleicht verpasst ihr dadurch ja sonst ein wirklich gutes Buch.
Die bildliche Darstellung finde ich gut und da ich sehr viel Fantasie habe, konnte ich mir das alles doch sehr gut vorstellen. Doch auch hier finde ich einiges sehr abgefahren und lustig.
Aber nachdem ich mich ein wenig über den ersten Band belesen habe, steht der zweite dem ersten in nichts nach. Auch dort ging es wohl sehr abgefahren und skurril vonstatten.
Im Großen und Ganzen ein gutes Buch, mit viel Witz und Humor, aber auch Handlung kommt vor. Mir persönlich hat es gut gefallen, auch wenn ich selten bei einem Buch so oft schmunzeln musste.
Wer hier richtige Fantasy erwartet, den muss ich enttäuschen, für mich eher eine Komödie im Fantasy Genre. Aber ich denke das war auch die Absicht des Autors, etwas nicht Alltägliches zu vollbringen.
Ich werde mir auf jeden Fall Band 1 noch zulegen und wenn etwas Zeit verstrichen ist sie beide noch einmal lesen.
Ich gebe hier 4 von 5 Sternen, aber auch nur weil ich mir was anderes darunter vorgestellt habe.
Zum Schluss bedanke ich mich beim Heyne Verlag für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionsexemplars und hoffe weiterhin auf gute Zusammenarbeit. Mein Dank geht auch an das Bloggerportal, die dies möglich gemacht haben.
Band 2 - Gefallene Götter
Verlag: Heyne
Taschenbuch: 14,99 €
Ebook: 11,99 €
ISBN: 978-3-453-31855-7
Erscheinungsdatum: 12. März 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Seiten: 688
Inhalt:
Seit der ehemalige Bauer Will Fallows und seine Gefährten den Drachenkönig Mattrax getötet und Kondorra von der Herrschaft der geflügelten Ungeheuer befreit haben, werden sie im ganzen Land wie Helden gefeiert: Sie schwimmen im Gold, die Frauen reißen sich um die tapferen Recken, und sie können sich jeden Wunsch erfüllen. Und sie leben glücklich bis Ende ihrer Tage. So oder so ähnlich hätte die Geschichte zumindest ausgehen können. Wenn die Drachen Kondorras die einzigen gewesen wären. Wenn sich die Drachenkönige der Nachbarreiche von Kondorra ferngehalten hätten. Haben sie aber nicht. Und deshalb beginnt für Will und seine Freunde das gefährlichste Abenteuer ihres Lebens – wieder einmal
Mein Fazit:
Zum Cover:
Hier ist wieder ein Cover, was mir richtig gut gefällt. Ich mag Drachen sehr gern und dieser hier ist wirklich schön. Auch die Farben sind gut gewählt und es ist rundum ein schönes Cover.
Zum Buch:
Also erst einmal muss ich dazu sagen das ich Band 1 nicht kenne und direkt Band 2 gelesen habe, aber das störte mich nicht.
Die Protagonisten sind gut, aber mitunter auch sehr skurril dargestellt, der realitätsgehalt ist hier wenig bis kaum gegeben, aber es ist ja auch ein Fantasy – Buch.
Hier trifft man auf Drachenkönige, Elfenprinzen, Hohepriestern, Echsenwesen, Gottheiten die keiner kennt und noch vieles mehr. Ich glaube hier gibt es wenig was es an Verrücktheit noch übertreffen könnte.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig, trotz der mitunter komplizierten Namen, die gehen aber mit der Zeit leichter von der Zunge. Es ist spannend, aber doch überwiegend läuft es auf der humorvollen Schiene und man kann hier wirklich gut lachen. Ein wenig Action ist hier aber auch vorhanden, alles in einer mehr oder wenigen guten Mischung, im Vordergrund steht hier der Humor, aber das ist nur mein Empfinden. Lasst euch davon bitte nicht abschrecken, diese Geschichte zu lesen. Wer weiß vielleicht verpasst ihr dadurch ja sonst ein wirklich gutes Buch.
Die bildliche Darstellung finde ich gut und da ich sehr viel Fantasie habe, konnte ich mir das alles doch sehr gut vorstellen. Doch auch hier finde ich einiges sehr abgefahren und lustig.
Aber nachdem ich mich ein wenig über den ersten Band belesen habe, steht der zweite dem ersten in nichts nach. Auch dort ging es wohl sehr abgefahren und skurril vonstatten.
Im Großen und Ganzen ein gutes Buch, mit viel Witz und Humor, aber auch Handlung kommt vor. Mir persönlich hat es gut gefallen, auch wenn ich selten bei einem Buch so oft schmunzeln musste.
Wer hier richtige Fantasy erwartet, den muss ich enttäuschen, für mich eher eine Komödie im Fantasy Genre. Aber ich denke das war auch die Absicht des Autors, etwas nicht Alltägliches zu vollbringen.
Ich werde mir auf jeden Fall Band 1 noch zulegen und wenn etwas Zeit verstrichen ist sie beide noch einmal lesen.
Ich gebe hier 4 von 5 Sternen, aber auch nur weil ich mir was anderes darunter vorgestellt habe.
Zum Schluss bedanke ich mich beim Heyne Verlag für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionsexemplars und hoffe weiterhin auf gute Zusammenarbeit. Mein Dank geht auch an das Bloggerportal, die dies möglich gemacht haben.
September 18, 2017
This book starts off pretty much how you'd expect given the personalities of the Dragon Slayer gang and what they were supposedly going to do. What follows is pretty much a plot I'm supersized Terry Pratchett didn't try given their deity systems are so similar. The Last Hero and Small Gods kind of touch upon it, as well as witches abroad, but nothing on this level. So, as the cover of the book shows, dragons have returned, this time a whole squadron of them and they plan on stealing the worship of the goods and taking their place. Shenanigans follow.
This writer has a lot of promise and I hope he keeps going and refining his style and world :)
This writer has a lot of promise and I hope he keeps going and refining his style and world :)
November 4, 2017
They say the second book of a trilogy is often the weakest. Not the case here. False Idols exceeds its predecessor in nearly every way. The world of Avarra is fleshed out, characters are given rich histories and deeper motivations, the stakes are higher, and somehow the laughs are even bigger.
As funny an author as I've ever read, Jon Hollins weaves a fantasy tale that feels both comfortably familiar and unexpectedly different. I can't wait to see what he has in store for the series conclusion.
As funny an author as I've ever read, Jon Hollins weaves a fantasy tale that feels both comfortably familiar and unexpectedly different. I can't wait to see what he has in store for the series conclusion.
November 28, 2017
Even better than the first book. I can't wait for the next one - and look forward to the series continuing beyond that, if possible. Hollins combines wry humor with unapologetic realism - a sort of bastard child between grimdark and laugh-out-loud satire. The overall effect is rich characterization with emotionally compelling action.
July 8, 2018
The number of times people thought, "There's something wrong with Firkin but I don't want to talk to him about it" made me think, "something big is going to happen to Firkin". Boy howdy, I didn't know I'd be that literal though.
I'm excited for book three this summer.
I'm excited for book three this summer.
October 31, 2018
This book is even better than the last one, now I just have to wait for the final book to be released on audio, but that ending...
I love these characters so much, such snark and attitude and ignorance
I love these characters so much, such snark and attitude and ignorance
November 5, 2018
Amazing work cannot wait to read the 3rd one.
October 22, 2020
Outstandingly good. So rapt that read to 2.00am two days on the trot just couldn't put it down.
Brilliantly written. tale of so many twists and turns, highly recommend.
Brilliantly written. tale of so many twists and turns, highly recommend.
May 24, 2021
Best to read the books in series.
October 10, 2019
I enjoyed book two of the series.
The ending of the book came rapid compared to the story arc's in the earlier stages of the book.
Gods taking moral form and hitting back at the dragons.
Yes, story lines are designed to have a wham bang ending to keep the reader happy, in this case, I was a little ' so' in my following of the story, perhaps it was written in conjunction with the continuation of book 3.
The ending of the book came rapid compared to the story arc's in the earlier stages of the book.
Gods taking moral form and hitting back at the dragons.
Yes, story lines are designed to have a wham bang ending to keep the reader happy, in this case, I was a little ' so' in my following of the story, perhaps it was written in conjunction with the continuation of book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2019
A WILDly entertaining, roller coaster ride (with no seat belts)!
November 24, 2020
Such a great twist on the familiar fantasy genre. By putting humour at the forefront, the author has created a very special series.
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