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The Drifting Lands #2
Dragon Road
A murderous plot aboard a city-sized flying ship must be averted before a crazed cult sends a million people to their deaths
When portal-mage Harkon Bright and his apprentice are asked to help select a new captain for the immense skyship Iseult, they quickly find themselves embroiled in its Machiavellian officer's court. Meanwhile, their new recruit, Elias, struggles to adapt to his unexpected gift of life while suffering dark dreams of an ancient terror.
As the skies darken and storm-clouds gather on the Dragon Road, the crew of the Elysium come face to face with deadly intrigues, plots from beyond death, and a terrible darkness that lurks in the heart of a thousand-year storm.
File Under: Fantasy [ Atmospheric Disturbance | Eternal Order | Trust No One | Storm Riders ]
When portal-mage Harkon Bright and his apprentice are asked to help select a new captain for the immense skyship Iseult, they quickly find themselves embroiled in its Machiavellian officer's court. Meanwhile, their new recruit, Elias, struggles to adapt to his unexpected gift of life while suffering dark dreams of an ancient terror.
As the skies darken and storm-clouds gather on the Dragon Road, the crew of the Elysium come face to face with deadly intrigues, plots from beyond death, and a terrible darkness that lurks in the heart of a thousand-year storm.
File Under: Fantasy [ Atmospheric Disturbance | Eternal Order | Trust No One | Storm Riders ]
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 3, 2018
18 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Brassey
11 books96 followersJoseph Brassey is a freelance writer and medieval fighting instructor who lives in Tacoma, Washington.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, son, and two cats. In his spare time, he trains in, and teaches, medieval martial arts. He has lived on both sides of the continental United States and has worked everywhere from a local newspaper to the frameshop of a crafts store to the smoke-belching interior of a house-siding factory with questionable safety policies.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, son, and two cats. In his spare time, he trains in, and teaches, medieval martial arts. He has lived on both sides of the continental United States and has worked everywhere from a local newspaper to the frameshop of a crafts store to the smoke-belching interior of a house-siding factory with questionable safety policies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 23, 2018
This book (sequel to Skyfarer) takes place almost entirely upon a single skyship, but what a ship -- it's the city-sized tradeship Iseult, to which the Elysium's path has taken it. But all is not well -- the Iseult's captain recently died (under suspicious circumstances?), three candidates have put themselves forth but none are what you'd call super desirable, the Iseult and her sister ship the Tristan are off in debatable skies, and oh, yes, did I mention the necromancer who almost took over the ship centuries past, and how his death cult seems to be making a resurgence?
Also, the Elysium's crew is still dealing with the repercussions of events in the previous book, and the Eternal Order (jack-booted space-thugs) is really not happy with any of this.
More fast-paced adventure and likeable characters, and I'm really looking forward to book three.
Also, the Elysium's crew is still dealing with the repercussions of events in the previous book, and the Eternal Order (jack-booted space-thugs) is really not happy with any of this.
More fast-paced adventure and likeable characters, and I'm really looking forward to book three.
August 31, 2020
Honestly, I straight-up loved this. It was the perfect book to read on vacation and it has all the things that I enjoy about fantasy wrapped in a quick-moving, easy-to-read package.
Strong female characters
Tortured soul former villains
A drawn-out slow-building romance
A cool setting (I love a flying citadel!)
Necromancy
Magic that isn’t overused
Magic that isn’t overly explained
Giant sky monsters
Steampunk-esque airships
Fancy swords
As a sequel, it doesn’t entirely stand on its own but it definitely builds on the first book. We’re given a little more personality to the crew of the Elysium, though I still could have used a bit more. There are several new characters, one of whom is great.
Yet, I can’t give it 5/5 (despite loving it) due to some narrative issues. It is so crammed full of stuff (people, concepts, plots) that there is too much going on. The story feels like it’s told in one big breath. There are hidden necromancers, prophecies, political maneuvering, missing friends … there’s so much happening that the story moves too fast for the crew to have any downtime. I mean, it kept me addictively reading, but, like last time, I would have enjoyed a few “team-building” scenes. There are a couple: one moment where the crew have a drink together and another part about a creature called a Squibble. A few more “senseless” moments like that would have pulled back the heavy punch that is the plot. I very very much enjoyed the drawn-out potential love story too, but it needed a bit more focus to make it completely compelling.
Still, despite giving it four stars I absolutely loved it. It’s so much fun and I want another.
Strong female characters
Tortured soul former villains
A drawn-out slow-building romance
A cool setting (I love a flying citadel!)
