To achieve victory, Dez must risk everything they’ve fought for—and everyone she loves.
The defeat of the Spirit King’s armies revealed his true plan to overthrow the Creator Goddess and claim her power. But the Spirit King isn’t about to go down without a fight. Now, with forces depleted from their successful campaign, Desiree Black will lead a weary Rebellion company into the Ancient Deeps. They have no choice but to stop the enemy from completing the ritual that will destroy the world.
As skirmishes break out along the dangerous paths through the Deeps, though, one thing becomes painfully clear…everyone Dez cares about faces mortal danger.
The realization of the stakes only increases her desire to free her parents from the enslaving Mind Trap. Their combined power and knowledge just might be the edge needed to reach the Spirit King and defeat him.
Yet, the way through the Deeps grows increasingly treacherous, with new enemies and deceptions around every corner. Soon, Dez no longer knows who to trust to help guide them through the heart of the earth. And when a threat from within emerges, Dez must face the harsh truth that victory never comes without a price.
Gaining freedom will require the greatest sacrifices.
Don’t miss the epic conclusion of this young adult dragon fantasy trilogy!
Queen of the Dragons' Ava Richardson invites you to immerse yourself in a dragon-filled world with epic magic, fearless characters and, at its heart, the deep bond between dragon and rider.
Ava Richardson writes epic page-turning Young Adult Fantasy books. She creates lovable characters and drops them into intricate worlds that are barely contained within your eReader. Ava has written 21 YA dragon fantasy series, including her bestselling series Return of the Darkening and her recent series, Destia's Dragon Shifter War.
She grew up on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction books handed down from her two big brothers – and despite being dog-eared and missing pages, she loved escaping into the magical worlds that those authors created. Her favorites were the ones about dragons; where they’d swoop, dive and soar through the skies of these enchanted lands.
This is the third and final book of The Dragonspawn Trilogy and continues the story of Dez (Desiree) Black and Nightsoul, her loyal friend and dragon, who she raised from an egg she found in the swamp. She is the Commander in Chief of the Rebellion army and must face their final hurdle in their attempt to defeat the Spirit King and his army of Frazids, Minocris, Drazners and even a Troll. He is heading to the Ancient Deeps to try and break open the crack deep beneath the world which he believes will kill the Creator Goddess and leave him and his minions in control of the world. Dez is leading what remains of the Rebellion forces towards the mountain pass that leads to the Deep, but knows to expect the unexpected and lots of ambushes. Her job as commander gets harder each day, as those she is responsible and those she loves are all in danger of death.
She has been searching for her parents, part of the Lost warriors taken by Ashimax, and having their every move controlled by a Mind Trap, leaving the actual person left trapped within their locked mind and body. She knows she should be able to free them, but after her previous attempt with another Lost warrior, there wasn’t much left of his body or mind after years under the Spirit King’s control. Dez believes she is the only one that can defeat the Spirit King, but a visit to the Memory Dimension reveals a certain sword, once protected by the dragons, could be an instrument to end him. But the person that wields it will be left suffering a lifetime of pain and agony. She keeps this secret from her closest friends and her mother. She still wants to protect her aunt Lula, Pieter and Kahn, her foster brothers, while her feelings for Saad are growing, but they haven’t made this public to others as yet. Not that everyone else hasn’t actually noticed them being loved up, she just thinks they don’t know!
The journey through the Deeps is treacherous and deadly, with them on the backhand at every step, while the Spirit King’s forces lie in wait. Memories Dez has managed to obtain by her role as the Dragon Oracle and those from her mother, may not be reliable and could have been altered by their foe. Each tunnel has many different offshoots and she has no idea which ones to follow, as nothing looks like she was shown in the Memory Dimension. Traps, rock falls and broken bridges make their choices even more difficult. Her forces get separated and this leaves her unable to communicate with the rest of her army, not even via the dragons inner voices due to some magic in the rocks surrounding them. The addition of a troll at the entrance to the Deep was an unusual part of their foe’ forces and they have never come across one before. But all it seems to be doing is watching and then running off, once they get closer. It seems to command the forces they come across as they battle forward, but never interacts with them. Something Pieter thinks is a trick to get those closest to Dez, separated from her and taken for the Spirit King’s own use. Something that could possibly make her stop and not want to risk their lives. She is fine sacrificing her own life, but not those of her loved ones, but she will have to learn a hard lesson and listen to others, when they tell her not to come after them. She has one aim, to save their world and that freedom will be hard won. A cracking tale, full of action to finish this series. Lots of hard decisions being made and who will actually survive the battle against the Spirit King, is a close run thing. If you have read any of the other books in this series, you really don’t want to miss this epic conclusion! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Audiobook Review: This book wraps up the Dragonspawn trilogy, and it does so masterfully. All the threads the author wove in previous books come to brilliant fruition in this one, including the reclaiming of the heroine's parents from the clutches of the evil Spirit King who wants to wrest power from the creator goddess to be able to wield all himself. But neither is our heroine's nor the villain’s path a simple or easy one. I loved watching Dez come to better understand and hone her magical powers as it truly became obvious that she was the person who needed to figure out the complexity of all that was going on and help against the dark forces that could rip apart the very fabric of their world. The book is not just about these big moments and epic battles—of which there are several pretty darned awesome ones with dragons, teleporting, and intense magic!-- but also about the difficulties and joys inherent in close family ties and the loyalties and cares one will have for their brothers and sisters in arms. In the final big scene before the epilogue, I couldn't help but be touched by Dez's hard choice, making a huge personal sacrifice to save so many. I also liked how the author brought the series full circle when she had Dez confront and ultimately forgive her long-time personal nemesis. Both scenes were incredibly moving.
From nearly the first book, I think, Dez has really wanted to free her parents from the mind trap the Spirit King has them under, so it was amusing to see that when she actually was able to free her mother—that the relationship wasn't as simple and loving as Dez had imagined for so long it would be! Very realistic! I also loved Dez’s relationship with her foster brothers. I loved how, despite her powerful position, she had such care for her younger brother Pieter, who is the main character of the series following this one, about the Last of the Dragon Riders. As I often do, I listen to or read series out of sequence, so I knew Pieter's later story before knowing this one, and I now better appreciate Peter's growth arc in that book better as well as what happened with his siblings in the final book of his series. Both these series are absolutely fantastic, full of epic battles of good versus evil with plenty of magic—several types, including thought-driven magic in this series and emotion-driven magic in Pieter’s series—as well as personal challenges and triumphs. Highly recommended.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
🐲🐲ONE INTENSE CONCLUSION🐲🐲 Hopping hornets tigg'r! Ava pours everything she has into the pot, stirring briskly, adding a little bit of magic, a lot of drive and part desperation, unleashing one helluva smackdown with daunting truths, unpredictable lessons and ruthless preservation, blasting this jewel to staggering heights. Sparks fly as deadly drama, perilous intrigue, underlying currents, dangerous betrayal, damning deception, escalating danger, swirling suspense and unnerving encounters, along with a double dose of stunning revelations, you have one jaw dropping experience. Scattered limitations and crushed boundaries are amplified and exploited, baring the cruel twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never imagined. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Ava, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
Dez wins a major battle at the end of book 2 as the new Commander in Chief of the rebellion and finds she has an even bigger battle yet ahead of her. Will she be able to keep the rebellion together and provided the type of leadership they will need to get through the next part of the war. As the new Dragon Oracle, will she be able to use some of them abilities she has gained to see what the Spirit King in planning and how to stop him. Will she be able to put aside the thoughts of loosing those who are so close top her by trying to get them out of the way of any oncoming dangers. Dez is concerned about all of the rebellion troops but none so much as her family. Will losing someone so close to her be her downfall or, with much guidance from others close to her get her back on track towards the mission requirements, stopping and killing the Spirit King.Will she be able to save her parents from the mind trap but only to lose them to the type of damage it has caused on them. Read this excellent work of art and find out for yourself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Don't read this as a standalone, it won't do the series justice. As a standalone in the third book Dez is often insecure, crying, questioning her judgement, trying to save everyone no matter the cost to them or her. At some point she must have been kick ass to be elected the leader of the rebellion. It doesn't show here until the very last. Dez does rescue her Mother and Father who abandoned her at the age of five to fight. Just reading this book the dedication to their rescue and the resulting upheaval with her Mom doesn't sit well. It's a large energy drain and distraction from the goal of saving the world. Not to mention her Mom comes across as overbearing and sometimes downright mean. The justification of her guilt at leaving Dez doesn't cover it. The creatures, world building and detail are excellent. The dragons are characters in their own right and well written. This would have been a five star sword and sorcery for me if there had not been so many emotional scenes.
