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The Dragonwalker #3
Dragon Rise
Dragons will return, but who will control them? After betraying both the empire and the rebellion, Fes and Jayell travel alone, struggling to remain safe when a daring break-in that might provide the needed leverage goes awry. Searching for help requires he go to those who want nothing more than to raise the dragons but it’s where he might finally begin to understand just what it means for him to be Deshazl. Facing a fight for his life, he discovers he’s not as alone as he thought. With new allies, he might finally be able to save Jayell, but he needs to do so before a new threat attempts to use him for his connection to the long lost dragons—and destroy the empire. A decision forces him to come to terms with what he really wants. Does he want the protection of the empire, the rebellion, or does he serve only himself?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2018
1030 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 23, 2019
I loved this book. This series keeps improving with every installment. The action was relentless at times, and I enjoyed learning more and more about the world. The introduction of a new enemy in this book really helped ramp up the tension.
And then there was the battle sequence toward the end of the book. It had me frantically flipping pages.
Rating: 9.5/10
And then there was the battle sequence toward the end of the book. It had me frantically flipping pages.
Rating: 9.5/10
August 12, 2025
Absolutely brilliant fast paced exciting storyline.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
June 28, 2022
The author is on a groove, main character of the series Jes, helping out strangers, as if he has no life or purpose of his own. Carter, a mercenary that supposedly works for the Empire, that has tried to kill him more than a dozen times, has set up a bounty on his head. What is the point for a thief and a murderer for hire to "keep his word" and "be loyal to the people that have helped him out"? It's like a priest/priestess that is a gigolo/whore on their free time. A contradiction that opposes all common sense.
Jes supposedly is a Dragonwalker. This means that he is a member of a nearly extinct tribe/clan/ people. Because there are not that many people that know the old ways, and have special abilities, Jes uses the special daggers that his father used, to defend himself from all the mercenaries and bandits that are trying to kill him. Jes not owing anything to anyone, is probably the most hated person in this fantasy world. Why? Probably only the author knows...
So why doesn't Fes just get a normal job, stop stealing from other people and settle down? That and the fact that this story series has no main plot arc or secondary arcs. Fes is a leaf in the wind, without goals or purpose. Is this a story worth reading? No. Is it interesting or unique? No.
Fes is a thief and a murderer with a conscience. Is this a contradiction? Yes! Huge one.
The only reason I started reading this series is because I thought it would have Dragons. No dragons, in fact, the dragons were all exterminated a thousand years back (before the story started). So the author has not even explained the reason behind the Dragon Genocide. Why the Fire Mages are trying to enslave and kill him, why the mercenaries from the empire are trying to do the same.
It's a struggle for bones and relics. Is there merit in fighting for remains of the Dragons? How poor can a culture be, that they are actually fighting for fossils?
The author has no imagination or creativity and gives Fes tunnel vision: Either Fes works for Carter, Horus, or the Empire, all three are part of organized crime of this world. There is no honesty. No remains of decency, except for Fes's need to keep his promises and save his "acquaintances".
In the infinite possibilities of alternate reality worlds, why do authors with little or no imagination choose worlds that are as bad or worse than Earth? Does it take imagination to enslave other people, to promote violence and gore, human suffering, corruption and depravity?
Jes supposedly is a Dragonwalker. This means that he is a member of a nearly extinct tribe/clan/ people. Because there are not that many people that know the old ways, and have special abilities, Jes uses the special daggers that his father used, to defend himself from all the mercenaries and bandits that are trying to kill him. Jes not owing anything to anyone, is probably the most hated person in this fantasy world. Why? Probably only the author knows...
So why doesn't Fes just get a normal job, stop stealing from other people and settle down? That and the fact that this story series has no main plot arc or secondary arcs. Fes is a leaf in the wind, without goals or purpose. Is this a story worth reading? No. Is it interesting or unique? No.
Fes is a thief and a murderer with a conscience. Is this a contradiction? Yes! Huge one.
The only reason I started reading this series is because I thought it would have Dragons. No dragons, in fact, the dragons were all exterminated a thousand years back (before the story started). So the author has not even explained the reason behind the Dragon Genocide. Why the Fire Mages are trying to enslave and kill him, why the mercenaries from the empire are trying to do the same.
It's a struggle for bones and relics. Is there merit in fighting for remains of the Dragons? How poor can a culture be, that they are actually fighting for fossils?
The author has no imagination or creativity and gives Fes tunnel vision: Either Fes works for Carter, Horus, or the Empire, all three are part of organized crime of this world. There is no honesty. No remains of decency, except for Fes's need to keep his promises and save his "acquaintances".
In the infinite possibilities of alternate reality worlds, why do authors with little or no imagination choose worlds that are as bad or worse than Earth? Does it take imagination to enslave other people, to promote violence and gore, human suffering, corruption and depravity?
June 11, 2021
This series just keep getting stronger with each book, and this, book 3 is a real heart stopper at times. It is action packed as Fes gets into all kinds of trouble. First he and Jayell attempt to enter the Fire Mage Temple in Dragash to steal dragon relics in order for Jayell to become strong enough to search for Griffin. Things turn awry, Jayell is caught and Fes had to escape on his own but he never once gave up on saving Jayell. He is hounded by the dragon guard and has become a wanted man in the city of Anuhr, with Jaken out for his blood. But as he leaves the city and tries to find safety somewhere he encounters other dangers, but he also comes across other Deshazl and a very powerful woman who was protecting them and keeping them safe from the Damhur. These were people who had come from across the sea, had the power of the calling which they used to enslave the deshazl and use them as animals. Fes came across the calling which paralysed him in this community for the first time, but it was not his last encounter with these wicked invaders. In this book Fes is betrayed by Alison, captured, managed to escape and free all other captives who he found were also all deshazl, and then traipsed through a dread dragon forest with the group in tow, doing his best to keep them all safe whilst being hounded by those who inflicted the calling on them. Finally Fes is accepting who he really is and in so doing he embraces his power and thus these magical powers are growing. Thank goodness for that as a war is being waged when the Damhur arrive in Dragash in order to take something from the Fire Mage Temple thus bringing Fes to a full circle and back where the story started. This was a dangerous place for him to be in but Fes keeps putting the safety of those he called his people first. This is the best book in the series to date and I am really hooked and cannot wait to go on reading the rest of the series.
August 21, 2018
READ, READ, READ! A MUST READ!
I'm writing as fast as I can because I can't wait for the next story. However, I am not forced to-there is no terrible cliff hanger here. There is only the opportunity to read more about these characters we have come to love. It's not very often that an author leaves it up to the reader whether to get the next book or not but this one does. The respect he shows his readers by doing this, definitely should be rewarded. In addition to that, these are magnificent stories and a great story line. As I read this story I am immersed in it. Even better than a movie, I am experiencing it. To me that makes this book and it's author ones never to be ignored. I would so recommend this book to any age-a parent could read it to children, a teen would enjoy it ad well as adults. All I can really say is, READ, READ, READ! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :) !D
I'm writing as fast as I can because I can't wait for the next story. However, I am not forced to-there is no terrible cliff hanger here. There is only the opportunity to read more about these characters we have come to love. It's not very often that an author leaves it up to the reader whether to get the next book or not but this one does. The respect he shows his readers by doing this, definitely should be rewarded. In addition to that, these are magnificent stories and a great story line. As I read this story I am immersed in it. Even better than a movie, I am experiencing it. To me that makes this book and it's author ones never to be ignored. I would so recommend this book to any age-a parent could read it to children, a teen would enjoy it ad well as adults. All I can really say is, READ, READ, READ! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :) !D
January 29, 2023
When the End is the Beginning
Having just finished this, the third volume in the Dragonwalker Series, I again marvel at the power of an author who can make me want to read the remaining four novels in this brilliant series! Fair warning, author D. K. Holmberg is one of my top five favorite sci-fi authors
This particular volume brings closure to the first part of a larger story. And a rich story it is! Holmberg is a powerful writer who weaves her way through the story threads of vibrant, relatable characters within believable and imaginative worlds. Before you begin, you should know that you will probably want the whole series!
Strongly recommended!
Having just finished this, the third volume in the Dragonwalker Series, I again marvel at the power of an author who can make me want to read the remaining four novels in this brilliant series! Fair warning, author D. K. Holmberg is one of my top five favorite sci-fi authors
This particular volume brings closure to the first part of a larger story. And a rich story it is! Holmberg is a powerful writer who weaves her way through the story threads of vibrant, relatable characters within believable and imaginative worlds. Before you begin, you should know that you will probably want the whole series!
Strongly recommended!
March 7, 2020
Whine, whine whine
Wimpette can whine with the best of them. Come on this is book 3 and our super duper mega killer whimpette wantabe moans n groans more than ever! Boohoohoo I am such a loser! I do not want to kill ... chop, stab, slash! Give me more!
Murderer, wimp, loser extraordinaire constantly faces mind control. Unable to resist, he only in the last instant blazes forth and kills number 999999999. Only to face another! Oh me, oh my will whimpy whiner toot himself? Read exact repeat number 99 to know! Only to cycle repeats again n again. Boring!
Wimpette can whine with the best of them. Come on this is book 3 and our super duper mega killer whimpette wantabe moans n groans more than ever! Boohoohoo I am such a loser! I do not want to kill ... chop, stab, slash! Give me more!
Murderer, wimp, loser extraordinaire constantly faces mind control. Unable to resist, he only in the last instant blazes forth and kills number 999999999. Only to face another! Oh me, oh my will whimpy whiner toot himself? Read exact repeat number 99 to know! Only to cycle repeats again n again. Boring!
September 4, 2018
Awesome
The story continues and Fes learns even more about himself. He even starts to be a leader of his people. I am curious to understand what Alison was up to. If she didn’t intend for him to be captured, what did she intend? How’d he get in the hands of the worst possible people he could? At least he escaped. Poor guy. He is learning more and now we have a ......... . Can’t say, but if you read....you will find out. 😊.
The story continues and Fes learns even more about himself. He even starts to be a leader of his people. I am curious to understand what Alison was up to. If she didn’t intend for him to be captured, what did she intend? How’d he get in the hands of the worst possible people he could? At least he escaped. Poor guy. He is learning more and now we have a ......... . Can’t say, but if you read....you will find out. 😊.
September 6, 2018
R
3 1/2 stars.
Oy. I thought the series ended at 3 books. Guess not. I'm calling it quits here though. Although more clarity has come with each passing book, they are just too nebulous, obscure, for my tastes. I have no idea why the mc thinks and questions the way he does. His priorities are sometimes suspect and inconsistent with what we know of his character. The book is still very readable, it's just more work than I want to put into it.
3 1/2 stars.
Oy. I thought the series ended at 3 books. Guess not. I'm calling it quits here though. Although more clarity has come with each passing book, they are just too nebulous, obscure, for my tastes. I have no idea why the mc thinks and questions the way he does. His priorities are sometimes suspect and inconsistent with what we know of his character. The book is still very readable, it's just more work than I want to put into it.
November 10, 2018
Better than 2nd book
I enjoyed this installment better than the last, especially since Fezarn is coming to know himself & grow as a person. New characters, new places, new powers, new dangers all arise. Fezarn is sent headlong into a future that he makes him extremely wary, and for good reason. Losing & finding Jayell, being captured then freeing himself, Fezarn learns more about himself & his people than before. His powers grow, as do his responsibilities. Recommend.
I enjoyed this installment better than the last, especially since Fezarn is coming to know himself & grow as a person. New characters, new places, new powers, new dangers all arise. Fezarn is sent headlong into a future that he makes him extremely wary, and for good reason. Losing & finding Jayell, being captured then freeing himself, Fezarn learns more about himself & his people than before. His powers grow, as do his responsibilities. Recommend.
August 25, 2021
Fez is learning that there are people out there that are not great and now they are fixing on raising a dragon, Fez does not believe they can. Now people from other lands are coming and trying to control Deshazl of all kinds. Fez has to learn to fight it and protect others like him. Then he sees for the first time a dragon and he feels he has to protect it from people who want to control it. What a great book. Can not wait for the next book.
January 5, 2023
Never wanted to put this book down, but life happens , and my husband insisted that I join life. There are so many twists in the plot that you are never sure who are the good guys and who are the bad guys, but that is part of what makes it so good. This is the second book in the series and you need to read them in order to understand the plot, like most fantasy series, but it is still great. Can’t wait to start the next one.
August 3, 2019
This book really begins the saga
First two of this series move slowly and have a lot of gray areas. However midway thru this book the saga takes over. Stick with this one. It gets better and better! The story gets you more involved and curious so settle down for a good read. I'm enjoying it. You will too!
First two of this series move slowly and have a lot of gray areas. However midway thru this book the saga takes over. Stick with this one. It gets better and better! The story gets you more involved and curious so settle down for a good read. I'm enjoying it. You will too!
August 17, 2020
I love this author
I keep getting sucked into his world's. Holmberg's stories lead you on a journey of self discovery and strength. This latest series is only one I have read. I am now waiting on others to continue. He is a must read. Come join in the fun of reading and maybe you can find a way to to a discovery of yourself.
I keep getting sucked into his world's. Holmberg's stories lead you on a journey of self discovery and strength. This latest series is only one I have read. I am now waiting on others to continue. He is a must read. Come join in the fun of reading and maybe you can find a way to to a discovery of yourself.
June 8, 2022
Outstanding Book
This is the best series of books I have read in a long time. I only stopped when I had to.
If you enjoy Tolkien and Bradley, you will enjoy it very much!I
The main character is a complicated individual. He starts as one thing, but ends up an entirely different young man.
This is the best series of books I have read in a long time. I only stopped when I had to.
If you enjoy Tolkien and Bradley, you will enjoy it very much!I
The main character is a complicated individual. He starts as one thing, but ends up an entirely different young man.
December 3, 2018
Dragon Bond
I can no put it down. Page after page is better than the one before. The suspense just gets better and better. I think Tolkien has met his greatest challenge to his legacy. Though anyone will Have Some seriously large shoes to fill.
I can no put it down. Page after page is better than the one before. The suspense just gets better and better. I think Tolkien has met his greatest challenge to his legacy. Though anyone will Have Some seriously large shoes to fill.
March 1, 2019
Good read
The series is winding up nicely and I like the way it stays with the main character. It tends to waffle a little which is why I only gave it 4 stars but apart from that it is a really good story.
The series is winding up nicely and I like the way it stays with the main character. It tends to waffle a little which is why I only gave it 4 stars but apart from that it is a really good story.
April 17, 2019
Good story builder
Eventually the pieces come together, DK does a good job of putting pieces of previous books together to build towards the conclusion. This is a rare skill. Can't wait for the next book.
Eventually the pieces come together, DK does a good job of putting pieces of previous books together to build towards the conclusion. This is a rare skill. Can't wait for the next book.
December 12, 2019
Dragonwalker Series
I love reading books by D.K. Holmberg. They are intriguing and keep you on your feet. The twist to this series by having the people want to bring back the dragons is great.
I love reading books by D.K. Holmberg. They are intriguing and keep you on your feet. The twist to this series by having the people want to bring back the dragons is great.
November 18, 2020
Wow
Spoiler alert!
A dragon has risen! Fes now feels an obligation to keep the dragon and others like himself safe. I am looking forward to starting the next in this series. Enjoy!
Spoiler alert!
A dragon has risen! Fes now feels an obligation to keep the dragon and others like himself safe. I am looking forward to starting the next in this series. Enjoy!
February 7, 2021
Review of Dragon Rise
Another wonderful tale in the continuing story of Fes learning how to become Deshazl. I'm never disappointed reading stories by this author. They're always colorful and the characters become friends, allies or enemies. Five stars!
Another wonderful tale in the continuing story of Fes learning how to become Deshazl. I'm never disappointed reading stories by this author. They're always colorful and the characters become friends, allies or enemies. Five stars!
February 24, 2021
Amazingly well written series, I became very invested in the characters and couldn't wait to read the next volume. At first glance a series 7 volumes long might seem daunting but I was soon snatched away into the world of Dragonwalker and couldn't put each volume down.
August 5, 2018
Great read
I really enjoyed this book. The fighting and magic was awesome. But the best part was the dragon. Can’t wait for the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. The fighting and magic was awesome. But the best part was the dragon. Can’t wait for the next book.
August 8, 2018
I am enjoying the series so far and the introduction of the most recent "character" has me excited for subsequent releases. Great series so far!
August 15, 2018
Exciting
Oh my gosh! I was on the edge b of my seat reading almost all night. The story was certainly well written and intriguing.
Oh my gosh! I was on the edge b of my seat reading almost all night. The story was certainly well written and intriguing.
September 18, 2018
Everything about this book is good. You'll be entertain reading this series. Good Reading Everyone!
September 21, 2018
Dragons, a strong hero, and magic! What more do you need? A great story and this is it!
December 22, 2018
Good book
This runs high in the type of books I like to read. I very much enjoy keeping up with Jes’s education in life outside his normal experiences.
This runs high in the type of books I like to read. I very much enjoy keeping up with Jes’s education in life outside his normal experiences.
January 9, 2019
More!
Each book is better than the previous one. Excellent characterization and a fast paced narrative that I am having a hard time putting down.
Each book is better than the previous one. Excellent characterization and a fast paced narrative that I am having a hard time putting down.
February 17, 2020
Dragon Rise
The store line is fine but I have think they are good books but I am tried of read them, especially since there are 4 more books to read.
The store line is fine but I have think they are good books but I am tried of read them, especially since there are 4 more books to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews