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Chronicles of Fallhollow #2
Rage of the Dragon King
David and Charlotte paid their dues. They traveled to another realm, battled the Dragon King, recovered the all important magic key to the mage tunnels, and found the heir to the throne of Hirth, as promised. Now it's time to go home. There’s just one problem: the powerful crystals needed to activate the tunnels have been stolen…and David’s parents have mysteriously disappeared along with them. Guess who’s not going home to Havendale anytime soon.
Eric Hamden, squire extraordinaire, survived the poisonous knick of a shadowmorth’s blade, rescued the king of Hirth from the bowels of the dragon's lair, and confronted a heartbreaking betrayal that nearly got him killed. Still reeling from the news, Eric sets his sights on a daring rescue only to wind up in a prison of his own with David and Charlotte at his side. But rescues come in strange ways, and before they know it, the three end up in David's hometown of Havendale...and Eric gets a quick schooling in Modern Life 101. He'd rather fight a dragon.
With secrets, lies and betrayals meeting them at every turn, David, Charlotte and Eric soon discover that Havendale isn't the sanctuary they'd hoped for. Even their best-laid plans can't prepare them for the danger that stalks them. This time, no amount of magic or prayers can save them. War has been declared, and in the final battle, someone must make the ultimate sacrifice. Let the battle begin.
Eric Hamden, squire extraordinaire, survived the poisonous knick of a shadowmorth’s blade, rescued the king of Hirth from the bowels of the dragon's lair, and confronted a heartbreaking betrayal that nearly got him killed. Still reeling from the news, Eric sets his sights on a daring rescue only to wind up in a prison of his own with David and Charlotte at his side. But rescues come in strange ways, and before they know it, the three end up in David's hometown of Havendale...and Eric gets a quick schooling in Modern Life 101. He'd rather fight a dragon.
With secrets, lies and betrayals meeting them at every turn, David, Charlotte and Eric soon discover that Havendale isn't the sanctuary they'd hoped for. Even their best-laid plans can't prepare them for the danger that stalks them. This time, no amount of magic or prayers can save them. War has been declared, and in the final battle, someone must make the ultimate sacrifice. Let the battle begin.
- GenresFantasy
346 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2017
3 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
J. Keller Ford
7 books135 followersJ. (Jenny) Keller Ford is a scribbler of speculative fiction and YA tales. As an Army brat, she traveled the world and wandered the halls of some of Germany's most extraordinary castles in hopes of finding snarky dragons, chivalrous knights, and wondrous magic to permeate her imagination. What she found remains etched in her topsy-turvy mind and oozes out in sweeping tales of courage, sacrifice, honor and everlasting love.
When not torturing her keyboard or trying to silence the voices in her head, Jenny spends time collecting seashells, bowling, screaming on roller coasters and traveling. She is a mom to four magnificent and noble offspring, and currently lives in paradise on the west coast of Florida with a menagerie of royal pets, and her own quirky knight who was brave enough to marry her.
Jenny is the author of The Chronicles of Fallhollow series. The first two books, IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAGON KING, and RAGE OF THE DRAGON KING, are currently available. The third and final book, BANE OF THE DRAGON KING, is due to release in the Fall 2018.
Please stop by her website at www.j-keller-ford.com for additional info or email her at: jenny(at)j-keller-ford(dot)com
When not torturing her keyboard or trying to silence the voices in her head, Jenny spends time collecting seashells, bowling, screaming on roller coasters and traveling. She is a mom to four magnificent and noble offspring, and currently lives in paradise on the west coast of Florida with a menagerie of royal pets, and her own quirky knight who was brave enough to marry her.
Jenny is the author of The Chronicles of Fallhollow series. The first two books, IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAGON KING, and RAGE OF THE DRAGON KING, are currently available. The third and final book, BANE OF THE DRAGON KING, is due to release in the Fall 2018.
Please stop by her website at www.j-keller-ford.com for additional info or email her at: jenny(at)j-keller-ford(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 12, 2017
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books
I will try not to post spoilers for this book, but since this is a sequel to In The Shadow of the Dragon King there may be spoilers for the first book. So if you don't want to be spoiled, go read the first book and then come back here later.
I really enjoyed the first novel in J. Keller Ford's FallHollow series, so I was pretty excited when I got the opportunity to read an ARC of the sequel which is publishing at the end of this month!! I'm really excited to see where this series will go and I'm not spoiling anything, but the ending of this book is insane! Like seriously I read it on a long car ride and I started freaking out and my boyfriend was like, "What are you yelling about?" This ending, dude, this ending!!
I think what makes me like this series so much is the world building. I think Ford does an amazing job of building the fantasy world of Fallhollow. The way she writes it just makes me see it so clearly in my mind. What's different about this book is that the heroes actually spend a good chunk of their time back in David's hometown as they have to hide there to escape from their enemies. We didn't get a lot of the modern world that David and Charlotte come from in the last book, but I thought it was interesting to see how much it troubled Eric. It really fascinated me when he totally could not understand how drive-thrus work!
I really love the characters in this novel! David is kind of sarcastic jerk, which is why I love him. In the first book I was kind of wondering what Charlotte's purpose in being in the story was because she just didn't seem that fleshed out. We get a lot more about Charlotte in this book, and I think she might be my favorite character now. I love that when David tries to be all macho protective with her, she stands up to him. I probably would do the same, and it really made me start to like her more. She has a backbone, and she's not going to let anyone stand in her way.
I feel very conflicted about Eric though. He was my least favorite character in the first novel, and in this second novel I'm just not sure how I feel about him. Sure he is going through an existential crisis having just found out who his father is and having been lied to his whole life, so I get why he's so conflicted. I'm just curious as to if we will ever find out why he hates mages so much. It's like every other chapter he mentioned how awful they are. I think there is a piece missing from his history about that. I'm also conflicted about him because the book couldn't really exist without him. Both him and David play major roles and they have to work together to defeat the Dragon King!
So I'm not 100% sure if there is going to be another book, because there is an insane battle at the end of this book. I just feel like there is a little bit more to this series. Seriously when I finished it, I was like, "Wait, that's the end?!?" It's doesn't really end on a cliffhanger, but it ends with a few things that need to be addressed. So I do really want to see another book from Ford!
If you love fantasy and books about evil dragons this one is for you! I also think if you are a fan of the Elder Scrolls video game series you will like this one.
I will try not to post spoilers for this book, but since this is a sequel to In The Shadow of the Dragon King there may be spoilers for the first book. So if you don't want to be spoiled, go read the first book and then come back here later.
I really enjoyed the first novel in J. Keller Ford's FallHollow series, so I was pretty excited when I got the opportunity to read an ARC of the sequel which is publishing at the end of this month!! I'm really excited to see where this series will go and I'm not spoiling anything, but the ending of this book is insane! Like seriously I read it on a long car ride and I started freaking out and my boyfriend was like, "What are you yelling about?" This ending, dude, this ending!!
I think what makes me like this series so much is the world building. I think Ford does an amazing job of building the fantasy world of Fallhollow. The way she writes it just makes me see it so clearly in my mind. What's different about this book is that the heroes actually spend a good chunk of their time back in David's hometown as they have to hide there to escape from their enemies. We didn't get a lot of the modern world that David and Charlotte come from in the last book, but I thought it was interesting to see how much it troubled Eric. It really fascinated me when he totally could not understand how drive-thrus work!
I really love the characters in this novel! David is kind of sarcastic jerk, which is why I love him. In the first book I was kind of wondering what Charlotte's purpose in being in the story was because she just didn't seem that fleshed out. We get a lot more about Charlotte in this book, and I think she might be my favorite character now. I love that when David tries to be all macho protective with her, she stands up to him. I probably would do the same, and it really made me start to like her more. She has a backbone, and she's not going to let anyone stand in her way.
I feel very conflicted about Eric though. He was my least favorite character in the first novel, and in this second novel I'm just not sure how I feel about him. Sure he is going through an existential crisis having just found out who his father is and having been lied to his whole life, so I get why he's so conflicted. I'm just curious as to if we will ever find out why he hates mages so much. It's like every other chapter he mentioned how awful they are. I think there is a piece missing from his history about that. I'm also conflicted about him because the book couldn't really exist without him. Both him and David play major roles and they have to work together to defeat the Dragon King!
So I'm not 100% sure if there is going to be another book, because there is an insane battle at the end of this book. I just feel like there is a little bit more to this series. Seriously when I finished it, I was like, "Wait, that's the end?!?" It's doesn't really end on a cliffhanger, but it ends with a few things that need to be addressed. So I do really want to see another book from Ford!
If you love fantasy and books about evil dragons this one is for you! I also think if you are a fan of the Elder Scrolls video game series you will like this one.
January 25, 2018
Not only did I love the sequel but I can't stop from raving about it to my friends. This book .. wow. So many emotions. I expected not to like it as much as the first, and instead.. I loved it even more.
J. Keller Ford is a master storyteller. Her story dragged me into the land and stirred up a maelstrom of emotions. Rage of the Dragon King is a story i'll be re-reading for years to come.
J. Keller Ford is a master storyteller. Her story dragged me into the land and stirred up a maelstrom of emotions. Rage of the Dragon King is a story i'll be re-reading for years to come.
November 6, 2017
Honestly, it’s hard to even know what to say about the plot because it was just so epic. There was always something going on, or recovery from something that had just happened, or trying to prepare for whatever the next crazy thing might be; it was constant. The twists and turns were like nothing I’ve ever seen. For most of them, I didn’t even have an inkling of a guess, they just slapped me out of nowhere. Part of this is because of the characters: the reader follows the kids of the story and they’re constantly kept in the dark about, well, everything; so with them, I spent a lot of the book not really knowing what was going on. But at the same time, I always wanted to. The premise gripped my heart, wouldn’t let go, took me on this wild ride, and then screeched to a halt at a cliffhanger rivaled only by Mark of Athena.
I’m telling you, this book is incredible.
A final note before moving on, this about the ending battle scene: it’s epic… but simultaneously terrifying, which seems fair for kids hurled into this experience without any former affiliation with war. It’s not surprising that it hits David, Charlotte, and Eric the way it does, and it shows you a completely new perspective on the whole medieval fighting thing. Like, it’s exciting, perfectly described, you feel every moment, glued to the page as you experience each second in flash-motion with the characters. But it’s equally horrifying: you’re rooting for the good guys, but you still have to face up to the awfulness of the battle all around them. It’s violent, it’s bloody, and it hurts. It’s equal parts epic and terrible, balancing both emotions with finesse and putting the whole idea into perspective: the terrors and the horrors the heroes have to go through for the good to win out in the end. I don’t know if I’d want every fantasy written like this (some just have a more fun feeling, and that’s the way they should be), but this one went for a deeper, more realistic style and perspective, and it accomplishes it with skill and perfection.
Content: lots of language; violence.
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book you can find the full review on Verbosity Reviews.
I’m telling you, this book is incredible.
A final note before moving on, this about the ending battle scene: it’s epic… but simultaneously terrifying, which seems fair for kids hurled into this experience without any former affiliation with war. It’s not surprising that it hits David, Charlotte, and Eric the way it does, and it shows you a completely new perspective on the whole medieval fighting thing. Like, it’s exciting, perfectly described, you feel every moment, glued to the page as you experience each second in flash-motion with the characters. But it’s equally horrifying: you’re rooting for the good guys, but you still have to face up to the awfulness of the battle all around them. It’s violent, it’s bloody, and it hurts. It’s equal parts epic and terrible, balancing both emotions with finesse and putting the whole idea into perspective: the terrors and the horrors the heroes have to go through for the good to win out in the end. I don’t know if I’d want every fantasy written like this (some just have a more fun feeling, and that’s the way they should be), but this one went for a deeper, more realistic style and perspective, and it accomplishes it with skill and perfection.
Content: lots of language; violence.
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book you can find the full review on Verbosity Reviews.
November 3, 2017
Dare I say it, but this book is so awesome. Just as great as the first if not better. Keep them coming. I totally want more of this adventure and with that ending... This adventure finds them in David's home town with Eric in tow. Things aren't as they seem and David and Charlotte realize this only to soon. Eric just wants to do his quest. However Eric going to school is great I think. And the secrets are not like little secrets either in this book.
I really don't want to give anything away, however I will say this with that ending can David and Charlotte get past everything?? It's a huge secret that comes out.
I really don't want to give anything away, however I will say this with that ending can David and Charlotte get past everything?? It's a huge secret that comes out.
October 25, 2017
Book Talk II…10/27/17
Traci Kenworth
Rage of the Dragon King by J. Keller Ford. Oct. 24, 2017. I was given an arc by the publisher.
David and Charlotte paid their dues. They traveled to another realm, battled the Dragon King, recovered the all important magic key to the mage tunnels, and found the heir to the throne of Hirth, as promised. Now it's time to go home. There's just one problem: the powerful crystals needed to activate the tunnels have been stolen…and David's parents have mysteriously disappeared along with them. Guess who's not going home to Havendale anytime soon.
Eric Hamden, squire extraordinaire, survived the poisonous knick of a shadowmorth's blade, rescued the king of Hirth from the bowels of the dragon's lair, and confronted a heartbreaking betrayal that nearly got him killed. Still reeling from the news, Eric sets his sights on a daring rescue only to wind up in a prison of his own with David and Charlotte at his side. But rescues come in strange ways, and before they know it, the three end up in David's hometown of Havendale...and Eric gets a quick schooling in Modern Life 101. He'd rather fight a dragon.
With secrets, lies and betrayals meeting them at every turn, David, Charlotte and Eric soon discover that Havendale isn't the sanctuary they'd hoped for. Even their best-laid plans can't prepare them for the danger that stalks them. This time, no amount of magic or prayers can save them. War has been declared, and in the final battle, someone must make the ultimate sacrifice. Let the battle begin.
David and Charlotte think the fight is over, that the dragon king is behind them, but no matter what they do, all roads lead back to him. His allies and he are gathering for more war, this time determined to destroy David, Charlotte, and the young heir, Eric. When events lead the trio back to the hometown of Havendale, they find that their enemies are closer than they fear and there are secrets to be unraveled. Secrets that may cost everything.
With the whole town searching for David and Charlotte, they must find a way to prevent the dragon king from entering their town and destroying it as it once did centuries before. That time, is was stopped by an alliance, can this time fare as well? Or will all be lost?
I have been waiting for a while for J. Keller Ford’s second book in this series. No need to read the first, you get caught up right away. It is a tale of friendship, love, and not knowing what you have inside of you until it may be too late. The characters shine and these are some of the nastiest villains out there. I can’t wait for the conclusion, though this one brought me to tears. If you love dragons and all things medieval and otherworldly, try this series you won’t be disappointed.
Traci Kenworth
Rage of the Dragon King by J. Keller Ford. Oct. 24, 2017. I was given an arc by the publisher.
David and Charlotte paid their dues. They traveled to another realm, battled the Dragon King, recovered the all important magic key to the mage tunnels, and found the heir to the throne of Hirth, as promised. Now it's time to go home. There's just one problem: the powerful crystals needed to activate the tunnels have been stolen…and David's parents have mysteriously disappeared along with them. Guess who's not going home to Havendale anytime soon.
Eric Hamden, squire extraordinaire, survived the poisonous knick of a shadowmorth's blade, rescued the king of Hirth from the bowels of the dragon's lair, and confronted a heartbreaking betrayal that nearly got him killed. Still reeling from the news, Eric sets his sights on a daring rescue only to wind up in a prison of his own with David and Charlotte at his side. But rescues come in strange ways, and before they know it, the three end up in David's hometown of Havendale...and Eric gets a quick schooling in Modern Life 101. He'd rather fight a dragon.
With secrets, lies and betrayals meeting them at every turn, David, Charlotte and Eric soon discover that Havendale isn't the sanctuary they'd hoped for. Even their best-laid plans can't prepare them for the danger that stalks them. This time, no amount of magic or prayers can save them. War has been declared, and in the final battle, someone must make the ultimate sacrifice. Let the battle begin.
David and Charlotte think the fight is over, that the dragon king is behind them, but no matter what they do, all roads lead back to him. His allies and he are gathering for more war, this time determined to destroy David, Charlotte, and the young heir, Eric. When events lead the trio back to the hometown of Havendale, they find that their enemies are closer than they fear and there are secrets to be unraveled. Secrets that may cost everything.
With the whole town searching for David and Charlotte, they must find a way to prevent the dragon king from entering their town and destroying it as it once did centuries before. That time, is was stopped by an alliance, can this time fare as well? Or will all be lost?
I have been waiting for a while for J. Keller Ford’s second book in this series. No need to read the first, you get caught up right away. It is a tale of friendship, love, and not knowing what you have inside of you until it may be too late. The characters shine and these are some of the nastiest villains out there. I can’t wait for the conclusion, though this one brought me to tears. If you love dragons and all things medieval and otherworldly, try this series you won’t be disappointed.
October 20, 2017
This is the sequel to the exciting start of The Chronicles of Fallhollow this one lived up the first in that it has an exciting nail biting ending that leaves you with lots of questions of what is going to happen in the series. Pretty sure we get another book cause you know we got to know how this all plays out.
I really like that this story takes place in two worlds ours as we know it which makes for some comical scenes with the characters who never been here. Then we have Fallhollow which is filled with dragons, elves and magic. I really feel like i can see the place. This is an engaging book that gives you a little bit as you read along and keeps you entertained.
I really like that this story takes place in two worlds ours as we know it which makes for some comical scenes with the characters who never been here. Then we have Fallhollow which is filled with dragons, elves and magic. I really feel like i can see the place. This is an engaging book that gives you a little bit as you read along and keeps you entertained.
January 4, 2018
Although book one didn't require a sequel, I enjoyed the characters enough in the first book to anticipate reading more about them. This sequel earns 3.7 out of five stars from me.
But I'll be honest, the biggest reason is because it did the same thing EMPIRE STRIKES BACK did in the original STAR WARS trilogy. It sucked hope dry from those fighting for good and made the "dark side" appear victorious.
Furthermore, it didn't answer any of the questions I had about the magic system. David didn't really use his magic in the book (and we find out why as an aside at the end of the book) and he wasn't the Paladin hero the first book set him up to be. Instead, this book was all about Eric and a very fast romance with Charlotte.
And don't even get me started on Charlotte. I loved her snark. I liked her much more than either of the boys. But everything that was revealed about her in this book felt...forced. As if readers wanted her to be "something more" so the author wrote it in. Most of the revelations in this book felt that way to me. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief.
I don't want to spoil this for anyone because I have a feeling the intended audience (young adult epic fantasy readers) will marvel over this. However, as someone who loves dragon stories and prefers young adult fantasy because of what is NOT included (sex and gore), I couldn't escape into this book.
The worst part (if sucking all hope isn't enough) was the feeling that NOTHING happened by the end of the story. I mean PLENTY happened. If hope is dead that means the individuals upon whose shoulder it rested are gone. But we didn't learn more about the evil plans or how they were accomplished. And since I don't understand the magic system, I don't get how the DARK lord is so much more powerful than the ones named "most powerful mage"by the author.
I was disappointed that Charlotte just accepted David's "friend zone" request. Worse, she opened up to Eric's bold flirtations. It all felt so FALSE. But in the end, "I think I love you." What? It's been like two days?
If you don't like cliffhangers, I would recommend waiting until book three comes out before diving into this sequel. That way you can read the series straight through. The author can write, so I'm certain she'll make the payoff worth the time investment.
But I'll be honest, the biggest reason is because it did the same thing EMPIRE STRIKES BACK did in the original STAR WARS trilogy. It sucked hope dry from those fighting for good and made the "dark side" appear victorious.
Furthermore, it didn't answer any of the questions I had about the magic system. David didn't really use his magic in the book (and we find out why as an aside at the end of the book) and he wasn't the Paladin hero the first book set him up to be. Instead, this book was all about Eric and a very fast romance with Charlotte.
And don't even get me started on Charlotte. I loved her snark. I liked her much more than either of the boys. But everything that was revealed about her in this book felt...forced. As if readers wanted her to be "something more" so the author wrote it in. Most of the revelations in this book felt that way to me. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief.
I don't want to spoil this for anyone because I have a feeling the intended audience (young adult epic fantasy readers) will marvel over this. However, as someone who loves dragon stories and prefers young adult fantasy because of what is NOT included (sex and gore), I couldn't escape into this book.
The worst part (if sucking all hope isn't enough) was the feeling that NOTHING happened by the end of the story. I mean PLENTY happened. If hope is dead that means the individuals upon whose shoulder it rested are gone. But we didn't learn more about the evil plans or how they were accomplished. And since I don't understand the magic system, I don't get how the DARK lord is so much more powerful than the ones named "most powerful mage"by the author.
I was disappointed that Charlotte just accepted David's "friend zone" request. Worse, she opened up to Eric's bold flirtations. It all felt so FALSE. But in the end, "I think I love you." What? It's been like two days?
If you don't like cliffhangers, I would recommend waiting until book three comes out before diving into this sequel. That way you can read the series straight through. The author can write, so I'm certain she'll make the payoff worth the time investment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2017
This was a fantasy read that switched between our world and the fantasy one. As just a read it was pretty good and had plenty of action. The problem I had with it was I didn't connect with the characters. I liked Eric the best of the three. His issues with the real world were pretty funny. Charlotte was my least favorite. The beginning of the story was a bit confusing and I was a bit lost. I hadn't read the first book but didn't see that you had to to understand this one. I think you do. I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2017
I definitely did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. The change of scenery to the modern world was nice and didn't let things get boring, but the inconsistencies in dialogue with Eric was very frustrating. One minute he was very formal and the next casual. I didn't think it lined up with the person he was in the first book. There were a lot of secrets that were discovered that was great to read through, but there was a lot of moments where they just felt frustrating to read. They seemed very obvious to me. Maybe it's not that way for other people. Either way, I'll be looking forward to the conclusion and see what becomes of the crew.
November 9, 2017
Interesting read, but not so easy to follow. It starts off alternating two stories in two different dimensions. In the knights and dragon dimension, the hierarchy is never clearly defined to tie the many characters together. That made it difficult for me to establish who was who. The pacing is good though constantly restating the David/Charlotte relationship details slows it down. The story doesn't weave numerous beings like shapeshifters and goblins in but plops them on scene which didn't integrate well. I still don't know why the pendant was so important having been made such a key element in the story. As the final battle is typical swords and arrows, I don't see why it was necessary to bring in a paladin.
All in all, it's an entertaining read.
All in all, it's an entertaining read.
November 21, 2018
Amazing second book. David and Charlotte have done whatever they’ve had to do. Unfortunately for them, there’s a huge problem. They need certain crystals to work properly in order to go back. Totally intriguing.
October 16, 2018
An improvement on the first installment (Shadow of the Dragon King).
The lead characters spend much more time together in this installment, bringing with it an increased sense of coherence. The grammatical errors were also improved upon, with only a few that I noticed, and the overall story line I felt flowed more easily.
However, even though the two main characters (David and Eric) spent an increased amount of time together, the sections were still separated into the two different perspectives (One section for David, the next for Eric). This OUGHT to be fine, but I found that during one of the character's sections (Let's call it David's section to clarify my point), the author would still include the other character's feelings and thoughts (Eric's). Sometimes within the same paragraph. I think the author was having trouble deciding to go with third person limited versus omniscient. This made it hard to decipher who was speaking about who at times. And I would have liked to see more of an emphasis on showing, rather than telling.
Still, I was overall impressed with the improvements made from the first installment. If the first book caught your interest, this one should solidify it for you.
The lead characters spend much more time together in this installment, bringing with it an increased sense of coherence. The grammatical errors were also improved upon, with only a few that I noticed, and the overall story line I felt flowed more easily.
However, even though the two main characters (David and Eric) spent an increased amount of time together, the sections were still separated into the two different perspectives (One section for David, the next for Eric). This OUGHT to be fine, but I found that during one of the character's sections (Let's call it David's section to clarify my point), the author would still include the other character's feelings and thoughts (Eric's). Sometimes within the same paragraph. I think the author was having trouble deciding to go with third person limited versus omniscient. This made it hard to decipher who was speaking about who at times. And I would have liked to see more of an emphasis on showing, rather than telling.
Still, I was overall impressed with the improvements made from the first installment. If the first book caught your interest, this one should solidify it for you.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews