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Death #4
The Dragon Queen
Talon says the most horrible thing—that he doesn’t expect to survive the war.
It’s an outcome I don’t want to consider. My whole life has been an endless reign of suffering until I found him. He was the one who caused this misery—but he’s also the one that healed it. Happiness is a terrifying joy, because once you have it, all you can think about is the moment you lose it.
It’s been decades since Talon has been to the Southern Isles, the place that had been his home for most of his life. Ethan says the place has changed, that the citizens are locked inside the kingdoms, that sailors can’t get into port without an inspection, that the people are starving from a mysterious plague.
Before the battle can commence, we need to know what we’re up against, so I volunteer to enter the castle as a maid and report everything I know. I’m not there for a week when I see that Barron is exactly the swine that Talon says he is. It’s there that I discover a horrid list of truths.
It’s there that I discover the Southern Isles has been destroyed by a dictator—and Barron is already prepared for war—because he knows exactly who the Death King is.
It’s an outcome I don’t want to consider. My whole life has been an endless reign of suffering until I found him. He was the one who caused this misery—but he’s also the one that healed it. Happiness is a terrifying joy, because once you have it, all you can think about is the moment you lose it.
It’s been decades since Talon has been to the Southern Isles, the place that had been his home for most of his life. Ethan says the place has changed, that the citizens are locked inside the kingdoms, that sailors can’t get into port without an inspection, that the people are starving from a mysterious plague.
Before the battle can commence, we need to know what we’re up against, so I volunteer to enter the castle as a maid and report everything I know. I’m not there for a week when I see that Barron is exactly the swine that Talon says he is. It’s there that I discover a horrid list of truths.
It’s there that I discover the Southern Isles has been destroyed by a dictator—and Barron is already prepared for war—because he knows exactly who the Death King is.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
1702 people are currently reading
1339 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Barsetti
22 books862 followersPenelope Barsetti is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her beloved novels have sold more than 5 Million copies, and her work has been translated into a dozen languages. Readers may know her by another name, Penelope Sky, where she writes contemporary dark romance.
An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.
Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.
An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.
Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
January 7, 2025
WHY?
Why is this book called The Dragon Queen? Nothing in this book is really about Calista! As a matter of fact, as I stated in my last review, this series isn’t really about Calista at all. This is all about Talon Rothschild and his life and journey. He gives her this title damn near at the end of the book… but she didn’t earn it by her actions in any way, so it’s stupid.
Despite the fact that Calista is not the main focus of the story and the author seems to realize that too late, she makes the majority of the chapters in the beginning from Calista’s pointless POV. And since it really shouldn’t be, because she’s not detrimental to the storyline advancing, it’s filled with her self absorbed thoughts and selfishness. I’m not saying she doesn’t have a good heart overall, but since the story is forced to her POV it provides a lot of details about how and what she thinks, allowing you to see how truly selfish she is.
You also get to see exactly how annoying she is. When they enter a dangerous situation with Talon in charge and he commands to not speak or draw attention, the first thing she does is ask stupid questions. Never mind that he needs to be focused. She continues to ask stupid questions throughout the story and asks sensitive questions, being insensitive to his feelings on the subject. She throws temper tantrums and jealous fits to try to sway him to do what she wants or tell her what she wants answers to. She sees the man constantly uncomfortable and stressed out by her line of questioning, among other more important things, but she just keeps pushing.
Her little jealous fits and thoughts are always misplaced, acting as if he hasn’t shown and proven his love for her. And it’s weird that these things are the most memorable things about her and she isn’t even the important one.
Her Uncle Ezra and Aunt Eldi are a strange bunch. There truly seems to be no real affection for Calista from her Uncle as it’s written, and it seems the author tries to throw some in as an afterthought, but then diminishes it when Ezra threatens his niece over his Queen, repeatedly.
Many plot holes in this one as well. What happened to Cdr. Luxe? Where was Astaroth during the final battle? How could Talon be “gone” for over a month and come back to Shadow Stone and still maintain his reign? Why was Eldi not wary of the humans when they sailed from the Summer Isles and walked through the human realm with so few numbers without Talon as their leader. What happened to Cdr . Navaresse and his reinforcements during the battle at Riviana Star? The seemed to have never shown up, as commanded by Talon, but later were said by Talon to be allies to the elves… There was mention of vampires and Ethereals, but we didn’t meet any. Nothing further has been said about Dragonians and how you become one, no further elaboration on the topic…so what was the point? It seems like anyone can be given the gift to speak with dragons if they fuse.
Then, there’s the summary for the next book about their daughter Lily… which I will not be reading. It already sounds stupid, especially since this universe hasn’t mentioned true mates. She ends up on a deserted island, meets the new God of the Underworld and is immediately horny for him after demands her services as he threatens to retrieve her father’s soul? 😐 Yeah, she sounds dumb like her mother. Nope. Can’t do it.
See my notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads.
Why is this book called The Dragon Queen? Nothing in this book is really about Calista! As a matter of fact, as I stated in my last review, this series isn’t really about Calista at all. This is all about Talon Rothschild and his life and journey. He gives her this title damn near at the end of the book… but she didn’t earn it by her actions in any way, so it’s stupid.
