Draconis

Draconis Descendant Saga #1

by David Oliver

Over a decade ago Jlayn Syr, cartographer, embarked on a mission to map the world on behalf of the Ursal Federation. He returned with most of his crew dead and two strange rune stones.

Stones that changed everything.

He asserted that he had found a strange ‘rift’ in the ocean. A gateway to another world. A world populated with strange and horrifying monsters, broken tombs and strange writings.

Now he is the leader of the Wayfarers. A mercenary troop dedicated to entering the rift and returning with new rune stones. The Ursal Federation has utilised the impossible magic of the rune stones to cement themselves as the foremost world power and the location of the rift is a closely guarded secret…one that many would kill for.

With forces gathering to take control of the rift, Jlayn and his adopted daughter Sesha must embark on the newly built Draconis to explore this new world once again…but with a large target on their heads the days of the Wayfarers may be numbered.

Genres: Fantasy

725 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Mihir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic

Draconis is the start of a new epic fantasy series by David Oliver and it is a series which I’ve been anticipating since David mentioned it in a Q&A last year.

Draconis begins in a world where Jlayn Syr, a cartographer and explorer changed the destiny of their world by discovering a gateway (inter-dimensional portal) within the seas of their world. He voyaged through the gateway and discovered a world choc-a-bloc with monsters but also immense treasure and rune stones. These stones changed their world as it dethroned Gyrdania (the reigning empire of their world.). He founded the Wayfarers and helped with the rise of the Ursal Federation.

It has been over a decade since the Ursal Federation has made themselves the top dogs of the world and their business has flourished beyond all means. Things however are not the same as the neighbouring nations recall the past and are much chagrined at the notion of a business conglomerate ruling over them. Soon the Ursal Foundation will understand the true meaning of geo-political jealousy as people and circumstances conspire against them. Jlayn Syr & Sesha (his adopted daughter and fellow wayfarer) will be forced once again to journey through the portal and he will discover the truth behind the other world.

This book in a simple nutshell is the fantasy version of “Jurassic park on magical steroids”. David Oliver has written a story that introduces a bunch of different characters like the older, lovable and brilliant Jlayn Syr, a grizzled pirate turned Wayfarer captain named Verynus and his lover-cum-lieutenant Kye, Sesha a new member of the Wayfarer temple and others who get a spotlight on them. The plot is introduced really quickly and the author really goes all all out in setting up this story which is very much a creature thriller in the fantasy genre.

What I enjoyed the most about this story was its breakneck pace and the crazy monsters that the author has thought of. The alien world is truly alien and the exploration aspect is done fascinatingly. The characters and the readers are both introduced to these weird and deadly creatures who as the story progresses become meaner, bigger and scarier. The monsters aren’t just used for window dressing purposes; they form an integral part of why the story is the way it is. There are some terrific hints laced about why the alien world is the way it is. I can’t wait to read the sequel to find out what.

Lastly with this story, the author has taken some drastic steps away from the dark fantasy action saga that is the Great Hearts saga. The Draconis Descendant series is more of an epic fantasy with monsters and an aero-nautical feel similar to the Ketty Jay series by Chris Wooding. There is a lot of swashbuckling adventure and many readers will find this to be exactly what they are looking for. This is a big book and the author writes shorter chapters while constantly switching POV and location, hence very much an adventure thriller (say from James Rollins or Matthew Reilly). This keeps the readers constantly on their toes and excited to see where the story goes next. Ultimately the epilogue and climax are absolutely cracking and set up a finale that promises to be world-breaking to say the least.

For drawbacks, the primary one is that the characters aren’t as enticing as found in the Great Hearts series. I suspect this has to do more with the POV aspect of that series versus this one. The characters aren’t two-dimensional but can be most compared to an adventure thriller wherein they follow certain character tropes. The pace is also a bit cumbersome in the first half but is breakneck in the latter part.

CONCLUSION: David Oliver is certainly experimenting with the type of stories he wants to tell. Though the genre is different as is the style, what is still consistent is the writer and his enthusiasm for telling entertaining stories. His fusion of styles makes Draconis stand out and makes it an enjoyable read. Check it out if you wish to read about “Jurassic Park on magical steroids”, as for me, I will be waiting to read the sequel and whatever David writes next.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently finished this book and am eagerly awaiting the next! The storyline follows several characters and weaves between them. I usually find this style of writing frustrating as there are inevitably plots/storylines and characters that I find less interesting but with this book I was always keen to pick up on all of the plots and developing storylines - although of course I did have my favourite!
There is a great mix of characters and developing storylines leading you into a fantasy world that is full of wonder, surprises, dangers, adversaries and friendships. I'm not going to give any spoilers but the ending left me wanting to start the sequel immediately!
A really great book if you like fantasy adventures or give it a try if you're not sure this genre is for you, you will not be disappointed.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draconis is Book 1 in The Draconis Descendant Saga by David Oliver. I felt that the novel was an epic fantasy adventure. The characters are well written and developed and I thought they were strong. Draconis is a ship with bells and whistles that any adventurer would love to be on. Captain Syr Jlayn and his ward, Sesha, are on the maiden voyage. Draconis has everything a good epic fantasy needs, adventure, fighting, elves, dwarfs, monsters evil, something for everyone! The best part is because this is Book 1, we will get more of this interesting journey. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Aria Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a rollercoaster of a book. I liked the writing style, the storyline and the character development. The book was action packed and the atmosphere was really great. I loved that it was infused with Victorian influences and I loved the supernatural elements such as magic and pirates. A really enjoyable read.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff. This has good pacing, and like most in the genre, has a lot going on. Solid writing and story that includes action and well drawn characters. Oliver has a good imagination and puts it to good use here.

Thanks very much for the free review copy for review!!

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and compelling story: I like the world bulding and the plot kept me hooked and entertained.
I think I will read other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine