Magefall

The Kingfall Histories #3

by David Estes

Be bright but do not burn. Embrace the darkness but do not live in the shadows.

The secrets of Kingfall's mage prison, Lockspell, have been buried for far too long. When mages Quill and Rondo are sentenced to a lifetime of hallucinations in Lockspell, only their mettle, desire for justice, and a chance encounter can help them escape. But what they discover in doing so may leave them wishing they'd stayed.

In the north, King Jarrod Gaard faces an unexpected threat from the mages at Aeromand. Meanwhile, his counterpart in Solarii, Queen Rose Ontarii, must combat an even graver danger--one living within the bounds of her palace. To the east, Prince Sampson must adapt to the realities of losing his shadowblade and returning to the darkness, while his lifelong guardian, Roman, seeks to destroy the blade before it can destroy his ward. On the Lost Plains, Grym fights to maintain unity amongst the Grizari's Scattered Tribes as war brews with Avadon.

To the south, Dragonmaster Dane is reunited with someone from his past, someone from his present, and someone from his future, each of whom may shed light on the shadows that have clouded his mind ever since his bonding day. Unbeknownst to Dane, his bondmate, Dragonmistress Peony launches a rebellion to retake the dragon throne and tear down the dragon-human crossbreeds responsible for the destruction of Chrysallis. Finally, Ando seeks a new life for him and his men only to crash headlong into his worst enemy yet. Lurking in the shadows are the Thousands and their Unforgiven overseers. If the creatures that once plagued Kingfall find the light, none are likely to survive.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Dragons, Audiobook, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Magic

1078 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2021

About the author

Get a FREE short story from David Estes' #1 Amazon bestselling epic fantasy series, Fatemarked, when you sign up for his mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/b2v6v3

David Estes has written more than 40 science fiction and fantasy books. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his beautiful Aussie wife, Adele, his moody cats, Bailey and Luna, and his rambunctious sons, Beau and Brody.

Join 3,000+ David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite in David Estes' official fan group at:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...

Books by David Estes:

-The Fatemarked Epic- For fans of A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and The Way of Kings! Four kingdoms. A century-old war. One ancient prophecy that could change everything.

-The Kingfall Histories- a follow up series to the #1 Amazon bestselling series, The Fatemarked Epic

-Strings- “A wonderful retelling of the Pinocchio story…I simply couldn’t put this book down.”—Rysa Walker, bestselling author of TIMEBOUND

-The Dwellers Saga and the Country Saga. Voted books to read if you enjoyed the Hunger Games on Buzzfeed and Listopia.

-Salem's Revenge trilogy- the witch apocalypse begins!

-Slip Trilogy- "Someone must die before another can be born..."

-The Adventures of Nikki Powergloves- Kid superheroes? 'Nuff said.

Reviews

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure why I’m always surprised whenever I read a new David Estes book that I always think it’s his best book ever. It’s because his writing and his stories just keep getting better and better and his latest and greatest is, once again, his best book EVER!

Magefall continues the Kingfall epic tales with our favorites, Peony, Dane, Danius, King Jarrod, Sampson, Roman, Quill, and so many others…. I seriously cannot love these characters any more than I do, or that’s what I thought. And then there I go falling in love with each one and each story even more than I did.

I’m not sure where David’s ideas come from, but some of the storylines absolutely blew me away (and some gave me nightmares- moths anyone?). The dragons?

I’ve read all of David’s books, and I love love love his dystopian and sci-fi tales. But… I think high fantasy is where he absolutely excels! His idea of Godblades is so completely creative, I can’t even imagine how he’ll top these first three books of this five book series. With two more to come, I have no doubts he will. Can’t wait for Nightfall in 2022!!

And then… In addition to having the best books possible, his publisher manages to secure Tim Gerard Reynolds to perform the Kingfall books!! All five of them!! For me, these are the best audiobooks out there! I may have dragged on my listen for longer than I normally do, but that’s because I refused to speed up these books as I had to listen to them as TGR and David Estes intended. So many nights I fell asleep to Tim’s soothing voice, and if there was any chance I missed even a minute, I’d rewind the next day and listen to the last part just to be sure.

How am I going to be able to wait for Nightfall? Another WELL DONE from one of your biggest fans, David!!