Despite the fact that Calista is not the main focus of the story and the author seems to realize that too late, she makes the majority of the chapters in the beginning from Calista’s pointless POV. And since it really shouldn’t be, because she’s not detrimental to the storyline advancing, it’s filled with her self absorbed thoughts and selfishness. I’m not saying she doesn’t have a good heart overall, but since the story is forced to her POV it provides a lot of details about how and what she thinks, allowing you to see how truly selfish she is.
You also get to see exactly how annoying she is. When they enter a dangerous situation with Talon in charge and he commands to not speak or draw attention, the first thing she does is ask stupid questions. Never mind that he needs to be focused. She continues to ask stupid questions throughout the story and asks sensitive questions, being insensitive to his feelings on the subject. She throws temper tantrums and jealous fits to try to sway him to do what she wants or tell her what she wants answers to. She sees the man constantly uncomfortable and stressed out by her line of questioning, among other more important things, but she just keeps pushing.
Her little jealous fits and thoughts are always misplaced, acting as if he hasn’t shown and proven his love for her. And it’s weird that these things are the most memorable things about her and she isn’t even the important one.
Her Uncle Ezra and Aunt Eldi are a strange bunch. There truly seems to be no real affection for Calista from her Uncle as it’s written, and it seems the author tries to throw some in as an afterthought, but then diminishes it when Ezra threatens his niece over his Queen, repeatedly.
Many plot holes in this one as well. What happened to Cdr. Luxe? Where was Astaroth during the final battle? How could Talon be “gone” for over a month and come back to Shadow Stone and still maintain his reign? Why was Eldi not wary of the humans when they sailed from the Summer Isles and walked through the human realm with so few numbers without Talon as their leader. What happened to Cdr . Navaresse and his reinforcements during the battle at Riviana Star? The seemed to have never shown up, as commanded by Talon, but later were said by Talon to be allies to the elves… There was mention of vampires and Ethereals, but we didn’t meet any. Nothing further has been said about Dragonians and how you become one, no further elaboration on the topic…so what was the point? It seems like anyone can be given the gift to speak with dragons if they fuse.
Then, there’s the summary for the next book about their daughter Lily… which I will not be reading. It already sounds stupid, especially since this universe hasn’t mentioned true mates. She ends up on a deserted island, meets the new God of the Underworld and is immediately horny for him after demands her services as he threatens to retrieve her father’s soul? 😐 Yeah, she sounds dumb like her mother. Nope. Can’t do it.
See my notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads.
December 1, 2024
it was ok
I have a new appreciation for books with proper editing, So that alone is a big plus. The story isn’t bad I just would have preferred it to go a different way. It kind of felt rushed and dragged on at the same time if that makes sense. It had the UNO Reserve aspect (trying not to spoil), so that probably adds to my negative but again that’s my preference. In this story it makes sense and is expected I just don’t like when it’s done.
Everything flowed in the story. All of the plot points were wrapped up and there was an HEA. Talon was depressed for three of the four books. The book wasn’t really romantic because he shut Calista out emotionally and lived in his head the entire time. The only time he dealt with her was when she would leave him alone or when he wanted to get it in. Talon’s depression from the previous books dragged on into this book and lasted the majority of the book so the story was a downer. Even after they won he was still depressed which made sense cause his loss came with consequences but still it made everything too somber. I guess I was looking for the chemistry from book one to pop back up and it never pdoes.
I have a new appreciation for books with proper editing, So that alone is a big plus. The story isn’t bad I just would have preferred it to go a different way. It kind of felt rushed and dragged on at the same time if that makes sense. It had the UNO Reserve aspect (trying not to spoil), so that probably adds to my negative but again that’s my preference. In this story it makes sense and is expected I just don’t like when it’s done.
Everything flowed in the story. All of the plot points were wrapped up and there was an HEA. Talon was depressed for three of the four books. The book wasn’t really romantic because he shut Calista out emotionally and lived in his head the entire time. The only time he dealt with her was when she would leave him alone or when he wanted to get it in. Talon’s depression from the previous books dragged on into this book and lasted the majority of the book so the story was a downer. Even after they won he was still depressed which made sense cause his loss came with consequences but still it made everything too somber. I guess I was looking for the chemistry from book one to pop back up and it never pdoes.
December 10, 2024
dragon say RAAAAARRRR
there were ups and downs with this entire series but the worst was writing each dragons “roar”
Surely saying they roared would be enough? Read like a good wattpad fic at its best.
there were ups and downs with this entire series but the worst was writing each dragons “roar”
Surely saying they roared would be enough? Read like a good wattpad fic at its best.
December 10, 2024
Mid series, only stuck around for the dragons.
January 15, 2025
I wasn't sure how this story would go, but I really enjoyed it. The story revolves around a man named Talon, who is working with dragons and others to defeat the King of the Underworld and all his minions. Usually, I don't like dragon stories but this one was written very well and had a lot of unique situations and ways in which dragons interact with humans. The narrator did an excellent job including different voices for the various characters. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an advance copy of this audiobook, in return for an honest review.
January 16, 2025
The Dragon Queen
by Penelope Barsetti
Narrated by Ramona Master; Michael Ferraiuolo
Audiobook rating : 4 stars
Book rating : 3 stars
Overall rating : 3.5 stars
This series comes to an end with the fourth book the dragon queen. Writing was good so was the audiobook. Both the narrators are good but the male narrator was just amazing, his voice changes were done so good.
I have problem with the plot. The war between Baron and Talon should have been much furious than it was actually shown in the book. It just felt so underwhelming after hyping it up for 3 books that it disappointed me. The war takes place in initial parts of the book and then another war rages which I feel was again underwhelmed given the amount of harm done in the process.
I felt that there should have been more action which I even felt in book 3. Also Callista doesn't really do anything in the book, not this one not even earlier one. It made me even more disappointed. Four books down the lane, and she can't even fight properly. I do not like the books where women do not really do anything. I liked Queen Eldinar's character in previous book but in this book she seemed far too immature and not something a queen who has lived for a very long time will behave.
Overall the audiobook is nicely done but the book falls short .
Thank you Netgalley and dreamscape media for the book.
by Penelope Barsetti
Narrated by Ramona Master; Michael Ferraiuolo
Audiobook rating : 4 stars
Book rating : 3 stars
Overall rating : 3.5 stars
This series comes to an end with the fourth book the dragon queen. Writing was good so was the audiobook. Both the narrators are good but the male narrator was just amazing, his voice changes were done so good.
I have problem with the plot. The war between Baron and Talon should have been much furious than it was actually shown in the book. It just felt so underwhelming after hyping it up for 3 books that it disappointed me. The war takes place in initial parts of the book and then another war rages which I feel was again underwhelmed given the amount of harm done in the process.
I felt that there should have been more action which I even felt in book 3. Also Callista doesn't really do anything in the book, not this one not even earlier one. It made me even more disappointed. Four books down the lane, and she can't even fight properly. I do not like the books where women do not really do anything. I liked Queen Eldinar's character in previous book but in this book she seemed far too immature and not something a queen who has lived for a very long time will behave.
Overall the audiobook is nicely done but the book falls short .
Thank you Netgalley and dreamscape media for the book.
December 24, 2024
Mmkay.
Glad that’s over. Honestly this series was a complete let down. The premise seemed so great and then it just went completely off the rails. I think the biggest issue for me was that I was clearly expecting a different book. Idk why but after reading the synopsis of the first to decide whether I wanted to read this I believed this book to be completely different than it was. For one I was expecting a fantasy book with romance but instead it was a smut book with bits of fantasy. Secondly I was expecting the main character to be Calista but she is a dud and essentially takes the backseat to every other character. I guess technically the first book is called the death king so maybe I just assumed wrong and it’s his series and she’s just the fmc but I don’t think that’s right because the synopsis of the first book definitely leads you to believe it’s her story and he’s just the mmc. And if she is indeed the overall main character she was the worst main character ever. She never trained, never got stronger, never took charge, never stood up for herself except to general titan in the very beginning, she never really becomes useful, she is a doormat and she’s just completely uninteresting. She lets Talon treat unkindly, she lets her uncle Ezra treat her terribly, lets the queen treat her nastily, the only person in this whole book who actually treats her like a person is commander luxe and he just gets dumped on for it. 😭 none of the love in this book reads as actual love. All of it is just toxic obsession. Even khazmuda. There was all this talk of dragons loving hard and blah blah but like khazmuda didn’t even know talon when he fused with him and decided he’d do anything for him. He didn’t know him when he initially saved him, didn’t know him when he fused and still didn’t really know him for years after that when Talon left to be a fisherman and pirate and barely spoke to him. So when you really look at it Khazmuda saved him and then just became unhealthily obsessed. Talon took Calista and then just decided she had to sleep with him even though he knew she was just traumatized and 🍇ed, then he randomly starts calling her baby and becomes obsessed with her. Then Calista goes from being traumatized from general titan and hating Talon for what he did to her town and dad to this needy lovesick girl who wants to get it on with him daily and share beds and lives. And don’t get me started on the weird creepy completely UNHEALTHY relationship that is Ezra and Queen Elinador. The first thing he has to say about her at any given moment is how she’s the most beautiful creature which’s lends us to believe he’s most taken with her looks. Then he can’t even function normally with people because he’s to worried about whether the person wants his wife. He won’t even treat his niece and only living family right because he’s to far up that woman’s butt hole. Then we have the strange friendship the queen and talon develop. It’s just all too much. I’m going to leave it here because this is lengthy but I will say I can imagine how the next book is going to go and again it could have potential but I’m not banking on it. Alas I won’t be reading it but maybe I’ll skim some reviews.
Glad that’s over. Honestly this series was a complete let down. The premise seemed so great and then it just went completely off the rails. I think the biggest issue for me was that I was clearly expecting a different book. Idk why but after reading the synopsis of the first to decide whether I wanted to read this I believed this book to be completely different than it was. For one I was expecting a fantasy book with romance but instead it was a smut book with bits of fantasy. Secondly I was expecting the main character to be Calista but she is a dud and essentially takes the backseat to every other character. I guess technically the first book is called the death king so maybe I just assumed wrong and it’s his series and she’s just the fmc but I don’t think that’s right because the synopsis of the first book definitely leads you to believe it’s her story and he’s just the mmc. And if she is indeed the overall main character she was the worst main character ever. She never trained, never got stronger, never took charge, never stood up for herself except to general titan in the very beginning, she never really becomes useful, she is a doormat and she’s just completely uninteresting. She lets Talon treat unkindly, she lets her uncle Ezra treat her terribly, lets the queen treat her nastily, the only person in this whole book who actually treats her like a person is commander luxe and he just gets dumped on for it. 😭 none of the love in this book reads as actual love. All of it is just toxic obsession. Even khazmuda. There was all this talk of dragons loving hard and blah blah but like khazmuda didn’t even know talon when he fused with him and decided he’d do anything for him. He didn’t know him when he initially saved him, didn’t know him when he fused and still didn’t really know him for years after that when Talon left to be a fisherman and pirate and barely spoke to him. So when you really look at it Khazmuda saved him and then just became unhealthily obsessed. Talon took Calista and then just decided she had to sleep with him even though he knew she was just traumatized and 🍇ed, then he randomly starts calling her baby and becomes obsessed with her. Then Calista goes from being traumatized from general titan and hating Talon for what he did to her town and dad to this needy lovesick girl who wants to get it on with him daily and share beds and lives. And don’t get me started on the weird creepy completely UNHEALTHY relationship that is Ezra and Queen Elinador. The first thing he has to say about her at any given moment is how she’s the most beautiful creature which’s lends us to believe he’s most taken with her looks. Then he can’t even function normally with people because he’s to worried about whether the person wants his wife. He won’t even treat his niece and only living family right because he’s to far up that woman’s butt hole. Then we have the strange friendship the queen and talon develop. It’s just all too much. I’m going to leave it here because this is lengthy but I will say I can imagine how the next book is going to go and again it could have potential but I’m not banking on it. Alas I won’t be reading it but maybe I’ll skim some reviews.
January 16, 2025
This series is THE ONE if you love…
🖤⚔️True enemies to lovers⚔️🖤
❤️🔥🔥🌶️A hot a steamy connection🌶️🔥❤️🔥
🥵A hot MMC hell bent on vengeance😡
🐉Dragons!🐉
✨Gods and goddesses ✨
👑 rival for the crown👑
Trigger warnings: “open door” sexual content, abuse, rape, unaliving of children not in explicit detail, but in context of the story
This last book in The Death Series was action-packed from the first page. I was so invested emotionally with these main characters at this point that I could not wait to see it play out. The MMC had gotten himself in and predicament seemingly impossible to come back from, and the heartache from all the main characters, including dragons, was palpable and agonizing as a reader too. That’s when you know the author has you really hooked with their words and plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this final piece of Calista and Talon’s story and loved the conclusion. There were a couple characters in the series that seemed to “Fall off of the story, however, so I was a little disappointed to not learn of their fates. I’m giving this book the max 5 stars it has rightfully earned. Thanks so much for to NetGalley and publisher for an amazing read in exchange for my honest review. I’m so sad it’s over but relished the ride!
🖤⚔️True enemies to lovers⚔️🖤
❤️🔥🔥🌶️A hot a steamy connection🌶️🔥❤️🔥
🥵A hot MMC hell bent on vengeance😡
🐉Dragons!🐉
✨Gods and goddesses ✨
👑 rival for the crown👑
Trigger warnings: “open door” sexual content, abuse, rape, unaliving of children not in explicit detail, but in context of the story
This last book in The Death Series was action-packed from the first page. I was so invested emotionally with these main characters at this point that I could not wait to see it play out. The MMC had gotten himself in and predicament seemingly impossible to come back from, and the heartache from all the main characters, including dragons, was palpable and agonizing as a reader too. That’s when you know the author has you really hooked with their words and plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this final piece of Calista and Talon’s story and loved the conclusion. There were a couple characters in the series that seemed to “Fall off of the story, however, so I was a little disappointed to not learn of their fates. I’m giving this book the max 5 stars it has rightfully earned. Thanks so much for to NetGalley and publisher for an amazing read in exchange for my honest review. I’m so sad it’s over but relished the ride!
June 15, 2025
The Death King series was like a candy bar: it demands that you consume it even though it's not good to eat. Penelope Barsetti does a better job as Penelope Sky, writing mafia thuglove.
Oh well, at least I loved Talon's dragon, Khazmuda. Onto the next thing; hopefully it will be much better.
Oh well, at least I loved Talon's dragon, Khazmuda. Onto the next thing; hopefully it will be much better.
December 7, 2024
Book 4 and the final book in the death king series was the ultimate page turner and an incredible ending for Talon, Calista and the dragons 🔥. In this series we grasp a great idea of the events they all face…but what’s unexpected is the DEMONDS that they face…literally. The battle that seems to be continuous and the drama filled with this series leaves you turning page after page to find out what happens. Read this series as Penelope continues to dive into the fantasy world!
January 8, 2025
This author writes the most pathetic FCs known to existence. Where their whole being and personality is made to suite the MC. Even though it’s told mainly in the FCs POV. Reading any review on any book by this author you’ll notice a theme:
fC - annoying, pointless, bratty, stupid
MC - dynamic, complex, intriguing
It’s pretty sad seeing how this is an author identifying as a woman but who makes money on demoralizing and demeaning other women. 🙄
fC - annoying, pointless, bratty, stupid
MC - dynamic, complex, intriguing
It’s pretty sad seeing how this is an author identifying as a woman but who makes money on demoralizing and demeaning other women. 🙄
February 12, 2025
I have to go with 3 stars. I have read the whole series, and I don't know what to think about it. It made me think a lot about whether revenge is worth anything (it's not) and about unconditional love. I'm not sure the whole unconditional love, as it is here, works for me. Until the end, he kept goin on about his dead wife and child (this happened 30, 40 years ago...), and the FMC just kept loving and loving. Maybe that is noble. Maybe I am a horrible person, but I would have given up at some point. Why didn't he stay with the dead wife? Why come back? I just didn't buy the whole story that Talon loved Calista as much as she loved him. Everyone just kept picking up the broken pieces after him. If the soul of his dead wife hadn't let him go (like bye ...you have to go), he wouldn't have come back to her. That sucks. Calista deserved more.
January 10, 2025
Unfortunately it was a no for me
It’s an easy read but gave me nothing and the 2 stars was because it was easy, essentially I was just was just staring at the time waiting for it to finish.
I don’t think the title to be honest had reverence as much as it should have because it was not about her.
But it was just a bit blahhh.
The story line is there but the writing just wasn’t great
I’m so sorry
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
It’s an easy read but gave me nothing and the 2 stars was because it was easy, essentially I was just was just staring at the time waiting for it to finish.
I don’t think the title to be honest had reverence as much as it should have because it was not about her.
But it was just a bit blahhh.
The story line is there but the writing just wasn’t great
I’m so sorry
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
January 9, 2025
DNF at 80%.
Honestly, this lost me after Talon was going to burn the women and children in revenge and thought about accepting the deal to save his soul in place of his friends soul.
Then after everyone went to retrieve his soul because he was a such a hero , when he comes back he dismisses Calista suffering cause his was greater.
Honestly, this lost me after Talon was going to burn the women and children in revenge and thought about accepting the deal to save his soul in place of his friends soul.
Then after everyone went to retrieve his soul because he was a such a hero , when he comes back he dismisses Calista suffering cause his was greater.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2024
The Dragon Queen really had me going through so many emotions, excitement, suspense, danger, nail biting parts and hot sex scenes to this book. At one point I was actually crying as I was reading a certain part. I had a box of tissues trying to see. I don’t usually cry when reading a book but Penelope Barsetti wrote scenes so beautifully and perfectly that some of them felt so close to home. I couldn’t put this book down. It sucked me right in and I devoured it!There’s so much in this book, I don’t know what to put in my review but here we go!
Talon, the Death King, Calista, Queen Eldinar, her uncle, Commander Navarrese along, both armies and Dragons all traveled across the sea to free the dragons and help Talon defeat and burn his uncle and family. The one and the same uncle who burned the Death King’s family and took the crown of the King of the Southern Isles for himself.
They all set sail. Talon told Calista, Queen Eldinar, and Calista’s uncle, Commander Navarrese that his pirate friends will give them all shelter while they gather their strength and rest and replenish their food. They finally arrive safely including the dragons. Talon’s pirate friend, Captain Blackstorm and his crew of pirates gave them shelter and food. They were in awe of the beautiful and vibrantly colored dragons. The pirates hideout is on a large island with smaller ones around it in the middle of the ocean. It is close to the Southern Isles but far enough away that are safe and couldn’t be seen.
Do the pirates join them in their quest to free the dragons and take back the Southern Isles? You’ll have to read this book to see what comes next and how the war ends and if Bahamut takes Talon’s life and take him to the under world? Or does Talon find a way out of it?
There are more wars to be fought back at the elves forest to protect the realm of Caelum. Even the God Riviana is admist the wars. Riviana grants someone’s request but it comes at a cost that no one saw coming. Read the book to see why and what happened to the elves, the Realm of Caelum, Queen Eldinar, Commander Navarrese, Riviana, Calista and the forest.
As I said above when I started this review I didn’t want give too much information because it would spoil it for all the readers that purchase this book! But get ready for a wild ride!
Penelope Barsetti thank you for this excellent book and all the writing gifts you have to share with us. I can’t wait to see if there will be more books like this series! The next series that’s coming out next is The Butcher, written by Penelope Sky! You love it too!
Talon, the Death King, Calista, Queen Eldinar, her uncle, Commander Navarrese along, both armies and Dragons all traveled across the sea to free the dragons and help Talon defeat and burn his uncle and family. The one and the same uncle who burned the Death King’s family and took the crown of the King of the Southern Isles for himself.
They all set sail. Talon told Calista, Queen Eldinar, and Calista’s uncle, Commander Navarrese that his pirate friends will give them all shelter while they gather their strength and rest and replenish their food. They finally arrive safely including the dragons. Talon’s pirate friend, Captain Blackstorm and his crew of pirates gave them shelter and food. They were in awe of the beautiful and vibrantly colored dragons. The pirates hideout is on a large island with smaller ones around it in the middle of the ocean. It is close to the Southern Isles but far enough away that are safe and couldn’t be seen.
Do the pirates join them in their quest to free the dragons and take back the Southern Isles? You’ll have to read this book to see what comes next and how the war ends and if Bahamut takes Talon’s life and take him to the under world? Or does Talon find a way out of it?
There are more wars to be fought back at the elves forest to protect the realm of Caelum. Even the God Riviana is admist the wars. Riviana grants someone’s request but it comes at a cost that no one saw coming. Read the book to see why and what happened to the elves, the Realm of Caelum, Queen Eldinar, Commander Navarrese, Riviana, Calista and the forest.
As I said above when I started this review I didn’t want give too much information because it would spoil it for all the readers that purchase this book! But get ready for a wild ride!
Penelope Barsetti thank you for this excellent book and all the writing gifts you have to share with us. I can’t wait to see if there will be more books like this series! The next series that’s coming out next is The Butcher, written by Penelope Sky! You love it too!
February 10, 2025
4.3 stars
Wow! What a journey! Not always an easy ride, but I enjoyed this serial and its 4 books.
Most of this 4th book was a bit too mired in despair feelings (for a good ⅔), but at the same time, the writing was so powerful and vivid that it felt realistic and coherent. I so appreciate that the story did not lose its internal logic as it ran to its conclusion. There were some unpolished plot points imho e.g. why 20 years is kept being mentioned instead of the rightful 30 years timeline beats me!; after all that has been established in previous books, the lack of Inferno storyline was a bit jarring imho; etc. But overall, it worked well.
What uplifted the story ultimately from its morose mindspace was really the last twists I never saw coming! Omg, what twists 🤯!! They may have felt very Deus Ex Machina, but PB made them all work just because they never breached any known worldbuilding rules established all through the serial. It was sneakily done for sure by keeping them for the grand finale, but I gladly went with the flow! And that epilogue was just ❤!
Talking of the ending, I never realised until my review for Book 2 that there was a 5th book in the making!! At the time, I thought, omg, I won't have the courage for yet another trilogy or whatever a serial of 4 books is called. Though Talon's and Calista's story was rightly epic à la Greek Mythology Heroic Ballad style, it demanded energy and some nerve control on my part to go through 😅! So I thought, no way. However, since I know from the blurb that the 5th book will be about Talon's and Calista's daughter and Bahamut... and after reading this book about how Bahamut was... I can't wait for April!! I just hope it will be a standalone book or at worse a duet. Because my poor nerves are still tender!
So, this final book might not have been all roses, but it was a very good and satisfying conclusion to a solid and epic serial. So I am rounding up my GR stars. Thank you PB for this worthy serial!
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My review for Book 1: here
My review for Book 2: here
My review for Book 3: here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
3.75 stars ⭐️
The crazy thing was that I read the first two books in this series, but somehow missed book 3. When I was awarded this ARC, I had no clue that I had missed a book until I started and after about 10 minutes, I started thinking, "Uh oh, I can't seem to remember how we got here ...exactly?" I have a kind of weird thing about NOT reading books out of order, but for some reason, I decided to go ahead and just go on with this book. I do not think that it negatively impacted the enjoyment of this book - so that is a good thing.
While this isn't the last book in this series, it IS the last book in this particular story arc - with the MC's of Talon and Calista.
I will say that thee was a lot of action in this book. From the very beginning, everyone is traveling across the seas for one war, then come back and end up fighting in ANOTHER war. so there is a lot of drama.
The main focus of the story though is that we have finally gotten to the end result of the agreement that Talon entered into to gain his powers over the dead. It is time to pay the piper. This book is more emotional than the previous books - or at least I do not remember the other books being emotional at this time.
There are all kinds of fun things going on - action, drama, dragons, underworld gods, war, captive dragons, and vengeance. Sounds fun, right?
I will say this one thing. After reading the story promo for book 5 - there is absolutely NO way that I am interested in continuing with this series. That takes nothing away from the first 4 books in this series - it is just going in a direction that I do not think I could stomach. I gasped just reading the promo. No....just no.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on Jan 07, 2025.
The crazy thing was that I read the first two books in this series, but somehow missed book 3. When I was awarded this ARC, I had no clue that I had missed a book until I started and after about 10 minutes, I started thinking, "Uh oh, I can't seem to remember how we got here ...exactly?" I have a kind of weird thing about NOT reading books out of order, but for some reason, I decided to go ahead and just go on with this book. I do not think that it negatively impacted the enjoyment of this book - so that is a good thing.
While this isn't the last book in this series, it IS the last book in this particular story arc - with the MC's of Talon and Calista.
I will say that thee was a lot of action in this book. From the very beginning, everyone is traveling across the seas for one war, then come back and end up fighting in ANOTHER war. so there is a lot of drama.
The main focus of the story though is that we have finally gotten to the end result of the agreement that Talon entered into to gain his powers over the dead. It is time to pay the piper. This book is more emotional than the previous books - or at least I do not remember the other books being emotional at this time.
There are all kinds of fun things going on - action, drama, dragons, underworld gods, war, captive dragons, and vengeance. Sounds fun, right?
I will say this one thing. After reading the story promo for book 5 - there is absolutely NO way that I am interested in continuing with this series. That takes nothing away from the first 4 books in this series - it is just going in a direction that I do not think I could stomach. I gasped just reading the promo. No....just no.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on Jan 07, 2025.
May 11, 2025
A love story about a boy and his dragon.
Genre: Romantacy (Final book these MCs)
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 1.5/5
🧠 4 (Must read the previous books for world and plot building)
Trying to sum up how I feel about the series isn't easy. As a basic romance girlie at heart, it was hard to watch the MMC not put the FMC first as often as Talon did at times. I understood it and respect it, but it was still hard. I think the overarching 'love conquers all' theme was hard earned throughout these 4 books. I feel for most of the characters. It's a love letter to 'hurt people, hurt people'.
The MMC Talon was exactly what you'd expect from a dark, angry, vengeful, brooding character. His healing journey due to the brutal loss of his entire family is a roller-coaster. At times, I wanted to punch him in the face, and at times, I wanted to give him a hug. The FMC Callista was not your typical, has powers and learns to be a badass, FMC. Her strength came from her character. Her ability to forgive and love through pain. The strength she gave to those around her. There were times I wish she would have had more of a backbone. But ultimately, her character was not meant to be the self-sacrificing main attraction. No, this was Talon's book and the focus on his relationship with himself and his dragon. How they needed each other to survive and preserve. And what a love story it is.
Genre: Romantacy (Final book these MCs)
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 1.5/5
🧠 4 (Must read the previous books for world and plot building)
Trying to sum up how I feel about the series isn't easy. As a basic romance girlie at heart, it was hard to watch the MMC not put the FMC first as often as Talon did at times. I understood it and respect it, but it was still hard. I think the overarching 'love conquers all' theme was hard earned throughout these 4 books. I feel for most of the characters. It's a love letter to 'hurt people, hurt people'.
The MMC Talon was exactly what you'd expect from a dark, angry, vengeful, brooding character. His healing journey due to the brutal loss of his entire family is a roller-coaster. At times, I wanted to punch him in the face, and at times, I wanted to give him a hug. The FMC Callista was not your typical, has powers and learns to be a badass, FMC. Her strength came from her character. Her ability to forgive and love through pain. The strength she gave to those around her. There were times I wish she would have had more of a backbone. But ultimately, her character was not meant to be the self-sacrificing main attraction. No, this was Talon's book and the focus on his relationship with himself and his dragon. How they needed each other to survive and preserve. And what a love story it is.
January 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holy wow! Dragon Queen by Penelope Barsetti is hands down the best series finale I’ve ever read. Barsetti doesn’t just deliver a story—she crafts an epic conclusion that ties up every single loose end into a perfect bow. It’s clear she poured her heart into making sure fans got the closure they deserved.
The action was riveting, the drama was heart-pounding, and don’t even get me started on the epilogues—they were everything I didn’t know I needed. I laughed, I cried, and I felt all the feels as Barsetti brought this unforgettable journey to a close. If you’ve been following this series, you’re in for an absolute treat. This finale cements Barsetti’s place as a master storyteller. Bravo!
Holy wow! Dragon Queen by Penelope Barsetti is hands down the best series finale I’ve ever read. Barsetti doesn’t just deliver a story—she crafts an epic conclusion that ties up every single loose end into a perfect bow. It’s clear she poured her heart into making sure fans got the closure they deserved.
The action was riveting, the drama was heart-pounding, and don’t even get me started on the epilogues—they were everything I didn’t know I needed. I laughed, I cried, and I felt all the feels as Barsetti brought this unforgettable journey to a close. If you’ve been following this series, you’re in for an absolute treat. This finale cements Barsetti’s place as a master storyteller. Bravo!
November 25, 2024
Final book in the Death series and in my opinion, it is the best! Calista and Talon sail to the Southern Isles along with their backup and Khazmuda to confront King Barron and take back Talon's birthright, as well as get revenge for what happened to Talon's family, and release the captive dragons. Of course nothing goes as smoothly as they thought! This book contains great fight scenes, including an all dead army of Talon's kin, a meeting with Rivianna, a rescue from Bahamut, and many, many secrets told. Now I myself rarely cry when reading so when I say I got misty at the scene between Talon and Khazmuda it was truly an emotional time. Penelope is my Queen of fantasy stories and this series should not be missed!
December 16, 2024
good ending to series
This was a great ending to the book series. I appreciated the depth of character development and the dual POVs. Glad there is a next book. Some things are still left hanging though we do conclude their story.
This was a great ending to the book series. I appreciated the depth of character development and the dual POVs. Glad there is a next book. Some things are still left hanging though we do conclude their story.
December 1, 2024
Happiness, More than you could ask for.
Penelope, you have done it to us again. My emotions all over. Thank you for sharing your characters and their stories with us.
Penelope, you have done it to us again. My emotions all over. Thank you for sharing your characters and their stories with us.
February 1, 2025
This was a pretty good book the audio was immersive and fun it had magic, mates, healing, and wars the romance was cute and I love anything with dragons
April 8, 2025
this was the final book in a 4 book series. This is one of my favorite series so far. I love how it ended and everything was wrapped up. Wish there was a 5th book.
August 13, 2025
So many plot holes to an ending of the series. Don’t waste your time.
August 20, 2025
Epic ending
An epic ending to an amazing series! I've read it three times now and it will remain on my "read again" list.
An epic ending to an amazing series! I've read it three times now and it will remain on my "read again" list.
December 1, 2024
Exciting, Unpredictable epic ending to an awesome series
adventurous dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This world of dragons, Bahamut, Rivana, elves, and humans was a fantastic series, and its conclusion was epic.
The Dragon Queen is a story in itself, covering so much. Because it is a continuation, you will need to read the rest of the series; however, this conclusion had so much to expound on. It will pull at all your emotions: laughter, anger, sadness, and even bring you to happy and sad tears.
Revenge is a dish served cold, and Talon finally gets his revenge 20 years later. His grief had him very lost, but with Calista's love, he was able to get his revenge, accept that he was indeed capable of loving again, and still have empathy for those who did not directly harm him.
Calista has grown and matured in each story; however, her growth is tenfold in this final book of the series. She shows her love for Talon, the Dragons, and her family, but most of all, she shows her love for the people and her determination to get for others what they deserve.
At the start of this series, I hated Talon; now, in the end, I love him and find him worthy of all the love and happiness he deserves. Even the dragons and the elves all deserve the happiness they finally get.
This series is a must-read in the fantasy genre!!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Entertaining, Great world building, Happily Ever After, Original, Page-turner, Tear-jerker, Unpredictable, Wonderful characters
adventurous dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This world of dragons, Bahamut, Rivana, elves, and humans was a fantastic series, and its conclusion was epic.
The Dragon Queen is a story in itself, covering so much. Because it is a continuation, you will need to read the rest of the series; however, this conclusion had so much to expound on. It will pull at all your emotions: laughter, anger, sadness, and even bring you to happy and sad tears.
Revenge is a dish served cold, and Talon finally gets his revenge 20 years later. His grief had him very lost, but with Calista's love, he was able to get his revenge, accept that he was indeed capable of loving again, and still have empathy for those who did not directly harm him.
Calista has grown and matured in each story; however, her growth is tenfold in this final book of the series. She shows her love for Talon, the Dragons, and her family, but most of all, she shows her love for the people and her determination to get for others what they deserve.
At the start of this series, I hated Talon; now, in the end, I love him and find him worthy of all the love and happiness he deserves. Even the dragons and the elves all deserve the happiness they finally get.
This series is a must-read in the fantasy genre!!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Entertaining, Great world building, Happily Ever After, Original, Page-turner, Tear-jerker, Unpredictable, Wonderful characters
December 5, 2024
Yeah I needed the ending for closure. This series was MEH. It started off strong but quickly declined. After book 1… It was battle after battle with no real plot. Glad they all got their happy endings.
Although the epilogue did have me curious for 24 years later 👀 nope nvm not going there
3/5⭐️
1/5 🌶️
Although the epilogue did have me curious for 24 years later 👀 nope nvm not going there
3/5⭐️
1/5 🌶️
January 7, 2025
This book would have been 4⭐️ if the author didn’t do the fmc so dirty.
I’m going to be overly critical below but I should mention that ASIDE from Calista’s part in the book (or lack of) I actually really liked this book and series. I’m just disappointed about this specific thing.
Calista had very little character development, if any. It went from being her story to her having a supporting role. She is a QUEEN and that fact is completely ignored and overlooked the entire series. In the end, her lands are given to a nobody so she can go live with Talon - fine. But she doesn’t even get to choose who gets to take over her home! wtf is that shit.
Repeatedly, Calista is coming to the rescue and Talon is getting all of the credit. She doesn’t seem to mind and that’s great for her, but I do.
Eldinar and Talon become the main characters, forming this ridiculous friendship bond that, again, is all credited to Calista yet she gets not an ounce of credit.
Eldinar is a bitch. I don’t like her at any point in this book. Ezra is a terrible uncle.
Calista and her dragon hardly have a bond at all. She is completely alone this entire series and she remains that way until the end.
It’s called the dragon queen and I can’t understand why because the book isn’t about her at all.
On multiple occasions I got the feeling that the author just forgot what she had written before. There were several contradictions and a lot of repetition about the dragons inability to show emotions. I think that was mentioned probably 80 times throughout the series.
Since I’ve been mostly negative I will say it was touching that he got to see Vivian and Silas one last time. And that, in the last 5 chapters of the 4 books, Talon gives Calista some credit. Noting that he also feels guilty that he’s getting the credit for her accomplishments.
I’m going to be overly critical below but I should mention that ASIDE from Calista’s part in the book (or lack of) I actually really liked this book and series. I’m just disappointed about this specific thing.
Calista had very little character development, if any. It went from being her story to her having a supporting role. She is a QUEEN and that fact is completely ignored and overlooked the entire series. In the end, her lands are given to a nobody so she can go live with Talon - fine. But she doesn’t even get to choose who gets to take over her home! wtf is that shit.
Repeatedly, Calista is coming to the rescue and Talon is getting all of the credit. She doesn’t seem to mind and that’s great for her, but I do.
Eldinar and Talon become the main characters, forming this ridiculous friendship bond that, again, is all credited to Calista yet she gets not an ounce of credit.
Eldinar is a bitch. I don’t like her at any point in this book. Ezra is a terrible uncle.
Calista and her dragon hardly have a bond at all. She is completely alone this entire series and she remains that way until the end.
It’s called the dragon queen and I can’t understand why because the book isn’t about her at all.
On multiple occasions I got the feeling that the author just forgot what she had written before. There were several contradictions and a lot of repetition about the dragons inability to show emotions. I think that was mentioned probably 80 times throughout the series.
Since I’ve been mostly negative I will say it was touching that he got to see Vivian and Silas one last time. And that, in the last 5 chapters of the 4 books, Talon gives Calista some credit. Noting that he also feels guilty that he’s getting the credit for her accomplishments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2025
The final book of the series, and I'm gutted it's come to an end.
A brilliant read, and to see how much hurt Talon caused with his own heart break to those around him but to find peace throughout.
Love the books!
A brilliant read, and to see how much hurt Talon caused with his own heart break to those around him but to find peace throughout.
Love the books!
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