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davram's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
steffyreadsem's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
phyllica_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
* Audio with physical companion review *
Narrator: 5+ stars. Fantastic job. Prentice Onayemi brought this story to life.
Story: 4.75 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars
The Rage of Dragons is a gut-wrenching, African-inspired story filled with non-stop action, a diverse cast of characters, and an unquenchable thirst for revenge.
From the exceptional performance of the narrator to the gripping story being told, I found this book so hard to put down. So much so, that I almost read it in one sitting. These characters are put through and endless battle with no sign of reprieve.
It does have pieces of what lovers of this genre would expect in an epic fantasy, however, Evan Winter has managed to create a story unlike any I have read.
I have had these books on my shelf for FAR TOO LONG and I am so happy I decided now was a good time to experience this amazing journey.
Now if you'll excuse me, I am off to reach for book two, The Fires of Vengeance, from my bookshelf and dive back in.
Narrator: 5+ stars. Fantastic job. Prentice Onayemi brought this story to life.
Story: 4.75 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars
The Rage of Dragons is a gut-wrenching, African-inspired story filled with non-stop action, a diverse cast of characters, and an unquenchable thirst for revenge.
From the exceptional performance of the narrator to the gripping story being told, I found this book so hard to put down. So much so, that I almost read it in one sitting. These characters are put through and endless battle with no sign of reprieve.
It does have pieces of what lovers of this genre would expect in an epic fantasy, however, Evan Winter has managed to create a story unlike any I have read.
I have had these books on my shelf for FAR TOO LONG and I am so happy I decided now was a good time to experience this amazing journey.
Now if you'll excuse me, I am off to reach for book two, The Fires of Vengeance, from my bookshelf and dive back in.
bookmindedmag's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chanelchapters's review against another edition
This book opens with the “good guys” finding an island to be their new home, discovering it is already inhabited by “savages ” (indigenous people) and then using dragons to commit mass genocide so they can live there.
mcmanifold's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
There were a lot of things that I didn’t like about the book, but the frenetic pacing broke me out of a reading slump I’ve been in for a few months, so I appreciate it for what it is.
777iffy777's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alexreadsome's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
eclecticeducator's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my, oh my, oh my. Folks, this one is a banger.
Dragons no longer exclusively exist in the Eurocentric fantasy realms of history. They have traveled far and brought incredible new tales.
The Rage of Dragons begins a series of epic fantasy books called “The Burning.” Evan Winter creates a new epic fantasy world based in ancient Africa. In this first book, we meet Tau Solarin, a young man of humble origins. Tau lives in a society based upon extreme castes and great divides between “Nobles” and “Lessers” like him. Through a series of events, Tau begins his journey to becoming a weapon, a blademaster of the highest skill, a ruthless killing machine. His quest for revenge leads him down dangerous paths to hone his skill and reveals harsh truths and conspiracies that threaten those he loves most.
How I Discovered It
I had seen many, many, MANY recommendations about this book on TikTok and Instagram. Of course, the cover was intriguing as well. Honestly, I bought this book and the follow-up on a whim without knowing what they were about. I am happy to report that the choice was an excellent one.
Thoughts
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure about the book. The dialogue included words I wasn’t familiar with, and the setting was unfamiliar. Then, I realized what was happening. My whiteness was getting in the way. How many other fantasy books have I read that have words I don’t know? Or cultures that I have no clue of their origins? EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM! The difference was that, in every other book, things felt familiar. Not the case here. So, I checked my whiteness at the door and dove in. And I am so grateful I did. This book has quickly become one of my favorite fantasy novels and certainly one of the best books I read in 2022.
What I Liked About It
The pacing is relentless. I’ve read comments from Evan Winter on how he outlines and thinks about not wasting any time. You feel that intensity reading through the book. You have to turn the page to see what happens next. You don’t have a choice. It’s just a relentless push to drive forward. I loved it.
Winter creates characters you love and hate. There aren’t any in-betweens here. Friendships are forged in training and battle. Trust is built. Love is kindled.
Now, let’s talk about the magic system. The lore behind Enervators, Enragers, and the rest intrigued me since it involved not only drawing power from another world (think Shadesmar in the Cosmere) but also a person’s ability is based upon their caste. The higher the caste, the more magic you can handle. There’s more to this, it seems, especially relating to Tau. I hope to see the magic system more in-depth in the coming titles.
What I Didn’t Like About It
Not much!
Who Would Like It?
Fans of epic fantasy and stories with strong military themes. If you like John Gwynne or Joe Abercrombie, you will absolutely enjoy this book.
Dragons no longer exclusively exist in the Eurocentric fantasy realms of history. They have traveled far and brought incredible new tales.
The Rage of Dragons begins a series of epic fantasy books called “The Burning.” Evan Winter creates a new epic fantasy world based in ancient Africa. In this first book, we meet Tau Solarin, a young man of humble origins. Tau lives in a society based upon extreme castes and great divides between “Nobles” and “Lessers” like him. Through a series of events, Tau begins his journey to becoming a weapon, a blademaster of the highest skill, a ruthless killing machine. His quest for revenge leads him down dangerous paths to hone his skill and reveals harsh truths and conspiracies that threaten those he loves most.
How I Discovered It
I had seen many, many, MANY recommendations about this book on TikTok and Instagram. Of course, the cover was intriguing as well. Honestly, I bought this book and the follow-up on a whim without knowing what they were about. I am happy to report that the choice was an excellent one.
Thoughts
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure about the book. The dialogue included words I wasn’t familiar with, and the setting was unfamiliar. Then, I realized what was happening. My whiteness was getting in the way. How many other fantasy books have I read that have words I don’t know? Or cultures that I have no clue of their origins? EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM! The difference was that, in every other book, things felt familiar. Not the case here. So, I checked my whiteness at the door and dove in. And I am so grateful I did. This book has quickly become one of my favorite fantasy novels and certainly one of the best books I read in 2022.
What I Liked About It
The pacing is relentless. I’ve read comments from Evan Winter on how he outlines and thinks about not wasting any time. You feel that intensity reading through the book. You have to turn the page to see what happens next. You don’t have a choice. It’s just a relentless push to drive forward. I loved it.
Winter creates characters you love and hate. There aren’t any in-betweens here. Friendships are forged in training and battle. Trust is built. Love is kindled.
Now, let’s talk about the magic system. The lore behind Enervators, Enragers, and the rest intrigued me since it involved not only drawing power from another world (think Shadesmar in the Cosmere) but also a person’s ability is based upon their caste. The higher the caste, the more magic you can handle. There’s more to this, it seems, especially relating to Tau. I hope to see the magic system more in-depth in the coming titles.
What I Didn’t Like About It
Not much!
Who Would Like It?
Fans of epic fantasy and stories with strong military themes. If you like John Gwynne or Joe Abercrombie, you will absolutely enjoy this book.