The only way to save Alveria is to end the war—by any means necessary.
After horrendous losses among their ranks, the Untameables are still reeling, none more than Laini Unclaimed. The battles against the forces of Hel have stripped Laini of those she loves most. Now with Hel closing in, little hope remains to save the reincarnated gods trapped in the underworld, including the young man she loves.
Until she hears about the Book of Death.
Reportedly created by a powerful Seer, the Book could provide her with the incantations needed to transport her friends back to the land of the living and restore their earthly bodies. However, finding it, either on earth or in the underworld, proves to be a challenge all its own.
When Queen Kaelan returns from the kingdom of Unger, she brings news that the situation has only grown worse. The darkness that engulfs the Alverian kingdom has spread worldwide—and Unger has joined with Hel.
Attack is imminent.
Laini must race against the forces of darkness to restore her family and return the light to her dying world. But time is a commodity she no longer possesses. In a desperate bid to end the war, Laini makes a choice that will either save her home or lead to its destruction.
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.
The conclusion to this trilogy somehow feels both rushed and long. Character development that happened over the last 2 books was seemingly erased, just for an easier excuse to have certain events in the story play out.
Not to mention, the entire story hangs in the balance of a mcguffin. Which they needed to end the "big bad." This book felt super simple and at odds with the 5 other books in this universe. Where each other book felt like it had a deep backstory, this one felt very shallow. Where the others had multiple deepening and complicated storylines and world building, this one felt solely focused on the above-mentioned mcguffin.
It's honestly quite disappointing and not what I've come to expect from this universe and this author.
There is another trilogy that is supposed to take place in this universe, and it worries me that the stakes will be nowhere near what they were in this trilogy. How do you follow up a battle of the gods while keeping the stakes high enough to keep readers interested? I think I'm going to pass on reading that trilogy.
I read the last several chapters to get closure for this YA Fantasy series. This book, along with some other YA Fantasy books I've been struggling with lately made me realize something. There are many YA Fantasy books that I would have really enjoyed at a different time in my life. But lately when I pick them up I've been struggling to get into them. One of the series I even started book 1 and enjoyed several years ago. I realized I'm having the same issues with all of these books and it's not the genre's fault for being true to their genre. I'm just not enjoying the teen driven angst that drives a lot of the conflicts in these stories. They are true to the ages of the characters and the events happening but I'm not enjoying it like I once would have. Therefore I am not going to rate these books because the rating wouldn't be fair.
I think all three of the series that have felt that way to me have been good series and will be great fits in the right hands. This is an imaginative series with YA characters. Some of the decisions that drive the conflicts are true to that age (but unreasonably frustrated the heck outta me). I think with COVID and also having a house of college aged kiddos that I'm just not wanting to stay in the mindset of kids that age or younger. I get plenty of that right now all around me. Hopefully one day I can come back to these types of stories and enjoy them more.
I’ve had mixed feelings throughout the entire Dragon Akademy Untameables trilogy, but I wanted to see it through to the end.
While I’m glad to have stayed with it, I’m also thankful that I didn’t get my hopes too high. As with the second book, this one lacked tension and momentum, despite the stakes involved for the characters and the kingdom. The book – the series – has so much potential but the characterisation of Laini stopped it from reaching that.
The issues I had with her in the second book continued in the third. She’s desperate to protect her family, adamant she will take everything on herself and takes everything that goes wrong as a personal failure. To be fair, I’ve read many characters like that.
My problem was that book one set up a diverse and interesting group of characters that sparked off each other. Laini’s actions means the other Untameables – Thea, Lokari and Frinna particularly – are pushed into secondary characters, denied very little page time and no chance to develop. They’re all in the same situation – it would have been stronger if she allowed all the characters to play their part. That I found Laini’s character annoying didn’t help.
As before, Tyr’s storyline was far more engaging. United with his childhood friend, on the run for survival and trying to help his friends, Tyr’s plot has a good rise and fall of tension, interaction between the various characters and they are all given the chance to prove themselves.
Both Tyr and Laini want to take the weight of the world on their shoulders. Tyr learns much earlier the problems with this. Laini waits until the last battle, then suddenly sees what the readers have known all along: her friends need her help, not her protection.
This trilogy helped me pinpoint an issue I had with the last Ava Richardson one I read. I think she’s better at writing male characters. I loved Tyr in this, and when male characters have been her protagonist in the earlier books, they are strong. The last two with female leads have been irritating, even if it is hard to put my finger on why.
There are some big battles that take place this time, with the fate of all the Gods at stake. It feels wrong to say I enjoyed the earlier fights before Laini was present more than the latter ones – which proves the issues I had with her character. There was some clever use of magic though, and it was engaging to see what the Untameables were capable of when they weren’t shoved to the side.
Dragon Family had potential, and it had a satisfying conclusion. I struggled to engage though.
I think this will be the last Ava Richardson trilogy for me. I’d still recommend them to a younger audience wanting dragons, magic and adventure, not to mention finding who you truly are when all feels lost.
This is the third book in the trilogy and I was really keen to get my hands on a copy to see how it would all end - this is definitely a series that needs to be read in order.
I thought that this was an exciting instalment and a great end to the series. There was action all the way but I did find that it was a little too long for me and it could have ben wrapped up a little sooner. This was the only downside for me and has dropped my rating from 5 to a still very good, 4 stars! I really enjoyed it and was glad with the ending and it wrapped up everything nicely!
This trilogy, finally, reveals Ms. Richardson as the writer we all knew she could be. Mostly gone are the malapropisms and the anachronisms (whatever the character used to fix their hair - I am sure it wasn't "product.") Her writing in this set is very well done indeed, no more stock characters and predictable evil male villains. Instead, the characters are complex, the plotting tighter than anything else of hers I have read (all of them), the details and scenes rich and well drawn. The only advice I would give her is that which Mark Twain gives to all writers: " Use the word you mean, not its second cousin. Eschew surplusage." I enjoyed the series very much and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys a ripping-good tale of fantasy and daring-do.
Ein gelungenes Finale der Buchreihe! Ich war erneut begeistert und konnte es nicht aus der Hand legen. Auch wenn es traurig ist, dass Laini und Tyr den Großteil der Zeit getrennt sind - sie am Leben und der in der Unterwelt - und sich erst am Ende wiederfinden.
Laini und auch Tyr sind von Schuldgefühlen geplagt und setzen alles daran, diejenigen, die sie lieben, zu beschützen. Auch wenn sie sich dabei selbst in Gefahr bringen oder unkluge Entscheidungen treffen. Bei Laini sind es die noch lebenden Unzähmbaren, während es bei Tyr sein bester Freund Ollie ist, der vor sieben Jahren von einem Schurken getötet wurde, was Tyrs gesamtes Leben beeinflusst hat. Im Laufe des Buches müssen sowohl Laini als auch Tyr einsehen, dass sie ihre Schuld loslassen müssen, um Hel besiegen zu können. Ein spannender Aspekt des Buches, aich wenn er viele Probleme auslöst.
Das Buch ist wie immer super spannend und man fiebert die ganze Zeit mit. Ich liebe alle Charaktere aus dieser Welt, aber mein neuer Liebling ist Tyr. Ich habe mich schon in Teil eins in ihn verliebt und es hat sich nicht geändert! Genauso wie Laini, die sich zu einer sehr starken Persönlichkeit entwickelt hat. Auch wieder dabei: Kaelan, Lasaro und Mordon, die schon aus der ersten Reihe bekannt sind. Ich möchte vom Inhalt nicht zu viel vorweg nehmen, weshalb ich nur sage dass das Ende eine sehr interessante Wendung nimmt.
Es ist so schade, dass diese wundervolle Buchreihe jetzt endet! Ich hätte am Ende so gerne noch mehr über die Unzähmbaren gelesen. Was machen sie jetzt alle? Wie geht es ihnen? Bei Tyr wird erwähnt, dass er sich der Drachengarde anschließt und mit dem Jagdmeister Frieden schließt (der übrigens auch positiv überrascht), aber von den anderen wird nichts erwähnt. Ich hätte auch so gerne noch etwas über die Beziehung von Laini und Tyr gelesen, die beiden haben nicht genug Zeit zusammen gekriegt. Sehr schade, dass es vorbei ist! Ich freue mich schon auf die nächste Buchreihe über die Drachenakademie von Alveria (bei der ich wegen jemand anderem der mit liest leider nicht direkt auf Englisch weitermachen kann, sondern erst auf die Übersetzung warten muss)!
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. Okay, whilst listening or reading this book, you have to keep the faith in the Gods to come out on top in the end. There are set backs, but, the angst and drama is worth it, if you just keep the faith. No, I haven't joined a cult or religious sect. I have listened, and felt devastation and frustration, alongside the characters. But, isn't that how a good story is meant to make you feel, as part of the story, alongside those that you become like old friends with. Yes, the penmanship of the author has to be applauded, with how this story wraps around you and pulls you in.
I absolutely loved this book! Ava does an amazing job at spinning a tale, full of friendship, deceit, betrayal and forgiveness. Throughout the books you find yourself bonded with each character as you watch from their point of view. Being different from others isn't always a bad thing as you'll soon find out. I wish that this wasn't the last book, but all good things must come to an end!
This set of books are so riveting, it keeps you absorbed all the way through until the end. I have read the entire set from start to Dragon Family and don't think you can go wrong reading this. Enjoy
An excellent choice for those who love the world of Dragons
Good storyline in this series with surprising twists and believability. Characters are maturing constantly which brings each their own set of trials .Recommended reading for anyone who craves good fantasy worlds.
This is the second time I have read all 9 books and I hope every one takes the time to read them all. It is a great story about Dragons,magic and of course love and Family.
A stunning conclusion! There are unexpected twists, frustrations, heartbreaking moments and a completely satisfying ending! Loved this series, and love this author. Can’t wait to start reading a new book by Ava Richardson.
The battles against the forces of Hel have cost Laini uncountable losses. It doesn’t look like they will be able to accomplish their objectives of saving the reincarnated gods trapped in the underworld and Tyr, the man Laini loves. But when she finds out there is a Book of Death that was created by a powerful dragon seer, Hel’s first high priest, she realized it might just have incantations that can bring back her lost friends to life. However, she doesn’t know where the Book is! The only lead she has is that Bjarke, an old and dangerous dragon, collects rare spellbooks and may perhaps be willing to negotiate with her if he has it. They were running out of time!
She found the books that Bjarke must have recently stolen from the Akademy; one even had a drop of her own blood sealing it. Then suddenly the old man stood behind her. Bjarke told her he did not have the Book of Death, but had a little bit of information about it. And he had recognized her real identity immediately, which worried her. However, he had a proposition for her. He would continue to look for the book with his contacts in return for a favor: he wanted her to resurrect a dangerous rogue dragon ghost. She absolutely would not do that, and as she turned to flee, Bjarke attacked! Now what would she do? How could she find the Book? Would she even be able to escape Bjarke?
This is a very exciting story that will pull the reader in. Can Laini restore things back the way they were? Can she save her fallen friends? Can she stop the darkness? There is only one thing possible now to save her world . . . Grab your copy and share the adventure!
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own. This novel was a great conclusion to the Untameables series in Ms. Richardson's world of dragons and magic. So much it at risk and Hel's vengeance has grown, for he hates what the Gods, her "family" did to her. Laini feels so much guilt for causing the deaths of her friends, that she returns to doing things on her own, believing she is protecting the rest of her family that lives. When she discovers the Book of Death can bring back the Gods who were killed, she knows this is the only way to defeat Hel. But Hel has always been steps ahead of Laini and her family, including bringing Unger to her side after she killed their prince. Laini believes she must do these tasks on her own, but family is always there for you, which is something she needs to realize before it is too late. Laini is able to travel to the Underworld and has a link with Tyr, the man she loves, which allows them to communicate. Tyr and the other Gods who were killed go in search of Hel's high priest who was killed, but possessed the Book of Death, Laini and the others will have to wage battles on two fronts to save the world and end Nightfall.
