It’s been five years since ‘Dragon Mage’, Book One in ‘Rivenworld’ was published. Decorated author M.L. Spencer’s best-known work is an Indie darling, one of the most hyped self-published fantasy books to come along in recent memory. And in my opinion, having read it, it certainly lives up to the hype.
The only thing that could possibly be more ballyhooed would be a sequel to ‘Dragon Mage’. And it is now we find ourselves blessed with that sequel: ‘Champion of the Fallen’. Did this greatly anticipated follow-up live up to incredibly lofty expectations? Absolutely!
I was privileged to receive an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of the book, in exchange for an honest review, which I have provided here.
In ‘Champion of the Fallen’, our beloved heroes Markus and Aram are far from safe in their new denizen of Skyhome, as an attempted abduction, following a fierce battle, leads to forced separation of the pair. These events catapult the Champion and his Warden into unfathomable risk. Beset by enemies who seemingly return from the dead, powerful archons, unbeatable warriors, and frightening creatures, things seem hopeless, in the face of portentous foretelling.
Can prophecy be avoided, and the future be changed? Or is it doomed to simply repeat, over and over again, in catastrophic failure? Will they manage to overcome the daunting tasks before them, survive, and save the world? Or, like their famous predecessors, Erok and Raginor, brothers and scion of gods, will their very devotion be turned against them, and the world, and shatter it anew?
Spencer’s characterization remains top-notch. Aram and Marcus continue to be some of the best-drawn and most memorable bros since Frodo and Sam. But what made this book truly special was the emphasis on Calise’s POV – she is an incredible character, and her often harrowing journey was perhaps my favourite part of the book. Yet, having all three of them on their distinct missions was fabulous, and really ratcheted up the tension and angst, hoping each could survive, and be reunited.
Aram remains the hero we all can admire, for so many reasons. I continue to appreciate the sensitive manner in which Spencer approaches Aram’s neurodiversity. We see how he copes with anxiety, and how his determination, courage, altruism, and nobility shine through in every circumstance – that he will not allow himself to fail, not so much for himself, but for others.
Secondary characters such as Esmir, Illith, and Astia do not disappoint, and of course, the various dragons such as Aragoth and Sirtoth, and their unique personalities and character traits are prominently and delightfully featured.
In terms of the worldbuilding, it becomes much more expanded than in the first novel. We learn the truth behind the sundering of worlds, and why and how the Worlds Above and Below, and the Void, came to be. Yet there is an even greater danger imperiling humankind, than all three planes of existence being riven once more. And Aram may be the only one capable of saving all. With his faithful dragon Agaroth by his side, once again Aram must combat the archons (evil mages) who seek to wreak havoc, for the sake of ruthless power and ambition.
We witness various separate quests of the characters, and they undergo so much during this novel, as they attempt to save themselves, save each other, and find a way back to those they love. Characters are imprisoned, enslaved, tortured, mistrusted, revered, educated, stalked, murdered, and find themselves in so many dire and unpredictable situations: caught in the middle of assassination attempts, underground revolutions, political machinations and court politics, ancient prophecies, and even time loops! But let’s focus for a moment on one of the primary reasons you will read this book and series: unabashed love of dragons.
Dragons have become a signal in any fantasy work, broadcasting to the reader “here comes TRULY epic fantasy”. We are enthralled by the concept of these most formidable of creatures, beasts of legend, mystery, inordinate power and destructive capability, beauty, and awe. And we can’t get enough of them in our epic fantasy books. One of the greatest tropes with dragons, the use of which has grown to a fever pitch in modern times, and inspired cult-like devotion, is where the dragons become deeply bonded partners with those humans who ride them, through some sort of telepathic connection, and thus the dragons have become protagonists in their own right. Many of us have come to absolutely adore this trope. And concerning that trope which enamours so many readers, I had mentioned in my review of ‘Dragon Mage’ that Spencer sets “the gold standard” for me (and many), along with G.R.R. Martin, in terms of dragon-bonding, and dragon warfare. Now, I feel we must add Ryan Cahill’s ‘Bound and the Broken’ series as a superlative when it comes to that element. But that does not diminish whatsoever how incredibly Spencer writes dragon battles, and the link between dragonriders and their mounts.
No less chonky than its predecessor, you will breeze through this book effortlessly, propelled by the smooth and eloquent yet very accessible prose of the author. Driven forward through scenes of breathtaking action, and very heartfelt and surprisingly dark and poignant moments, the unfailing loyalty exhibited by main characters Aram, Marcus, Calise, and those who care about them; the enemies who become allies; the shocking evil and callousness of the antagonists; the murky and unsure motivations and potential untrustworthy characters like Illith; the betrayals and twists; the beautiful reunions, new friendships, found-family dynamics, and tender, burgeoning romance, or well-established and mature relationships; the moments of tragedy and triumph; and the sheer headiness of the adventure that transcends time and essentially other worlds, as dragons soar through the ether, is utterly captivating.
‘Champion of the Fallen’ will give you everything you were looking for in this type of book, and in this type of sequel, and so much more. I think SFF readers are simply so thrilled to have such a brilliant follow-up to ‘Dragon Mage’, in ‘Champion of the Fallen’, that we’re just living in the “here and now”, and savouring this marvellous triumph of a book. Yet I, for one, cannot help but look to the future, because this book will leave the reader so hungry for more.
Whenever the follow-up to ‘Champion of the Fallen’ arrives, be it five months, five years or fifteen, I will be eagerly awaiting it until then. This series, and this author, are clearly must-reads, for some of the best things we love about epic fantasy.
Buy CHAMPION OF THE FALLEN on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Fallen-Fantasy-Adventure-Rivenworld-ebook/dp/B0FV8VN618
Add CHAMPION OF THE FALLEN to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242574859-champion-of-the-fallen
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