Necromancy
Magic that isn’t overused
Magic that isn’t overly explained
Giant sky monsters
Steampunk-esque airships
Fancy swords
As a sequel, it doesn’t entirely stand on its own but it definitely builds on the first book. We’re given a little more personality to the crew of the Elysium, though I still could have used a bit more. There are several new characters, one of whom is great.
Yet, I can’t give it 5/5 (despite loving it) due to some narrative issues. It is so crammed full of stuff (people, concepts, plots) that there is too much going on. The story feels like it’s told in one big breath. There are hidden necromancers, prophecies, political maneuvering, missing friends … there’s so much happening that the story moves too fast for the crew to have any downtime. I mean, it kept me addictively reading, but, like last time, I would have enjoyed a few “team-building” scenes. There are a couple: one moment where the crew have a drink together and another part about a creature called a Squibble. A few more “senseless” moments like that would have pulled back the heavy punch that is the plot. I very very much enjoyed the drawn-out potential love story too, but it needed a bit more focus to make it completely compelling.
Still, despite giving it four stars I absolutely loved it. It’s so much fun and I want another.
January 3, 2018
Such a fantastic book! I was happy to provide a blurb.
September 15, 2018
Terrific fun
September 2, 2018
I often read YA because it is simple and easy to power through, not to mention quite popular so I can write reviews that relate to multitudes of other readers. However, every now and again I get a gem like this to come across my desk and I cannot wait to read/review it! I am truly a fan of sci-fi/fantasy books! Worlds set in extraordinary circumstance and adventure abounding on the horizon!
This book was superb! What more can you ever ask for from a fantasy book other than complete badassery!?!?!?!? I have to be careful not to gush like a simpering fangirl over this one! If you are looking for a book that delivers what the meaning of hero should be, then snatch up this series! I mean what else do you need to know... Aimee and Elias battle their way through vicious sword fights, skirmishes with sorcery, fecund necromancy, and something ancient, deadly lurking ever closer!
In short, Dragon Road is a book which reminds me why I love to read.! I, for one, can’t wait to revisit these novels and look forward to the next installment soon. Five out of five stars!
This book was superb! What more can you ever ask for from a fantasy book other than complete badassery!?!?!?!? I have to be careful not to gush like a simpering fangirl over this one! If you are looking for a book that delivers what the meaning of hero should be, then snatch up this series! I mean what else do you need to know... Aimee and Elias battle their way through vicious sword fights, skirmishes with sorcery, fecund necromancy, and something ancient, deadly lurking ever closer!
In short, Dragon Road is a book which reminds me why I love to read.! I, for one, can’t wait to revisit these novels and look forward to the next installment soon. Five out of five stars!
June 4, 2019
HEY, HEY NETFLIX: DRIFTING LANDS SERIES WHEN??
Seriously, these books are so gorgeously cinematic--every description is beautifully wrought, be it setting or combat, character or aesthetic. Everything in this series is visceral, and I can't get enough of it.
ALSO HELLO YES, I LOVE SPACESHIPS, AND CITY-SIZED SPACESHIPS MAKE ME SO DAMN HAPPY.
Seriously, these books are so gorgeously cinematic--every description is beautifully wrought, be it setting or combat, character or aesthetic. Everything in this series is visceral, and I can't get enough of it.
ALSO HELLO YES, I LOVE SPACESHIPS, AND CITY-SIZED SPACESHIPS MAKE ME SO DAMN HAPPY.
August 25, 2018
This book was awesome! Full of magic, flying ships, mystery, and monsters. There was lots of great fight scenes and zombie creatures. Can't wait for another one!
November 11, 2022
Great characters and adventure story. Really enjoying this author
May 26, 2018
This is the second book in "The Drifting Lands" series by Joseph Brassey. In this one Aimee and her mentor Harkon Bright are asked to help select a new captain for the immense skyship Iseult, after it's previous captain dies under suspicious circumstances. They quickly find several players are vying for the captaincy and each one has their own agenda. There is also a dark force at work that wishes nothing less than the total destruction of the skyship Iseult. Meanwhile Elias is struggling with his dark past as he tries to become an accepted part of the crew of the skyship Elysium, and to help in their fight against the darkness infesting Iseult. It will take all of Aimee and Harkon's magic and cunning as well as the help of Elias and the rest of the crew of the Elysium if they are to prevail. This book is a great follow-up to Skyfarer and I hope there is a third book forthcoming!
September 12, 2018
Took me forever to get through this, but I did it! I actually liked this well enough, but not enough to binge read it or prioritize it's reading over other books. I think it's just a me thing though, because there was nothing wrong with the actual book. It was something I could pick up, read a few pages of, and then put back down. A back burner book, if you will
August 10, 2018
I come back to the Drifting Lands and to Joseph Brassey. This book is certainly more complex and nuanced than the first one, Skyfarer. Still this book is about adventure, about crisis-solving and high-powered spellwork. While it eschewes the “traveling” and “exploration” and Firefly-like dynamics of Skyfarer, it offers a broader, firmer setting, far less generic than it used to be.
Our crew of skyfarers and in particular the shared protagonists Aimee and Elias are called to meddle in the politics of flying city-ship Iseult, and there they find that the political realities of this itinerant realm are intertwined with a magical evil force that could mean the end of the community. Political strife and morally bankrupt leaders are apparently hell-bent on fanning the fire and using that to maintain control, and while our crew is foreign, they are in the position to make a difference. They will, because they are REALLY opinionated heroes :D
Dragon Road is fast paced, full of spells, martial arts, magic swords, flying ships and monster-bashing. It also has intrigue, social conflict and TWO master-disciple relationships. It’s a full-on political adventure with lots of slashbucklings. I enjoyed it immensely, and thus, my vote is 4 stars.
There’s stuff I felt were a letdown, and hence no fifth *. I feel like the author didn’t have enough faith in character bonding as an interesting plot device. There’s lots, but in my opinion it feels like it is contained and constrained by the urgent and cruel reign of the plot. This book is even more plot-driven than its predecessor, and characters feel regularly pushed to the sidelines by the simple activity of running along and do stuff that must be done to avoid the constantly looming end of the world. Elias alone is really well treated, but I feel I would have liked to pass a little more time with Aimee and the crew than this. Action and bigger-than-me conflict are what this book is made of, and you get this is spades - I would have liked a bit more banter, socializing and for the whole novel to be more about the crew and less about Elias and the new characters/antagonists. This is an especially fantasy problem. There is so much space devoted to introducing the setting and the meaningfulness of its people I feel the already existing ones got the short end of the stick. At the end of the book I still end up confusing who’s who on the main crew, which is a bit of a problem. The only real “communal” life scene I was treated to (the squittens!) felt forced and compressed between heavy plot-driven scenes, like it was some guilty treat among healthy vegetables. I feel like the author enjoyed it, but I just… didn’t, precisely because it didn’t appear liberating, but just a recess in a school I just transferred to. I’m not enough of a member of the crew for it to be pleasurable, I’m afraid, and that is not my fault.
I like short books. This one felt slightly too short where it shouldn’t have. So I’m giving four stars, while I will remember forever the deep enjoyment and the emotion and the drama of the fighting and the action, the rawness of the emotion of the life-and-death situations, which were MASTERFUL.
Our crew of skyfarers and in particular the shared protagonists Aimee and Elias are called to meddle in the politics of flying city-ship Iseult, and there they find that the political realities of this itinerant realm are intertwined with a magical evil force that could mean the end of the community. Political strife and morally bankrupt leaders are apparently hell-bent on fanning the fire and using that to maintain control, and while our crew is foreign, they are in the position to make a difference. They will, because they are REALLY opinionated heroes :D
Dragon Road is fast paced, full of spells, martial arts, magic swords, flying ships and monster-bashing. It also has intrigue, social conflict and TWO master-disciple relationships. It’s a full-on political adventure with lots of slashbucklings. I enjoyed it immensely, and thus, my vote is 4 stars.
There’s stuff I felt were a letdown, and hence no fifth *. I feel like the author didn’t have enough faith in character bonding as an interesting plot device. There’s lots, but in my opinion it feels like it is contained and constrained by the urgent and cruel reign of the plot. This book is even more plot-driven than its predecessor, and characters feel regularly pushed to the sidelines by the simple activity of running along and do stuff that must be done to avoid the constantly looming end of the world. Elias alone is really well treated, but I feel I would have liked to pass a little more time with Aimee and the crew than this. Action and bigger-than-me conflict are what this book is made of, and you get this is spades - I would have liked a bit more banter, socializing and for the whole novel to be more about the crew and less about Elias and the new characters/antagonists. This is an especially fantasy problem. There is so much space devoted to introducing the setting and the meaningfulness of its people I feel the already existing ones got the short end of the stick. At the end of the book I still end up confusing who’s who on the main crew, which is a bit of a problem. The only real “communal” life scene I was treated to (the squittens!) felt forced and compressed between heavy plot-driven scenes, like it was some guilty treat among healthy vegetables. I feel like the author enjoyed it, but I just… didn’t, precisely because it didn’t appear liberating, but just a recess in a school I just transferred to. I’m not enough of a member of the crew for it to be pleasurable, I’m afraid, and that is not my fault.
I like short books. This one felt slightly too short where it shouldn’t have. So I’m giving four stars, while I will remember forever the deep enjoyment and the emotion and the drama of the fighting and the action, the rawness of the emotion of the life-and-death situations, which were MASTERFUL.
October 20, 2018
In this follow-up to Skyfarers, Joseph Brassey returns to the crew of the Elysium and the world of the Drifting Lands. Following their victory over the Eternal Order in the previous book, the Elysium has taken in Elias Leblanc, formerly Azrael of the Eternal Order, and life has returned to normal (or as normal as things get for a crew of rogues). That is, until the Behemoth Iseult appears suddenly over the port they are visiting. The behemoths are city-sized vessels constructed in ancient times which serve as deep-sky tradeships, moving in vast convoys through the dangerous skies far from any of the drifting lands. The Iseult, as it turns out, has just lost its captain, and faced with a choice between three equally unpromising successors, the leaders of the Iseult ask Harkon Bright (commander of the Elysium and renowned mage and problem-solver (and troublemaker)) to serve as the adjudicator in the contest between the three would-be captains. As it turns out, even aside from the Captain selection, all is not right aboard Iseult, there's dissatisfaction among the lower decks and rumors of necromancy recall the ship's troubled history.
I thought Dragon Road was a surprisingly good book. I was kind of ambiguous about Skyfarers which was rather painfully mediocre in so many of its plot elements and writing. Dragon Road is a much better and more confidently written book. Partly I think this is because the plot is much less rote as Brassey combines a novel setting (ancient city-sized trade ship with feudal power structure) with an interesting plot (captain mysteriously dies, power struggle to succeed, ancient evil rises, trouble in the lower decks) that keeps getting more complicated but in a way that doesn't feel like the author is just adding more and more complexity to distract from a lack of ideas on how to move his plot forward, and by the end all the pieces of all the disparate problems faced by the Iseult gradually fit together in a way that makes sense and all seemed to fit the ship's history. I also thought that Brassey's cast of characters were much better-written. Aimee isn't always acting like she's got something to prove (and repeatedly has good insights) and Elias works SO much better as a troubled protagonist trying to redeem his past than as a troubled antihero/villain. I will say that apart from those two and Harkon (who has managed to survive two books, despite being the powerful old mentor, most impressive!) the rest of the Elysium's crew kind of all blend together and I'd often have trouble remembering which was which because they all kind of have the same roguish personality, which is kind of strange because a lot of the new characters unique to this book were far more interesting and memorable (maybe he'll improve Clutch, Vant, and Vlana in book three?). All in all, whereas I finished Skyfarers and just kind of shrugged, with Dragon Road, I quite enjoyed the book and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
I thought Dragon Road was a surprisingly good book. I was kind of ambiguous about Skyfarers which was rather painfully mediocre in so many of its plot elements and writing. Dragon Road is a much better and more confidently written book. Partly I think this is because the plot is much less rote as Brassey combines a novel setting (ancient city-sized trade ship with feudal power structure) with an interesting plot (captain mysteriously dies, power struggle to succeed, ancient evil rises, trouble in the lower decks) that keeps getting more complicated but in a way that doesn't feel like the author is just adding more and more complexity to distract from a lack of ideas on how to move his plot forward, and by the end all the pieces of all the disparate problems faced by the Iseult gradually fit together in a way that makes sense and all seemed to fit the ship's history. I also thought that Brassey's cast of characters were much better-written. Aimee isn't always acting like she's got something to prove (and repeatedly has good insights) and Elias works SO much better as a troubled protagonist trying to redeem his past than as a troubled antihero/villain. I will say that apart from those two and Harkon (who has managed to survive two books, despite being the powerful old mentor, most impressive!) the rest of the Elysium's crew kind of all blend together and I'd often have trouble remembering which was which because they all kind of have the same roguish personality, which is kind of strange because a lot of the new characters unique to this book were far more interesting and memorable (maybe he'll improve Clutch, Vant, and Vlana in book three?). All in all, whereas I finished Skyfarers and just kind of shrugged, with Dragon Road, I quite enjoyed the book and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
November 11, 2019
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
Just as I enjoyed the first book in this new series by Joseph Brassey, I enjoyed this second foray as well.
Harkon Bright and his apprentice, Aimee, are called upon to be mediators in a dispute where three strong candidates vie for the position of captain of the mega skyship Iseult. And while Aimee managed to save Elias (from himself, mostly), Elias hasn't found a way to put behind him all the things he did when he was known as Azrael. It doesn't help that the crew don't trust him a bit. And in addition to the choosing of a new captain, Haron and Aimee must try to find out what happened to the previous captain ... and maybe save the universe while they're at it.
As with the previous volume (and it might be important to read the first book to really understand who these characters are), this is just an action/adventure space opera We know who the good guys are and we cheer for them all along the way, just as we boo and hiss at the villains. Though author Brassey does a fine job of muddying the waters a bit more with this book. Still, we can pretty well tell who the heroes are.
I wasn't quite as interested in the story this time around - I got a bit bored and distracted, in fact - but the strength here is really in the characters anyway. These are stock characters from every sci-fi adventure movie you've ever seen, but they work because Brassey gives them just enough personality to make them fun.
This isn't a deep read. It's not the sort of cutting edge fantasy or sci-fi that I've found in some of the other Angry Robot published books the last few years, but it IS fun. It's a perfect get-away read.
Looking for a good book? Dragon Road, by Joseph Brassey, is fun, fast space opera.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Just as I enjoyed the first book in this new series by Joseph Brassey, I enjoyed this second foray as well.
Harkon Bright and his apprentice, Aimee, are called upon to be mediators in a dispute where three strong candidates vie for the position of captain of the mega skyship Iseult. And while Aimee managed to save Elias (from himself, mostly), Elias hasn't found a way to put behind him all the things he did when he was known as Azrael. It doesn't help that the crew don't trust him a bit. And in addition to the choosing of a new captain, Haron and Aimee must try to find out what happened to the previous captain ... and maybe save the universe while they're at it.
As with the previous volume (and it might be important to read the first book to really understand who these characters are), this is just an action/adventure space opera We know who the good guys are and we cheer for them all along the way, just as we boo and hiss at the villains. Though author Brassey does a fine job of muddying the waters a bit more with this book. Still, we can pretty well tell who the heroes are.
I wasn't quite as interested in the story this time around - I got a bit bored and distracted, in fact - but the strength here is really in the characters anyway. These are stock characters from every sci-fi adventure movie you've ever seen, but they work because Brassey gives them just enough personality to make them fun.
This isn't a deep read. It's not the sort of cutting edge fantasy or sci-fi that I've found in some of the other Angry Robot published books the last few years, but it IS fun. It's a perfect get-away read.
Looking for a good book? Dragon Road, by Joseph Brassey, is fun, fast space opera.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2018
*Book received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was such a fun ride! I have never before read a book that made me wish my commute was longer so I'd have more time to read. This was such a wonderful follow up to Skyfarer. We get to find out so much more about the mechanics of the world and how the engines and crystals work. And we get introduced to so many more aspects of the world and it almost completely takes place on one ship! Admittedly the Iseult sounds comparable to the size of a huge city. If this one ship is any indication of the rest of the world, we've learned a lot about it.
For a book that takes place in space, it really is more fantasy than science fiction. The entire book I kept thinking about how cool this would be as an anime. Seriously! The entire Iseult, the magic, the mechanics of this world, they'd be perfect for an anime series. Not to mention the squittens! Oh my gosh, the squittens! A combination of cat and squid, these creatures almost made me belly laugh while I was reading on the bus!
The character interaction was, to me, spot on. Elias has a complete history of darkness and death so I was very happy to see realistic reactions from the crew when he's accepted on board. He isn't immediately ingratiated, it's something that has to be earned. Meanwhile we get to learn a lot more about the rest of the crew as well. Poor Vlana getting vertigo whenever she's on world. Clutch's promiscuity. Seeing how much of a mechanical genius Vant truly is. This crew is amazing and the more I learn about them, the more I want to read.
This is a wonderful sequel, though I don't think you will have to have read the first to enjoy it. It's a fun, action-packed, fast-paced adventure where even the bureaucracy is interesting!
This was such a fun ride! I have never before read a book that made me wish my commute was longer so I'd have more time to read. This was such a wonderful follow up to Skyfarer. We get to find out so much more about the mechanics of the world and how the engines and crystals work. And we get introduced to so many more aspects of the world and it almost completely takes place on one ship! Admittedly the Iseult sounds comparable to the size of a huge city. If this one ship is any indication of the rest of the world, we've learned a lot about it.
For a book that takes place in space, it really is more fantasy than science fiction. The entire book I kept thinking about how cool this would be as an anime. Seriously! The entire Iseult, the magic, the mechanics of this world, they'd be perfect for an anime series. Not to mention the squittens! Oh my gosh, the squittens! A combination of cat and squid, these creatures almost made me belly laugh while I was reading on the bus!
The character interaction was, to me, spot on. Elias has a complete history of darkness and death so I was very happy to see realistic reactions from the crew when he's accepted on board. He isn't immediately ingratiated, it's something that has to be earned. Meanwhile we get to learn a lot more about the rest of the crew as well. Poor Vlana getting vertigo whenever she's on world. Clutch's promiscuity. Seeing how much of a mechanical genius Vant truly is. This crew is amazing and the more I learn about them, the more I want to read.
This is a wonderful sequel, though I don't think you will have to have read the first to enjoy it. It's a fun, action-packed, fast-paced adventure where even the bureaucracy is interesting!
May 25, 2018
"Dragon Road" eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Joseph Brassey (https://www.facebook.com/Joseph-Brass...). Mr. Brassey has published 10 novels, with this the second in his "The Drifting Lands" series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is set in a mystical land where magic is possible.
Portal-mage Harkon Bright and his apprentice Aimee are hired to arbitrate the selection of the new Captain for the massive skyship Iseult. The Iseult is a city unto itself. After the Captain's odd death, three officers are contending for the position. There is more here than simply a contest of will for the command of the vessel. Various plots are encountered within the officers of the Iseult. There is also magic from the darkness that pits Harkon and Aimee against the dead.
I thought that this was an interesting 11.5 hour read of 448 pages. This was a fantasy full of magical threats. It was a little confusing at first so I would suggest reading the first novel in the series before this one if possible. The cover art is OK. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is set in a mystical land where magic is possible.
Portal-mage Harkon Bright and his apprentice Aimee are hired to arbitrate the selection of the new Captain for the massive skyship Iseult. The Iseult is a city unto itself. After the Captain's odd death, three officers are contending for the position. There is more here than simply a contest of will for the command of the vessel. Various plots are encountered within the officers of the Iseult. There is also magic from the darkness that pits Harkon and Aimee against the dead.
I thought that this was an interesting 11.5 hour read of 448 pages. This was a fantasy full of magical threats. It was a little confusing at first so I would suggest reading the first novel in the series before this one if possible. The cover art is OK. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
September 23, 2018
Dragon Road is an interesting shift in tone and style from Skyfarer. The raw emotion is turned down, still present but no longer the dominating feature of the book. For the crew of the Elysium, Dragon Road is more like the calm AFTER the storm that was Skyfarer.
Rather than a quest for the mcguffin, Dragon Road is a bit of a supernatural murder mystery with special guest star cthulu. But for me, the main plot of the book isn't the most interesting thing about it. In Skyfarer we got to see a lot of the power trio of Elias, Aimee and Harkon, and while they are still the main focus in Dragon Road there is more from the rest of the crew. We get to see how they interact with eachother when there isn't some big crisis going down, and how they all both individually and collectively deal with Elias's joining the crew along with all of his baggage. These are really the best moments in the book, the characterization that happens between the major plot points that really makes the Found Family of the Elysium crew feel real.
Also, the book has cat-squid things that fly around on air bladders, which are freaking adorable.
Rather than a quest for the mcguffin, Dragon Road is a bit of a supernatural murder mystery with special guest star cthulu. But for me, the main plot of the book isn't the most interesting thing about it. In Skyfarer we got to see a lot of the power trio of Elias, Aimee and Harkon, and while they are still the main focus in Dragon Road there is more from the rest of the crew. We get to see how they interact with eachother when there isn't some big crisis going down, and how they all both individually and collectively deal with Elias's joining the crew along with all of his baggage. These are really the best moments in the book, the characterization that happens between the major plot points that really makes the Found Family of the Elysium crew feel real.
Also, the book has cat-squid things that fly around on air bladders, which are freaking adorable.
August 1, 2018
I read the first Drifting Lands book, Skyfarer, when it came out and really enjoyed it. Dragon Road is so good that it blows Skyfarer out of the water! The characters are well developed and interesting. The pacing of the story is perfect and the dialogue is engaging. Brassey spends just the right amount of time detailing the physical descriptions of both the world and the characters that I have a clear vision of them in my head, without getting bogged down in endless description (**cough**Tolkien**cough**), but what really blew me away was this non-stop action sequence near the end of the book. I swear it spans like 6 chapters, but I couldn't tell you for sure because I was too busy turning [virtual] pages to keep track of where one chapter ended and the next began. The sequence was so engrossing that I felt like I was right there in the story running/fighting alongside the characters. Also, Aimee de Laurent is quicky becoming one of my favorite characters in any series.
May 3, 2018
This book was amazing.
The world is fascinating. The characters are REAL and they grow and change. The relationships are so much fun. Vant and Clutch are the best. I'm amazed by the imagery and how clearly I can picture what happens. I often find fight scenes confusing to read but much less so in Brassey's books.
I love that I thought I had the Big Bad (or one of them) pegged from near the beginning. And that I was wrong. I love that. There's nothing more disappointing than a predictable "twist" at the end.
I want more. I so very badly want more. Please, please, please let this series continue for as long as feasible.
Also, if you haven't already read Skyfarer, go do that now. Seriously. You're missing out. Though, to be fair, you don't have to have read it for this book to be amazing. But.. it was also a great book. So.. go. Now. Read.
The world is fascinating. The characters are REAL and they grow and change. The relationships are so much fun. Vant and Clutch are the best. I'm amazed by the imagery and how clearly I can picture what happens. I often find fight scenes confusing to read but much less so in Brassey's books.
I love that I thought I had the Big Bad (or one of them) pegged from near the beginning. And that I was wrong. I love that. There's nothing more disappointing than a predictable "twist" at the end.
I want more. I so very badly want more. Please, please, please let this series continue for as long as feasible.
Also, if you haven't already read Skyfarer, go do that now. Seriously. You're missing out. Though, to be fair, you don't have to have read it for this book to be amazing. But.. it was also a great book. So.. go. Now. Read.
June 5, 2018
Loved it! Dragon Road explores some fascinating social themes while taking you on an exciting and inspiring adventure. We get a deeper look at the individuals that make up the ship's crew and the dynamic relationships between them all. Like in Skyfarer, those relationships drive the story forward, and you'll love the characters more with each chapter.
We get a brief glimpse at the story's histories, legends, and myths. I'm very excited to learn more about these ancient forces in the next book!
The author's real life experience training with a sword shines through in the fight scenes. They paint a believable picture of swordsmen and women using their craft with exceptional skill. He also finds creative and thrilling ways to describe battles with magic and magical weapons.
In summary, this is not a book to miss. You'll definitely enjoy it.
We get a brief glimpse at the story's histories, legends, and myths. I'm very excited to learn more about these ancient forces in the next book!
The author's real life experience training with a sword shines through in the fight scenes. They paint a believable picture of swordsmen and women using their craft with exceptional skill. He also finds creative and thrilling ways to describe battles with magic and magical weapons.
In summary, this is not a book to miss. You'll definitely enjoy it.
January 26, 2023
A vast improvement over the first book. Which sounds damning, but isn't meant to be; I like a lot of the things this author likes: airships! knights and paladins! really big glowy engine thingies! magic! fighting! banter! shenanigans! Sudden and inevitable betrayals! All of which are present in spades in Dragon Road, so that's super cool. I really hope there's a book 3, because I would like to see him continuing to hone his craftsmanship, both in terms of the nitty-gritty of picking the right word at the right time, and the bigger story techniques of "how do I set up a cool twist so that the reveal feels inevitable, without it being completely telegraphed?" He's got the makings of a super great series here, and I'm interested to see where it goes. I just hope there aren't five books worth of "Will they or won't they?" We know they will! Now kiss!
January 30, 2019
You know how when you put stuff through google translate, then translate it back again, it ends up kind of garbled in quite an interesting way? And you know how Star Wars in fantasy put through a good translate into SF? Brassey's Drifting Lands series is like if you translated Star Wars back into fantasy. I mean that in all the best ways. Space Opera tropes and plot beats in a primarily fantasy setting (sky ships in a world of floating continents), and it works *really* well.
Dragon Road continues the series well from book 1 of the series, getting us on quite an interesting redemption arc for one of the main characters. Bonus points for the really nice found family/collection of misfits feeling we get with the crew of the Elysium.
Recommended.
Dragon Road continues the series well from book 1 of the series, getting us on quite an interesting redemption arc for one of the main characters. Bonus points for the really nice found family/collection of misfits feeling we get with the crew of the Elysium.
Recommended.
September 1, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
I've given up, I'm not going to get a full post about this. This is the brief take I wrote for a 2018 Wrap-Up Post at The Irresponsible Reader:
I haven't been able to get a post written about this -- I'm not sure why. It's superior in almost every way to the wonderful Skyfarer -- the idea behind the caravan, the scope of the ship and it's culture are more than you might think anyone has done before. A fantasy novel about wizards and warriors (and warrior wizards) in a SF setting. I had a blast reading this and I think you will, too.
I've given up, I'm not going to get a full post about this. This is the brief take I wrote for a 2018 Wrap-Up Post at The Irresponsible Reader:
I haven't been able to get a post written about this -- I'm not sure why. It's superior in almost every way to the wonderful Skyfarer -- the idea behind the caravan, the scope of the ship and it's culture are more than you might think anyone has done before. A fantasy novel about wizards and warriors (and warrior wizards) in a SF setting. I had a blast reading this and I think you will, too.
May 17, 2018
There are books that you just can't put down, that you have to read until you finish or fall asleep. This is not one of those. This is one of those books that you savor. That you pour over every detail in the writing and let it soak into your soul. You dread turning the page because you have no idea what might happen to the characters you love. Brassey keeps the suspense right through to the very last page. An excellent followup to his debut novel Skyfarer, a must have. I can only hope he has started on a third book.
May 4, 2018
A diplomatic mission to settle the transfer of captaincy for a city sized floating trade ship. What could possibly go wrong? My favourite team of "explorers" are back again and end up getting in the middle of damn near everything getting destroyed around them once more. There's magic, sword play, magic swords, masses of the undead, and a kraken. So all jolly good fun with plenty utmost competency and rage based leadership struggles.
July 11, 2018
First, let me say there is nothing ground breaking here, but damn do I enjoy this series. Unless I am mistaken, this occurs on Earth in the far distant future where all land masses float above the abyss. (Might be wrong on that count) The crew of the Elysium is the perfect blend of mischief, dissent, and teamwork as they endure a continuing series of misadventures. Great action, great drama, and a few turns I didn't see coming. I recommend these books.
July 23, 2018
What an adventure from the start. We jump back to the skyship Elysium shortly after the events of Skyfarer and our motley crew diving head first into what should be a calm escapade after the events of Port Providence. But with this crew, it's always anything but boring! Between political posturing, an undead uprising, and a myriad of other mysteries swirling around the crew of Elysium, I did not want to put Dragon Road down from start to finish! I can't wait for part three!
April 21, 2019
Yet again this was just a fun and over the top Space Magic adventure. The story was a lot more involved, and the plot quite a bit more intricate but it stayed pretty consistent and fun throughout. I am impressed at how neatly Joseph Brassey sets up what you think will be a predictable trope or plot twist and then neatly avoids it. There are some used, and generally used well, but others you see coming but our characters do as well and actually do something about it. I appreciate that.
February 8, 2020
An excellent second step
There is nothing quite as satisfying as a story in a deeply thought out, well constructed world. Joseph Brassey’s second installment is exactly that type of book. Characters that speak to you, a system of magic and science working together. Mythology is a rich and thrilling tapestry. If you haven’t read this one, do it now. Unless you haven’t read Skyfarer. In that case, read it first!
There is nothing quite as satisfying as a story in a deeply thought out, well constructed world. Joseph Brassey’s second installment is exactly that type of book. Characters that speak to you, a system of magic and science working together. Mythology is a rich and thrilling tapestry. If you haven’t read this one, do it now. Unless you haven’t read Skyfarer. In that case, read it first!
July 6, 2025
I love this series. I love that Aimee is competent and told she is competent. I love Clutch and her ongoing sibling like war with Vant. I love Bjorn just tired of everything. I love Harmon trusting in his crew and I love that Elias is white hot mess but he’s such and endearingly lost white hot mess. I love Belit teaching him. I loved this book. Yes it might be a little predictable but good. So good.
May 11, 2018
Another awesome read!
If you enjoyed Skyfarer (and how could you not) then you are in for another amazing installment in the Drifting Lands. Couldn’t put it down, there was so much action, excitement, character development, along with new locations, new characters, and new Drifting Lands lore. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next for the Elysium and her crew! Come on, book 3!
If you enjoyed Skyfarer (and how could you not) then you are in for another amazing installment in the Drifting Lands. Couldn’t put it down, there was so much action, excitement, character development, along with new locations, new characters, and new Drifting Lands lore. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next for the Elysium and her crew! Come on, book 3!
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