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The Dragon's Blade #1-3
The Dragon's Blade Trilogy
Includes all three books in the Dragon’s Blade Trilogy.
Arrogant. Scornful. Full of pride. Darnuir, Prince of Dragons, cares nothing for the damage he's doing to the faltering alliance against the Shadow. He thinks himself invincible - right up till a mortal wound forces him to undergo a dangerous rebirthing spell, leaving him a helpless babe in human hands.
Twenty years pass and demonic forces are poised to sweep across the land. With the alliance between humanity, dragons, and fairies fracturing, Darnuir will have to uncover the secrets of his past, seek redemption for his sins, and rally the disparate races if they are to survive.
Only Darnuir can do this. For he's the last member of the royal bloodline and only he can wield the Dragon's Blade.
His second chance is the world's last hope.
Over 100,000 copies sold worldwide of this fast-paced epic fantasy series, perfect for fans of Phillip C. Quaintrell, Salvatore, Feist, and Brandon Sanderson.
Arrogant. Scornful. Full of pride. Darnuir, Prince of Dragons, cares nothing for the damage he's doing to the faltering alliance against the Shadow. He thinks himself invincible - right up till a mortal wound forces him to undergo a dangerous rebirthing spell, leaving him a helpless babe in human hands.
Twenty years pass and demonic forces are poised to sweep across the land. With the alliance between humanity, dragons, and fairies fracturing, Darnuir will have to uncover the secrets of his past, seek redemption for his sins, and rally the disparate races if they are to survive.
Only Darnuir can do this. For he's the last member of the royal bloodline and only he can wield the Dragon's Blade.
His second chance is the world's last hope.
Over 100,000 copies sold worldwide of this fast-paced epic fantasy series, perfect for fans of Phillip C. Quaintrell, Salvatore, Feist, and Brandon Sanderson.
1579 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
3325 people are currently reading
1630 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Miller
13 books1,210 followersTwo free novellas in ebook AND audiobook for all who sign up to my mailing list. https://www.michaelrmiller.co.uk/signup
Those who use Discord can also join my server by following this link https://discord.gg/C7zEJXgFSc
Redditors can join the community here - https://www.reddit.com/r/MichaelRMiller/
Michael is ‘that guy’ who enjoys - well, enjoyed... - discussing the mad fan theories of Game of Thrones even more than the books or show, and knows more about World of Warcraft than is probably healthy.
You can contact him at michael@michaelrmiller.co.uk
www.michaelrmiller.co.uk
Those who use Discord can also join my server by following this link https://discord.gg/C7zEJXgFSc
Redditors can join the community here - https://www.reddit.com/r/MichaelRMiller/
Michael is ‘that guy’ who enjoys - well, enjoyed... - discussing the mad fan theories of Game of Thrones even more than the books or show, and knows more about World of Warcraft than is probably healthy.
You can contact him at michael@michaelrmiller.co.uk
www.michaelrmiller.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
April 29, 2019
Someone please tell me this gets better? Give me a good reason why I should stick it out? I see all these perfect 5 star reviews- and yet I can’t get past the first half of the first book! The premise and apparent plot are intriguing to my thirst for epic fantasy, but the poor character development (if it exists at all), unrealistic dialogue, and lack of scene setting has me bored beyond tears!
5 stars people? Really? Maybe I’m too stingy with my stars, yet I’ll give this one two for the benefit of the doubt and storyline, which is making me feel generous. I’ve only ever rated a few books 5- A Song of Ice and Fire series, Outlander series off the top of my head. My new fav author is Mark Lawrence- would give both the Broken Empire and The Ancestor series 4 1/2 stars. These are all books full of emotion and well written all around. You become absorbed in the settings and deeply invested with the characters- you feel their pain and joy- I feel nothing but slight annoyance and boredom reading the first book of this series 😟
I SOOO want to like it- someone convince me
5 stars people? Really? Maybe I’m too stingy with my stars, yet I’ll give this one two for the benefit of the doubt and storyline, which is making me feel generous. I’ve only ever rated a few books 5- A Song of Ice and Fire series, Outlander series off the top of my head. My new fav author is Mark Lawrence- would give both the Broken Empire and The Ancestor series 4 1/2 stars. These are all books full of emotion and well written all around. You become absorbed in the settings and deeply invested with the characters- you feel their pain and joy- I feel nothing but slight annoyance and boredom reading the first book of this series 😟
I SOOO want to like it- someone convince me
October 26, 2018
I think this is some of the best writing I've ever lucked into. I'm a huge fan of Robert Jordan and Mercedes Lackey and now Michael Miller.
What an adventure. Great writing. I can't wait to start a new adventure with Michael R. Miller.
It was an epic journey.
What an adventure. Great writing. I can't wait to start a new adventure with Michael R. Miller.
It was an epic journey.
July 31, 2023
This trilogy was a real surprise to me. The truth is, after finishing the latest installment in Miller's Songs of Chaos series, I had a touch of the ol' Nooooooo, why can't read the next book NOW?! syndrome. Believe it or not, an earlier trilogy, also by the same author and also (apparently) all about dragons, did not necessarily appeal. It sounded like it might be the same thing all over again--just not as good. I gave it a shot anyway, and it shattered any such expectations.
First of all, this is not another dragon rider story. In fact, it's not even really about dragons. In a twist that feels very modern fantasy, in the vein of Sanderson et al, the "dragons" are all just enhanced humans. They used to be actual dragons, but the entire species was transformed, thousands of years before our story begins. Along similar lines, there are also fairies who are much less ethereal creatures than they are just another species of human.
Now, in Songs of Chaos, the magic is also very modern--once again channeling Sanderson with its hard mechanics--but Dragon's Blade does not go this route. The magic still feels modern, but it's on the softer side and leans a bit towards the earlier end of this modern era (say, Robert Jordan or L.E. Modessitt). It feels like it ought to have been the bestseller everyone on Reddit was talking about, sometime around 2005-2015.
Some readers may feel that the series gets off to a rocky start, as the author sets a bit of a challenge for himself with the premise. The protagonist is magically reverted to a baby at the very beginning, and Miller chooses to speedrun us through his second childhood. This may contribute to a choppy pace, but of the options available, I think this was probably the best. For example, 100 meandering pages of standard coming-of-age fare may have smoothed the pace right out, but I certainly wouldn't have liked it better that way.
However bumpy the beginning seems (and I'd say not very), the moderately complicated setup is over quickly, and things take off from there. Miller seems to be quite the student of effective plotting. The foreshadowing all works, with jaw-dropping surprises and twists you can see coming (in a satisfying way), alike. There are battles, political subplots, ancient secrets, and recent conspiracies--all culminating in a satisfying, if somewhat open, ending.
I'm going to go ahead and give this 5 stars. No, it's not a literary masterpiece, but it gave me 5 stars worth of enjoyment. Objectively, it ought to have at least a star or two knocked off, but enjoyment is a subjective experience. The Dragon's Blade Trilogy deserves 5-star attention, for sure.
First of all, this is not another dragon rider story. In fact, it's not even really about dragons. In a twist that feels very modern fantasy, in the vein of Sanderson et al, the "dragons" are all just enhanced humans. They used to be actual dragons, but the entire species was transformed, thousands of years before our story begins. Along similar lines, there are also fairies who are much less ethereal creatures than they are just another species of human.
Now, in Songs of Chaos, the magic is also very modern--once again channeling Sanderson with its hard mechanics--but Dragon's Blade does not go this route. The magic still feels modern, but it's on the softer side and leans a bit towards the earlier end of this modern era (say, Robert Jordan or L.E. Modessitt). It feels like it ought to have been the bestseller everyone on Reddit was talking about, sometime around 2005-2015.
Some readers may feel that the series gets off to a rocky start, as the author sets a bit of a challenge for himself with the premise. The protagonist is magically reverted to a baby at the very beginning, and Miller chooses to speedrun us through his second childhood. This may contribute to a choppy pace, but of the options available, I think this was probably the best. For example, 100 meandering pages of standard coming-of-age fare may have smoothed the pace right out, but I certainly wouldn't have liked it better that way.
However bumpy the beginning seems (and I'd say not very), the moderately complicated setup is over quickly, and things take off from there. Miller seems to be quite the student of effective plotting. The foreshadowing all works, with jaw-dropping surprises and twists you can see coming (in a satisfying way), alike. There are battles, political subplots, ancient secrets, and recent conspiracies--all culminating in a satisfying, if somewhat open, ending.
I'm going to go ahead and give this 5 stars. No, it's not a literary masterpiece, but it gave me 5 stars worth of enjoyment. Objectively, it ought to have at least a star or two knocked off, but enjoyment is a subjective experience. The Dragon's Blade Trilogy deserves 5-star attention, for sure.
November 11, 2018
Great idea and world, not a pageturner
I have selvom encountered a book that held my interest yet took so long to read. It was a blessing and yet torture although i am at a loss as to what caused my reading to be at such slow pace.
I have selvom encountered a book that held my interest yet took so long to read. It was a blessing and yet torture although i am at a loss as to what caused my reading to be at such slow pace.
December 21, 2023
Long slow story with little to hook my interest. Too many characters. Not enough characterization. Lots of politics. Endless demons. Dragon felt like a human. Did not finish.
October 24, 2018
Could not put it down.
After a recommendation from Reddit. I read this epic fantasy. The world building is very clever throughout. Characters grow and build with really good relationships and I love that dragons and fairies were involved.
Not a fan of the shadow characters and chapters but were required for the story.
After a recommendation from Reddit. I read this epic fantasy. The world building is very clever throughout. Characters grow and build with really good relationships and I love that dragons and fairies were involved.
Not a fan of the shadow characters and chapters but were required for the story.
December 27, 2022
The author forgot what drove his characters, and the end did not make any sense. I am not sure what drove him to have his protagonist do a 180 and abandon everyone. It was not built up correctly and was too sudden to be believable. Good story until the last half of book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2018
I have just finished reading The Dragon's Blade Trilogy and I must confess - it was absolutely amazing! Having said that I was a little disappointed as the story left me wanting. I would have loved to have had a few words about what lay beyond the portal for Darnuir and his people and whether or not they could reopen the portal to allow the remainder of their people join them. I was immensely satisfied when Darnuir shifted into his dragon self (this was something I hoped would happen all the way through the books). Michael Miller really brought this world to life and his imagination knows no bounds - he is to be applauded. I was hooked from the very first page until the very last. This is a trilogy I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the fantastical and I will read it again and again.
October 21, 2018
If you like dragons you'll love this
I liked the story, the back story, and the character development It was an engrossing tale that I enjoyed. I would love to know where they all ended up. Hope to see more like this
I liked the story, the back story, and the character development It was an engrossing tale that I enjoyed. I would love to know where they all ended up. Hope to see more like this
December 29, 2018
Enjoyable Read
This fantasy was enjoyable from start to finish. Full of action and believable characters. I can recommend this trilogy without reservation.
This fantasy was enjoyable from start to finish. Full of action and believable characters. I can recommend this trilogy without reservation.
December 27, 2018
Go For It
I love Tolkienesque fantasy and this trilogy has it all.
Many twists in the three books which make it all the more compelling to carry on reading.
I love Tolkienesque fantasy and this trilogy has it all.
Many twists in the three books which make it all the more compelling to carry on reading.
December 25, 2018
A good read
An enjoyable read in a well thought world. I especially appreciated the treatment of faith vs religion and the unique roll and fallibility of the dragons.
An enjoyable read in a well thought world. I especially appreciated the treatment of faith vs religion and the unique roll and fallibility of the dragons.
September 17, 2018
Epic
This is an entertaining and gripping tale of how people can accomplish much if they work together and how tragedy can strike if they refuse to change.
This is an entertaining and gripping tale of how people can accomplish much if they work together and how tragedy can strike if they refuse to change.
February 5, 2024
Sorry to say its obvious this was the author's first series, his other books are amazing though TBH I was in shock when I finished these books, I could not believe that this same guy wrote Songs of Chaos. I have a lot of complaints... A very slow start and then all of a sudden it was over. Cass, the FMC had a sword and was combat trained but we never got to see her fight, there was repeatedly some weak explanation as to why she couldn't have her blade when she was in trouble. The fact that she was simply tied up to helplessly observe the climax/main fight in the first book was absolutely infuriating.
Darnuir the MC was so hard to connect to, I really don't see why needed to get his POV while he was a literal infant and toddler? I think I would have gained a lot more from the book if we got more insight into his personal thoughts and emotions as his personality's split apart. Old Darnuir seemed to have no personality other than "authoritative" while young Darnuir didn't exactly have an interesting personality either.
I had trouble differentiating between all the side characters too, over half of them have names that start with a 'B' and in the first few pages of each side character's chapter I was questioning who exactly I was reading about.
(MAJOR ENDING SPOILER)
So, the ending? So... let me get this straight... to stop all of the dragons from dying.... we send them all to an 'unknown realm' which is basically just their version of heaven? Like its literally heaven, ghosts of long dead dragons included. I mean I get it was a more peaceful solution then having them all die in war & combat but like all those innocent people still technically died all the same....?
Anyway read Michaels other books.
Darnuir the MC was so hard to connect to, I really don't see why needed to get his POV while he was a literal infant and toddler? I think I would have gained a lot more from the book if we got more insight into his personal thoughts and emotions as his personality's split apart. Old Darnuir seemed to have no personality other than "authoritative" while young Darnuir didn't exactly have an interesting personality either.
I had trouble differentiating between all the side characters too, over half of them have names that start with a 'B' and in the first few pages of each side character's chapter I was questioning who exactly I was reading about.
(MAJOR ENDING SPOILER)
So, the ending? So... let me get this straight... to stop all of the dragons from dying.... we send them all to an 'unknown realm' which is basically just their version of heaven? Like its literally heaven, ghosts of long dead dragons included. I mean I get it was a more peaceful solution then having them all die in war & combat but like all those innocent people still technically died all the same....?
Anyway read Michaels other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2020
I really dislike books that have god damn fluff galore, this massive setup with characters and start killing off characters left and right just as you learn the names of them! The magic system is god damn terrible in this world, the demons are overwhelming. It's a hard slant and no real balance because of the typical in fighting with humans. It's just not a fun or enjoyable book.
September 25, 2018
These books were a great holiday read - lots of action & not too taxing on the brain. I liked the different POV writing & the fact you didn’t have to wait too long to find out what each character was up to. So why did it lose a star? In my opinion a trilogy should be 3 complete stories that could be read independently of each other & these are not. This is ONE book split into 3 parts. I’m guessing authors do it to make more money? Personally I’d rather pay more for 1 book & get a complete story, than be conned into a trilogy. So in summary, definitely worth a read, but be aware you’ll need to buy all 3 books.
September 27, 2018
Very good story
Really enjoyed reading the trilogy. Only two things I did not care for in the book. One is that the physical appearance of the dragons was not described and explained early enough in the book. The other was the complex sub-plots that were given up on or never had a concrete ending. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.
Really enjoyed reading the trilogy. Only two things I did not care for in the book. One is that the physical appearance of the dragons was not described and explained early enough in the book. The other was the complex sub-plots that were given up on or never had a concrete ending. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.
July 20, 2021
Not the best start, but a good series overall. Full review here - https://www.alwroteabook.com/2020/07/...
May 4, 2024
Too slow moving and long winded for me!
October 25, 2020
4.5 stars
Well, I bought both the eBook and the Audible versions for the complete trilogy, so I am going to review the trilogy as a whole first. Then, let's see if I can go back and remember my feelings about each book in particular.
First of all, let me say that the narration for the series was great. I even looked up who it was to see if it was someone I was familiar with. It wasn't, but I'll be sure to be on the lookout for him in the future. His name was David Cruse.
This is my second series from this author (my first being the Song of Chaos series / Ascendant) which I thought was phenomenal, so I think I came in to this with higher than usual expectations. The good thing is that I wasn't disappointed when I finished the series. The author has done a remarkable job of creating a world that is robust and unique, with lots of different characters and character types (Fairies, Dragons, Humans, Trolls, Demons...etc).
The story actually took me a little while to get into - I'm not sure why, but sometimes (especially in the Fantasy genre) I have a harder time with the introduction and the world building when I am listening versus reading actual print so I will turn off the audio and start actually reading. I ended up doing this with book 1 in the series and once I seemed to get a feel for the settings and situations that were occurring in the beginning, I jumped back to audio. After that I just alternated between the two formats - which is my usual MO.
I guess what comes to mind when I think about the completed trilogy is a feeling of pensiveness. After reading the last page - and the note by the author talking about why he added the last two chapters - I sat still for a little while to let everything soak in. My feelings were kind of all over the place. And I say that in a positive way. It has been my experience that if I am not ready to immediately begin the first page of a different new book the minute I've finished with the old one - the author has done something right. I read alot of books, and I do mean ALOT. It takes quite a bit to hit me emotionally enough to want to stay in that world even after the last page has been written. There was also a part of me that was trying to figure out what the heck I felt about the ending and the actions of the last 20% of the book 3. The fact that Michael Miller (MM) created a protagonist who I came to respect and feel protective of, as well as an antagonist who I wanted to leave pinned up against a tree with a sword....well, that is some powerful writing.
The trilogy was filled with lots and lots of unique and interesting characters and we were able to get a really good feel for most of them. The main character (MC) Darnuir is a dragon that we meet in the beginning - as an arrogant and prideful dragon - who may or may not have been justified in his feelings and actions of his first life. We then follow Darnuir throughout the next 3 books as he begins a journey of reflection, doubt, insecurity....and eventually, enormous growth. This is HIS journey, even though there is a story along side of it that deals with a war between the dark and the light.
The first book revolves around Darnuir being mortally wounded, rescued by a wizard and then being transformed from the 60+ year old dragon prince, to being actually and literally reborn and then raised in the human world of hunters. He does not know he is a dragon and it is those human experiences that help to create the dragon that he is becoming the second time around. There is a lot of info dumping in the beginning as the author is setting the stage and the characters for us.
There are three main groups/species involved as allies in a war against demons and spectres and then there is the "big bad" and evil Rectar. In this book we see the struggle that Darnuir is experiencing as he tries to reconcile his two vastly different sides (his prior life experiences as a dragon and his current life growing up as a human hunter). He is also thrown into the deep end of the pool when he learns that not only is he a dragon, but he is the King of the dragons. He is pretty clueless to everything - especially the preconceived prejudices that the dragon race has towards humans. As he stumbles along (in the middle of a war) trying to get a grasp on the new expectations placed upon him, he also realizes that he wants this second chance to mean something. He wants to try to create an actual REAL alliance between the three species. It is apparent from the beginning that this is going to be much harder than he expected.
In the first book we see Darnuir begin to make decisions that start the changes and the improvements away from the way that things have always be done. We meet Cosmo, Brackendon Cassandra, Blaine, Fidelm and Blalock to name just a few of the "main" characters. We also learn about Dekoona and the wizard Castallan - the "bad guys" and Castallan's lust for power in the name of saving humanity. Again, lots of information given to set the stage, yet I was still able to be pulled into the story and was eager to move on to book 2.
The second book in the story is jammed packed with action as well as the battle for the Bastian and the duel of the last two "official" wizards. Relationships and characters are more fully fleshed out as we learn the motivations and beliefs of the various participants in this war. MM does a really good job of beginning to build the ties that will bind the characters together as events begin to accelerate and the spectres and the demon horde begin their attempt to attack and invade. The "alliance" journey that Darnuir gives to Garon to lead is the perfect example of the challenges that occur because of the history and animosity between the races. It also ends up being the example that it IS possible for prejudices to be overcome, but it takes work, as well as patience (and quite a long amount of book time). Book 2 has lots going on at all times from different POV's and in different locations. It was in this book that we begin to understand that there are more forces at play than meets the eye.
In book 3, things begin to fall apart. Darnuir is recovering and out of commission, and we begin to see how fragile the alliance between allies really is. Without Darnuir available to handle all of the various disputes and trust issues of the various races, things start unraveling. It shows just how much Darnuir was already able to accomplish in his short time as the leader of the dragons. We also learn more about the Guardian Blaine and we get to see the conflict between these two dragons as it is revealed that there have been many, many secrets that have been kept for a very long time. I'm not even sure how to condense all of the happenings that occur in this book, but it is safe to say that there is conflict as well as conflict resolution. This is shown in many ways, such as the issues experienced with the group on the trip to the Highlands lead by Garon, the battles between the Light Bringers and the humans and then the actions of the lead spectre Dukoona. There has also been enormous treachery by Arkus, whose selfishness and lust for power and control take him way past the line with actions that are NOT forgivable. Cassandra is prominent, yet to me, she is not a likeable character and I had many problems with her. Again, lots and lots, and lots of things going on as we barrel towards the final battle against Rectar.
In the end, Darnuir is the one to bring everyone together to attempt to defeat Rectar. Again, we see MAJOR character growth from Darkuir, Blaine and Blalok. Secrets are unearthed and trust is placed in the least likely group. Without going into spoilers, the action is constant and very nerve wracking. There is definitely a payoff for the tension that has continued to build throughout the 3 books.
My reason for pensiveness was because I had to take a moment to figure out for myself whether I felt that the end result was actually a good thing for the dragons. I also needed time to determine (in my own mind) whether or not a certain traitor was sufficiently punished. In the end, the fact that my mind continued to stay in the world created by Michael Miller was an answer in and of itself. I realized that I was completely invested not only in the story, but in the characters. I truly cared about the outcome and the effects that outcome had on several characters. Truly, that is the best statement that I can make about this series.
Well, I bought both the eBook and the Audible versions for the complete trilogy, so I am going to review the trilogy as a whole first. Then, let's see if I can go back and remember my feelings about each book in particular.
First of all, let me say that the narration for the series was great. I even looked up who it was to see if it was someone I was familiar with. It wasn't, but I'll be sure to be on the lookout for him in the future. His name was David Cruse.
This is my second series from this author (my first being the Song of Chaos series / Ascendant) which I thought was phenomenal, so I think I came in to this with higher than usual expectations. The good thing is that I wasn't disappointed when I finished the series. The author has done a remarkable job of creating a world that is robust and unique, with lots of different characters and character types (Fairies, Dragons, Humans, Trolls, Demons...etc).
The story actually took me a little while to get into - I'm not sure why, but sometimes (especially in the Fantasy genre) I have a harder time with the introduction and the world building when I am listening versus reading actual print so I will turn off the audio and start actually reading. I ended up doing this with book 1 in the series and once I seemed to get a feel for the settings and situations that were occurring in the beginning, I jumped back to audio. After that I just alternated between the two formats - which is my usual MO.
I guess what comes to mind when I think about the completed trilogy is a feeling of pensiveness. After reading the last page - and the note by the author talking about why he added the last two chapters - I sat still for a little while to let everything soak in. My feelings were kind of all over the place. And I say that in a positive way. It has been my experience that if I am not ready to immediately begin the first page of a different new book the minute I've finished with the old one - the author has done something right. I read alot of books, and I do mean ALOT. It takes quite a bit to hit me emotionally enough to want to stay in that world even after the last page has been written. There was also a part of me that was trying to figure out what the heck I felt about the ending and the actions of the last 20% of the book 3. The fact that Michael Miller (MM) created a protagonist who I came to respect and feel protective of, as well as an antagonist who I wanted to leave pinned up against a tree with a sword....well, that is some powerful writing.
The trilogy was filled with lots and lots of unique and interesting characters and we were able to get a really good feel for most of them. The main character (MC) Darnuir is a dragon that we meet in the beginning - as an arrogant and prideful dragon - who may or may not have been justified in his feelings and actions of his first life. We then follow Darnuir throughout the next 3 books as he begins a journey of reflection, doubt, insecurity....and eventually, enormous growth. This is HIS journey, even though there is a story along side of it that deals with a war between the dark and the light.
The first book revolves around Darnuir being mortally wounded, rescued by a wizard and then being transformed from the 60+ year old dragon prince, to being actually and literally reborn and then raised in the human world of hunters. He does not know he is a dragon and it is those human experiences that help to create the dragon that he is becoming the second time around. There is a lot of info dumping in the beginning as the author is setting the stage and the characters for us.
There are three main groups/species involved as allies in a war against demons and spectres and then there is the "big bad" and evil Rectar. In this book we see the struggle that Darnuir is experiencing as he tries to reconcile his two vastly different sides (his prior life experiences as a dragon and his current life growing up as a human hunter). He is also thrown into the deep end of the pool when he learns that not only is he a dragon, but he is the King of the dragons. He is pretty clueless to everything - especially the preconceived prejudices that the dragon race has towards humans. As he stumbles along (in the middle of a war) trying to get a grasp on the new expectations placed upon him, he also realizes that he wants this second chance to mean something. He wants to try to create an actual REAL alliance between the three species. It is apparent from the beginning that this is going to be much harder than he expected.
In the first book we see Darnuir begin to make decisions that start the changes and the improvements away from the way that things have always be done. We meet Cosmo, Brackendon Cassandra, Blaine, Fidelm and Blalock to name just a few of the "main" characters. We also learn about Dekoona and the wizard Castallan - the "bad guys" and Castallan's lust for power in the name of saving humanity. Again, lots of information given to set the stage, yet I was still able to be pulled into the story and was eager to move on to book 2.
The second book in the story is jammed packed with action as well as the battle for the Bastian and the duel of the last two "official" wizards. Relationships and characters are more fully fleshed out as we learn the motivations and beliefs of the various participants in this war. MM does a really good job of beginning to build the ties that will bind the characters together as events begin to accelerate and the spectres and the demon horde begin their attempt to attack and invade. The "alliance" journey that Darnuir gives to Garon to lead is the perfect example of the challenges that occur because of the history and animosity between the races. It also ends up being the example that it IS possible for prejudices to be overcome, but it takes work, as well as patience (and quite a long amount of book time). Book 2 has lots going on at all times from different POV's and in different locations. It was in this book that we begin to understand that there are more forces at play than meets the eye.
In book 3, things begin to fall apart. Darnuir is recovering and out of commission, and we begin to see how fragile the alliance between allies really is. Without Darnuir available to handle all of the various disputes and trust issues of the various races, things start unraveling. It shows just how much Darnuir was already able to accomplish in his short time as the leader of the dragons. We also learn more about the Guardian Blaine and we get to see the conflict between these two dragons as it is revealed that there have been many, many secrets that have been kept for a very long time. I'm not even sure how to condense all of the happenings that occur in this book, but it is safe to say that there is conflict as well as conflict resolution. This is shown in many ways, such as the issues experienced with the group on the trip to the Highlands lead by Garon, the battles between the Light Bringers and the humans and then the actions of the lead spectre Dukoona. There has also been enormous treachery by Arkus, whose selfishness and lust for power and control take him way past the line with actions that are NOT forgivable. Cassandra is prominent, yet to me, she is not a likeable character and I had many problems with her. Again, lots and lots, and lots of things going on as we barrel towards the final battle against Rectar.
In the end, Darnuir is the one to bring everyone together to attempt to defeat Rectar. Again, we see MAJOR character growth from Darkuir, Blaine and Blalok. Secrets are unearthed and trust is placed in the least likely group. Without going into spoilers, the action is constant and very nerve wracking. There is definitely a payoff for the tension that has continued to build throughout the 3 books.
My reason for pensiveness was because I had to take a moment to figure out for myself whether I felt that the end result was actually a good thing for the dragons. I also needed time to determine (in my own mind) whether or not a certain traitor was sufficiently punished. In the end, the fact that my mind continued to stay in the world created by Michael Miller was an answer in and of itself. I realized that I was completely invested not only in the story, but in the characters. I truly cared about the outcome and the effects that outcome had on several characters. Truly, that is the best statement that I can make about this series.
November 16, 2018
Really great story!!
I couldn't put trilogy down. The epic story of good versus evil. Humans, Fairies, Trolls and Dragons all fighting sometimes with each other but always against evil. A story of rebirth, literally and figuratively, Darnuir crown Prince of the Dragons in his first life looks down on humans and in his second life is raised by humans. How messed up can that make a person? Read the story you won't be sorry.
I couldn't put trilogy down. The epic story of good versus evil. Humans, Fairies, Trolls and Dragons all fighting sometimes with each other but always against evil. A story of rebirth, literally and figuratively, Darnuir crown Prince of the Dragons in his first life looks down on humans and in his second life is raised by humans. How messed up can that make a person? Read the story you won't be sorry.
October 10, 2018
Very good book series
Very enjoyable and well written book—well-developed characters and plenty of action, adventure, with a little romance thrown in. I highly recommend this book. And as a side note: it would be appropriate for teen readers as it had no sexual content and very little in foul language.
Very enjoyable and well written book—well-developed characters and plenty of action, adventure, with a little romance thrown in. I highly recommend this book. And as a side note: it would be appropriate for teen readers as it had no sexual content and very little in foul language.
November 23, 2018
A worthy effort
Mr. Miller does a fine job of developing and maintaining the many characters needed in a work of this site and nature. He also tells a compelling tale of right vs. wrong while recognizing the existence and need for shades of gray.
Overall a good read - especially for young adults.
Mr. Miller does a fine job of developing and maintaining the many characters needed in a work of this site and nature. He also tells a compelling tale of right vs. wrong while recognizing the existence and need for shades of gray.
Overall a good read - especially for young adults.
October 3, 2018
Really enjoyed
Darnuir and Cassandra are my favorite characters from this book. Darnuir is a hero among heroes and Cassandra is a humble loving friend. I really enjoyed their journey. A great series!
Darnuir and Cassandra are my favorite characters from this book. Darnuir is a hero among heroes and Cassandra is a humble loving friend. I really enjoyed their journey. A great series!
September 27, 2018
Riveting!!
From the first page to the last, the storyline is riveting! Family, friendships, love, betrayal, war. The plot was thick and I was hooked!
Simply loved it!
From the first page to the last, the storyline is riveting! Family, friendships, love, betrayal, war. The plot was thick and I was hooked!
Simply loved it!
September 28, 2018
Great series I really hope there will be more in the future, a follow-up of all the characters and were
life took them.
life took them.
October 8, 2018
The Dragons Blade Trilogy
I totally enjoyed.
this book. Even though we had dragons,elves, trolls and humans this book made you think this was all possible
I totally enjoyed.
this book. Even though we had dragons,elves, trolls and humans this book made you think this was all possible
October 14, 2018
A long serirs
At first I had a hard time and considered a four rate. As the books continued the story helt m!y attention and interest.Prepare for a long rrad.
At first I had a hard time and considered a four rate. As the books continued the story helt m!y attention and interest.Prepare for a long rrad.
November 7, 2018
Loved it
Great book, good story and compelling characters it was very enjoyable and it was hard to put down the book
Great book, good story and compelling characters it was very enjoyable and it was hard to put down the book
December 13, 2018
Loved this series!
Wonderful story that kept me up very late reading. So sorry it ended i hope at some point the story continues.
Wonderful story that kept me up very late reading. So sorry it ended i hope at some point the story continues.
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