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Rage of Lions #3
Lions of the Reach
The Rats may have won back Dweltford, but now the Reach needs Lions.
Duchess Amelia’s cutthroat “rats” have saved her hometown, but the new crown prince of the Grand Kingdom, Daven Marcus, now drags her along in a vain winter crusade into the wilderness, seeking the origin of the mysterious invaders from the west. Surrounded by the prince’s toadying lackeys and scheming nobility, Amelia has no allies.
Her captain, Prentice Ash, is far away in the ruins of Fallenhill. With a handful of mercenaries, Prentice must train the convicts to be soldiers, turning a criminal rabble into a militia for the Duchess. In his dreams, he has a prophetic vision of rats becoming lions, but before the training can even begin, a traitorous baron traps the entire force in a siege.
With murderous knights outside the walls, and hunger and winter’s cold within, can Prentice somehow turn rats cowering in the ruins into roaring lions? If not, how can Duchess Amelia defend her lands from the venal prince who means to steal the Western Reach out from under her?
Get your copy of the third book in the Amazon best-selling Rage of Lions series!
Duchess Amelia’s cutthroat “rats” have saved her hometown, but the new crown prince of the Grand Kingdom, Daven Marcus, now drags her along in a vain winter crusade into the wilderness, seeking the origin of the mysterious invaders from the west. Surrounded by the prince’s toadying lackeys and scheming nobility, Amelia has no allies.
Her captain, Prentice Ash, is far away in the ruins of Fallenhill. With a handful of mercenaries, Prentice must train the convicts to be soldiers, turning a criminal rabble into a militia for the Duchess. In his dreams, he has a prophetic vision of rats becoming lions, but before the training can even begin, a traitorous baron traps the entire force in a siege.
With murderous knights outside the walls, and hunger and winter’s cold within, can Prentice somehow turn rats cowering in the ruins into roaring lions? If not, how can Duchess Amelia defend her lands from the venal prince who means to steal the Western Reach out from under her?
Get your copy of the third book in the Amazon best-selling Rage of Lions series!
- GenresFantasyChristian Fantasy
462 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2022
119 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Matt Barron
12 books33 followersMatt Barron grew up loving to read and to watch movies. He always knew he enjoyed science fiction and fantasy, but in 1979 his uncle took him to see a new movie called Star Wars and he was hooked for life. Then Dungeons and Dragons came along and there was no looking back. He went to university hoping to find a girlfriend. Instead, the Lord found him, and he spent most of his time from then on in the coffee shop, witnessing and serving his God. Along the way, he managed to acquire a Doctorate in History and met the love of his life, Rachel. Now married to Rachel for more than twenty years, Matt has two adult children and a burning desire to combine the genre he loves with the faith that saved him.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 26, 2022
The latest book in the Rage of the Lions series is amazing! This has to be my favorite book so far! I love the progression of the rats into lions as Prentice is tasked with building a group of convicts into an army ready to defend the Western Reach. Such a great tale. I cannot wait for book 4!
June 12, 2023
Based on a dream, Prentice Ash works to turn his Rats of Dweltford, a company of convicts, and a group of mercenaries into the duchess’s Lions of Reach. A whole new kind of fighting force that can stand up to the knights of the Grand Kingdom. At the same time, the duchess is dragged off to join the ill-advised crusade of the spoiled, disgusting, slimy Prince Devon and his sycophants. Like the other books in this series, this book contains a certain amount of foul language and graphic violence. From the first line to the final line, however, I continued to be invested in the characters and their world. There were twists and turns enough to keep me turning pages. And, when I reached the end, I immediately started book 4.
If you enjoy fantasy with strong Christian themes, and do not mind some profanity and violence, you will not regret reading this series. I recommend Lions of Reach. Enough evil characters (especially Sir Liam from prior books and the newly introduced prince) to hate and plenty of courageous, worthy characters to root for. I look forward to continuing this series.
If you enjoy fantasy with strong Christian themes, and do not mind some profanity and violence, you will not regret reading this series. I recommend Lions of Reach. Enough evil characters (especially Sir Liam from prior books and the newly introduced prince) to hate and plenty of courageous, worthy characters to root for. I look forward to continuing this series.
October 21, 2023
After quickly going through the first two books of the series, this proved to be a pageturner for me, too.
Like the first two books a quick pace with many twists and some losses for the two protagonists provides for an engaging read, and once again both face their own challenges to add to the variation. Duchess Ameila faces the treacherous court of the crown prince on a hunt for the foes that attacked the Reach in the first book, almost bereft of allies. Prentice, meanwhile, strives to turn his ragtag group of former convicts into a civilian army able to contend with the knightly nobles that rule the realms, and the battlefields. Their preseverance in dealing with their own shortcomings and the defeats that are handed to them once again makes up the majority of their likability.
On the downside, the depravity of (large parts of) the nobility reaches almost cartoonish levels. And like in the previous books, the prophecies and other interventions of god feel a bit like the weakest part of the story, but then again that also says good things about the story itself. Both parts could have been dialed back a bit without losing much. But, then again, this is being a bit nitpicky.
All in all, another great entry into an enjoyable series.
Like the first two books a quick pace with many twists and some losses for the two protagonists provides for an engaging read, and once again both face their own challenges to add to the variation. Duchess Ameila faces the treacherous court of the crown prince on a hunt for the foes that attacked the Reach in the first book, almost bereft of allies. Prentice, meanwhile, strives to turn his ragtag group of former convicts into a civilian army able to contend with the knightly nobles that rule the realms, and the battlefields. Their preseverance in dealing with their own shortcomings and the defeats that are handed to them once again makes up the majority of their likability.
On the downside, the depravity of (large parts of) the nobility reaches almost cartoonish levels. And like in the previous books, the prophecies and other interventions of god feel a bit like the weakest part of the story, but then again that also says good things about the story itself. Both parts could have been dialed back a bit without losing much. But, then again, this is being a bit nitpicky.
All in all, another great entry into an enjoyable series.
April 28, 2025
4.5/5. Christian fantasy that is still gritty and realistic! Great series finally the romance you saw coming happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2022
The entire series, Rage of Lions, is an excellent fantasy series! Lions of the Reach, 3rd in the series, is superbly written with many of the characters I have come to know as fantasy friends! The world is very well described and the action is so realistic I felt like I was watching a movie. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I can barely wait for book 4!
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
October 3, 2022
First off I should state never download multiple books in a series to Kindle! My major problem with this whilst reading it was the numerous allusions to previous happenings & berating the author for not writing abut them ! This should have given me a clue & certainly if I'd owned the physical books wouldn't have been a mistake that I now have to own up to.....I've read Book 3 before Book 2! So not only am I desolate that Book4 isn't out yet but that I've now sort of spoilt Book 2!
So I obviously can't say that it follows on from Book 2 but my assumption is that it does! The author has me hooked, the MC Ash is just someone whose exploits you want to follow & whilst the author continues to have me hooked, that I will continue to follow.
I can only currently compare it to Book 1 so there's less fighting action & more political manoeuvres, in particular the Duchess Amelia story arc. There isn't really any rhyme or reason to switching between characters, sometimes is a chapter of each & others it can be 3 or 4, somewhat impatiently in my case as I know Ash will have more "action"!
Now reading Book 2 & have pre-ordered Book 4.
So I obviously can't say that it follows on from Book 2 but my assumption is that it does! The author has me hooked, the MC Ash is just someone whose exploits you want to follow & whilst the author continues to have me hooked, that I will continue to follow.
I can only currently compare it to Book 1 so there's less fighting action & more political manoeuvres, in particular the Duchess Amelia story arc. There isn't really any rhyme or reason to switching between characters, sometimes is a chapter of each & others it can be 3 or 4, somewhat impatiently in my case as I know Ash will have more "action"!
Now reading Book 2 & have pre-ordered Book 4.
August 15, 2023
I am enjoying this series so very much. It’s so nice reading stories of valour and struggle with a rich Christian undertone to it. *chef’s kiss*
Prentice struggling to turn rats into lions was so good to see, both in how he had to learn when to show mercy and when to enforce Justice, and the overwhelming immensity of his task.
Also gonna say that Righteous and Turley are swiftly becoming some of my most favourite characters.
Daven Marcus and Liam can go fall into a gopher hole and never resurface. Tata, jerkwads.
Very excited to continue the story!
Prentice struggling to turn rats into lions was so good to see, both in how he had to learn when to show mercy and when to enforce Justice, and the overwhelming immensity of his task.
Also gonna say that Righteous and Turley are swiftly becoming some of my most favourite characters.
Daven Marcus and Liam can go fall into a gopher hole and never resurface. Tata, jerkwads.
Very excited to continue the story!
September 14, 2024
Great sequel!
Enjoyed getting to know the characters more. This book really shows how terrible kinds and nobility were. Even though we get charged more taxes now than ever before. Really messed up how the duchess was treated. But like the new army formation and the “roar”! The ditches has fangs now! Will be interesting to see where this goes next. I was surprised that the prince didnt get defeated.
Enjoyed getting to know the characters more. This book really shows how terrible kinds and nobility were. Even though we get charged more taxes now than ever before. Really messed up how the duchess was treated. But like the new army formation and the “roar”! The ditches has fangs now! Will be interesting to see where this goes next. I was surprised that the prince didnt get defeated.
June 4, 2025
The more I read, the more I think that this is a saga as painful and bloody as A Game of Thrones mixed with the grandeur and power of The Lord of the Rings. There is so much happening, so many plots weaving, so many triplines being strung up around Duchess Amelia - it is no wonder that she has to become the Lioness. And Prentice Ash - his development from convict to war leader is riveting. I can't put this series down yet - next book!
February 27, 2023
Okay, I'm had. All I can say now c is, "outstanding story".
Rarely, do I stumble upon such magnificent works. This author is obviously gifted. I certainly hope he continues to produce such masterful works. Been quite some time since I've found anything this good. Not since, "Dawn of Wander", or the "Mrydidian Constellation" series. This author is the real deal folks.
Rarely, do I stumble upon such magnificent works. This author is obviously gifted. I certainly hope he continues to produce such masterful works. Been quite some time since I've found anything this good. Not since, "Dawn of Wander", or the "Mrydidian Constellation" series. This author is the real deal folks.
September 18, 2022
A pleasure
Just the right mix of strong characters, interesting and realistic plot twists, and great action. A good example of the new, positive fantasy without the vicious darkness.
Just the right mix of strong characters, interesting and realistic plot twists, and great action. A good example of the new, positive fantasy without the vicious darkness.
October 7, 2022
From criminal to Captain Prentice Ash proves his worth to the Duchess and the people of Dwelt. The young Duchess proves to be more wise than she is given credit for. A battle between good and evil beautifully written. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 4, 2022
rats to loins
Wow each part of the take becomes more intense. Despite this being set in a fictional world the hubris of the middle age knights in Europe is captured perfectly. As in the change in battle tactics as technology alters the battlefield
Wow each part of the take becomes more intense. Despite this being set in a fictional world the hubris of the middle age knights in Europe is captured perfectly. As in the change in battle tactics as technology alters the battlefield
January 17, 2023
It grows on you
As I have read this series it has grown on me. The characters and the plot continue to peak my interest I cannot wait for the next book I have already pre-ordered it.
As I have read this series it has grown on me. The characters and the plot continue to peak my interest I cannot wait for the next book I have already pre-ordered it.
March 22, 2023
Rats to Lions
I believe the author has again done.a.brilliant job in crafting this book. He has defined his characters has enriched the story to draw you in deeper. Now I believe he will wind up and bring us to a glorious ending.I his next book. I for one can't wait!
I believe the author has again done.a.brilliant job in crafting this book. He has defined his characters has enriched the story to draw you in deeper. Now I believe he will wind up and bring us to a glorious ending.I his next book. I for one can't wait!
April 16, 2023
Lions of the Reach
An excite that is hard to put down. Filled with righteous heroic characters and dastardly villains. Edge of the seat excitement that keeps you yearning for more. A must read.
An excite that is hard to put down. Filled with righteous heroic characters and dastardly villains. Edge of the seat excitement that keeps you yearning for more. A must read.
May 19, 2023
another engrossing read
Matt continues to develop the characters in this wonderful series… he even slips in a bit of romance…
Totally enjoyable read… makes you hate the bad guys and love the good guys… thank you Matt, well done!
Matt continues to develop the characters in this wonderful series… he even slips in a bit of romance…
Totally enjoyable read… makes you hate the bad guys and love the good guys… thank you Matt, well done!
February 12, 2025
Loved it!
Best of the series so far! I feel like I know the leading characters personally now. Such an engaging story with all the range of emotions, humor and sorrow, rage and joy, all delivered in a tense, action packed, well paced plot.
Best of the series so far! I feel like I know the leading characters personally now. Such an engaging story with all the range of emotions, humor and sorrow, rage and joy, all delivered in a tense, action packed, well paced plot.
October 4, 2025
Quite Good
Lions of the Reach is just the next great addition to a wonderful series. Matt Baron’s ability to generate dialogue and plot is on display, everything ties together so well, reading is a pleasure.
Lions of the Reach is just the next great addition to a wonderful series. Matt Baron’s ability to generate dialogue and plot is on display, everything ties together so well, reading is a pleasure.
February 27, 2023
Just a bunch of trouble
The bad guys run rampant and you can't help but worry but the good keep on coming, even when it's looking a little hopeless.
The bad guys run rampant and you can't help but worry but the good keep on coming, even when it's looking a little hopeless.
July 25, 2023
Not as good as the first two but worth reading. Too many things rang like bells. /s
September 11, 2023
Can't wait to get to the next installment of this book!
November 18, 2023
Another enjoyable story in the series, it will be interesting to see how the story pivots now…
January 1, 2024
Wow
Very well written and full of action and suspense! Thankfully, the next book is written and ready to be devoured!
Very well written and full of action and suspense! Thankfully, the next book is written and ready to be devoured!
May 5, 2024
Another excellent read!
Most series are done in three... not this author. I feel like I'm binge watching movies. The protagonists just get better, the bad guys are still incredibly evil, and I'm anxious to start Book 4. Huzzah!
Most series are done in three... not this author. I feel like I'm binge watching movies. The protagonists just get better, the bad guys are still incredibly evil, and I'm anxious to start Book 4. Huzzah!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews