Who Would Like This Book:
If you're into epic fantasy with a fresh perspective, The Rage of Dragons is a real treat. It brings African-inspired cultures and settings to the genre, which is a breath of fresh air amid typical Eurocentric fantasy. The stakes are relentless - expect intense, cinematic battle scenes, a unique magic system, and a revenge story that will have you rooting (or sometimes yelling) at the main character. Fans of stories about overcoming impossible odds, gritty training montages, and worlds fueled by political drama, caste systems, and underdog struggle will find a lot to love here. If you liked books like Red Rising or Ender’s Game for their transformation journeys, this should be on your TBR.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book is all about action, military training, and war, sometimes at the expense of character depth or nuanced world-building. If you need more than non-stop fighting, or if connecting with a sympathetic main character is crucial for your enjoyment, you might have a tough time with Tau’s single-mindedness and the repetitive combat scenes. Some readers also found the African-inspired world somewhat underdeveloped and felt the dragons didn’t play as important a role as the title suggests. Plus, if you’re seeking humor, romance, or light moments, this one stays pretty dark and serious throughout.
About:
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter is a fantasy novel inspired by African culture, following the story of Tau Solarin, a lower caste member of the Omehi people who embarks on a journey of revenge after a tragic event. The book delves into Tau's transformation from a reluctant warrior to a skilled swordsman driven by a single purpose, set against a backdrop of a war-torn world with complex politics and a rich magic system. The writing style is described as immersive, with detailed descriptions of battles and a second half full of secrets that enhance the story.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include violence, themes of loss and grief, and instances of revenge-fueled brutality; also mentioned are discussions of colonization and oppression.
From The Publisher:
Game of Thrones meets Gladiator in this blockbuster debut epic fantasy about a world caught in an eternal war, and the young man who will become his people's only hope for survival.
ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S TOP 100 FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME
Winner of the Reddit/Fantasy Award for Best Debut Fantasy Novel
The Omehi people have been fighting an unwinnable war for almost two hundred years. The lucky ones are born gifted. One in every two thousand women has the power to call down dragons. One in every hundred men is able to magically transform himself into a bigger, stronger, faster killing machine.
Everyone else is fodder, destined to fight and die in the endless war.
Young, gift-less Tau knows all this, but he has a plan of escape. He's going to get himself injured, get out early, and settle down to marriage, children, and land. Only, he doesn't get the chance.
Those closest to him are brutally murdered, and his grief swiftly turns to anger. Fixated on revenge, Tau dedicates himself to an unthinkable path. He'll become the greatest swordsman to ever live, a man willing to die a hundred thousand times for the chance to kill the three who betrayed him.
The Rage of Dragons launches a stunning and powerful debut epic fantasy series that readers are already calling "the best fantasy book in years."
The BurningThe Rage of Dragons
Ratings (65)
Incredible (22) | |
Loved It (25) | |
Liked It (13) | |
It Was OK (4) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (243):
Read It (70) | |
Currently Reading (3) | |
Want To Read (135) | |
Did Not Finish (4) | |
Not Interested (31) |
5 comment(s)
This may be my favorite read this year. Easy 5 star rating.
Sept 23, 2019 - can't connect to characters; world is "epic" = lots of melodrama with little foundation, gritty and ragey; can't handle a long-game revenge story
Very well-written.
If I’m not mistaken this was published amidst a sea of books within the same genre and this stood out quite a bit, deservedly so.
Look forward to seeing your works over the coming years, thanks Evan.
This go-round was my second time attempting to read this book, and I am so happy to have finally made it through! I don't know if I just wasn't in the right mood for this story or if the beginning didn't connect with me, but the first time around, I made it maybe 10% before abandoning it. Now that I've given it another shot, I can see the reason for the hype.
The magic system of this book is one of the most unique I have ever encountered. And while it can be a bit confusing (with all of the new terminology and such), it was well worth the headache.
The characters felt real, and all faced development through the trials they faced. Even our main character, who I didn't like in the beginning, became my favorite by the end. And that ending?! Needless to say, I am overwhelmingly excited for the sequel to be released this November.
This books demands some patience from the reader but I liked it because:
1. I like Berserk manga/anime
2. I like dragons
What can you read after
The Rage of Dragons?
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