If you have not read the previous installments of this story then you need to. I mean what are you doing over here! GO BACK AND READ THEM! In all seriousness this was a great story to delve into, the character development and the arc of the story itself was awesome. I felt a bit of a connection with some of the characters. I understood some of the doubts that the main characters had, I felt that they were not unfounded doubts or unrealistic. Even though this is a fictional story there has to be some real life connectedness for some readers. I do believe this book hits all the marks. This is a easy read just like the rest, perfect for long trips or even for those who sit and wait for the laundry to finish washing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For the record, I have received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book with the request that I leave a voluntary honest review for other potential readers. Having said that, here is my honest opinion and review of this book. I love dragons and magic and this was a phenomenal story with both. Talk about your epic fantasy, wow, the plot of this story is very good and develops beautifully. We have great world building and magnificent characters. I found the nine Gods to be quite a dysfunctional family. The author's writing style is good and easy to read. Though I have not read the first two books, I was able to follow the story very well which is the hallmark of exceptional writing. I am going to have to go back and read the first two books just because I loved this story (it has dragons!) so much. This book is absolutely worth the time to read it.
Es handelt sich hier um den letzten Teil der Trilogie um die Unzähmbaren Drachen aus der Feder von Ava Richardson . Das Cover wurde auch hier von Joemel Requeza stilsicher gestaltet . Der Hörbuch-Sprecher ist vom Relay Publishing Verlag gut gewählt. Auch dieser dritte Teil wird hervorragend von Ben Bela Böhm gelesen . Die Vorgänger-Bände sollten bekannt sein, auch wenn einige notwendige Wiederholungen enthalten sind, ist der Hörgenuss eindeutig höher. Die Autorin verwebt hier nordische Mythologie und Fantasy miteinander . Atemberaubende Duelle und faszinierende Magie bringen Abwechslung in dieses Hörbuch. Auch dieses Hörbuch ist sehr emotional aufgebaut und ich zittere um Laini und Tyr. Die Spannung steigt stetig an und wird bis zum Ende gehalten. Ich habe mich über 9 Stunden lang gut von Ben Bela Böhm,dem Hörbuch-Sprecher , unterhalten gefühlt.
The Dragon Gods fight for their lives and the existence of everything else
Laini Unclaimed took her job in the castle from its lonely, lowly beginnings to the heights of power as she discovered the truth of her own identity revealed itself to her. The character development was terrific, revealing strengths and flaws in them as they learned their identities and roles in the storm to come.
Once again the author has brilliantly orchestrated an opus to sing the tale of the Dragon Gods. Colorful characters and a brilliant storyline drew this story to an amazing ending. Another great read!
Auch der dritte Teil wird von Ben Bela Böhm fantastisch intoniert. Es ist von Vorteil, die beiden Vorgänger-Bücher Drachenzähmer und Drachenkrankheit zu kennen,dadurch ist das Hörvergnügen größer.Die Geschichte wird nahtlos weiter erzählt . Kaelan und Lasaro sind mir durch die anderen Teile schon sehr ans Herz gewachsen und gerne folge ich den Beiden durch dieses Abenteuer. Die Spannung steigt von Kapitel zu Kapitel .Ich finde es erstaunlich,welche Ideen und Wendungen sich die Autorin einfallen lässt . Ich habe mich gut unterhalten gefühlt und gerne mehr von dieser Autorin.
The third and final installment in the series, "Dragon Family" is another action-packed and adventure filled book, with excellent world and character building. A bit on the longish side, if you're a voracious reader you'll definitely love it. If you haven't read the previous books, grab them and binge-read them to your heart's content!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series is so gripping and keeps your mind wheeling the whole way through. And the ending was just enough to wrap it up. After reading this series, I've found a new author I love and can't wait to read more from!
*I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dragon Family by Ava Richardson is such a wonderful story to read. This is book number three in this wonderful series that I have read and fll in love with. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A whole lot of action was packed into this book. Treachery reaching up through the darkest places of hell only to rally in the end and emerge triumphantly though the bonds of love!