The Rage of Dragons

3.5/5

Whoever keeps approving the “Game of Thrones Meets [X]” tags needs to stop. If anything, this book was more Gladiator meets Spartacus, without much that could lead someone to think that it's in the same vein as Game of Thrones. The book is actually good without the comparison.

Tau is an okay protagonist with an arc that is simple and easy to follow. Most of the supporting characters lack true depth, in my opinion, with some being more of a name than an actual realized part of the story. But it's not a huge detractor from the story if characters aren't the biggest necessity for you with a book. I actually think the book would have benefitted from multiple points of view. There were a few chapters that would follow different characters with stories that would've been fun to follow throughout the entire book. It also would've given a nice break from Tau's perspective, which felt flat at certain points in the book to be honest.

What makes the book rise above its shortcomings is the world that Evan creates. While the world would've been more engaging had we seen more perspectives in the story, it's enough to go off of for you to want to see more. The third act of the book, while convoluted in some places, is an exciting end to the first book and a preview of what's coming next. Not only is the African/Xhosa influence prominent and intriguing, but the political landscape set up in the end sets the second book high on my list of anticipated reads.

Overall, The Rage of Dragons is a good introduction to Evan's world and future installments. On its own, it's a good read with an easy-to-follow plot, a few slow moments, and an action-packed third act. I'm eager to get a glimpse of the next book!