R. M. Schultz

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Through Blood and Dragons

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Cimeren lies divided between the North and South. Each is ruled by different sovereigns. In a move to secure the safety of his people, King Igare ordered the abduction of the Southern King and Queen. But on the cusp of victory, betrayal disrupts carefully laid plans. A chain of events pulls Cyran and his fellow dragonsquires into a battle they are ill-prepared for. Dragon Queen Sirra seeks vengeance on those who dare to harm her King and Queen. Alongside her shadow dragon, she will cut down any who get in her way.

R.M. Schultz takes time to immerse readers in the world of Through Blood and Dragons. Political tension runs high as rumors of the Southern king and queen's fate travel to their subjects. Multiple viewpoints will show how each side weighs the repercussions and options open to them. For each character, their personal beliefs and goals will weigh heavily on the paths they choose to take.

Through Blood and Dragons has a healthy dose of politics. Before making any decisions, King Igare’s dragonguard ensures to weigh the risk and rewards of any move they make. And though Sirra and her dragonguard are quick to action, they too have lengthy dialogue discussing what has occurred and their various angles of attack. While this does cause the story to slow down, once each side commits to their chosen strategy, the action ramps up.

There is a wide array of dragons presented as the novel dives into the first of what promises to be many conflicts throughout the series. And due to their own moral code dragons do not use breath weapons against their own kind. This leads to vicious battles of teeth and claws. But that’s not all. Mounted on the dragons are archers, a warrior, and a mage. While the mage aids in piloting the dragon, the others do their best to fight with the dragons and take out as many enemies as possible. This leads to battles with many moving parts and nonstop action.

If you enjoy epic fantasy with a heavy dose of political intrigue and dragons, Through Blood and Dragons may be the book for you. Throughout the novel there are beautiful pieces of art depicting the various dragons and their riders to help accent the overall journey readers will embark on.… (més)