[David Estes]

I'm back. *gasps as he comes up for air* It's been a fun couple of months! While I've been deep in my writing cave working on book four of the Kingfall Histories, titled Nightfall, I've managed to release the first three books in the series, totaling 825,000 words: 1) Kingfall 2) Dragonfall 3) Magefall. Today is the release day for Magefall, which was probably the hardest book I've ever had to write in my life. It opened up parts of my soul I didn't know existed and forced me to explore the darkness and brightness of life, both real and imagined, in ways I've never done before. I truly hope you connect with my characters the way I have over the course of the last year. Happy reading:

Get Magefall here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a long book that took me a while to finish as it is worth savoring to fully appreciate. There are many characters, even though not all of them are included in this volume. I’m sure I’ve said it before and will say it again but I need to read the books sequentially to do them justice. I struggled a bit re-entering this storyline as I’ve been diverted by unrelated reading. But boy howdy, do I love these books once I immerse myself in their world. I won’t claim Mr. Estes leaves the reader with a cliff hanger but he does whet the appetite for more. I think I saw that Nightfall is scheduled to be published in June 2022 with a notation that it will hopefully be sooner. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will be the latter.

So much happens that I’m at a loss to try to synopsize. Some couples are reunited while other well loved characters are lost. At least one bad guy gets his just desserts. A young mage discovers powers beyond his wildest expectations. Should I mention necromancy? There’s one flyover of three pedestrians that I have a sneaking suspicion will turn out to be instrumental to the plot. More blades appear. Dragons! One of the Thousand is introduced as an individual. The childhoods of Charlotte and her father, the despicable Glynn Kerr, are explored in the postludes, as is that of Ginny, the thief that Roman takes under his wing (along with her brother) I don’t know why I seem to dwell on the postludes. I just enjoy knowing more about what makes an individual tick and what has influenced who they are today.

Personal observation - The author warns of a chapter (41, I believe) that may be uncomfortable or trigger a negative reaction for some readers. I guess I read so many books with violence that I forgot about the warning until after I’d read it. However, mention of the occurrence in later chapters actually impacted me more as the victim learns to cope with her new reality.

[Bullman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three did NOT disappoint !

I do not give 5 stars lightly, and once again, DE delivered with a grand slam homerun. Magefall not only continued the great storyline, it built upon it and intertwined the different character which made the entire book a true page turner. I'm so looking forward to Nightfall!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am running out of accolades for this series.I will continue to say the story incredibly only gets better and bigger as each installment is released.The series has everything you could ask for and then some.The journey has taken me to places i never expected to go and has also sent me to places i never ever want to visit again.Davids writing is so powerful you are literally transported to each place in the story.I feel like i know some of these characters better then i know people who have surrounded me my entire life.If this review sounds fanatical ill say guilty as charged.I am definitely a person who lives in the moment but i tell you as i live and breath Magefall may be the best fantasy novel i ever read.I took my time and didn't rush through it because i never wanted it to end.Having said that there are still 2 more books in this series yet to be released.That in and of itself is astounding because these first three books have comprised a story of a scope that equals ten novels.I hope if your reading this review your curiosity has been piqued and you order this series today.A hundred years from now people will still be talking about this series.I see a tv series in its future thats how god damn good it is.Ill shut up now and start preparing myself for the day the next book in the series (Nightfall) is in my hands.

[Sheree Bonita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read this book, the more I wish someone will pick this up for a tv series. It’s so in depth and the characters are so unbelievably rich. Plus, Gwen. Ugh. I love Gwen so much.

[John Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving this series! Characters continue to shine and fight through hardships. Not everything comes to easy and some have difficult pasts that melded them into stronger people. Great use of dragons, magic and battle.

This was a good reread for me! Very long, but worth it! Characters are not all perfect and seem to grow through their hardships! I like some characters better as they overcome some issues! Well worth the reread.

[Victoria Zigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I swear every new David Estes book is even better than the previous one, even though it seems that couldn’t be possible. This was an epic and gripping read; this book is an amazing story in its own right, and also a fantastic addition to the series.

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this rich world and the variety of characters and beings in this series!

Having said that, this book in particular seemed to end very suddenly, with the most climactic event yet to happen in this world happening in only a few descriptive sentences, and then the book abruptly ended. It’s almost as if Estes was just tired of writing, so he quickly jotted down the end to get it over with. Maybe this will be re-visited in #4, but it was a bit of a let down to have what had been building the whole book end, and simply be resolved so abruptly, in a matter of a few sentences.

[Joebot · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It took me a while to get through this book. Not because I disliked it, but because it's over 1000 pages. Going into this, there were some things I was really hoping would happen. Some of them did, but not all of them, and I have to say that I was a little disappointed in the direction things went with Peony and Dane. **Minor spoiler here- Mainly, I like them together and I wanted to keep seeing them together, with him being a support for her in her responsibilities with the godblade, but that's not exactly how things went. That's probably more than I should say, but anyway, I was a little disappointed with how that story line is going.

There is also a rape that happens in this book that I was dreading. The author is kind enough to warn us ahead of time, and he even leaves out a lot of details that could have been triggering for some people, so it wasn't as bad as I feared it would be. But I'm not sure knowing it was coming ahead of time was helpful. I feel like I just dreaded it until it finally happened. I knew who it was going to happen to though, because I looked ahead to see who that chapter was about, so that helped a bit. Overall, I'm not a fan of reading those types of things, and I was happy when it was over, and I was able to relax and read the rest of the book.

As usual, I enjoyed reading the chapters about Ando and Peony the most. Ando's chapters are darker, with everything he has been through, but I love his character. I think Peony and Daneus, the dragon have kept me reading this series more than anything. They keep the story from going too dark, at least so far, and I hope it stays that way. They're like a breath of fresh air in a dark world. That's something I need when I'm reading a series like this. If it gets too dark, I can't handle it.



“Peony had been filled with so many feelings then, but at the core of all of them was hope. Hope for a better, more fulfilling life, a life full of purpose and opportunity.”



Some of the other characters I like a lot were absent in this book, but we are supposed to get back to them in the next one, so I'm looking forward to that. There were also some interesting revelations concerning the mages, but I have to say, they are not my favorite part of the story.

I'm still sticking with this series, and enjoying it for the most part, but it's a heavy read that I can only do between other reads that are lighter. I'll probably get to the next book in two or three months.

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader and my Facebook page.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So much of the story has come to a climax and yet there is still so much to go! This book was intense, from big reveals to heart-wrenching tragedies, this book is a lot while still being an easy read and not confusing. It continues to follow multiple characters through their adventures but puts a pause on others. For example, in this installment, we don't read about Aisling, Amari, and Prudence, but we do read more about Sampson and the Grizari. The arch of the story is starting to show itself, things are coming together. Now if my count is correct six of the seven godblades have been found, we are only missing one brightblade and I have a hunch, it's calling to Grim. Now that Peony and Dane have been reunited they face a new challenge that threatens to tear them apart. Meanwhile, Quill faces his own demons and now struggles to understand who he is meant to be. Jarrod Gaard is growing to be worthy of the crown he wears. All in all this was a great 3rd book and I am looking forward to reading Knightfall book 4.

[Paul Wandless · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a really good 3rd installment. I would actually give it a 4.5 and not 4, if I could. The pacing at times slows things a little more than I would like so I can't give it a 5. Also there are a few times in the middle of an action scene, the character goes into an info dump to give context to the action you're currently in. So it pulls you out of the immediate story. These were my same comments for the previous books, so I'm used to David's style, but it's still worth mentioning that it hasn't changed.

The characters are still well written and the story itself has many well developed layers. David has also done a great job making sure threads don't get left behind when new POVs are introduced. I really like the lore he's created with swords and its very well thought and presented through each charcter that has one. So all in all, another great read with a fascinating story.
I look forward to book 4!

[gordon anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice series

Story has a nice flow, and twists are not very predictable. The author tells a good story, but has a tendency to tell feelings and actions of characters as opposed to letting the words ,for lack of a better phrase, paint the picture.
Some of the characters, more so in this book than the others, are developed to quickly, or change demeanor without warrant, making it hard to digest. Overall, the series is a quick and pleasant read, worthy of a higher rating than I have given this particular book. I have very much enjoyed all the works by this author. Unfortunately, the telling of feelings as opposed to letting the reader absorb the feelings through words is a fairly common trend with modern writers.... Chalk it up to....

[Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review will be repeated for four of the books in "The Kingfall Histories". The fifth book, "Nightfall", will be be available until later in 2022.

If I were to make one New Year's resolution, it would be to check if a trilogy or other series are complete prior to starting book one. It becomes very difficult to pick up the pace after a lengthy pause.

This series, to date, is well done. I hadn't heard of David Estes until this year and started "The Fatemarked" series just by accident. I have not been disappointed. Mr. Estes is a phenomenal story teller and can present multiple worlds and scenarios that are in no wise repetitive. The stories continue to be fresh and original.

[Steven J Luttrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps getting better!

To be perfectly honest I'm reading the Kingfall & Fatemarked series' at the same time. I think I have 2 more books in the Fatemarked series and it occurs prior to this series so I think I'll finish that series before I start Nightfall.
Seriously this series is so good I don't want it to end! For that matter so is Fatemarked. I also listen to audio books when driving around. Right now I'm listening to a lot of David Abercrombie. I really like his books but with reading, its nice to have a map for reference. What else can i say, characters are great storyline its phenomenal, just buy it. All of them, both series, you won't regret it.

[BobA707 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Complex plot, complex premise, interesting characters, well written, almost comical at times, very dark at times. Thoroughly enjoyed this audio book and would definitely recommend. Book 3 just as good as the first 2 books

Plotline: Multiple threads winding around a complex plot. The characters are for the most part not particularly likeable, but the plot moves on ... and the god blades ...

Premise: Very interesting, good magic system (still much to be learnt), and vast world building

Writing: Excellent, the reader is there in the action

Ending: Yes. Where is book 4 ...

Pace: Never a dull moment!

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal series. I like to look a the reviews BUT the 1, 2, and 3 stars on the books mean nothing when they are only rated. I don't get why people do that, actually.

Anyway, I was so glad when Peony and Dane got back together. I was beginning to wonder if they ever would. Jarrod is beginning to act like a real King. And, good grief, that whackO that captured Ando and his team was totally insane.

Everything about this book was wonderful and I'm now on the 4th book.

There was a rape but not must described about it. And there is no swearing at all.

As for the narration: Perfect! Tim Gerard Reynolds does an excellent job on all the different voices.

[Shari English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still good

The third book in the Kings fall series, Mage fall,continues the story of the kingdoms and their leaders. The violence, of all types was carried out against, women, children, and faithful and loyal creatures. It was "darker" than the first two books and a little more difficult to get through. It did bring many of the surviving, main characters back together and back to safety. Part of me just wants to leave it there. I'm weary of the evil, the wars and the losses. Not sure if I'll read the forth book; maybe the three are enough.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the wait

I waited to read this book because I hate Waiting for the book that follows. So I knew now there were two I could read back to back. Mr Estes pase is fast, switching from protagonist to protagonist and turmoil to semi resolution beautifully. I was happy that Peony and Dane finally reunited but I need more! Hahaha ! Hopefully the next installment will shed even more light to what happened during the God's war. And do something to those rogue mages!

[Stephanie McLarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book series. I have been looking for something to beat the Belgariad etc. series by David Eddings, it is my absolute favourite, and this series might have done it. It has been a long time since I found a series I enjoy as much as this one. I will read this series over and over again. Great character development, engaging story, epic adventure, tragedy, comedy…. It has all the things. I just can say enough about this series. I love it.

[Debyi Kucera (Book&BuJo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magefall by David Estes is the third book in the Kingfall Histories series.

I love watching the different characters as they come together and seeing how it will all play out. This book is my favorite in the series so far.

David Estes always does such a good job with character-building and the interactions between those characters. His world-building is vivid and the story is well thought-out and easy to read.

One of my favorite authors and series!

[Cathrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An other exciting addition to the Kingfall series

This one focusing on Quill and Rondo; King Jarrod Gaard, Queen Rose Ontario, and Drake; Dragonmaster Dane and his brother Dom, Peony her fight against the unnatural half dragon/half men led by Dane’s Uncle.

Eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

an enjoyable fast read

So far this has been a fast and enjoyable read full of kings and queens, warriors, mages and dragons. In my view a solid recipe. Start from the beginning though so you don’t miss anything. I look forward to the next book and will purchase after the submission.

[Bookcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh! There's an author's content warning at the beginning 😈 (Note: As a dark romance reader, I didn't even notice the warning scene 🤷‍♀️). Loved/hated this! Loved everything: The story progression, character development, motivation, consequences, and twists! I hated (I understand why) what happens to many dragons! 😭💔 I needed a trigger warning for THAT!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little 🤏 disappointed in this one. It is ACTION-PACKED, but the characters felt less distinct and less well developed than in previous Kingfall books and (especially) the Fatemarked books - my personal favorite series EVER! ♡ I'm going onto Nightfall and Endfall immediately, and I'm hoping for greater character development in the 4th and 5th installments of Kingfall.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me preface this by saying this was a good book, just didn't do it as much for me as the first two in the series. I can't really put my finger on it but I just didn't click with this one like I did the others. Overall this was a very well written book with great character work and a wonderful story. Book 4 promises to be a great entry!

[Christina A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series!

My only complaint is having to wait for the next book to come out. I am really enjoying this series. I can't wait to find out how this will conclude.

[David M Drewry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This series has never failed to capture my attention with the characters and stories of each. Add to that you have magic, dragons, creatures, enchanted blades and battles. All I can add is that the books are are a mind captured and part of hopes the story never ends.

[Christian Dutlinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Another great book. This guy can write. I eagerly wait the next book, Nightfall. Some great character reunions, and some sad losses. Prob my fav character says goodbye in this one, it was heart wrenching. Great book, could not put it down.