Scan barcode
A review by _isabel_
Dragon's Descent by Sam Burns
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
"Dragon's Descent" was a highly satisfying conclusion to Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes' epic fantasy trilogy.
I loved getting to know each and every single one of members of the Vasiliev clan, and although Misha and Genya's story will remain my favourite, Dima and Arkadii's romance stole my heart, stomped on it, and then remade it whole.
I've been anticipating Dima's story since the first time he appeared on page, with his volatile madness and his broken, unpredictable ways, and being in his head was damned heartbreaking. The bodyguard/royal trope is one of my absolute favourites, and Dima and Ardakii's romance not only featured that, it was also packed with pining, second chances, hurt/comfort and of course, bittersweet love, gentle healing and just the right amount of spice.
On the one hand, I wasn't totally sold on a few things (mainly, I was definitely expecting something more concrete about Dima's past and the reason behind his abrupt change and his descent into his "madness"), on the other, I totally loved how everything was wrapped up.
The first half of this novel is definitely dark and full of anguish and heartache and pain: more than once I wanted to jump into the book, and shield either one of them from pain (and yep, even though it's pain that is partly their own doing *shakes head* those lovely, wholesome, pigheaded, pining idiots). The second half of the book is thankfully more lighthearted and sweet, packed with slow healing and gentleness and rediscovering love and affection after years of isolation *tears up* that is my jam, completely.
I loved both MC quite a lot, although to me, Zoya and Dasha will always be my favourites. I know it won't happen, but I'd give a few non-vital organs to have a novella with either one of them as protagonists.
But yep, that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion and I'm very excited to read whatever comes next from these two authors.
If you're looking for dragons and an epic fantasy setting, political machinations, backstabbing families and sweet, sweet found family and HEAs, this trilogy might be for you.
I thank the authors for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
I loved getting to know each and every single one of members of the Vasiliev clan, and although Misha and Genya's story will remain my favourite, Dima and Arkadii's romance stole my heart, stomped on it, and then remade it whole.
I've been anticipating Dima's story since the first time he appeared on page, with his volatile madness and his broken, unpredictable ways, and being in his head was damned heartbreaking. The bodyguard/royal trope is one of my absolute favourites, and Dima and Ardakii's romance not only featured that, it was also packed with pining, second chances, hurt/comfort and of course, bittersweet love, gentle healing and just the right amount of spice.
On the one hand, I wasn't totally sold on a few things (mainly, I was definitely expecting something more concrete about Dima's past and the reason behind his abrupt change and his descent into his "madness"), on the other, I totally loved how everything was wrapped up.
The first half of this novel is definitely dark and full of anguish and heartache and pain: more than once I wanted to jump into the book, and shield either one of them from pain (and yep, even though it's pain that is partly their own doing *shakes head* those lovely, wholesome, pigheaded, pining idiots). The second half of the book is thankfully more lighthearted and sweet, packed with slow healing and gentleness and rediscovering love and affection after years of isolation *tears up* that is my jam, completely.
I loved both MC quite a lot, although to me, Zoya and Dasha will always be my favourites. I know it won't happen, but I'd give a few non-vital organs to have a novella with either one of them as protagonists.
But yep, that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion and I'm very excited to read whatever comes next from these two authors.
If you're looking for dragons and an epic fantasy setting, political machinations, backstabbing families and sweet, sweet found family and HEAs, this trilogy might be for you.
I thank the authors for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Violence