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The Fall of an Overlord
In a future Earth ruled by immense dragon overlords, is freedom a long-lost dream?
When Khell, a crippled dragon determined to free his people from the tyranny of his Overlord, meets with other rebels from his master’s domain, a twist of fate forces him into a betrayal that propels him, and his allies, into a war they aren’t ready for.
Even worse, win or lose, the whole gamble could be for naught if the other Overlords learn of the rebellion.
With not only their freedom and their lives, but the very souls of thousands hanging in the balance, Khell and his allies are forced to make an impossible choice.
If you’ve been waiting for a story about dragons as (or more) flawed and conflicted as any human, if you enjoy rapid, page-turning suspense on the backdrop of post-apocalyptic fantasy, then pick up your copy of The Fall of an Overlord today!
When Khell, a crippled dragon determined to free his people from the tyranny of his Overlord, meets with other rebels from his master’s domain, a twist of fate forces him into a betrayal that propels him, and his allies, into a war they aren’t ready for.
Even worse, win or lose, the whole gamble could be for naught if the other Overlords learn of the rebellion.
With not only their freedom and their lives, but the very souls of thousands hanging in the balance, Khell and his allies are forced to make an impossible choice.
If you’ve been waiting for a story about dragons as (or more) flawed and conflicted as any human, if you enjoy rapid, page-turning suspense on the backdrop of post-apocalyptic fantasy, then pick up your copy of The Fall of an Overlord today!
Audible Audio
Published September 5, 2017
6 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Potter
28 books153 followersKevin Potter is an award-winning fantasy author who enjoys spending time masquerading as dragons larger than some cities. He’s fond of discussing the origination of his fantasy series, which was the result of taking seriously the adage, “If you can’t find what you want to read, write it.”
Although somewhat of a recluse, he actually loves interacting with readers on any platform they happen to frequent, though of late he mostly avoids traditional social media in favor of the reader/writer-centric Substack.
Speaking of which, you can get free stories, samples, and be the first to know what he’s working on by subscribing to his Substack at http://dragonauthor.substack.com
Although somewhat of a recluse, he actually loves interacting with readers on any platform they happen to frequent, though of late he mostly avoids traditional social media in favor of the reader/writer-centric Substack.
Speaking of which, you can get free stories, samples, and be the first to know what he’s working on by subscribing to his Substack at http://dragonauthor.substack.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 17, 2017
The Fall of an Overlord
A Prequel to the Calamity
By: Kevin Potter
Narrated by: Scott Allen
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is an excellent prequel. It lets the listener/reader get to know several things starting with lives, how the dragons live, the neighbors and how they live, the society of dragons, and so much more just from the prequel. Of course we learn about some of the characters that may or may not be in the series. I really enjoyed it. I liked how the author got me to hate the Overlord so quickly and love the underdog so fast. LOL. To cram all the world building in this prequel without describing but just while telling the story was great. Will have to read the next book.
The narrator was excellent. A perfect voice for this book!
A Prequel to the Calamity
By: Kevin Potter
Narrated by: Scott Allen
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is an excellent prequel. It lets the listener/reader get to know several things starting with lives, how the dragons live, the neighbors and how they live, the society of dragons, and so much more just from the prequel. Of course we learn about some of the characters that may or may not be in the series. I really enjoyed it. I liked how the author got me to hate the Overlord so quickly and love the underdog so fast. LOL. To cram all the world building in this prequel without describing but just while telling the story was great. Will have to read the next book.
The narrator was excellent. A perfect voice for this book!
December 6, 2017
Received from author for honest review.
This was a great start to what looks to be a brilliant series.I was hooked from the beginning,especially as it centred around dragons.
Good characters and really interesting story to begin this series,will definitely read more from this series.
This was a great start to what looks to be a brilliant series.I was hooked from the beginning,especially as it centred around dragons.
Good characters and really interesting story to begin this series,will definitely read more from this series.
March 23, 2018
I love anything to do with dragons so I knew straight off that I would love this book but I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the hero of the story was not the usual brash and strong dragon but a disabled dragon, Khellandrian who had had enough of oppression at the hands of the tyrannical overlord he served under, so he starts an uprising to bring the overlord down!! He flies all over the mountains to harness the help of all kinds of other dragons cause the overlord was massive and would kill them all if they were not prepared and numerous! Through his charisma he manages to convince many others to be prepared to attack upon his call for action and he is seconded by a female, Melliaunserah who takes over when khell cannot lead them after all. This book is all about courage to face the oppressor, loyalty towards their own and the love which blossoms between Khall and Melli. This book was just a prequel to what I can envisage has the potential to turn into a massive dragon saga, so I highly recommend this book to all dragon lovers, like myself who I know will enjoy this series! I look forward to reading the first book in the series but I do wish the dragons names were not so difficult to pronounce or remember!!
January 19, 2018
In a world ruled by immense dragon overlords, one azure dragon dares rise his head in defiance! Khell has accepted the call to overthrow his tyrant. Along the way he meets Milli who shares. This is a short story that can be read in afternoon but beware it will hook you so that you will want to go to the next instalment.
March 28, 2018
I hate it when I discover at the end "of the book" that, in fact, it's not the end.
Authors, please, if you offer free books on Instafreebie, for example, please mention it's only the first 2 chapters of the book.
Authors, please, if you offer free books on Instafreebie, for example, please mention it's only the first 2 chapters of the book.
November 10, 2017
“The Fall of an Overlord” is the first prequel book in the “Calamity series” and the only book currently available in audiobook format at the time of this review. The book is written by Kevin Potter and the narration is performed by Scott Allen. “Rise of The Overlord” appears to be the first prequel to this prequel series of books. However, it is not yet available in audiobook format; currently only Kindle or physical formats. This book is a rather short novella at just short of two-hundred pages and shy of three-hours of total audio. Overall, I enjoyed the story and this is why I gave it an average rating. The book was not exceptional so I am unable to give it anything above an average rating, but I also did not feel the book was deserving of a lesser one. If you are someone who likes stories of magnificent and powerful creatures called dragons, I think you will enjoy many parts of this book. I would suggest you wait for the first prequel book in the series prior to picking up this one.
Fall of an Overlord is properly titled as this is really what this book is primarily about. The story takes place centuries in the future after the demise of the human race. Many dragon families, or prides, living across the land are oppressed by their long-time dragon overlord who in many ways is a dictator and often violates the code of the dragon to get things he wants. He takes what he wants and rules with an oppressive thumb, and as the saying goes, “absolute power corrupts absolutely”. The dragons under this oppression need to build a resistance that is powerful enough to reclaim the throe of power. It is a good story where much of the actual action takes place at the end of the book. Yet, the author is able to capture and hold the listeners attention by using suspense and tension as the book progresses.
For animals often thought to be in solitude, this book gave us a view into a complex and structured dragon society. We often think of these creatures buried in treasure and sleeping alone for centuries, whereas this book gives us a quite different view. I’m not a dragon purist, so this different telling may upset some who are. I liked that there were many different types of dragons than simply the well-known colors from fantasy tales. The descriptive writing style helped me to better visualize the beauty of these creatures and just how grandiose they would have been if they existed today. It was also important for me to know and understand the nature of the handicap of one of the main characters. Being able to overcome these challenges was central and important to the theme. I also liked the author’s addition of sibling rivalry and broken alliances.
I found it interesting that the author decided to release two prequels of the series prior to releasing one or more of the books first. I am also unsure why the prequels are broken in to two separate parts instead of being combined into a single prequel book. I suspect some of this comes down to economics. I also felt it a bit odd that the second prequel audiobook was the first to be released in this format prior to the initial one. I would have liked to have been able to start the series with the information from the first prequel giving additional details and backstory of the characters which may have increased my rating.
The book’s narrator, Scott Allen, is newer to the audiobook scene with a total of four books available on Audible; at the time of this review. Do not let his number of narrations turn you away of his works. This is the first work I have listened too, and I found his voice to be deep and rich which gave the dragons that grand feeling. He also seemed to have a good understanding of the character’s personalities as each felt unique and different. Overall, I enjoyed the book’s narration. However, I believe a few of the female characters were voiced much higher than I would have preferred. I understand how difficult it can be for a male with a deeper voice is to narrate female characters, so I can overlook such while listening.
For parents or younger readers, I do not recall the use of vulgar language while listening. There are a few scenes that deal with sex or sexual overtones, but they appear to be used more for giving a feeling of oppression and despair. Note, there are a few anti-religious pokes or jabs along the way such as when the dragons discuss the human’s fictional god, etc. If any of the above offends you, I suggest you find another series to listen too.
In summary, if you are looking for a new series about dragons, I believe this may be the start of something worth picking up. It is difficult to see the direction the author is going when the listener is dropped into the second prequel before being able to listen to the first. The world is well developed, the story is well written, I would have liked to have had more to better understand the overall story direction and more scenes of action to told my attention even more.
Disclaimer: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
Fall of an Overlord is properly titled as this is really what this book is primarily about. The story takes place centuries in the future after the demise of the human race. Many dragon families, or prides, living across the land are oppressed by their long-time dragon overlord who in many ways is a dictator and often violates the code of the dragon to get things he wants. He takes what he wants and rules with an oppressive thumb, and as the saying goes, “absolute power corrupts absolutely”. The dragons under this oppression need to build a resistance that is powerful enough to reclaim the throe of power. It is a good story where much of the actual action takes place at the end of the book. Yet, the author is able to capture and hold the listeners attention by using suspense and tension as the book progresses.
For animals often thought to be in solitude, this book gave us a view into a complex and structured dragon society. We often think of these creatures buried in treasure and sleeping alone for centuries, whereas this book gives us a quite different view. I’m not a dragon purist, so this different telling may upset some who are. I liked that there were many different types of dragons than simply the well-known colors from fantasy tales. The descriptive writing style helped me to better visualize the beauty of these creatures and just how grandiose they would have been if they existed today. It was also important for me to know and understand the nature of the handicap of one of the main characters. Being able to overcome these challenges was central and important to the theme. I also liked the author’s addition of sibling rivalry and broken alliances.
I found it interesting that the author decided to release two prequels of the series prior to releasing one or more of the books first. I am also unsure why the prequels are broken in to two separate parts instead of being combined into a single prequel book. I suspect some of this comes down to economics. I also felt it a bit odd that the second prequel audiobook was the first to be released in this format prior to the initial one. I would have liked to have been able to start the series with the information from the first prequel giving additional details and backstory of the characters which may have increased my rating.
The book’s narrator, Scott Allen, is newer to the audiobook scene with a total of four books available on Audible; at the time of this review. Do not let his number of narrations turn you away of his works. This is the first work I have listened too, and I found his voice to be deep and rich which gave the dragons that grand feeling. He also seemed to have a good understanding of the character’s personalities as each felt unique and different. Overall, I enjoyed the book’s narration. However, I believe a few of the female characters were voiced much higher than I would have preferred. I understand how difficult it can be for a male with a deeper voice is to narrate female characters, so I can overlook such while listening.
For parents or younger readers, I do not recall the use of vulgar language while listening. There are a few scenes that deal with sex or sexual overtones, but they appear to be used more for giving a feeling of oppression and despair. Note, there are a few anti-religious pokes or jabs along the way such as when the dragons discuss the human’s fictional god, etc. If any of the above offends you, I suggest you find another series to listen too.
In summary, if you are looking for a new series about dragons, I believe this may be the start of something worth picking up. It is difficult to see the direction the author is going when the listener is dropped into the second prequel before being able to listen to the first. The world is well developed, the story is well written, I would have liked to have had more to better understand the overall story direction and more scenes of action to told my attention even more.
Disclaimer: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
May 9, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Firstly, I read the free Prologue to this novella (itself a Prologue!) available from the author via Twitter/Facebook, and based on just the prologue alone I probably wouldn’t have read more, as it was quite a slow-starter with the action held back right until the very end. Which would have been a shame, as the actual book that follows was a very enjoyable read for any fan of dragon-based fantasy fiction. Luckily the free sample included a few chapters of the published novella too, which was enough to hook me in, and the published book dives straight into chapter 1.
I love the concept of the different dragon breeds (gems, metallics, shadow, etc) and was fascinated to find out more about what distinguishes them, and I really like that this novel is set in a futuristic dragon-Earth, rather than the more traditional medieval historical setting.
The societal structure: the obscenely huge ruling Overlords, smaller subject dragons, ‘unauthorised’ hatchlings and so on was also intriguing and I look forward to finding out more about how the world works in future installments of this series.
The story itself was action-packed with some surprising twists along the way, and I had to read in one sitting because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Which leads me to one of my only two criticisms: I wanted more! At 187 pages the book was a great appetite-whetter but I wanted more background, more detail, more from the characters. I wanted the plot to be more drawn out and the action to last even longer. I just felt I wasn’t ready for the story to end when and where it did, and the sneak peek at the next novel only enhanced that feeling. It’s a good job that there is more on it’s way!
My only other quibble was minor: I kept giggling at the terrifying Overlord’s name. I won’t give it away here, but it did remind me of a Wiganer (my home town, UK) at the chippie bellowing for a particular sauce to go with his pie’n’chips!
Overall this was a great short read and I am looking forward to the release of Part 2: Rise of the Overlord, coming later this year.
Firstly, I read the free Prologue to this novella (itself a Prologue!) available from the author via Twitter/Facebook, and based on just the prologue alone I probably wouldn’t have read more, as it was quite a slow-starter with the action held back right until the very end. Which would have been a shame, as the actual book that follows was a very enjoyable read for any fan of dragon-based fantasy fiction. Luckily the free sample included a few chapters of the published novella too, which was enough to hook me in, and the published book dives straight into chapter 1.
I love the concept of the different dragon breeds (gems, metallics, shadow, etc) and was fascinated to find out more about what distinguishes them, and I really like that this novel is set in a futuristic dragon-Earth, rather than the more traditional medieval historical setting.
The societal structure: the obscenely huge ruling Overlords, smaller subject dragons, ‘unauthorised’ hatchlings and so on was also intriguing and I look forward to finding out more about how the world works in future installments of this series.
The story itself was action-packed with some surprising twists along the way, and I had to read in one sitting because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Which leads me to one of my only two criticisms: I wanted more! At 187 pages the book was a great appetite-whetter but I wanted more background, more detail, more from the characters. I wanted the plot to be more drawn out and the action to last even longer. I just felt I wasn’t ready for the story to end when and where it did, and the sneak peek at the next novel only enhanced that feeling. It’s a good job that there is more on it’s way!
My only other quibble was minor: I kept giggling at the terrifying Overlord’s name. I won’t give it away here, but it did remind me of a Wiganer (my home town, UK) at the chippie bellowing for a particular sauce to go with his pie’n’chips!
Overall this was a great short read and I am looking forward to the release of Part 2: Rise of the Overlord, coming later this year.
December 15, 2017
Such a fun listen! In a time when humans are no more and dragons roam the earth, an enormous dragon overlord rules his domain with an iron fist (or paw). Pushed to their limits, his subjects mount an rebellion to rid themselves of his tyrannical rule. Though they are many, they are smaller and weaker. Will they succeed or is it a suicide mission? Listen and find out!
What a great way to spend a couple of hours! I enjoyed this prequel and it promises to be an awesome series. I loved that the dragons had many human qualities and were capable of love, sympathy and courage. Along with a terrific story, the narration was top notch. Scott Allen's rich, deep voice made this even more amazing. The character voices and pacing were wonderful and I couldn't have asked for more from a narrator. I loved The Fall of an Overlord and would highly recommend it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.
What a great way to spend a couple of hours! I enjoyed this prequel and it promises to be an awesome series. I loved that the dragons had many human qualities and were capable of love, sympathy and courage. Along with a terrific story, the narration was top notch. Scott Allen's rich, deep voice made this even more amazing. The character voices and pacing were wonderful and I couldn't have asked for more from a narrator. I loved The Fall of an Overlord and would highly recommend it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.
November 11, 2017
The Fall of an Overlord is an excellent tale of dragons! It is also a prequel to the Calamity, which I intend to check out once it becomes available! Kevin Potter already has me hooked into the story and I love it! At first, I assumed this was a fantasy book with dragons in it. All of the characters are dragons! The story takes place in the future, after the humans are no longer around. Dragons from all over conspire to, like the title says, overthrow the sadistic overlord. The author does an excellent job of creating each character and their personalities that you almost forget they are dragons. I honestly can't wait to hear more in this series! Scott Allen does a great job with the narration. His deep voice is perfect for a dragon, although he does very well with the female dragons as well.
December 16, 2017
Dragons!
If you like dragons then this is for you. An interesting story about the conflicts between dragons, full of atmosphere and hints of a lot of unseen history. The writing is good with clear and engaging descriptions.The narration is good and Scott Allen does a great job making some dragons seem large and powerful with deep voices. Each dragon is given their own unique sounding voice that enhances their personality. The narration is clear and easy to listen to, there were no errors I noticed.
I am very much looking forward to Calamity coming out on audible. I want to know about the world and how it ended up the way it is. The book is short so may not be worth a credit if you are looking for a longer listen but other than that I can recommend this as a great listen.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
If you like dragons then this is for you. An interesting story about the conflicts between dragons, full of atmosphere and hints of a lot of unseen history. The writing is good with clear and engaging descriptions.The narration is good and Scott Allen does a great job making some dragons seem large and powerful with deep voices. Each dragon is given their own unique sounding voice that enhances their personality. The narration is clear and easy to listen to, there were no errors I noticed.
I am very much looking forward to Calamity coming out on audible. I want to know about the world and how it ended up the way it is. The book is short so may not be worth a credit if you are looking for a longer listen but other than that I can recommend this as a great listen.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 26, 2017
I do like Dragon books so its not going to be surprising that I'm biased and will like it. As a prequel this is pretty good, I like the style though I could have done without the very long and hard to remember Dragon names.
There are multiple ploys building up, and as a prequel it leaves you wondering which way the real story will really go.
Already bought another in the series and can't wait to start that too.
This author was one of many part of a SFF bonanza and so I'm caught int eh cross-hairs of a dozens of authors and dozens more books to read. This is a distraction from the non-fiction books I usually read and a huge distraction when I find that like this book, they are a great read.
Disclosure: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
There are multiple ploys building up, and as a prequel it leaves you wondering which way the real story will really go.
Already bought another in the series and can't wait to start that too.
This author was one of many part of a SFF bonanza and so I'm caught int eh cross-hairs of a dozens of authors and dozens more books to read. This is a distraction from the non-fiction books I usually read and a huge distraction when I find that like this book, they are a great read.
Disclosure: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
December 16, 2017
This book is an excellent introduction to the world the Calamity series is set in. During the story you get a fair bit of the history of the world as well as the societal set-up and the social norms.
The dragon characters were really well done and the story is interesting and exciting. I really enjoyed listening to it and I'm looking forward to listening to more of the series.
The narration was excellent, the character voices were really well done, they sounded draconian and delivery was smooth and natural.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The dragon characters were really well done and the story is interesting and exciting. I really enjoyed listening to it and I'm looking forward to listening to more of the series.
The narration was excellent, the character voices were really well done, they sounded draconian and delivery was smooth and natural.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2017
I liked this prequel. Reads like a story itself and not just references to the real book 1. So it was easy to read and follow. Now I really want to read about the Dragon Wars. We are introduced to Khellandrian and I am totally on his side as he tries to organize rebels to over-though his nasty power hungry Overlord. Liked the story and the references to the Dragon Wars. Interesting enough that I want to read what happens next. I received a free copy and my honest review is - Nice story that intrigued me enough that I want to see what happens next in this world that Potter has created
October 29, 2017
I love this story and can hardly wait to read the next. There are a few chapters of the next book at the end of this one just in case someone would need another reason to desire more of this tale. I did tag this as alternate history, but please don't expect the usual path of that genre. This is epically different as well as awesome. It does need a bit of proofreading but I highly recommend it anyway.
Thank you very much for this gift, Kevin Potter (author), I freely, honestly and enthusiastically post this review.
Thank you very much for this gift, Kevin Potter (author), I freely, honestly and enthusiastically post this review.
February 22, 2018
Really enjoyed this introduction to the series.
The dragon characters are delightfully well developed. It was remarkably easy to empathise with those trapped under the brutal (and absolutely massive) heel of their cruel dragon overlord and root for them in their battle to free themselves from his tyranny.
The suspense, tension, likeable characters and an unfolding of the intricacies of this rather interesting world and its inhabitants kept my attention from first page to last.
A series and author I'll definitely be reading more of.
The dragon characters are delightfully well developed. It was remarkably easy to empathise with those trapped under the brutal (and absolutely massive) heel of their cruel dragon overlord and root for them in their battle to free themselves from his tyranny.
The suspense, tension, likeable characters and an unfolding of the intricacies of this rather interesting world and its inhabitants kept my attention from first page to last.
A series and author I'll definitely be reading more of.
November 22, 2017
. I found this tale of the future to be very interesting and a bit upsetting, since humans are gone. Dragons rule the earth and humans are just a memory. Dragons have all the same traits as humans, miss using power included. This is a tale of the weak coming together to defeat the overlord. The heroes are brave and unique. This short story has character and lots of action.
April 20, 2018
I want more. The heart bond comes out of only a few hints, like an overwhelming human passion, seems to belong in the plot, as does the sad ending. I wanted to continue their stories. I like how dragons are people. Intro with human and references to human expressions and actions seem out of place, wrong.
July 12, 2017
Interesting preview!
This is a short preview, but it definitely piqued my interest. I have always loved dragon stories and feel this short is leading to something very worthwhile. Can't wait to read the "Calamity" series.
This is a short preview, but it definitely piqued my interest. I have always loved dragon stories and feel this short is leading to something very worthwhile. Can't wait to read the "Calamity" series.
July 27, 2017
I really liked this prequel. The storyline is very interesting to me because I love dragons. In the beginning we start with humans , then move forward thousands of years dominated by dragons. What's not to like? My interest is piqued now for the prelude.
August 28, 2017
This is a prequel. It is terrific! The story draws you in gently but quickly and places you within the skin of the happy, relaxed protagonist, David. The end leaves you completely breathless!
I received a free eARC with no strings attached.
I received a free eARC with no strings attached.
August 30, 2017
I loved this short story. The Dragons were wonderful and I could see them fully formed in my mind. Only one criticism why did they have to have such long, unpronounceable names. Looking forward to the next adventure.
March 7, 2018
Dragons and more dragons who deal with a tyrant that one is brave enough to want to overthrow to give freedom to the other dragons. First met with resistance not wanting to bring harm to the younger dragons than many side with the revolution. Great description of the different type of dragons.
July 24, 2017
Interesting story about dragons who want to overthrow a bad leader. Looking forward to next book to see what happens.
November 20, 2017
3.5 / 5
February 2, 2018
I was pretty excited to read this because I am always on the hunt for great dragon stories (and the cover's rad as hell).
Unfortunately, I DNF'd after the first two chapters (10% in). This story had no conflict. No goals. No anything. The first chapter was spent running with the character as he mulled over life in the woods, and the second chapter was him mulling over a painting he couldn't remember painting. Doesn't have to be explosions, but I would have loved to see a villain right off the bat, or have some conflict to be resolved so I have a reason to root for this character.
Unfortunately, I DNF'd after the first two chapters (10% in). This story had no conflict. No goals. No anything. The first chapter was spent running with the character as he mulled over life in the woods, and the second chapter was him mulling over a painting he couldn't remember painting. Doesn't have to be explosions, but I would have loved to see a villain right off the bat, or have some conflict to be resolved so I have a reason to root for this character.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews