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Legend of Tal #3
An Emperor's Gamble
The legend of Tal Harrenfel has a new, dark chapter to its legacy, and its hero quests alone into the East. But though Tal intends to end Yuldor's war himself, Garin and their companions follow closely on his heels...
Elendol is in ashes, and its queen has been replaced by one sympathetic to the East. Fleeing the destruction left in his wake, Tal leaves behind all those he loves in an attempt to save them from further harm. His aim is simple: find Yuldor and claim the Worldheart from him, no matter the cost.
But Garin and the others won't let Tal sacrifice himself so easily. Setting off in pursuit, they intend to offer what help they can. But not all the company's aims are the same...
The East is fraught with imposing challenges, formidable monsters, and dubious allies. And survival is only the beginning -- for its Emperor has a scheme in mind that may throw the World off its axis...
The Legend of Tal continues in Book 3, An Emperor's Gamble.
Elendol is in ashes, and its queen has been replaced by one sympathetic to the East. Fleeing the destruction left in his wake, Tal leaves behind all those he loves in an attempt to save them from further harm. His aim is simple: find Yuldor and claim the Worldheart from him, no matter the cost.
But Garin and the others won't let Tal sacrifice himself so easily. Setting off in pursuit, they intend to offer what help they can. But not all the company's aims are the same...
The East is fraught with imposing challenges, formidable monsters, and dubious allies. And survival is only the beginning -- for its Emperor has a scheme in mind that may throw the World off its axis...
The Legend of Tal continues in Book 3, An Emperor's Gamble.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2021
497 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
J.D.L. Rosell
42 books526 followers***ANNOUNCEMENT: Shadow of Legends, Book 1 in the Dragonforged Saga, is funding now on Kickstarter! Look it up to read more about your favorite characters from Legend of Tal.***
J.D.L. Rosell was swept away on a journey when he stepped foot outside his door and into The Hobbit. He hasn't stopped wandering since.
In his writing, he tries to recapture the wonder, adventure, and poignancy that captivated him as a child. His explorations have taken him to worlds set in over twenty novels and six series, which include Dragonforged, Ranger of the Titan Wilds, Legend of Tal, The Runewar Saga, and The Famine Cycle.
When he's not off on a quest, Rosell enjoys his newfound hobby of archery and older pastimes of hiking and landscape photography. But every hobbit returns home, and if you step softly and mind the potatoes, you may glimpse him curled up with his wife and two cats, Zelda and Abenthy, reading a good book or replaying his favorite video games.
* * * * *
Books by J.D.L. Rosell:
DRAGONFORGED
1. Shadow of Legends (Late 2026 release)
RANGER OF THE TITAN WILDS
1. The Last Ranger
2. The First Ancestor
3. The Hidden Guardian
4. The Wilds Exile
5. The Titan Revenant (March 2026 release)
LEGEND OF TAL
1. A King's Bargain
2. A Queen's Command
3. An Emperor's Gamble
4. A God's Plea
A Battle Between Blood (Novella)
THE RUNEWAR SAGA
1. The Throne of Ice & Ash
2. The Crown of Fire & Fury
3. The Stone of Iron & Omen
Book 4 TBA
THE FAMINE CYCLE - Available as a complete box set
1. Whispers of Ruin
2. Echoes of Chaos
3. Requiem of Silence
Secret Seller (Prequel)
The Phantom Heist (Novella)
GODSLAYER RISING - Available as a complete box set
1. Catalyst
2. Champion
3. Heretic
J.D.L. Rosell was swept away on a journey when he stepped foot outside his door and into The Hobbit. He hasn't stopped wandering since.
In his writing, he tries to recapture the wonder, adventure, and poignancy that captivated him as a child. His explorations have taken him to worlds set in over twenty novels and six series, which include Dragonforged, Ranger of the Titan Wilds, Legend of Tal, The Runewar Saga, and The Famine Cycle.
When he's not off on a quest, Rosell enjoys his newfound hobby of archery and older pastimes of hiking and landscape photography. But every hobbit returns home, and if you step softly and mind the potatoes, you may glimpse him curled up with his wife and two cats, Zelda and Abenthy, reading a good book or replaying his favorite video games.
* * * * *
Books by J.D.L. Rosell:
DRAGONFORGED
1. Shadow of Legends (Late 2026 release)
RANGER OF THE TITAN WILDS
1. The Last Ranger
2. The First Ancestor
3. The Hidden Guardian
4. The Wilds Exile
5. The Titan Revenant (March 2026 release)
LEGEND OF TAL
1. A King's Bargain
2. A Queen's Command
3. An Emperor's Gamble
4. A God's Plea
A Battle Between Blood (Novella)
THE RUNEWAR SAGA
1. The Throne of Ice & Ash
2. The Crown of Fire & Fury
3. The Stone of Iron & Omen
Book 4 TBA
THE FAMINE CYCLE - Available as a complete box set
1. Whispers of Ruin
2. Echoes of Chaos
3. Requiem of Silence
Secret Seller (Prequel)
The Phantom Heist (Novella)
GODSLAYER RISING - Available as a complete box set
1. Catalyst
2. Champion
3. Heretic
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
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December 9, 2023Double wow.. I give this Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
If you like a lot of characters, new ones as well world building to die for, and a storyline that keeps giving to the plot!!!
Then you are reading about Tal!
Alot of twists and turns
Do you want to count on someone you’re with?
Or be person you cannot count on!
Or the Wishy Washy person that surprises you!!
We have acceptedness, forgiveness !
It’s an Odyssey of an adventure!
Just read the series!!
If you like a lot of characters, new ones as well world building to die for, and a storyline that keeps giving to the plot!!!
Then you are reading about Tal!
Alot of twists and turns
Do you want to count on someone you’re with?
Or be person you cannot count on!
Or the Wishy Washy person that surprises you!!
We have acceptedness, forgiveness !
It’s an Odyssey of an adventure!
Just read the series!!
June 21, 2023
As I continue to work my way through this series, I’m still enjoying it and still getting major WoW vibes as far as the races. Tal is off on his own getting into trouble while the group of adventurers follow him into equal amounts of trouble. We learn more about the Yuldor lore and meet some historical figures from the old days.
Derek Perkins delivers another solid performance as well. His loud/yelling Ashelia voice drove me nuts but otherwise he is flawless!
Overall, I didn’t find the dwarves as interesting as the elves. Their backstory was tragic but I just wasn’t as engaged with this book compared to the first two. The action was fairly constant and much more dramatic. That said though, when you constantly put people into near-death situations it loses its punch after a couple of instances. This one definitely kept me flipping pages though.
I think Pim stole the show in this novel. I love unreliable characters. You never know what side he’s on or what he’s going to do next. I like the new lore that he brought in and think he was the most interesting by far. It was also nice to Tal and Garin reconcile, as well Tal and Koleras.
Garin finally got his time to shine here too as he accepted his abilities and found forgiveness within himself. He’s finally grown up and I’m interested to see what dark path he has to go down in the finale.
I also noticed that the author used a lot of repetitive describing words this time, like he referred to Koleras three times in a very short span as “the aged warlock” and it just hits a certain note of not being as polished in some places.
Overall though, I’m complaining a lot more than this book deserves. It was a solid, lore filled, action-packed installment with a lot of good character development and answers the we’ve been looking for up to this point. The characters have nearly reached their peak arcs and are going to go hand in hand towards whatever craziness awaits them at the finale. Plus, “why not a gnome?”
🤣
Long story short, if you enjoyed the first two books I definitely recommend that you keep reading
Derek Perkins delivers another solid performance as well. His loud/yelling Ashelia voice drove me nuts but otherwise he is flawless!
Overall, I didn’t find the dwarves as interesting as the elves. Their backstory was tragic but I just wasn’t as engaged with this book compared to the first two. The action was fairly constant and much more dramatic. That said though, when you constantly put people into near-death situations it loses its punch after a couple of instances. This one definitely kept me flipping pages though.
I think Pim stole the show in this novel. I love unreliable characters. You never know what side he’s on or what he’s going to do next. I like the new lore that he brought in and think he was the most interesting by far. It was also nice to Tal and Garin reconcile, as well Tal and Koleras.
Garin finally got his time to shine here too as he accepted his abilities and found forgiveness within himself. He’s finally grown up and I’m interested to see what dark path he has to go down in the finale.
I also noticed that the author used a lot of repetitive describing words this time, like he referred to Koleras three times in a very short span as “the aged warlock” and it just hits a certain note of not being as polished in some places.
Overall though, I’m complaining a lot more than this book deserves. It was a solid, lore filled, action-packed installment with a lot of good character development and answers the we’ve been looking for up to this point. The characters have nearly reached their peak arcs and are going to go hand in hand towards whatever craziness awaits them at the finale. Plus, “why not a gnome?”
🤣
Long story short, if you enjoyed the first two books I definitely recommend that you keep reading
February 1, 2022
Once again, everything about this book and the series itself is amazing minus Garin. I just can’t stand him lol. Third book and that has not changed which means it never will. I adore all of the others and the story itself gets even better. There were a couple heavy losses and a lot more action and battles in this installment. It kept me on my toes and I just can’t help but love Aelyn, the snarky elf. He got me in the feels a couple times. Pim is new character and I’m super excited to find out more about him and how it all plays out.
June 20, 2023
Another great entry in this sweeping epic.
Book 3 in series, so difficult to review without spoilers, so I'll keep it brief.
This one is slightly darker than its predecessors, delving deeper into Tal's legend as he comes face to face with more aspects of his past.
Further world building, adding greater depth to this world, its different peoples, history, and lore.
Rosell really knows how to weave an epic fantasy tale. This series continues to be a fantastic journey, with all the hallmarks of classic fantasy that will appeal to everyone who loves all of their classic fantasy elements and tropes. Rosell combines everything so well, and with great character work too. On to book 4...
Book 3 in series, so difficult to review without spoilers, so I'll keep it brief.
This one is slightly darker than its predecessors, delving deeper into Tal's legend as he comes face to face with more aspects of his past.
Further world building, adding greater depth to this world, its different peoples, history, and lore.
Rosell really knows how to weave an epic fantasy tale. This series continues to be a fantastic journey, with all the hallmarks of classic fantasy that will appeal to everyone who loves all of their classic fantasy elements and tropes. Rosell combines everything so well, and with great character work too. On to book 4...
September 9, 2021
Book three does not disappoint! J.D.L. really knows how to tell a story. This book was smoking by the time I set it down, from turning the pages so fast! The tale makes the reader want to keep reading just to see what happens next… and what happens after that.. and then what happens… very hard to put down. The adventurers seem to be getting really close to their goal. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
September 15, 2021
The legend of Tal
Once again JD delivers! As the Legend progresses and more of the story is told, one can only glimpse what course the ending will take. Will the companions survive? What horrors are yet to transpire? How can simple souls hope to sunder a god? Waiting with breath held until the last of this great legend!
Once again JD delivers! As the Legend progresses and more of the story is told, one can only glimpse what course the ending will take. Will the companions survive? What horrors are yet to transpire? How can simple souls hope to sunder a god? Waiting with breath held until the last of this great legend!
September 17, 2021
When I was given this book for free thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given. I thought the overall feel of this book was a good job in the writing style for this author in my opinon. When I received this book I was able to read it from the very beginning to the very end. I thought the character built up was so well done it made it so believable in my opinion.
September 6, 2021
AN EMPEROR'S GAMBLE is out today! Pick up your copy from Amazon - available in Kindle Unlimited, ebook, paperback, and hardcover, with the audiobook to come.
I hope you enjoy the continuation of Tal and Garin's tale!
- Josiah
I hope you enjoy the continuation of Tal and Garin's tale!
- Josiah
September 15, 2021
Awesome
Loved this book and the entire series! Can’t wait for the next book. Kept me up at night reading because I had to know what happened next. It deserves the 5 Star rating
Loved this book and the entire series! Can’t wait for the next book. Kept me up at night reading because I had to know what happened next. It deserves the 5 Star rating
September 17, 2021
An inspired novel
This is a great fantasy novel from a great author . I can't wait to read the next chapter .
This is a great fantasy novel from a great author . I can't wait to read the next chapter .
Read
September 10, 2021best one in the series, needs to be on audible though
April 16, 2022
Another amazing entry to this series 👏 can't wait for the final instalment to come out!!!!
March 22, 2022
Looking forward to book 4
This book takes so many good things about fantasy and refines them. The characters in this series are really strong. The magic and world are well-designed.
This book takes so many good things about fantasy and refines them. The characters in this series are really strong. The magic and world are well-designed.
March 24, 2023
An action-filled book
This is a brilliant, well written series. Great characters, world building and an exciting plot. Tal continues his quest to find and destroy the evil god Yuldor.
This is a brilliant, well written series. Great characters, world building and an exciting plot. Tal continues his quest to find and destroy the evil god Yuldor.
November 29, 2023
Robuster.
It’s just to much . Too many twists , turns , to much drama , chaos and conflict .
Too many characters, the world building seems to competitive to keep up with.
The story has no rhythm to it. It’s jumps from one tragic drama to the next , from one chaotic scene to the next.
The reader needs time to relax and flow into the book , to bond with the characters and feel part of the story . Yet the story NEVER gives these opportunities to us readers. The story keeps driving the reader on into more combat , more chaos , more conflict without resolution.
In the end , I just could not endure more of the same and laid it aside.
The story has promise and at times the hook was apparent .
Others may like it , I hope so . For me I am done with it.
It’s just to much . Too many twists , turns , to much drama , chaos and conflict .
Too many characters, the world building seems to competitive to keep up with.
The story has no rhythm to it. It’s jumps from one tragic drama to the next , from one chaotic scene to the next.
The reader needs time to relax and flow into the book , to bond with the characters and feel part of the story . Yet the story NEVER gives these opportunities to us readers. The story keeps driving the reader on into more combat , more chaos , more conflict without resolution.
In the end , I just could not endure more of the same and laid it aside.
The story has promise and at times the hook was apparent .
Others may like it , I hope so . For me I am done with it.
December 19, 2022
For me, this series gets better with each book.
I love the world building, the interesting characters - in the meantime we have a better balance between male and female characters, and there is even a kid coming into the mix and I loved that too.
And now we are down for the big show down in book four.
Cannot wait.
I listened to this on audio, and I think, the narrator was perfectly chosen for this book, he got the tone, the atmosphere, the characters just right. I loved listening to his rendition of the text throughout.
I love the world building, the interesting characters - in the meantime we have a better balance between male and female characters, and there is even a kid coming into the mix and I loved that too.
And now we are down for the big show down in book four.
Cannot wait.
I listened to this on audio, and I think, the narrator was perfectly chosen for this book, he got the tone, the atmosphere, the characters just right. I loved listening to his rendition of the text throughout.
December 6, 2021
The adventure continues. Another great book in the series. Tal continues to go through so many struggles but always overcomes them in any way he can. Garin at times is still trying to figure out what magic he posses and have it can be used without harming anyone. Of course the rest of the characters have had there trials also. But they all continue to stay strong and and stay by each other side .
December 24, 2022
A Tail Of a Sorcerer that is also a soldier
The story is one of wars ,deception,,valor and much death and destruction. This constant warring is an indirect effect of a entire world being controlled by evil and callous gods watching the people being killed and living in constant danger hoping for better times. The series if full of daring acts to change things for the better. A truly good read
The story is one of wars ,deception,,valor and much death and destruction. This constant warring is an indirect effect of a entire world being controlled by evil and callous gods watching the people being killed and living in constant danger hoping for better times. The series if full of daring acts to change things for the better. A truly good read
November 22, 2021
Pain and Cunning
To say our little group is the same one that set out in the being would be totally false. You will be blowing away by how the story twists and turns to put ours hero's through great pain only to find more strength in side of them than they realized they had. Love lost family found and lost and still they move forward. Get ready to to be awed.
To say our little group is the same one that set out in the being would be totally false. You will be blowing away by how the story twists and turns to put ours hero's through great pain only to find more strength in side of them than they realized they had. Love lost family found and lost and still they move forward. Get ready to to be awed.
September 22, 2022
I must say this may be the best book of the series. I have enjoyed reading all of them so far and they have all been well written and addictive. Rosell has done an outstanding job at keeping your attention hooked. The previous books have been page turners, but I feel this book is even more so.
I highly recommend this series to any Fantasy fan looking for a good adventure.
I highly recommend this series to any Fantasy fan looking for a good adventure.
December 20, 2022
Suspenseful and exciting.
An all together different world to explore and learn to love. The pace is quick and the characters are well developed with flaws and strengths that make you relate and fall in love with them. And still enough mystery that I need more. I have read three in the series now and am looking forward to the conclusion.
An all together different world to explore and learn to love. The pace is quick and the characters are well developed with flaws and strengths that make you relate and fall in love with them. And still enough mystery that I need more. I have read three in the series now and am looking forward to the conclusion.
October 1, 2021
legend of TAL
Great books can wait for more and they are quite large books. I like the they are large so you have more time in reading! Love the characters in the story too. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Great books can wait for more and they are quite large books. I like the they are large so you have more time in reading! Love the characters in the story too. I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 17, 2022
This was hard going. Wasn't sure why for a while, but I just realised. It's the non-stop misery the characters go through for 99% of the story. Not even sure if I can face the fourth book, but I kinda want to see what happens all the same.
September 19, 2021
Non-stop
Action and intrigue from the start. Enjoyed the great mix of action and thought this book executed. Well worth the read
Action and intrigue from the start. Enjoyed the great mix of action and thought this book executed. Well worth the read
November 26, 2021
Great series
This is definitely a worthwhile read.strong characters and world building. I have enjoyed the entire series. I can't wait for the finale .
This is definitely a worthwhile read.strong characters and world building. I have enjoyed the entire series. I can't wait for the finale .
December 3, 2021
great read
I love how the writer jumps from one character to another, both in different places, but same time frame, so you get an overall picture of what’s happening to everyone.
I love how the writer jumps from one character to another, both in different places, but same time frame, so you get an overall picture of what’s happening to everyone.
May 18, 2022
The best one so far!
The first two books were very good. This one is superlative. Tal's life has been quite a challenge but this part out does all that happened before. Excellent.
The first two books were very good. This one is superlative. Tal's life has been quite a challenge but this part out does all that happened before. Excellent.
July 6, 2022
The adventure continues
Great story telling, great characters and very hard to put down. I look forward to the conclusion of this story.
Great story telling, great characters and very hard to put down. I look forward to the conclusion of this story.
December 5, 2022
I love very mutch these books, are fantastic.
March 27, 2024
4.5 /5
The hype goes on! I’m loving this traditional journey, how I missed these adventures!
The hype goes on! I’m loving this traditional journey, how I missed these adventures!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews