The Rage of Dragons

By: Evan Winter

Narrated by: Prentice Onayemi

Game of Thrones meets Gladiator in this blockbuster epic fantasy about a world caught in an eternal war, and the young man who will become his people's only hope for survival.

The Omehi people have been fighting an unwinnable war for almost two hundred years. The lucky ones are born gifted. One in every two thousand women has the power to call down dragons. One in every hundred men is able to magically transform himself into a bigger, stronger, faster killing machine.

Everyone else is fodder, destined to fight and die in the endless war.

Young, gift-less Tau knows all this, but he has a plan of escape. He's going to get himself injured, get out early, and settle down to marriage, children, and land. Only, he doesn't get the chance.

Those closest to him are brutally murdered, and his grief swiftly turns to anger. Fixated on revenge, Tau dedicates himself to an unthinkable path. He'll become the greatest swordsman to ever live, a man willing to die a hundred thousand times for the chance to kill the three who betrayed him.

The Rage of Dragons launches a stunning and powerful debut epic fantasy series that readers are already calling "the best fantasy book in years."

One of Time Magazine's Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time
Winner of the Reddit/Fantasy Award for Best Debut Fantasy Novel

The Burning
The Rage of Dragons

Critic reviews

"Expertly structured with a keen eye for action and character, The Rage of Dragons is a captivating epic heroic fantasy from a major new talent."—Anthony Ryan, author of Blood Song

"It may be cliche to say a book was impossible to put down, but well, dang it, this book was impossible to put down!... a rip-roaring good story."—Rick Riordan

"People ask the last book I couldn't put down, and I tell them The Rage of Dragons. The tension rises with every page until you fear it will break you in two."—Peter V. Brett, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Warded Man

"Winter's stunning debut fantasy epic is rich in complex characters and a well-wrought world with both European and African influences. ... This impressive series launch holds tremendous promise."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A unique military fantasy....The fast-paced action will have readers eager to follow Tau into the next book of this captivating epic."—Booklist (starred review)

"A refreshingly brutal and imaginative tale of survival and revenge. Evan Winter's battles are visceral, bloody masterpieces, and Tau's climb from exiled Lesser to legendary warrior is earned in a way few writers could hope to match."—David Dalglish, author of the Shadowdance Series

"The Rage of Dragons takes the best parts of epic fantasy and sets them in a refreshing and inventive new world, a gripping tale that makes clear the true cost of war and colonialism with one of the most enthralling hero's journeys I've read."—S. A. Chakraborty, author of City of Brass

"Winter's debut will draw strong comparisons to George R.R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson, and the strong African influences and ties create a singular, exciting epic with intriguing characters and culture. Readers will be clamoring for the next installment."—Library Journal (starred review)

"Compelling, expansive and rich. Winter has created an exciting and immersive world of magic, vengeance and wonder"—Micah Yongo, author of Lost Gods

"A Xhosa-inspired world complete with magic, dragons, demons and curses, The Rage of Dragons takes classic fantasy and imbues it with a fresh and exciting twist."—Anna Stephens, author of Godblind

"Wow. This book hits the ground with stunning action and danger, and it barely lets up as the pages fly by. I loved the African-influence culture, the unique use of dragons and demons, the complex martial and class hierarchy, and it has a magic system unlike anything I've seen before. What a terrific set up for a series!"—David Anthony Durham, author of The Acacia Trilogy

"Intense, inventive and action-packed from beginning to end - a relentlessly gripping, brilliant read."—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost

Great Journey

The main characters journey to who he becomes is a marathon of danger, violence, and sadness but the outcome is purely worth it.

A brilliant work, expertly narrated

I’ve been reading fantasy for over 50 years and this is without a doubt, one of the finest fantasy books I’ve experienced. The story is brilliantly woven, with an energy and pace that is always enthralling. Every character matters. Every emotional moment feels real. I actually felt chills at the last sentence as it was read, at the ending of the book. I know it’s fiction, but this book deeply moved me throughout.

The protagonist is someone I actually understood. And yet he was never the only one that I recognized in those characters. Many of us, driven by our desires, hopes and dreams, seem to be represented in the characters.

And, the narrator made it all come so vibrantly alive. He made each character sound out, uniquely and consistently in one of the best narrative performances I’ve heard.

I highly recommend “The Rage of Dragons.”
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Great start of a series!

Fantastic novel and the narrator was ridiculously good. I've read a lot of fantasy this year and this is my favorite so far. The ending felt a little rushed but that's just my opinion. Can't wait to read other novels Mr.Winter puts out. I'll be waiting!

in the spirit of Arlen Bales

the story is incredible. Sure, there are times when you're yelling at Tau to stop being a moron, but it comes from an authentic place. A thoroughly enjoyable yarn.

Duuuuuude

Finally, a book worth my time. Well written and perfectly narrated. A much needed break from so much of the craptastical stuff out there.