Der letzte Band der Drachenbrut-Reihe schließt quasi direkt an den zweiten Band an. Des und die Rebellion müssen den Geisterkönig besiegen. Dafür müssen sie in die alten Tiefen - doch der Weg ist nicht einfach.
Die ersten beiden Bände haben mich schon nicht so sehr abgeholt, und der dritte war leider nicht viel besser. Da hat mir der erste Teil noch am besten gefallen. Die Sprecherin ist ok würde ich sagen, man muss sich halt etwas dran gewöhnen. Die Übersetzung ist an einigen Stellen nicht super treffend, aber es ist (zumindest mir) nichts total störend aufgefallen. Von der Geschichte her ging es weiter wie im Rest der Reihe, leider konnte mich die Geschichte nicht überzeugen, es war einfach nichts sonderlich überraschendes dabei. Insgesamt nicht schlecht aber leider auch nichts herausragendes. Die Chaos- und die Wildnis-Trilogien waren sehr viel besser.
Well, it didn't disappoint. As the finale unfolds in this last book of the trilogy Dez and Nightsoul are facing their biggest challenge. Not only has she to defeat the Spirit King, but she has to make sure she does it before he can reach the Creator Goddess. The clock is ticking, Dez is running out of time to save everyone important in her life, nevermind the rest of the world. The tension is high, and there are battles aplenty to keep everyone engrossed. There is a price to pay, but Dez is more than willing to pay so long as they stop the Spirit King. Brilliant writing, I was in suspense every step of the way. Well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An enjoyable conclusion in this dragon series by Ms. Richardson. Dez must risk it all if she wants to save her loved ones and prevent the Spirit King's evil plans to destroy the Creator Goddess. Dez will have reach deep within herself, for she will have adversity, in more ways than one. Dez's choices affect all those around her and her leadership will be tested. To be a good leader, one needs to listen to others and have empathy, which Dez discovers through her journey. Dez and Nightsoul's bond grows stronger, but will it be enough to stop the Spirit King, who always seems to be steps ahead of Dez and her army? Dez will have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Desiree Black struggles to lead the army of the Rebellion against the Spirit King in the final confirmation. She frees both of parents from the mind control of the Spirit King. The powers of the Oracle still new to her are confusing her for she does not have a grasp on how she can and went to use them. The free of her mother did not go as planned for her mother feels she has to protect Desiree. Desiree falls in love. Desiree wants to protect everyone especially her step brother by sending him back with the wounded. Her mother blocked the passage to the Spirit King after she saved her father. A troll was trapped with her and father. The troll said he could get her to the Spirit King.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving Dragon Deep review.
The final battle. Dez knows the only way for the Rebellion to defeat the Spirit King and his powerful magic is if she can free her parents from the Mind Trap. But after freeing her mother she learns there is a weapon powerful enough to kill the Spirit King and he is looking for it. If she and her army can find it first they might just have a chance at defeating him. Dez will become a great leader but she will learn that in times of war, there is a greater good and sacrifices will be made. She won’t be able to protect her loved ones, and some people will die to save everyone else. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
The Deeps are dangerous, filled with unknown enemies so that Desiree Black, Commander in Chief of the Rebellion army, has no idea who to trust anymore. Her Rebellion team is exhausted. But they cannot quit now until they are able to stop the Spirit King from completing a ritual to end the world. Is she ready to make the sacrifices that will be called for?
The narrator for the audiobook version is Kim Churchill. She does a great job with the voices to personalize the story and make it easy for the listener to get an accurate idea of what each character is like. It helps to set the mood and is a pleasant way to “read” and enjoy the book.
I loved it. Fast paced and suck you in can't put it down outstanding writing. This book was well written with great characters and wonderful world building. I literally had to have the husband make me go to sleep one night as I didn't want to put it down it just pulled me in and I didn't want to stop. I am a Dragon junkie by the way so that could be part of it but I loved how I could visualize the world and feel like I was right there in the action. I can't wait to read something else by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this series it’s got everything action,romance ,family bonds and good vs evil. I know when I sit down to read one of Ms Richardson’s books I am going to escape everything going on and be immersed into another world. She does such a wonderful job with making the characters feel real. I absolutely love her dragons in this series and others they really make me wish I was there and could bond with one. So if you like dragons and fantasy you can’t go wrong with this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dragons deep, the perfect conclusion. This third installment of the Dragon Spawn trilogy by Ava Richardson brings the story full circle. As the main character Diz travels for the final confrontation in the war with the spirit king. Along the way she faces new choices and old fears and finally learns who she truly is.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fantastic conclusion to a stunning trilogy. I loved every minute of this narration. The story is full of emotion, loss and triumph, sacrifice and courage. Great characters, great dialogue, the occasional humorous touch. Just perfect narration from Kim Churchill who really brings the story to life. I shall miss Desiree, her Dragon and her family, which is always a good thing in an authors writing. I received a complimentary copy of the Audio book and am leaving a honest voluntary review
This was a satisfying and fantastic finish to this series! Dez goes all out laying it on the line to save the people she loves and stop the Spirit King. Dez has wonderful character growth that is heartfelt and deep as she finds what it takes to overcome the odds against her. I loved this book and I recommend it if you love great fantasy!
I received this book from Booksprout for an honest review.
This would have been a 5* book if not for grammatical mistakes that got worse throughout each book. They never got bad enough to quit reading though. We follow Dez from when she flees Breakwater to the end of the trilogy, where the final battle with the Spirit King happens. There were many ups and downs throughout each book and I enjoyed all of them.
Read right through the whole trilogy. Wonderful story and a great storyteller in Ms.Richardson. Love Dragon stories and this series is one of the best!!!
Looking forward to what ever comes next from this authors mind. If Dragon stories are your cup of tea, you'll love this trilogy.
Another great series by Ava Richardson. Our heroes rush to stop the Spirit King from ending their world. The rebellion follows Commander Desiree Black In a race against time. Many perish, but are willing to die for their cause. Desiree wants to free her parents from black magic, but can she save them, her loved ones, and also the world?
This was another great read from Ms. Richardson, the characters were great and I really enjoyed going on this journey. I really enjoy the way Ms. Richardson writes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great conclusion to a wonderful series of books This author writes interesting books that you come to like the characters in books that are very hard to put down
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.y
This is another excellent book, the twist, turns and exploits into the feels pushes your mind farther then you think you can go. The characters pushes through devastating times! Not everyone can survive.
Ava, ya did it again!! Its always a pleasure to read. Choosing this series I knew I'd be unavailable to the world until the end. The author encompasses aspects beloved of humanity and gives them birth. Ava Richardson is a first-class wordsmith and always delivers
There are a few mistakes but when you're in this world it doesn't really matter. Let the story take you and enjoy the adventure these books will take you. Very enjoyable
What a trilogy i love Dragons and this had me hooked throughout .All the characters were very well woven together and had me cheering for them all not just Des the heroine .If you love dragon tales like Eragon etc you’ll def enjoy this trilogy too
I enjoyed this series, I sincerely did. My one consistent thought though has been the overall sense of too much, too deep at times. I skimmed more than I wish to admit, but still feel it was a great story
Desiree is almost to her final goal of saving the world but of course it's not as simple as it seems! She will have to decide between saving the world and those she loves. Ms Richardson does a wonderful job of keeping it interesting! Another great book!
I could not have been more happy with this book amazing story rich characters a tale well told action heartbreak romance all wrapped up in a great great piece of writing