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The Twin Worlds Saga #1
The Faded Dragon
Peace is a frail thing, but the truth is even frailer.
Epic fantasy with a twist of mystery . . .
The old war between the dragons and elves has long been over, and Deerium has entered a new age. The humans have taken hold and the last fragment of days gone by, known as the Takahrn, have been made slaves.
Gahlaia, the Takahrn’s rightful leader, is given a chance to save her people. Borhiim, a man with a confusing past, must choose between his new life and the one left behind. Tirehn, the soon-to-be king, seeks to find his father’s murderer. All the while, the Eternal moves them together to discover the reality of their world, and the one who’s been pulling all the strings.
Epic fantasy with a twist of mystery . . .
The old war between the dragons and elves has long been over, and Deerium has entered a new age. The humans have taken hold and the last fragment of days gone by, known as the Takahrn, have been made slaves.
Gahlaia, the Takahrn’s rightful leader, is given a chance to save her people. Borhiim, a man with a confusing past, must choose between his new life and the one left behind. Tirehn, the soon-to-be king, seeks to find his father’s murderer. All the while, the Eternal moves them together to discover the reality of their world, and the one who’s been pulling all the strings.
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2023
4 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 15, 2023
Ahhh this book is perfect for LOTR fans looking for another epic fantasy saga with a lush world building and amazing dragon and elven lore ❤️🐉
We follow the story of three different characters: Gahlia (who reminds me so much of young Galadriel), Borhiim and prince Tirehn. Their story is full of mystery, political intrigue and battles! I thought that all the unique names of places and terms would slow the pacing but the authors writing style is so fluid that soon enough I was completely engaged in the plot!
Gahlia is Takahrn, half dragon and half elven, a species that now faces slavery by humans. At the brick of war, her and her Takahrn followers try to find a way to obtain freedom for their people. They stumble upon Borhiim, who has no recollection of his past and was living peacefully amongst humans. As we uncover the mystery behind Borhiims identity, we discover that there is a great enigma at large and that their path to the truth is filled with danger. The new king faces a puzzle of his own with his fathers suspicious death. This is all but a drop in the rich world that Cameron Michaels has created. As we dive deep into the lore and I truly felt like I was watching an epic fantasy movie play out in my mind.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
We follow the story of three different characters: Gahlia (who reminds me so much of young Galadriel), Borhiim and prince Tirehn. Their story is full of mystery, political intrigue and battles! I thought that all the unique names of places and terms would slow the pacing but the authors writing style is so fluid that soon enough I was completely engaged in the plot!
Gahlia is Takahrn, half dragon and half elven, a species that now faces slavery by humans. At the brick of war, her and her Takahrn followers try to find a way to obtain freedom for their people. They stumble upon Borhiim, who has no recollection of his past and was living peacefully amongst humans. As we uncover the mystery behind Borhiims identity, we discover that there is a great enigma at large and that their path to the truth is filled with danger. The new king faces a puzzle of his own with his fathers suspicious death. This is all but a drop in the rich world that Cameron Michaels has created. As we dive deep into the lore and I truly felt like I was watching an epic fantasy movie play out in my mind.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
January 30, 2023
If you are a fan of high fantasy, this debut novel is a must for you! It has the chosen one trope so prominent in that genre but with a really cool twist, a very cool and unique magic system and a captivating story that grabbed me from chapter 1.
It has multiple POVs but they all add something interesting to the story and I never felt myself wishing we could skip it to go back to a different character. It also has a very interesting class division and the author does a great job managing the subject of slavery and “less than” races like the Takahrn are seen, and incredibly enough Michaels created a human character that I actually love!? Anyone who knows me knows I’m extremely anti human in any book or movie that has humans vs some other race, but King Tirehn is a great character!
Lastly and perhaps my favorite thing: there’s no unnecessary miscommunication for the sake of moving the story along! It was so refreshing seeing characters actually talking and sharing information while the story still kept its mystery and pace.
I think my only critique is that I wish the map had better art work because I love maps and this world could have an epic one, but since I received such an early copy of the book perhaps it’s in the works!
The Faded Dragon comes out on February 4th so go ahead and place your preorders if you love fantasy as much as I do!
EDIT TO ADD: The author has updated the map (not sure if thanks to my review or was already in the process) and it looks amazing!!! For a high fantasy with so much traveling a good map is a must and this book now has it! So excited!
It has multiple POVs but they all add something interesting to the story and I never felt myself wishing we could skip it to go back to a different character. It also has a very interesting class division and the author does a great job managing the subject of slavery and “less than” races like the Takahrn are seen, and incredibly enough Michaels created a human character that I actually love!? Anyone who knows me knows I’m extremely anti human in any book or movie that has humans vs some other race, but King Tirehn is a great character!
Lastly and perhaps my favorite thing: there’s no unnecessary miscommunication for the sake of moving the story along! It was so refreshing seeing characters actually talking and sharing information while the story still kept its mystery and pace.
I think my only critique is that I wish the map had better art work because I love maps and this world could have an epic one, but since I received such an early copy of the book perhaps it’s in the works!
The Faded Dragon comes out on February 4th so go ahead and place your preorders if you love fantasy as much as I do!
EDIT TO ADD: The author has updated the map (not sure if thanks to my review or was already in the process) and it looks amazing!!! For a high fantasy with so much traveling a good map is a must and this book now has it! So excited!
March 20, 2024
I was offered a copy in exchange for review, and I’m glad I accepted.
This is a debut fantasy with more than a few character beats that give it an epic scale. The multi-POV is done well and I cared for every character (except those we aren’t supposed to, though they are still complex). The creation of a new race, dragon and elves together, called the Takahrn, was especially cool! Kind of a fairy/faerie but new to me.
The elves and their magic have depleted from the world, giving us one ruled by humans. The humans have enslaved the Takahrn as beasts, but it’s a fragile thing. When a new king is crowned, with new ideas, and an overwhelming historical lie, the peace is all but shattered. Watch out though, because you never know who’s pulling the strings!
One thing in particular that stuck out to me was the ending battle scenes. Each perspective gives it a wider scope, making the battles feel large, epic, and terrible. The largest of which gave me Pelennor Fields vibes with siege towers and mayhem. More would be spoilery, so I’ll stop.
Intriguing first entry, well written, and interesting world. Would certainly read more. Personally a 5/5*
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-fa...
This is a debut fantasy with more than a few character beats that give it an epic scale. The multi-POV is done well and I cared for every character (except those we aren’t supposed to, though they are still complex). The creation of a new race, dragon and elves together, called the Takahrn, was especially cool! Kind of a fairy/faerie but new to me.
The elves and their magic have depleted from the world, giving us one ruled by humans. The humans have enslaved the Takahrn as beasts, but it’s a fragile thing. When a new king is crowned, with new ideas, and an overwhelming historical lie, the peace is all but shattered. Watch out though, because you never know who’s pulling the strings!
One thing in particular that stuck out to me was the ending battle scenes. Each perspective gives it a wider scope, making the battles feel large, epic, and terrible. The largest of which gave me Pelennor Fields vibes with siege towers and mayhem. More would be spoilery, so I’ll stop.
Intriguing first entry, well written, and interesting world. Would certainly read more. Personally a 5/5*
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-fa...
February 13, 2023
If you like epic fantasies like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, I think you’ll really enjoy The Faded Dragon!
Right from the start of the prologue, you know you’re in for a solid epic fantasy. The world building was FANTASTIC and probably the biggest strength in the book! It was well thought out just really enjoyable to learn. The story was incredibly fast paced, which kept you turning the page until way too late at night…which is definitely a good problem to have 😆 I love multi-POV books, so I was thrilled to discover that this was a multi-POV story. Even the antagonist has a POV! Which is always fun. I loved being able to discover revelations about the world and conflict alongside each POV. That’s what I love about Throne of Glass, and so I was thrilled to experience that same feeling with this book.
I will say that at times I did have trouble keeping characters straight and had to go back and read passages again to make sure I knew whose POV I was reading. I’m a huge lover of multi POV books, so possibly the character voice needed to be a bit more differentiated, but I think that will come with time as the author continues to perfect his craft.
Overall, I’m definitely invested in the story and am super curious to see what happens in book two….especially after that ending 😱 def didn’t predict that one and def anxious for book two!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Right from the start of the prologue, you know you’re in for a solid epic fantasy. The world building was FANTASTIC and probably the biggest strength in the book! It was well thought out just really enjoyable to learn. The story was incredibly fast paced, which kept you turning the page until way too late at night…which is definitely a good problem to have 😆 I love multi-POV books, so I was thrilled to discover that this was a multi-POV story. Even the antagonist has a POV! Which is always fun. I loved being able to discover revelations about the world and conflict alongside each POV. That’s what I love about Throne of Glass, and so I was thrilled to experience that same feeling with this book.
I will say that at times I did have trouble keeping characters straight and had to go back and read passages again to make sure I knew whose POV I was reading. I’m a huge lover of multi POV books, so possibly the character voice needed to be a bit more differentiated, but I think that will come with time as the author continues to perfect his craft.
Overall, I’m definitely invested in the story and am super curious to see what happens in book two….especially after that ending 😱 def didn’t predict that one and def anxious for book two!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 29, 2023
The Faded Dragon is the ambitious first instalment in the brand-new Twin Worlds Saga. This story is perfect for readers who like fast-paced epic fantasy with multiple POVs, well thought-out world building and plenty of action.
This story is set in the world of Deerium, where the Takahrn, a race descended from elves and dragons, are oppressed and enslaved by humans. We focus on a couple of unique characters, both human and non-human, who all add an interesting perspective to the overall story. Their individual journeys are compelling to follow, because they are constantly discovering hidden truths about their world and about themselves. There are lots of great reveals and twists in this story, which will keep you engaged the entire way through. And if you like stories that feature the antagonist as a POV, then you are in the right place here!
The world building is without a doubt one of the strongest aspects of this novel. Michaels has crafted an interesting world with a rich, deep history and a fascinating magic system. While I appreciate how much time and effort the author has clearly put into fleshing out this world, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the way the world building was delivered here. There was a ton of ‘telling not showing’, already starting in the prologue, and some age-old secrets were suddenly revealed at suspiciously convenient times for the sake of progressing the plot. If you don’t mind a more exposition-heavy approach to world building and like to learn all the ins and outs of a new, intriguing fantasy world, then you will have a blast with this story.
Now, this book has a lot to like, but I have to admit that I personally didn’t really click with it. I think a lot of my issues with this book could be resolved if the pacing was a bit slower and if we followed less perspectives, as that tends to allow for more in-depth character work and development. The book throws you straight into the middle of the action and we barely get time to get to know our characters and establish their relationships, which wasn’t great for me as a character-driven reader.
I feel like the fast pacing and the big focus on action and world building led to the character work and theme work lacking in nuance and depth, which really hindered my investment in the story. Also, there is a fair bit of villain monologuing going on here, which felt cringe-worthy and took away a lot of the mystery and intrigue in the story.
These are all very personal quibbles though, so your mileage may vary depending on the type of reader that you are. Definitely give it a shot yourself to find out!
Overall, I think this is an ambitious and promising debut novel that shows a lot of potential. Michaels’ technical writing craft is actually quite good and polished already, so I am eager to see him grow and develop as an author.
I can definitely see this book being a big hit with more plot-driven fantasy readers who like detailed world building, plenty of fast-paced action scenes and, of course, dragons!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This story is set in the world of Deerium, where the Takahrn, a race descended from elves and dragons, are oppressed and enslaved by humans. We focus on a couple of unique characters, both human and non-human, who all add an interesting perspective to the overall story. Their individual journeys are compelling to follow, because they are constantly discovering hidden truths about their world and about themselves. There are lots of great reveals and twists in this story, which will keep you engaged the entire way through. And if you like stories that feature the antagonist as a POV, then you are in the right place here!
The world building is without a doubt one of the strongest aspects of this novel. Michaels has crafted an interesting world with a rich, deep history and a fascinating magic system. While I appreciate how much time and effort the author has clearly put into fleshing out this world, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the way the world building was delivered here. There was a ton of ‘telling not showing’, already starting in the prologue, and some age-old secrets were suddenly revealed at suspiciously convenient times for the sake of progressing the plot. If you don’t mind a more exposition-heavy approach to world building and like to learn all the ins and outs of a new, intriguing fantasy world, then you will have a blast with this story.
Now, this book has a lot to like, but I have to admit that I personally didn’t really click with it. I think a lot of my issues with this book could be resolved if the pacing was a bit slower and if we followed less perspectives, as that tends to allow for more in-depth character work and development. The book throws you straight into the middle of the action and we barely get time to get to know our characters and establish their relationships, which wasn’t great for me as a character-driven reader.
I feel like the fast pacing and the big focus on action and world building led to the character work and theme work lacking in nuance and depth, which really hindered my investment in the story. Also, there is a fair bit of villain monologuing going on here, which felt cringe-worthy and took away a lot of the mystery and intrigue in the story.
These are all very personal quibbles though, so your mileage may vary depending on the type of reader that you are. Definitely give it a shot yourself to find out!
Overall, I think this is an ambitious and promising debut novel that shows a lot of potential. Michaels’ technical writing craft is actually quite good and polished already, so I am eager to see him grow and develop as an author.
I can definitely see this book being a big hit with more plot-driven fantasy readers who like detailed world building, plenty of fast-paced action scenes and, of course, dragons!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 30, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars
THE FADED DRAGON is the first in a new high fantasy series which counts on a large cast of characters, multiple PoV narration and massive world-building! Perfect for fans of series such as Lord of the Rings.
The book’s biggest strength is by far its world building. It’s clear from very early on that the author took their time fleshing out the world, diving not just into recent events but in the past, adding layers with battles, intrigues and even evolution of the species. I was particularly fascinated by the dragon lore and how the author wove it with the elves. It was just brilliantly done!
The author also did a great job balancing out the many PoVs that make up the narration. While at the beginning it may be a bit difficult to keep track of them all due to the similar voices of each character, once you get acclimated into the story it became easier to appreciate each one for the unique element they brought to the story. As a fan of political intrigues, the two perspectives that most stood out to me were those of Prince Tirehn and that of the villain! It’s not often that one can enjoy reading through the eyes of the antagonist, so this was a very interesting choice and one I think the author handled very well.
Overall, this was a very promising start to a new series. It’s definitely a plot-driven book with its dense world-building, politics and action sequences, but it remained a fast-paced read that kept me engaged from start to finish. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fantasy not focused on romance.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
THE FADED DRAGON is the first in a new high fantasy series which counts on a large cast of characters, multiple PoV narration and massive world-building! Perfect for fans of series such as Lord of the Rings.
The book’s biggest strength is by far its world building. It’s clear from very early on that the author took their time fleshing out the world, diving not just into recent events but in the past, adding layers with battles, intrigues and even evolution of the species. I was particularly fascinated by the dragon lore and how the author wove it with the elves. It was just brilliantly done!
The author also did a great job balancing out the many PoVs that make up the narration. While at the beginning it may be a bit difficult to keep track of them all due to the similar voices of each character, once you get acclimated into the story it became easier to appreciate each one for the unique element they brought to the story. As a fan of political intrigues, the two perspectives that most stood out to me were those of Prince Tirehn and that of the villain! It’s not often that one can enjoy reading through the eyes of the antagonist, so this was a very interesting choice and one I think the author handled very well.
Overall, this was a very promising start to a new series. It’s definitely a plot-driven book with its dense world-building, politics and action sequences, but it remained a fast-paced read that kept me engaged from start to finish. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fantasy not focused on romance.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
January 21, 2023
I received an ARC of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
4.5/5 stars
The Faded Dragon introduces us to the unique and interesting world of Deerium, where dragons and elves once waged war against each other. In the present age their descendants, a race known as the Takahrn, have been enslaved by humans. We follow several unique characters throughout the story as they discover hidden truths about the world, the ongoing tension between races, and themselves. One is the strong-willed Gahlaia, the rightful leader of the Takahrn, who under human captivity finds an opportunity to help her people. Second is Borhiim, a man who can’t remember his past but soon must face challenges after discovering his true identity. Finally, there is Prince Tirehn who begins to learn about the dark, secret history of Deerium while investigating his father’s murder. It’s enjoyable watching these characters come together so naturally after learning about their different struggles and personalities.
The fleshed out history of Deerium is one of the strongest aspects of this novel. Learning more about the characters from the world’s past and the events before the start of the novel is a satisfying experience. There are some instances where the exposition feels heavy with how it’s dumped on the reader, but it doesn’t take away from the rich world-building. It also has a unique setting and conflict compared to other fantasy novels.
The Faded Dragon is a strong debut novel for Cameron Michaels, and a promising start to the Twin Worlds Saga. I recommend it for high fantasy fans who enjoy fast-paced stories with plenty of action and political intrigue. The book officially releases February 4th, 2023. I’m already looking forward to seeing what happens to these characters in the next part.
4.5/5 stars
The Faded Dragon introduces us to the unique and interesting world of Deerium, where dragons and elves once waged war against each other. In the present age their descendants, a race known as the Takahrn, have been enslaved by humans. We follow several unique characters throughout the story as they discover hidden truths about the world, the ongoing tension between races, and themselves. One is the strong-willed Gahlaia, the rightful leader of the Takahrn, who under human captivity finds an opportunity to help her people. Second is Borhiim, a man who can’t remember his past but soon must face challenges after discovering his true identity. Finally, there is Prince Tirehn who begins to learn about the dark, secret history of Deerium while investigating his father’s murder. It’s enjoyable watching these characters come together so naturally after learning about their different struggles and personalities.
The fleshed out history of Deerium is one of the strongest aspects of this novel. Learning more about the characters from the world’s past and the events before the start of the novel is a satisfying experience. There are some instances where the exposition feels heavy with how it’s dumped on the reader, but it doesn’t take away from the rich world-building. It also has a unique setting and conflict compared to other fantasy novels.
The Faded Dragon is a strong debut novel for Cameron Michaels, and a promising start to the Twin Worlds Saga. I recommend it for high fantasy fans who enjoy fast-paced stories with plenty of action and political intrigue. The book officially releases February 4th, 2023. I’m already looking forward to seeing what happens to these characters in the next part.
January 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙:
✨High fantasy
✨Excellent world building
✨Unique magic system
✨Dragons, elves, and humans
✨Epic battle scenes
𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
Wow, I was hooked by this story from very early on and couldn’t put it down. This is a high fantasy debut novel full of adventure, mystery, magic, battle scenes, and even a little bit of romance.
The romance is very, very light but I thought it was so sweet. I can’t wait to see their bond grow more in future books. I love the multiple perspectives/story lines, which did a great job of moving different pieces of the story forward at a great pace that never felt rushed. The history of the dragons and elves was fascinating to me, and I think the author did a great job of developing the background of past wars and history while simultaneously building current events.
If you enjoy epic high fantasy, then I absolutely would recommend this book to you! I’m not sure how many books will be in this series, but it is a strong start and I’ll definitely be picking up book 2!
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙:
✨High fantasy
✨Excellent world building
✨Unique magic system
✨Dragons, elves, and humans
✨Epic battle scenes
𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
Wow, I was hooked by this story from very early on and couldn’t put it down. This is a high fantasy debut novel full of adventure, mystery, magic, battle scenes, and even a little bit of romance.
The romance is very, very light but I thought it was so sweet. I can’t wait to see their bond grow more in future books. I love the multiple perspectives/story lines, which did a great job of moving different pieces of the story forward at a great pace that never felt rushed. The history of the dragons and elves was fascinating to me, and I think the author did a great job of developing the background of past wars and history while simultaneously building current events.
If you enjoy epic high fantasy, then I absolutely would recommend this book to you! I’m not sure how many books will be in this series, but it is a strong start and I’ll definitely be picking up book 2!
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January 28, 2023DNF @ 25%
I might come back to this one at some point, but for the time being, I've put it to the side. At a quarter of the way through, I just wasn't being gripped, and wasn't feeling a connection to any of the characters.
I just don't think it's the right book for me—it certainly isn't right at this moment.
I might come back to this one at some point, but for the time being, I've put it to the side. At a quarter of the way through, I just wasn't being gripped, and wasn't feeling a connection to any of the characters.
I just don't think it's the right book for me—it certainly isn't right at this moment.
February 1, 2023
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this debut, high-fantasy novel. The language made it hard for me to get into quickly, but that is typical of this genre. Once I got into it, I really enjoyed the story. The character building could use some work, but the world building was done really well.
I started this book unsure of what to expect and worried I wouldn't be able to get through it. By the time I was finished reading, I was already exciting and anticipated the second novel!
I enjoyed this debut, high-fantasy novel. The language made it hard for me to get into quickly, but that is typical of this genre. Once I got into it, I really enjoyed the story. The character building could use some work, but the world building was done really well.
I started this book unsure of what to expect and worried I wouldn't be able to get through it. By the time I was finished reading, I was already exciting and anticipated the second novel!
February 4, 2023
First I want to say thank you to author, Cameron Michaels, for providing me with an ARC. It is always fun to get a sneak peak at an upcoming book release!
This is a really good debut novel. The history and worldbuilding are deep and rich, both of which Michaels artfully weaves into the story, adding a lot of depth to the world and story, without infodumping. The races and magic are cool and fun, unique interpretations of some traditional fantasy tropes. Action is plentiful and paired with several points of view. Michaels has done a good job of developing his characters and building political intrigue, while teasing out an intriguing overarching plot. I truly enjoyed the action scenes and absolutely loved the ending. I look forward to the sequel. Definitely add The Faded Dragon to your TBR!
This is a really good debut novel. The history and worldbuilding are deep and rich, both of which Michaels artfully weaves into the story, adding a lot of depth to the world and story, without infodumping. The races and magic are cool and fun, unique interpretations of some traditional fantasy tropes. Action is plentiful and paired with several points of view. Michaels has done a good job of developing his characters and building political intrigue, while teasing out an intriguing overarching plot. I truly enjoyed the action scenes and absolutely loved the ending. I look forward to the sequel. Definitely add The Faded Dragon to your TBR!
May 21, 2023
I was given a ARC for an honest review.
A story of epic proportions, with a unique twist on dragons and elves. The prose was accessible and the plot tackled social themes in addition to good old high/epic fantasy narrative. The lore and concepts were very intriguing and the characters were handled well - I really liked the gender balance of character airtime. The characters were all likeable and interesting.
I found the narrative too fast-paced for my tastes, as I prefer an immersive, slower tale. I actually think this ambitious story could have been told in two books. Exposition was a bit info-dumping at times as well. I'd say a solid 3.5+ stars from me, overall.
If you like fast-paced action and epic worlds, you'll definitely like this book.
Michaels shows huge potential, with such a well-thought-out and creative world, and I can't wait to see what's next from him.
A story of epic proportions, with a unique twist on dragons and elves. The prose was accessible and the plot tackled social themes in addition to good old high/epic fantasy narrative. The lore and concepts were very intriguing and the characters were handled well - I really liked the gender balance of character airtime. The characters were all likeable and interesting.
I found the narrative too fast-paced for my tastes, as I prefer an immersive, slower tale. I actually think this ambitious story could have been told in two books. Exposition was a bit info-dumping at times as well. I'd say a solid 3.5+ stars from me, overall.
If you like fast-paced action and epic worlds, you'll definitely like this book.
Michaels shows huge potential, with such a well-thought-out and creative world, and I can't wait to see what's next from him.
January 30, 2023
I was fortunate to receive an eARC from debut author Cameron Michaels in exchange for an honest review. The Faded Dragon (The Twin Worlds Saga #1) will be available on February 4th in paperback and kindle format.
Michaels takes us on a fast-paced journey set in the world of Deerium - where we learn of a vast war-ridden history between dragons, elves, and humans. Through multiple points of view, we are introduced to Gahlaia, an enslaved Takahrn, Borhiim, a man who can't remember his past, and Tirehn, who will soon take the throne as king.
I felt that the author did a fantastic job with world-building and establishing history for the reader. However, only a couple of times, the pace seemed a bit too fast, where (usually historical) information was dumped on the reader -- show me, don't tell me is my only critique.
When determining my rating, I compared this book to 'The Priory of the Orange Tree,' the last high or epic fantasy with multiple POVs that I read, and felt that this was not entirely on the same level. I gave Priory a 5/5, so I settled on a 4/5 for this book.
I enjoy a faster pace - whereas some fantasy drags on too much (in my opinion) - I say this was close to the happy medium and a much quicker read than Priory. (Priory is 800+ pages, and The Faded Dragon is about 384).
I was instantly pulled into this story and invested in the characters. Michaels eloquently tied things together in ways that made sense and did not seem forced. I did not anticipate most of the twists, which genuinely impressed me because usually, I predict things early on and then get bored.
I was on the edge of my seat for the various battle scenes and could visualize them in my head with the elaborative descriptions. I appreciated the detailed accounts of weaponry, attire, and appearance. I had a clear picture of these characters, which increased my connection with them.
I enjoyed the balance of strong, solid characters, both male and female, as well as the various races. Usually, I don't care for humans in fantasy novels, but I really did like Tirehn, which I initially did not expect.
Overall, I felt this was an impressive debut fantasy novel. Although I received an eARC, I already pre-ordered a paperback copy from my local indie bookstore because I know I will want to add this series to my physical collection.
I recommend this book to fans of fast-paced, high-fantasy, action-packed stories with characters that are easy to love and villains that are easy to loathe.
I am so excited to see where this series goes and will be (im)patiently waiting for the next book!
Michaels takes us on a fast-paced journey set in the world of Deerium - where we learn of a vast war-ridden history between dragons, elves, and humans. Through multiple points of view, we are introduced to Gahlaia, an enslaved Takahrn, Borhiim, a man who can't remember his past, and Tirehn, who will soon take the throne as king.
I felt that the author did a fantastic job with world-building and establishing history for the reader. However, only a couple of times, the pace seemed a bit too fast, where (usually historical) information was dumped on the reader -- show me, don't tell me is my only critique.
When determining my rating, I compared this book to 'The Priory of the Orange Tree,' the last high or epic fantasy with multiple POVs that I read, and felt that this was not entirely on the same level. I gave Priory a 5/5, so I settled on a 4/5 for this book.
I enjoy a faster pace - whereas some fantasy drags on too much (in my opinion) - I say this was close to the happy medium and a much quicker read than Priory. (Priory is 800+ pages, and The Faded Dragon is about 384).
I was instantly pulled into this story and invested in the characters. Michaels eloquently tied things together in ways that made sense and did not seem forced. I did not anticipate most of the twists, which genuinely impressed me because usually, I predict things early on and then get bored.
I was on the edge of my seat for the various battle scenes and could visualize them in my head with the elaborative descriptions. I appreciated the detailed accounts of weaponry, attire, and appearance. I had a clear picture of these characters, which increased my connection with them.
I enjoyed the balance of strong, solid characters, both male and female, as well as the various races. Usually, I don't care for humans in fantasy novels, but I really did like Tirehn, which I initially did not expect.
Overall, I felt this was an impressive debut fantasy novel. Although I received an eARC, I already pre-ordered a paperback copy from my local indie bookstore because I know I will want to add this series to my physical collection.
I recommend this book to fans of fast-paced, high-fantasy, action-packed stories with characters that are easy to love and villains that are easy to loathe.
I am so excited to see where this series goes and will be (im)patiently waiting for the next book!
March 8, 2023
Literally anything will have me at the word "Dragons" okay? I'm a simple person!
In his heroic adventure fantasy "The Faded Dragon" Cameron Michaels debuts the first book in the Twin Worlds Saga, a dangerous tale of hidden magic, unlikely heroes, and reawakened dragons.
The Faded Dragon wastes no time getting right into the story. It introduces a whole new character in the paranormal world_the Takahrn. They're half dragons have elves born with some magical abilities but rejected by their kin. To make things worse, they're also being hunted, imprisoned and tortured by mortals.
The story is told from multiple povs. We have Gahlaia, our female Dragoness and Takahrn's rightful leader, who has been a victim of the slave trade almost all her life. But now she's been given a chance to act and free her people. While Borhiim, our breathing fire male Takahrn is lost between his past and his present.
The characters are wonderfully detailed and will come to life as you read about their lives. Loved the writing style too and the world building was fascinating with a good amount of Dragon mythology and history woven in. There are epic battles, ancient swords, political intrigue, power hungry antagonists, forced betrothals, and other dangerous situations are the cause of conflict throughout the story. It's a wonderful tale to embrace one's destiny as the characters journey into the unknown vowing to protect their kingdom and fight for a peaceful life for their kin.
Overall The Faded Dragon is such an immersive and fresh take on the fantasy genre. It has a great balance of plot twists and turns, enough character depth, and well paced action to delight the reader from the first page. Highly recommended for LOTR fans who enjoys mythical creatures or for those who enjoy the old dragon tales!
Thanks to @cameronmichaelsauthor for gifting me a copy to review.
In his heroic adventure fantasy "The Faded Dragon" Cameron Michaels debuts the first book in the Twin Worlds Saga, a dangerous tale of hidden magic, unlikely heroes, and reawakened dragons.
The Faded Dragon wastes no time getting right into the story. It introduces a whole new character in the paranormal world_the Takahrn. They're half dragons have elves born with some magical abilities but rejected by their kin. To make things worse, they're also being hunted, imprisoned and tortured by mortals.
The story is told from multiple povs. We have Gahlaia, our female Dragoness and Takahrn's rightful leader, who has been a victim of the slave trade almost all her life. But now she's been given a chance to act and free her people. While Borhiim, our breathing fire male Takahrn is lost between his past and his present.
The characters are wonderfully detailed and will come to life as you read about their lives. Loved the writing style too and the world building was fascinating with a good amount of Dragon mythology and history woven in. There are epic battles, ancient swords, political intrigue, power hungry antagonists, forced betrothals, and other dangerous situations are the cause of conflict throughout the story. It's a wonderful tale to embrace one's destiny as the characters journey into the unknown vowing to protect their kingdom and fight for a peaceful life for their kin.
Overall The Faded Dragon is such an immersive and fresh take on the fantasy genre. It has a great balance of plot twists and turns, enough character depth, and well paced action to delight the reader from the first page. Highly recommended for LOTR fans who enjoys mythical creatures or for those who enjoy the old dragon tales!
Thanks to @cameronmichaelsauthor for gifting me a copy to review.
February 4, 2023
Fast-paced high fantasy, The Faded Dragon is the first installment from The Twin Worlds saga.
Told trough multiple POV's, the story is developing in the world of Deerium and meet us with the intriguing race of Takahrn. Descended from elves and dragons, their race is now enslaved and mistreated badly by humans.
We have a wonderful and wide view of the story through the eyes of characters with strong presence and personality.
Gahlaia - the strong-willed and rightful leader of the Takahrn, she is enslaved by the humans but finds a way to help her people.
Borhiim - he can't recall his past, but a series of strange feelings and flashbacks that feels somehow familiar….but discovering his true identity is leading to more vicissitudes.
I can say that Gahlaia was my favorite because of her resilience and, as I said, the fact she is strong-willed.
A lot of twist and turns throughout the story and zero fillers is a splendid combination that keeps you invested and keeps you reading. Leaving no stones unturned, the world building is rich and Deerium is presented with in depth history that ads perfectly to deliver addictive atmosphere.
Wonderful debut novel and a perfect first installment to The Twin Worlds saga!
Told trough multiple POV's, the story is developing in the world of Deerium and meet us with the intriguing race of Takahrn. Descended from elves and dragons, their race is now enslaved and mistreated badly by humans.
We have a wonderful and wide view of the story through the eyes of characters with strong presence and personality.
Gahlaia - the strong-willed and rightful leader of the Takahrn, she is enslaved by the humans but finds a way to help her people.
Borhiim - he can't recall his past, but a series of strange feelings and flashbacks that feels somehow familiar….but discovering his true identity is leading to more vicissitudes.
I can say that Gahlaia was my favorite because of her resilience and, as I said, the fact she is strong-willed.
A lot of twist and turns throughout the story and zero fillers is a splendid combination that keeps you invested and keeps you reading. Leaving no stones unturned, the world building is rich and Deerium is presented with in depth history that ads perfectly to deliver addictive atmosphere.
Wonderful debut novel and a perfect first installment to The Twin Worlds saga!
January 23, 2023
"Sometimes making the right choice means walking the hardest path..."
Let me start of by saying what a great debut novel this was from Cameron Michaels
I loved the magic system and the dragons and elves as well as the world building.
Some other things I liked:
- shape shifting
- Friendships and bonding
- Family ties
- Fights to the death
- Dark and mysterious
A couple of things I didn't like:
- some reveals felt too soon which resulted in them being anticlimactic
- As a result the later half of the book was semi-predictable
I'm also not a fan secrets or holding back information when just saying the secret/information can forward the story exponentially and therefore loved that most of the characters spoke what needed to be said to potentially gain what was needed most in that moment. No dragging out long and unnecessary arguments or confusion.
That being said I do think this is a great story for those wanting to dive into fantasy without being overwhelmed by too much info, but still loves a good battle or two... And dragons.
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. These thoughts are my own.
Let me start of by saying what a great debut novel this was from Cameron Michaels
I loved the magic system and the dragons and elves as well as the world building.
Some other things I liked:
- shape shifting
- Friendships and bonding
- Family ties
- Fights to the death
- Dark and mysterious
A couple of things I didn't like:
- some reveals felt too soon which resulted in them being anticlimactic
- As a result the later half of the book was semi-predictable
I'm also not a fan secrets or holding back information when just saying the secret/information can forward the story exponentially and therefore loved that most of the characters spoke what needed to be said to potentially gain what was needed most in that moment. No dragging out long and unnecessary arguments or confusion.
That being said I do think this is a great story for those wanting to dive into fantasy without being overwhelmed by too much info, but still loves a good battle or two... And dragons.
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. These thoughts are my own.
January 31, 2023
When I was asked by the author to read an e-ARC of this book, I took one look at the synopsis and accepted without a second glance. And I can honestly admit that I've had an excellent time with this book.
Michaels has crafted a book that is epic fantasy in almost every sense of the word: a massive world of intrigue, political treachery, heartfelt compassion and dynamic battles. The dialogue felt crisp and real, and there was so much going on all the time that I breezed through this book far faster than I could've anticipated. I was captivated by Borhiim's story, and the tribulations he faced, and I felt particularly connected to King Tirehn, our morally-unrequited friend who stood against unfathomable armies for his beliefs. There was something magical about that.
Perhaps my *only* gripe with the book, would be that it is more tell than show in many ways, especially with the backstory about the elf/dragon conflict - I would've wanted the characters to show me more of the history, rather than the narrator giving it to me on a plate. But that's a minor issue really.
Because what Michaels has produced is nothing short of breathtaking for an indie debut: it was captivating at every turn, and I cannot wait to see where the series goes next! 🐉
Michaels has crafted a book that is epic fantasy in almost every sense of the word: a massive world of intrigue, political treachery, heartfelt compassion and dynamic battles. The dialogue felt crisp and real, and there was so much going on all the time that I breezed through this book far faster than I could've anticipated. I was captivated by Borhiim's story, and the tribulations he faced, and I felt particularly connected to King Tirehn, our morally-unrequited friend who stood against unfathomable armies for his beliefs. There was something magical about that.
Perhaps my *only* gripe with the book, would be that it is more tell than show in many ways, especially with the backstory about the elf/dragon conflict - I would've wanted the characters to show me more of the history, rather than the narrator giving it to me on a plate. But that's a minor issue really.
Because what Michaels has produced is nothing short of breathtaking for an indie debut: it was captivating at every turn, and I cannot wait to see where the series goes next! 🐉
February 6, 2023
3.5-4 stars.
Check my full review of this book on my bookblog: https://darkblue-blogging.blogspot.co...
I overall enjoyed reading this book. The war/battle scenes were very well described and it kept me reading during these parts. I was very invested. The magic system and the history between dragons, elves, and humans are very intriguing. This is a fast-paced book, which I don't mind when it's intended. However, some reveals felt a bit too soon (for me) and I missed a little more build-up to these certain parts. There is a little bit of romance in this book, but not too much. The characters are fun and interesting, but I missed some more depth in them. Anyway, if you enjoy reading high-fantasy, with dragons and elves. A book that is fast-pacing with epic battle scenes. Then I recommend this book to you. That being said, I am curious about his next book.
Love, <3
DarkBlue
Check my full review of this book on my bookblog: https://darkblue-blogging.blogspot.co...
I overall enjoyed reading this book. The war/battle scenes were very well described and it kept me reading during these parts. I was very invested. The magic system and the history between dragons, elves, and humans are very intriguing. This is a fast-paced book, which I don't mind when it's intended. However, some reveals felt a bit too soon (for me) and I missed a little more build-up to these certain parts. There is a little bit of romance in this book, but not too much. The characters are fun and interesting, but I missed some more depth in them. Anyway, if you enjoy reading high-fantasy, with dragons and elves. A book that is fast-pacing with epic battle scenes. Then I recommend this book to you. That being said, I am curious about his next book.
Love, <3
DarkBlue
February 3, 2023
Thank you to the wonderful author of this book for an ARC.
This was the fast-paced, epic fantasy of many people’s dreams. It hit the ground running and had a plot that was filled with action and multiple POVs. I enjoyed the overall plot of the story and learning about the Takharn. I loved that there was a large cast of characters that we were able to get to know through their POVs. I will say that the fast moving plot, although entertaining, did not allow me to connect with the characters as much as I would have liked, especially during the glimpses of romance (since I love a good romantasy). However, I will say that the ending was really engaging and it set up for a second book nicely. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next!
This was the fast-paced, epic fantasy of many people’s dreams. It hit the ground running and had a plot that was filled with action and multiple POVs. I enjoyed the overall plot of the story and learning about the Takharn. I loved that there was a large cast of characters that we were able to get to know through their POVs. I will say that the fast moving plot, although entertaining, did not allow me to connect with the characters as much as I would have liked, especially during the glimpses of romance (since I love a good romantasy). However, I will say that the ending was really engaging and it set up for a second book nicely. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next!
February 9, 2023
This is a really great debut novel (like the cover, which I am absolutely in love with!). The world building is really good, I loved the different races and how they all got where they are now. The plot goes really fast as well, so you're pulled into it from the start, viewing the story from different POVs.
I would have liked a little more depth into the characters, but since there is a (or more?) sequel planned, I am really eager to see where the characters and story are taken.
I'll try to formulate a few more coherent sentences when I actually processed this a bit more.
I would have liked a little more depth into the characters, but since there is a (or more?) sequel planned, I am really eager to see where the characters and story are taken.
I'll try to formulate a few more coherent sentences when I actually processed this a bit more.
February 28, 2024
3.5✨
There was a lot that I liked about this book! The world building was rich, the world itself unique while still feeling genre-familiar. Personally, the plot was more political and war based than I prefer, but that’s just my preferences. If you like true, high fantasy, this is a good one for you!
There was a lot that I liked about this book! The world building was rich, the world itself unique while still feeling genre-familiar. Personally, the plot was more political and war based than I prefer, but that’s just my preferences. If you like true, high fantasy, this is a good one for you!
January 17, 2023
Enjoyable story with strong charectors
December 30, 2022
4.25/5 - awesome debut fantasy novel. RTC
February 14, 2023
What a great start to a new fantasy series!
Though perfect for more plot-driven readers, The Faded Dragon has nothing to envy titles such as Lord of the Rings for its multiple POVs—which I personally adore—and the great worldbuilding that went into the story. Politics, battles, species…there’s literally everything that makes a fantasy world spectacular, and the author did an incredible job at immersing the reader into the history. Being the dragon lover that I am, I was absolutely fascinated with the dragon lore, and happy to see dragons in the first place! I feel like we don’t get enough of these creatures these days.
As I mentioned above, I’m a huge fan of multiple POV books, as I feel they bring more to a story, especially one as vast and thick with political intrigue as this one. Sure, it may seem daunting at first, but I feel like the author did a good job at diversifying the characters the farther one goes into the story. I especially loved Gahlaia and Borhiim’s chapters, not only because I loved the Takahrn history and was rooting for the success of their fight for freedom, but because I was rooting for this romance to happen! The book as a whole does not have a very strong romantic element, but Gahlaia and Borhiim’s childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamic was absolutely sweet and I loved the chemistry between them.
In conclusion, I feel like this book is a solid start to a promising fantasy series! Definitely recommend to fans of fantasy that is stronger on plot and worldbuilding and very light on the romance like Lord of the Rings.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Though perfect for more plot-driven readers, The Faded Dragon has nothing to envy titles such as Lord of the Rings for its multiple POVs—which I personally adore—and the great worldbuilding that went into the story. Politics, battles, species…there’s literally everything that makes a fantasy world spectacular, and the author did an incredible job at immersing the reader into the history. Being the dragon lover that I am, I was absolutely fascinated with the dragon lore, and happy to see dragons in the first place! I feel like we don’t get enough of these creatures these days.
As I mentioned above, I’m a huge fan of multiple POV books, as I feel they bring more to a story, especially one as vast and thick with political intrigue as this one. Sure, it may seem daunting at first, but I feel like the author did a good job at diversifying the characters the farther one goes into the story. I especially loved Gahlaia and Borhiim’s chapters, not only because I loved the Takahrn history and was rooting for the success of their fight for freedom, but because I was rooting for this romance to happen! The book as a whole does not have a very strong romantic element, but Gahlaia and Borhiim’s childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamic was absolutely sweet and I loved the chemistry between them.
In conclusion, I feel like this book is a solid start to a promising fantasy series! Definitely recommend to fans of fantasy that is stronger on plot and worldbuilding and very light on the romance like Lord of the Rings.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
April 8, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders
Full video review Youtube
This book was on my TBR for quite some time, as it is part of Kindle Unlimited, offering an infinite list of fantasy, science fiction, and even historical adventure novels.
The richness of that catalog is its a huge advantage as well as a small pitfall because it may often be difficult to choose which novel to prioritize. And let's face it, contemporary fantasy and sci-fi literature is so brimming with gems to discover that most of the time I feel like a brat in a bakery (and a flat rate that allows me to gorge on far too many sweets).
Chance, or perhaps fate, however, had a hand in it and helped me make a decision.The author himself, Cameron Michaels, reached out to me on Instagram and generously offered a hard copy of the book. Its handsome design instantly drew me in. As a graphic designer, I'm drawn to well-presented books, and this one was no exception.
I am always infinitely grateful to all authors who take such initiatives, especially since I realize how costly advertising a novel can be. This gesture helped me read the novel earlier than I had planned, but I would have done it anyway. And my review is not influenced by the promotional copy I received. I do not review novels that I do not finish reading. If I read them in full, it is because I liked them.
And now let's go a little deeper into the review.
Despite its relatively short length, "The Faded Dragon" packs a punch with its fast-paced narrative. Divided into distinct parts, the story explores socio political struggles and impending threats, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
The premise is familiar. The first point of view we encounter is that of a slave girl, a half-blood creature who is the daughter of a dragon and an elf and who is about to celebrate an important day, the day when she will reach maturity in the eyes of her people.
There would actually be little to celebrate given her captive status, but we soon discover that our girl has a plan. And that freedom may be at hand (or claw).I have to give kudos to Michaels for the way he has characterized this race of half-dragons, half-elves, who have an interesting culture and aesthetic that I don't think I've mainly seen before.
The other point of view is that of a country boy, who has lost his memory. He has an ordinary life, enjoying the triviality, but the placid flow of days is shattered by a series of events that will upset all his certainties.
There are several other points of view, perhaps even a bit too many for such a short novel, but the ones we will mainly connect to are these two.While the main characters are well fleshed out, some secondary characters feel a bit underdeveloped. Additionally, the storytelling for various perspectives can sometimes blur together, making it challenging to distinguish between them. I must say that this problem eases as the novel flows and as we become familiar with the whole cast.
I greatly appreciated the way the first half of the novel was structured. It is a breakneck race toward a specific event that could change the fortunes of the kingdom, and especially the lifestyle of the half-breeds. The countdown at the beginning of the chapters as the date approaches is exciting.
This event resolves and turns the tables on the social conflict underlying the first half of the novel. Half-breeds are mistreated, exploited, and disenfranchised. The new king may decide to put an end to all that suffering. Will he do so? Read and find out for yourself.
The second half of the story is more traditional. We finally see the villain of the story emerge, and I must say that I appreciated the way he is introduced. More of his qualities as a manipulator are put on display than as a conqueror. Which makes him menacing (and revolting, believe me) in a very unique way.
Note of merit for the battles, which are staged in great detail, are highly dramatic and mostly believable, especially toward the final chapters.
Now, the novel is only the first volume in a series and closes with a painful "to be continued." Although the main plot has its own conclusion, it is obvious that there is much, much more to read and I hope we will not have to wait long.
I know the author is working on a novella connected to this series, so we will probably have more expansions beyond the main story.
Ultimately, "The Faded Dragon" offers an enjoyable read with captivating characters and intriguing plotlines. I'm eager to see how the story progresses in future installments, eagerly anticipating Cameron Michaels' next releases.
If you're in search of a fast paced fantasy novel with political intrigue, look no further than "The Faded Dragon."
Full video review Youtube
This book was on my TBR for quite some time, as it is part of Kindle Unlimited, offering an infinite list of fantasy, science fiction, and even historical adventure novels.
The richness of that catalog is its a huge advantage as well as a small pitfall because it may often be difficult to choose which novel to prioritize. And let's face it, contemporary fantasy and sci-fi literature is so brimming with gems to discover that most of the time I feel like a brat in a bakery (and a flat rate that allows me to gorge on far too many sweets).
Chance, or perhaps fate, however, had a hand in it and helped me make a decision.The author himself, Cameron Michaels, reached out to me on Instagram and generously offered a hard copy of the book. Its handsome design instantly drew me in. As a graphic designer, I'm drawn to well-presented books, and this one was no exception.
I am always infinitely grateful to all authors who take such initiatives, especially since I realize how costly advertising a novel can be. This gesture helped me read the novel earlier than I had planned, but I would have done it anyway. And my review is not influenced by the promotional copy I received. I do not review novels that I do not finish reading. If I read them in full, it is because I liked them.
And now let's go a little deeper into the review.
Despite its relatively short length, "The Faded Dragon" packs a punch with its fast-paced narrative. Divided into distinct parts, the story explores socio political struggles and impending threats, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
The premise is familiar. The first point of view we encounter is that of a slave girl, a half-blood creature who is the daughter of a dragon and an elf and who is about to celebrate an important day, the day when she will reach maturity in the eyes of her people.
There would actually be little to celebrate given her captive status, but we soon discover that our girl has a plan. And that freedom may be at hand (or claw).I have to give kudos to Michaels for the way he has characterized this race of half-dragons, half-elves, who have an interesting culture and aesthetic that I don't think I've mainly seen before.
The other point of view is that of a country boy, who has lost his memory. He has an ordinary life, enjoying the triviality, but the placid flow of days is shattered by a series of events that will upset all his certainties.
There are several other points of view, perhaps even a bit too many for such a short novel, but the ones we will mainly connect to are these two.While the main characters are well fleshed out, some secondary characters feel a bit underdeveloped. Additionally, the storytelling for various perspectives can sometimes blur together, making it challenging to distinguish between them. I must say that this problem eases as the novel flows and as we become familiar with the whole cast.
I greatly appreciated the way the first half of the novel was structured. It is a breakneck race toward a specific event that could change the fortunes of the kingdom, and especially the lifestyle of the half-breeds. The countdown at the beginning of the chapters as the date approaches is exciting.
This event resolves and turns the tables on the social conflict underlying the first half of the novel. Half-breeds are mistreated, exploited, and disenfranchised. The new king may decide to put an end to all that suffering. Will he do so? Read and find out for yourself.
The second half of the story is more traditional. We finally see the villain of the story emerge, and I must say that I appreciated the way he is introduced. More of his qualities as a manipulator are put on display than as a conqueror. Which makes him menacing (and revolting, believe me) in a very unique way.
Note of merit for the battles, which are staged in great detail, are highly dramatic and mostly believable, especially toward the final chapters.
Now, the novel is only the first volume in a series and closes with a painful "to be continued." Although the main plot has its own conclusion, it is obvious that there is much, much more to read and I hope we will not have to wait long.
I know the author is working on a novella connected to this series, so we will probably have more expansions beyond the main story.
Ultimately, "The Faded Dragon" offers an enjoyable read with captivating characters and intriguing plotlines. I'm eager to see how the story progresses in future installments, eagerly anticipating Cameron Michaels' next releases.
If you're in search of a fast paced fantasy novel with political intrigue, look no further than "The Faded Dragon."
February 2, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5
“Sometimes making the right choice means walking the hardest path.”
In the land of Deerium, the time of dragons and elves has passed and now the humans rule while enslaving the Takahrn (elf-dragon offspring). The story is told from 3 POVs: Gahlaia - the leader of the Takahrn who seeks to free her people, Tirehn - the human king in waiting who tries to understand his father’s mysterious death, and Borhim - man who cannot remember his past.
The world building is definitely the strongest element on offer here - Michaels has developed an interesting world with a lot of history and lore across a variety of races, and an interesting magic system alongside. The exposition did feel a little heavy early in the story with quite a lot of info-dumping, as I personally have always preferred more of a show-don’t-tell approach to world building.
“Sometimes making the right choice means walking the hardest path.”
The story moves at a very fast pace - Personally I think a slightly slower pace would have benefitted the story and allowed some moments to have a larger impact, allowing the reader to get to know the characters more and seen their relationships develop. As a result of the fast pacing I feel like a lot of what could have been interesting twists are revealed too soon.
The Faded Dragon is a solid debut novel from Cameron Michaels and shows lots of potential for the next book in the Twin Worlds series.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a digital advanced reading copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 16, 2023
The Faded Dragon is an epic fantasy tale that follows multiple POVs and establishes solid groundwork in the series.
The author does a great job with war and battle scenes. There were quite a few in this first novel and every time I was drawn in. I’ve read a lot of action scenes that lacked and this didn’t.
My biggest hang up, however, was the lack of connection I felt with the characters. I’m aware I like a slower starting book, but the speed at which everything took off was so fast that I felt I didn’t know the characters at all. Of all of them, I did feel the closest connection to Gahalia, but wished I liked Borhiim more. From ‘I forgot all my memories’ to acceptance of his true state it was all so abrupt and without much emotional turmoil, that I couldn’t really get behind him.
There’s also something about the writing style that I really struggled with, a redundancy and lack of trust in the reader that made it difficult for me to continue.
Overall, I did find myself thinking about the storyline and wanted to continue to find out what happened. But unfortunately, I think this book fell under the umbrella of trying to do way too much in a debut. I think this would have worked better as two books.
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC in exchange for a review.
February 25, 2023
This action-packed, plot-driven high fantasy was remarkably written.
How the author managed to combine so many POVs into such a complex story and still allow the reader to follow along was so impressive.
My favourite characters were Borhiim and Gahlaia followed closely by Tirehn and Ahmeras. I loved the first part of the book, when we were more closely following Borhiim and Gahlaia, and I wish there had been a bit more character development for them, so their bigger moments had a bit more impact.
I really enjoyed Borhiim's side quest, and the dark woods that reminded me of Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest in HP, swooping around drinking unicorn blood.
I liked the vivid descriptions and glimpses into side characters' perspectives that were clues to bigger plot points the main characters were unaware of.
Because of the complexities and the number of characters, I had to be in the right mood/mindset to pay close attention, which is what made this a slower read for me and kept me from giving this five stars. (That, and a bit too much violence than I prefer, but the writing for those scenes was really impressive).
If you enjoy complex world building, plot focused stories, battle scenes, magic, dragons, imaginative settings and a dynamic cast of characters, give this a read!
(I received a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review)
How the author managed to combine so many POVs into such a complex story and still allow the reader to follow along was so impressive.
My favourite characters were Borhiim and Gahlaia followed closely by Tirehn and Ahmeras. I loved the first part of the book, when we were more closely following Borhiim and Gahlaia, and I wish there had been a bit more character development for them, so their bigger moments had a bit more impact.
I really enjoyed Borhiim's side quest, and the dark woods that reminded me of Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest in HP, swooping around drinking unicorn blood.
I liked the vivid descriptions and glimpses into side characters' perspectives that were clues to bigger plot points the main characters were unaware of.
Because of the complexities and the number of characters, I had to be in the right mood/mindset to pay close attention, which is what made this a slower read for me and kept me from giving this five stars. (That, and a bit too much violence than I prefer, but the writing for those scenes was really impressive).
If you enjoy complex world building, plot focused stories, battle scenes, magic, dragons, imaginative settings and a dynamic cast of characters, give this a read!
(I received a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review)
February 4, 2023
If you like high, fast-paced fantasy then I believe you will enjoy The Faded Dragon.
I really enjoy high, epic fantasy worlds like Wheel of Time, LOTR, etc. and was excited to be offered an eARC of this. The premise of The Faded Dragon is that long ago elves and dragons fought in an epic war, and now humans rule the lands. The Takarhn, a unique race of descendants of elves and dragons, have been forced into slavery, and their true leader, Gahlaia, is willing to do whatever it takes to free them.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs throughout the book, as it gave me glimpses into the motivations for certain actions taken and more world-building. The pace was a bit too quick for me personally, but there was a lot of history, character development, and world-building to be done in 384 pages. This book is the first in the The Twin World Saga series by Michaels, and there is a good setup for what may come next in book two. Michaels’ writing is strong, there were a few annoyances I had with the dialogue in the book but overall he created a very unique world, super interesting magic system, and a story that keeps you turning the page.
And my final thought, the cover art is fantastic. This is Michaels’ debut novel and he did not skimp on getting great cover art, it really piqued my interest!
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. Full review coming on my website, once that is up and running.
I really enjoy high, epic fantasy worlds like Wheel of Time, LOTR, etc. and was excited to be offered an eARC of this. The premise of The Faded Dragon is that long ago elves and dragons fought in an epic war, and now humans rule the lands. The Takarhn, a unique race of descendants of elves and dragons, have been forced into slavery, and their true leader, Gahlaia, is willing to do whatever it takes to free them.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs throughout the book, as it gave me glimpses into the motivations for certain actions taken and more world-building. The pace was a bit too quick for me personally, but there was a lot of history, character development, and world-building to be done in 384 pages. This book is the first in the The Twin World Saga series by Michaels, and there is a good setup for what may come next in book two. Michaels’ writing is strong, there were a few annoyances I had with the dialogue in the book but overall he created a very unique world, super interesting magic system, and a story that keeps you turning the page.
And my final thought, the cover art is fantastic. This is Michaels’ debut novel and he did not skimp on getting great cover art, it really piqued my interest!
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. Full review coming on my website, once that is up and running.
February 19, 2023
Early on, you can tell that Cameron Michaels cares deeply about lore and world-building. These are the two elements that shine the strongest throughout the entire book. As a reader, I prefer character based stories over plot based stories, which is why I would rate this book at a 3.5 mentally. Part of me wishes that this book had been split into two books to really allow the characters to grow along with the plot. However, in my decision to rate up or down based on a 3.5 rating, Cameron's attention to detail with his lore and overall dedication to his story bump up the rating to a 4.
For the reader who is looking for a fast-paced, action packed plot based story built on incredible lore and world-building, this book is for you!
I was given a physical ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For the reader who is looking for a fast-paced, action packed plot based story built on incredible lore and world-building, this book is for you!
I was given a physical ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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