What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last War: Book One of The Dragonkin Legacy
“An enthralling epic teeming with valor, camaraderie, and searing battles.” – Kirkus Reviews
“À la Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea saga.” – BlueInk Reviews
Prophecy has dictated that five, not one, shall save the Archipelago.
Long ago, the continent of Cynnahu was shattered by a genocidal war between the native Dragonkin and invading human mages, leaving humanity victorious and the Dragonkin extinct. Now, millennia later, the descendants of those human conquerors face a newer yet still ancient enemy as a time dictated in Prophesy has arrived. A time when not one but five shall save – or fail to save – the Archipelago of Cynnahu in humanity’s Last War against the snake-folk of Nag Isle. A time when a Traveler, Orphan, Survivor, Student, and Lord will set sail to rediscover the secret of the Elder Song, the last magics of the Dragonkin.
They are Sakura, whose life is shattered when her entire family and home island are slaughtered; now orphaned and homeless, she seeks vengeance. Myrriden, the footsore mage and single father whose life is busy enough without a war. Emrys, Myrriden’s nervous son, who is certain he does not have what it takes to be a great mage like his dad. Volcan Darkrod, the enigmatic Fire Mage who’s past and powers are a mystery. And Archmage Hoth, the unflappable Leader of the Cynnahu folk who feels the weight of countless lives on his shoulders.
Guided by an ancient riddle recently uncovered by the famed Grey Owl Aneirin, this Team of Five must run a race of swords, spells, and dusty scrolls. But time is their greatest foe. Will the courage and wits of two eleven-year-olds and three vastly different mages be enough to free purposefully hidden secrets from forces predating human rule in Cynnahu to reunite the scattered Song while fighting a desperate war on land and sea? Only three things are certain: the past is not dead, where swords fail scrolls may prevail, and that humanity stands at the edge of extinction.
“À la Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea saga.” – BlueInk Reviews
Prophecy has dictated that five, not one, shall save the Archipelago.
Long ago, the continent of Cynnahu was shattered by a genocidal war between the native Dragonkin and invading human mages, leaving humanity victorious and the Dragonkin extinct. Now, millennia later, the descendants of those human conquerors face a newer yet still ancient enemy as a time dictated in Prophesy has arrived. A time when not one but five shall save – or fail to save – the Archipelago of Cynnahu in humanity’s Last War against the snake-folk of Nag Isle. A time when a Traveler, Orphan, Survivor, Student, and Lord will set sail to rediscover the secret of the Elder Song, the last magics of the Dragonkin.
They are Sakura, whose life is shattered when her entire family and home island are slaughtered; now orphaned and homeless, she seeks vengeance. Myrriden, the footsore mage and single father whose life is busy enough without a war. Emrys, Myrriden’s nervous son, who is certain he does not have what it takes to be a great mage like his dad. Volcan Darkrod, the enigmatic Fire Mage who’s past and powers are a mystery. And Archmage Hoth, the unflappable Leader of the Cynnahu folk who feels the weight of countless lives on his shoulders.
Guided by an ancient riddle recently uncovered by the famed Grey Owl Aneirin, this Team of Five must run a race of swords, spells, and dusty scrolls. But time is their greatest foe. Will the courage and wits of two eleven-year-olds and three vastly different mages be enough to free purposefully hidden secrets from forces predating human rule in Cynnahu to reunite the scattered Song while fighting a desperate war on land and sea? Only three things are certain: the past is not dead, where swords fail scrolls may prevail, and that humanity stands at the edge of extinction.
424 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2025
9 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Ian E.S. Adler
3 books6 followersI am Ian E.S. Adler, the son of librarians and a middle school librarian myself, I was born and bred in Cambridge Massachusetts (despite many people thinking I have a European accent). I got into Fantasy when my Dad read J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings to me and became perpetually hooked after reading Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle, Garth Nix's Abhorsen series, and Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle. It is to Le Guin whom I owe my debut world of Cynnahu, for her Archipelago inspired me to create my own.
As I have been a Fantasy reader (and gamer) all my life, and a blogger since 2016 (see Stars Uncounted - Ian's Fantasy Bookshelf), I know the common (and uncommon but still recognizable) tropes and tricks of the genre and so do my best in my own work to either move past them or give them a new coat of paint so as to make them fresh, enjoyable, and unpredictable. Cynnahu is an Archipelago because I noted while reading Earthsea that few other Fantasies feature them, and none in the way Ursula K. Le Guin did. I write Epic Fantasy, yes, but not with the Tolkienesque approach seeing as Middle-earth is perfect.
With an M.Ed and bachelor's degree in History, my writing reflects an optimism regarding the human potential for peace and goodness despite of and acknowledging history's grimmest, bloodiest moments. The pen is mightier the sword, but swords guided by pens have the power to win the world from the clenched fists of war. Notice the plural for swords and pens, as I avoid the by now over-used Chosen One archetype. Being Chosen is fine, but the One leaves little authorial room to maneuver.
Beyond writing, I am a Kung Fu Black Belt, Volunteer Gallery Guide at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology, and enjoy making riddles and playing the ancient Chinese game Go. Oh, and watching Scooby-Doo with my sister.
As I have been a Fantasy reader (and gamer) all my life, and a blogger since 2016 (see Stars Uncounted - Ian's Fantasy Bookshelf), I know the common (and uncommon but still recognizable) tropes and tricks of the genre and so do my best in my own work to either move past them or give them a new coat of paint so as to make them fresh, enjoyable, and unpredictable. Cynnahu is an Archipelago because I noted while reading Earthsea that few other Fantasies feature them, and none in the way Ursula K. Le Guin did. I write Epic Fantasy, yes, but not with the Tolkienesque approach seeing as Middle-earth is perfect.
With an M.Ed and bachelor's degree in History, my writing reflects an optimism regarding the human potential for peace and goodness despite of and acknowledging history's grimmest, bloodiest moments. The pen is mightier the sword, but swords guided by pens have the power to win the world from the clenched fists of war. Notice the plural for swords and pens, as I avoid the by now over-used Chosen One archetype. Being Chosen is fine, but the One leaves little authorial room to maneuver.
Beyond writing, I am a Kung Fu Black Belt, Volunteer Gallery Guide at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology, and enjoy making riddles and playing the ancient Chinese game Go. Oh, and watching Scooby-Doo with my sister.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 30, 2022
The Last War is a great read! Who doesn’t like a high epic fantasy with a Team of 5 sailing around an archipelago in search of ancient song pieces to defeat a snake-like enemy? The action is immediate and moves quickly, but it is the range of deep relationships between the characters that stands out. The bond between the athletic, strong, and determined Sakura and the boy Emrys who is touchingly sensitive, thoughtful and brave (these are the two 11-year-old girl and boy main characters) is spot on, as they navigate their roles as member of the Team of Five and also their own growing sense of themselves, all while relying on their deep friendship to get them through harms’ way. The mages are amazing – and their kindness and encouragement of the children and each other is quite moving at times.
I’ve read many high fantasy books (this one has no foul language which I liked) but few have created such deep and fun relationships between characters of all ages. And the Fire Mage – well, he’s a bit of a mystery and so are other twists and turns in the plot. The various people the Team encounters while in search of Song Pieces are so interesting – the tree people, the island residents at each busy port, and I loved the Stormswords who protect the seas and are led by Stormlady Mica, an intelligent strong leader who mentors Sakura too. I’m hoping Book 2 comes out soon! I highly recommend this to any one with middle grade kids – and all ages on up.
I’ve read many high fantasy books (this one has no foul language which I liked) but few have created such deep and fun relationships between characters of all ages. And the Fire Mage – well, he’s a bit of a mystery and so are other twists and turns in the plot. The various people the Team encounters while in search of Song Pieces are so interesting – the tree people, the island residents at each busy port, and I loved the Stormswords who protect the seas and are led by Stormlady Mica, an intelligent strong leader who mentors Sakura too. I’m hoping Book 2 comes out soon! I highly recommend this to any one with middle grade kids – and all ages on up.
June 4, 2022
I mean, obviously I love my own book. So instead of writing a review - which an author cannot (for obvious reasons) do - I will just say that I owe the Cynnahu Saga to the late Ursula K. Le Guin whose Archipelago (in her Earthsea Cycle) inspired me to create my own. However, Self-Publishing Review (SPR) did an Editorial Review for the book which appears on Amazon but not here; hence I will include that review below (which, I might add, was a Five Star one) below:
"A fantasy novel replete with magic, lore, and epic stakes, The Last War by Ian E.S. Adler is a classic questing adventure in the richly imagined world of Nim-Semalf. The Order of mages and the entire archipelago they protect faces invasion by the naga, catapulting five unlikely companions into the fiery crucible of destiny. Amidst ancient riddles, embattled dragon shrines, fearless storm swords, and the mysterious motives of Archmages, the fast-moving plot is enthralling, as is this new realm taking shape before readers' eyes. Built on an elaborate mythology and supported by a classic fantasy plot of ultimate victory vs. complete annihilation, this first book in The Cynnahu Saga is a knockout start to a new series." - Self-Publishing Review (SPR)
"A fantasy novel replete with magic, lore, and epic stakes, The Last War by Ian E.S. Adler is a classic questing adventure in the richly imagined world of Nim-Semalf. The Order of mages and the entire archipelago they protect faces invasion by the naga, catapulting five unlikely companions into the fiery crucible of destiny. Amidst ancient riddles, embattled dragon shrines, fearless storm swords, and the mysterious motives of Archmages, the fast-moving plot is enthralling, as is this new realm taking shape before readers' eyes. Built on an elaborate mythology and supported by a classic fantasy plot of ultimate victory vs. complete annihilation, this first book in The Cynnahu Saga is a knockout start to a new series." - Self-Publishing Review (SPR)
June 30, 2025
I loved this book! I loved the mystery, archeological discoveries like in Raiders of the Lost Ark, plenty of magic, ghosts of ancient mages helping from their tombs, Sherlock Holmes-like detective work, dragon shrines, also strong women and the amazing 11-year-old girl called Sakura, and “tree people” on a green island who resemble elves! Such likeable characters from the start, from the powerful and mysterious “Fire Mage” to two young friends—Sakura, and her friend Emrys, who’s himself the son of a good and powerful mage. I read it in 3 sittings. The “Last War” didn’t end yet, so am looking forward to the 2nd volume! I want to know what happens to this Team of Five. Also no bad language. This is a true middle-grade, YA, and also adults would love it--I haven’t read very many that bring in everyone so well as well as this one.
September 13, 2022
The Last War by Ian E S Adler is an epic fantasy adventure and the first installment in a series, with ambition and action consistent throughout the book. It’s a legendary quest with lots of dragons, prophecies, magic, and mythology, all of which play an essential role in a war with the potential for catastrophic consequences.
The story is set in the Archipelago of Cynnahu, where humans defeated the Dragonkin in an ancient battle. They are now in danger from the snake-folk of Nag Isle and must devise a survival plan. A band of five unexpected companions, two children, and three mages are on a journey to solve a riddle. Their ultimate aim is to summon the awesome power of the Dragonkin, which has perished in history.
Adler created a rich and imaginative world populated with interesting and well-developed characters encompassing the depth of their history and mythology. Fans of the fantasy genre will be enthralled by the level of detail and visual delights that bring this story to life, pulling the reader right into the action. It’s a satisfying read that focuses not only on war and action but the wisdom and strategy the young characters, Emrys and Sakura, must face when solving puzzles and challenges.
The author invests much of the narration with dialogue, creating a colorful plot and development throughout the book. This technique gives the characters more dimension so that we understand their motives, while the storyline never falters and will keep you turning one page after the next. While this action-packed, strategic tale follows what many readers may find to be a familiar fantasy storyline, it’s a rich, vibrant tale with unique characters and a fantastic world will keep you looking forward to the next installment.
The story is set in the Archipelago of Cynnahu, where humans defeated the Dragonkin in an ancient battle. They are now in danger from the snake-folk of Nag Isle and must devise a survival plan. A band of five unexpected companions, two children, and three mages are on a journey to solve a riddle. Their ultimate aim is to summon the awesome power of the Dragonkin, which has perished in history.
Adler created a rich and imaginative world populated with interesting and well-developed characters encompassing the depth of their history and mythology. Fans of the fantasy genre will be enthralled by the level of detail and visual delights that bring this story to life, pulling the reader right into the action. It’s a satisfying read that focuses not only on war and action but the wisdom and strategy the young characters, Emrys and Sakura, must face when solving puzzles and challenges.
The author invests much of the narration with dialogue, creating a colorful plot and development throughout the book. This technique gives the characters more dimension so that we understand their motives, while the storyline never falters and will keep you turning one page after the next. While this action-packed, strategic tale follows what many readers may find to be a familiar fantasy storyline, it’s a rich, vibrant tale with unique characters and a fantastic world will keep you looking forward to the next installment.
June 1, 2022
This was a fantastic read! As an aspiring author, I always look for prologues that speak clearly and avoid info dumps, because I myself plan to write one for my story idea and personally do not care for them in other books. But enough about me, the point is that this story provided a fantastic prologue! The storytelling mixed with the authenticity of character and backstory makes this fantasy story have a realistic spark.
There are many obstacles intertwined with the action between the main characters, but that helps the stakes to continue to raise and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The antagonism aspects of invasion work very well with the character Emrys, who is my personal favorite.
The story is so intricate and packed with detail that one page skipped could leave a reader in the dust. And for that reason, I can only say so much in this review in order to avoid spoilers.
The dialogue is a great leeway throughout the novel to understand the characters better and to foreshadow further acts, and the plot is most definitely driven by the characters.
If not already apparent from this review, I loved the characters! Alder does a great job making them jump off the page no matter how relevant one is to the story.
If you are a reader of fantasy or science-fiction or are just in the mood for a call to adventure, definitely pick this one up! And get ready, there are more from this author to come in the future!
There are many obstacles intertwined with the action between the main characters, but that helps the stakes to continue to raise and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The antagonism aspects of invasion work very well with the character Emrys, who is my personal favorite.
The story is so intricate and packed with detail that one page skipped could leave a reader in the dust. And for that reason, I can only say so much in this review in order to avoid spoilers.
The dialogue is a great leeway throughout the novel to understand the characters better and to foreshadow further acts, and the plot is most definitely driven by the characters.
If not already apparent from this review, I loved the characters! Alder does a great job making them jump off the page no matter how relevant one is to the story.
If you are a reader of fantasy or science-fiction or are just in the mood for a call to adventure, definitely pick this one up! And get ready, there are more from this author to come in the future!
September 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel. It reads really well, a beautiful story filled with riddles and songs. Some editing errors and a few times the plot slowed down a bit too much or became a little redundant. But I loved the characters and the world built by Adler. Looking forward to seeing what more comes from this bright author!
August 5, 2022
Adventures of mages and dragons with long history of conflicts, characters of different ages and status within their society, this beautiful story leads throw the imminent war in the Archipelago of Cynnahu. Ian E. S. Adler description of young and not so young mages, leads the reader to care about them and want to follow them through their journey.
October 4, 2022
What was this book? I got a new favorite reading!
We have a team of five that will fulfill a prophecy that will decide the future of the Archipelago, being two children and three adults that are mages or studying to be. I liked a lot of Volcan and hope to see more of his story in the other books.
We have a strong story based on the belief of the Dragonkin, some dragons that used to rule the place but were extinct long ago. While they study the prophecy, they discover these creatures can help them to win this war. I can't wait to read the second one!
We have a team of five that will fulfill a prophecy that will decide the future of the Archipelago, being two children and three adults that are mages or studying to be. I liked a lot of Volcan and hope to see more of his story in the other books.
We have a strong story based on the belief of the Dragonkin, some dragons that used to rule the place but were extinct long ago. While they study the prophecy, they discover these creatures can help them to win this war. I can't wait to read the second one!
October 11, 2022
4.5 Stars. Kids, adults, magic, swordplay, what more could one want?! The names are vaguely reminiscent of those of gods and heroes in our own world. The kids are miniatures of their elders. (I initially thought them true miniatures - why would adults need to take a knee to an 11 year old? But I’m very tall and always have been). The action continues in every corner of this world - on land and sea, forest and city. There are the noble and ignoble, furious and afraid, and very human responses to stimuli. I can’t wait for book II.
Read
February 21, 2023The Last War by IAN E.S. ADLER (SAIL ON SEA UNCHARTED)
A book which war with mages is let loosed. It give readers the privilege to move through troubled zone in a battle between legends untouched.
The catchy terminologies used and characters birthed by the author keep the audience mesmerized and go long stick dragging everyone's attention to a book deep memorable for great read.
The last War is a book the shelves like to house but the reading community has stronger ties and would always love to bond.
Poet Okundaye Israel ✍️
A book which war with mages is let loosed. It give readers the privilege to move through troubled zone in a battle between legends untouched.
The catchy terminologies used and characters birthed by the author keep the audience mesmerized and go long stick dragging everyone's attention to a book deep memorable for great read.
The last War is a book the shelves like to house but the reading community has stronger ties and would always love to bond.
Poet Okundaye Israel ✍️
April 19, 2026
I enjoyed this book, it definitely reminded me of Earthsea, which was an inspiration to the author. I thought it had great characters, I will say the jumping around at the beginning was a bit jarring at first, but once you get into the flow of the story it goes better.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews