Destiny of Dragons

The Legacy of Dragons #3

by Jack Campbell

In the thrilling conclusion to the Legacy of Dragons trilogy, ancient weapons of mass destruction lie hidden under the city of Pacta Servanda. Remnants of the Great Guilds and rebellious factions of the Empire want to seize those weapons to allow them to regain control of the world of Dematr. Only Jason, brought by the first ship from Earth since the colony failed, might be able to disarm the threat. But he also might know how to employ those weapons, making him a danger for all sides.


Standing between those threats is Kira of Dematr. But Kira, who inexplicably has been able to manifest Mage powers as well as technical skills, finds herself being consumed by the mental conflicts between those powers and skills. As rogue Mechanics, Mages, and mercenaries attack with every weapon at their disposal, Kira suffers more blackouts and begins to lose her mind. The fate of her world rests on whether she can stay alive and find answers in time to problems that no one else has ever confronted.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy, Romance, Steampunk

407 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2018

About the author

Jack Campbell is a pseudonym for American science fiction author John G. Hemry.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.

John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.

John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.

He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.

John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.

Reviews

[Shane Jardine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been of fan of Jack Campbell’s books since I first tumbled across his Pillars of Reality series a few years ago and I loved the first two books in this follow up trilogy. So when Destiny of Dragons released a few days ago I was pretty excited that I was able to get the audiobook right away and start listening to it. Sadly I can’t say that it really lived up to my expectations and I found it to be the weakest of all the books set on Dematr.

Now, I’m not saying that it’s a bad book, I think Jack Campbell is a fantastic author and Destiny of Dragons was as well-written as any other book in the series. I listened to the book my entire shift at work and then came home and missed some sleep to finish it because I was left with the undeniable need to know what was going to happen next at the end of every chapter. I think this book did a great job fleshing out some more aspects of the world and giving us a bit more look at what led to the rise of the Mechanics and Magicians guilds in the first place.

There were just a few things that really annoyed me about this book once I had finished listening to it that I wasn’t just brush off as inconsequential. First Kira whined A LOT in this book and it really started grating on me after the first chapter or two, and if she hadn’t insisted on remaining in denial about herself and her abilities for so long then I think events in this book would have gone a lot smoother for everyone. I also still think her relationship with Jason feels really tacked on and dragons the story down. Especially in this book where we seem to get entire chapters dedicated to her doubt about his love for her and their future together. Unlike the first series where I loved when Alain and Marie were together, I didn’t care about Kira and Jason as a couple at all in this book.

Once again I think that the best thing this book, as well as every other book in this series has going for it is MacLeod Andrews is it’s narrator. His range and the amount of emotion that he managed to pack into his narration is just fantastic and never fails to amaze me. Every character has their own voice and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him fumble an accent or voice at all between any of the books. While I think these books are enjoyable no matter how to experience them, I think the audiobooks is the best way to go.

All in all I would have to say that this trilogy was a great addition to the series and I have no problem recommending it to anyone looking for something to read. Though I would recommend that anyone interested should read the Pillars of Reality series first before jumping into this trilogy. They are great books and you would enjoy the Legacy of Dragons trilogy better with the background information it provides.

[Bettie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are mild spoilers in this review

It is refreshing for a book to not only give a valid reason why the teenagers are the main players in an attempt to save the world, but to also give the adults something to do. I don't think I could have retained much respect for Jack Campbell had he retired Alain and Mari in favor of Kira and Jason. Mari and Alain have been a butt kicking duo for the last 20 years, so there would have to be a GREAT reason as to why they are taking a back seat in this book. Jack set up the perfect answer to this. The tech. Jason was the only person on the planet who even had a kernel of knowledge on how the original setters electronics worked, and so it makes perfect sense for him to be heavily involved in this aspect. He still however hasn't fully found his footing on this world and so he needs someone there to help him navigate both the terrain and it's people. Of course it had to be Kira. He is her man. I HATE every time she calls him that btw. Please someone introduce the word fiance to these people. We did get a few great scenes of Mari and Alain holding it down. Saving the world w/o seeking so much as a pat on the back from those they saved. Pregnant Mari taking on a troll. I love it. And Alain... 20 years later and still doesn't trust a train.... or remember anything about his wedding, other than it happened and he didn't know it. I LOVE IT. I could do with 10 short stories on Mari and Alain forging the new world order prior to the new series. I wasn't a huge fan of Kira's inner struggle between her mechanic and mage sides though. I figured out what was happening pretty early on and it wasn't that crazy of a twist or even that hard to fix. BUT----still made for a great adventure.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and especially the fantastic narration by MacLeod Andrews. But this particular installment is probably my least favorite.

While the story makes sense, it features a stubborn, somewhat crazy Kira blindly leading Jason into situation after situation where they're almost killed. Honestly, I just didn't like Kira's personality in general. She's quick-tempered and kind of self-absorbed. And Jason is just a wimp who follows her around like a lost puppy. There is a slight degree of loyalty going on, but he always sounded like a petulant teenager when dealing with Kira's crazy.

While Campbell painted Alain much the same way in the original series (Pillars of Reality), he also gave Alain a dignity as the "consort" of Mari. Jason, however didn't get that same treatment. If Campbell continues the series that may happen - but in this book, Jason got a bit of a raw deal. I wonder if the choice to voice him as a New Yorker contributed to that. Even Andrews' narration, while always stellar, seemed a bit tired.

Still, the overall story is good. This follow-up series feels slightly forced with no major bad guys and somewhat of a manufactured plot. But the world is always one I enjoy and Campbell is certainly an author who knows his stuff.

3.5 stars rounded up - largely for the narration and the strength of the series.

[Marjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. I loved it. I just have two itty-bitty little notes.

1: the evil lightning mage makes a return, which is fine, but his name went from Siva in 'Servants of the Storm' to Ivor here. Continuity error, yellow flag.

2: What the HELL kind of ending was that?!? Curse you, Jack Campbell! I was fine until those last two-three sentences. And it's too well wrapped up for me to expect another set of books in this universe! Though I really want one.

[Reanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book! Loved the angst and drama. I've heard this is supposed to be the last of this series, but it really doesn't read that way. Hoping there will be more. With all the loose threads still left, there's enough plot for another three books, I'm sure.

[GaiusPrimus · Rating 3 out of 5]

These stories are all now becoming rinse and repeat of the previous story, changing the supporting characters and the main crisis.

What's worse is that the story development doesn't support any of what's happening. Everyone involved is aware of what's happening, the relationship between mother and daughter has been fixed and considering that there's has been and continues to be a mirroring of the adventures between the Daughter and the Daughter of the Daughter, everyone does things alone because of...plot?

This took me forever to get through on audio, just because I couldn't stand listening to the above.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kira and Jason are once again at the center of the action and danger. Some of that danger is from outside but some in from Kira as she tries to come to grips with having both mage and Mechanic. The action is non-stop and the tension builds as Kira tries to force Jason away to save him. This is a great ending to a fun series. While it seems that all major problems have been solved there is a opening for the two to have further adventures. I hope that I will join them in a new adventure and get to visit Dematr again. The voices in the audio book were very well done adding to the enjoyment of the series.

[Jennopenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this really turned around. The middle part was kind of a bore, but the ending really made up for it. And always MacLeod Andrews, he's an amazing narrator in all regards. I'm a fan of this series and world still.

[NormaCenva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating 3.5 Stars

I was happy with this instalment despite the repetitiveness of it all. Mental Health was handled OK but left me questioning the amount of research put into it. The ending was very opened and sounded like there are more parts of this story in the future but nothing materialised as of beginnings of 2022... I hope there will be more still as if not the ending is much of a cliffhanger which is a bit annoying!

[Angela]

6 March 2020: $2.99 on Kindle

[Brian Gamel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am going to try to keep this short and sweet. Though I love Pillar of Reality and it being one of my favorite series ever I cannot get behind this series. The new villans show less regard to human rights like it's some kind of one upping competition (which it doesn't have to be) and the new supporting cast (aka Jason) are just so bland. There is no chemistry with the main couple and it makes it hard to continue the series.

I don't know if I'll pick up the next book at this rate. Each new volume keeps getting worse and worse.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still on the line between 3 and 4 stars. The majority of the book I really enjoyed, but the Jekyll/Hyde portions mostly just made me hate the character and made it unenjoyable to read. In the end I'm leaning more toward 4 stars than three from a big picture perspective.

[Daniel Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad that this was the final book in the series. I truly wanted more.

[Chk_Chk_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a whole, these series of books, including the Pillars of Reality, have been one of my all time favorite series. I did at first make the mistake of listening to the first book in this series before realizing there was indeed a series all about the heroics talked about in Daughter of Dragons. So I definitely recommend reading Pillars of Reality first! Despite knowing what the overall outcome must have been I still enjoyed that series and this one as well.
Now, for some criticism! A little spoilers so cover your eyes! I hate giving it to the things I love but I feel like this is a little important for any future series Mr. Campbell has in mind. The constant bickering Kira and Jason due to each other about how "I don't deserve you" or "we should just call off the engagement" or "you don't have to marry me" gets really really old after the 100th time. Couples, in my experience, don't do that, not actually. Maybe once in a blue moon does a couple talk like that or suggest something like that, it's not healthy for them to constantly be talking to each other as if they're going to break up at any moment, especially when no one really believes they're going to. It could have been much better handled with an "are you sure about getting into all this?" "yes" and then let their actions reaffirm that. The comments of breaking up came up so often that I almost wanted to skip over them because it was always the same conversation that felt like it was there just to make the story longer. Overall, it wasn't needed and didn't add anything other than emphasize the fact that the main characters are younger individuals uncertain of how to deal with the emotional parts of their relationship.

[HardLight · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is yet again another fantasic piece by Jack Campbell, creating a detailed world that has an amazing depth and interesting people in it.

The story of Kira and Jason reaches a nasterfully crafted point here with the brilliantly written point of no return, where Kira has to come to terms with parts of her that she's been terrified of and Jason steps up as a fully fledged hero.

I love the world of Demeter, having only found this series through the continuation of the story of Marie, Daughter of Jewels, I am such a huge fan of things in this.

I give it a 5/5 because I enjoyed every moment of it, but there is one point that I hinted at in the progress updates that I've not seen.

Throughout the series up to now, Jason has been as much of a doormat as it's possible to be while still being likable, with the tense stuff going on in this book, I'd have hoped that he finally just snapped, turned around and gave Kira both barrels for once.

I know why he doesn't and it's part of why I like the stuff he's done, but still, it annoys me to no end that he is still taking all the crap from Kira without at least standing up for himself.

It's nothing if not fascinating and getting the very disparate personality changes in Kira in this story was a fascinating read for me.

I don't know if there's any more books planned but I hope there are, I want to see more of this world and its people.

[Jervaise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book and the whole series. The steampunk fictional world of Dematr is fun. I love all of the characters, but it took Kira a LOT longer to figure out her real reason for loss than I wanted or was needed for the plot. So much so that had it been the first book (or had I not had Alain & Mari reprieves) I would have abandoned the book. I’m ready for the next trilogy, though, should it be written (ending hints?), so clearly my frustration wasn’t enough to abandon the series. Though Kira was MUCH better after figuring out the issue I’d resolved in chapter 3. I loved Jason and his evident boy realizations and “nothing is real—all is a dream” connections to Alain had us laughing out loud.

[Anthoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really not liking all the crazy and contention between our heroes. It was ok as a small plot device but as a continuing one it sucks. It's that kind of crap that I read YA novels to get away from. Like a crying baby on a TV show or movie, after a few minutes of it, I've had enough. I'm wanting to put this down but I'm struggling through to find out what happens to the characters I previously enjoyed.

I still enjoyed the people and the world. The main characters not so much. Even though things work out in the end, the constant tension between the Kira and Jason make it unlike any of the other books set on this world. It made me dread going back to Kira's POV.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this ended with a little bit of a cliffhanger. But GoodReads says this is the conclusion to The Legacy of Dragons. What gives? I'm assuming there's going to be a new story arc?

Anyway, this book was the weakest of the this trilogy. The plot was a mess. It certainly had some fun and interesting parts, but overall it was a lot of fluff. Kira was annoying. Jason was a whiner that needs to grow a pair. I don't actually understand Kira and Jason's relationship. It doesn't make any sense why they're even together.

Will I read the next series? Well, yeah. But was this series satisfying? Not particularly.

Book Rating: 2/5
Series Rating: 3.5/5

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice installment in the series. It claims to be the end of the trilogy, but there will definitely be more in the overall series, even if it is the end of this trilogy. I really enjoyed this addition to the storyline, and I'm certainly keeping an eye out for what's next, as this is a very well developed world, and I'm really liking it's various subplots. Great stuff here for scifi fans, and fantasy fans too, (yes, I know, that's unusual), but in this case, it's true. New readers can read this book without reading any of the others, but it will be considerably better if you have read the other books first.

[Richard Ritenbaugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of all the Jack Campbell book's I've read (and I think I've read all or most of them), this is my least favorite. I could not stand Kira throughout this book. I know, she was battling a psychological problem over the course of her adventure, but it was wearisome to hear her bully the longsuffering Jason so much. He was the hero of this book! I thought a few times that he deserves better.

[Norman Drabek · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite of the entire series. Way too much whining by the main characters. Half the book was of them whining...really? Love Jack Campbell, love the the rest of the series, but this one was marginal.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This was another good adventure for Kira and Jason.

I liked how the main problem Kira faced with her mental state and Mage powers was handled. I was worried for her for a while.

I hope there are more books in this world. This one ended with room for more, for sure.

[Trae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Moody of these books aren't bad. The teenage angst can be ignored due to the fact that they have to make grown up and responsible decisions. This destroyed all that. So now we get the angst and the rash of bad decisions that lead to them not having to deal with there consequences... Frustrating.

[Mike Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought these three successive books might be a bit derivative of the first three. While the world is the same, and evolving, the characters are, in my opinion, different. The threats, backstory, challenges and humor make a very fun ride.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to the trilogy! Lots of action, constantly going. Kira is slightly annoying, but that's sort of the point. But still, Sheesh! This book still solidified my love of these audio stories. Jack Campbell had better be writing more in this world!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It got a little dicey for me towards the end, but the resolution was perfect. Of course, in typical Jack Campbell fashion, now I need to find whatever comes next because he opened up another avenue for the story to continue!

[Aaron Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Take a character you don't like in the first place, add insanity and mental blackouts, make her do random things for little reason, and you get a really bad book.

I couldn't stand this, but I somehow managed to finish it.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rolling right into this audiobook after book 2, I found myself not as involved. There was a lot of repetition of her "Sybil" behavior which totally turned me off. Still looking forward to any future novels in the series.

[Ray dozois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

There are a few authors that can keep you reading late into the night. Jack is one of them. I couldn't put this book down. So if you want to get things done start this book early with no task to do.

[Joan Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cavalry always arrives in the nick of time, revelations always answer questions when necessary, people fine each other on vast planets but who cares. The book's wonderful anyway. Cutting slack? of course, as much as needed.