L.R. Lam‘s Dragonfall breathes new life into the fantasy genre with a captivating tale of long-banished dragons, gods seeking redemption, and a world teetering on the brink of both wonder and peril. In this epic trilogy opener, Lam weaves a narrative that seamlessly blends magic, betrayal, and the unlikely bond between a desperate thief and a dragon destined to save his kind. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a world where dragons are revered as gods by the descendants of those who once betrayed them. As Thief Arcady, driven by desperation, steals a powerful artifact, the stage is set for a riveting journey that transcends the boundaries of magic and morality.
Dragonfall by L.R. Lam
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Long-banished dragons, revered as gods, return to the mortal realm in the first in this magical new epic fantasy trilogy from a bestselling author
Long ago, humans betrayed dragons, stealing their magic and banishing them to a dying world. Centuries later, their descendants worship dragons as gods. But the gods remember, and they do not forgive.
Thief Arcady scrapes a living on the streets of Vatra. Desperate, Arcady steals a powerful artifact from the bones of the Plaguebringer, the most hated person in Lumet history. Only Arcady knows the artifact’s magic holds the key to a new life among the nobles at court and a chance for revenge.
The spell connects to Everen, the last male dragon foretold to save his kind, dragging him through the Veil. Disguised as a human, Everen soon learns that to regain his true power and form and fulfil his destiny, he only needs to convince one little thief to trust him enough to bond completely–body, mind, and soul–and then kill them.
Yet the closer the two become, the greater the risk both their worlds will shatter.
Hodder & Stoughton
The world-building in Dragonfall is nothing short of extraordinary. Lam skillfully crafts a realm where the consequences of past transgressions linger, and the gods, unforgiving and vengeful, seek to reclaim their rightful place. The city of Vatra, with its streets teeming with both desperation and opportunity, becomes the stage for a thrilling dance for Arcady and Everen.
Arcady, the street-smart thief at the heart of the story, serves as a compelling protagonist. Lam explores the complexities of survival, ambition, and the thin line between right and wrong through Arcady’s eyes. The narrative is skillfully threaded with elements of mystery and intrigue, as Arcady’s stolen artifact unravels secrets that could reshape the fate of both worlds.
The arrival of Everen, the last male dragon, adds layers of complexity to the plot. Lam masterfully navigates the challenges of a dragon in disguise, exploring the dichotomy between his godly nature and the limitations of a human form. The dynamic between Arcady and Everen is a highlight, as trust, betrayal, and the potential for redemption become the threads that bind their destinies.
The central theme of trust is woven intricately into the narrative, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant experience for readers. As Everen seeks to fulfil his destiny by convincing Arcady to trust him completely, the stakes rise, and the delicate balance between the mortal and dragon worlds hangs in the balance.
While Dragonfall introduces readers to a mesmerising and enchanting world, it is not without its challenges. The complexity of the plot may require attentive reading, especially as the interplay between mortal and dragons unfolds. Additionally, the intricate relationships and shifting allegiances may pose a slight challenge for readers seeking a straightforward narrative.
In conclusion, L.R. Lam’s Dragonfall is a triumph in the fantasy genre, offering a spellbinding fusion of magic, betrayal, and unlikely alliances. With its rich world-building, well-crafted characters, and a narrative that dances between darkness and hope, Dragonfall is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. Lam has not only breathed life into dragons but has also given readers a world to explore, ponder, and get lost in—a world where the boundaries between gods and mortals blur, and the journey is as enthralling as the destination.
Positives of Dragonfall
- Compelling world building
- Complex and relatable protaganist as Arcady
- Intriguing dynamic between characters
Negatives of Dragonfall
- Complex plot dynamics may be difficult for non-fantasy readers.
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