The Dragonkin Legacy by Ian E.S. Adler is an epic young adult fantasy set in the war-torn continent of Cynnahu, where humanity’s ancient conquest of the Dragonkin has long been complete. Millennia later, a new threat arises as the snake-folk of Nag Isle wage war against humanity. A diverse group of five characters forms the core crew for the adventure. Sakura is an orphan seeking vengeance, Myrriden is a weary mage and father to Emrys, his uncertain son, Volcan Darkrod is a mysterious Fire Mage, and Archmage Hoth is their unflappable leader. This varied and interesting troupe must unravel ancient secrets and rediscover the Elder Song’s magic to save their world from impending doom.

Author Ian E.S. Adler masterfully weaves many intricate strands into the building of a truly expansive fantasy world that is rich with history, magic, and lore. The multisensory nature of this vivid narrative captivates readers from the first page, and it’s clear this author has developed his world inside and out with as much atmosphere and credibility as possible. This skill in detail is also matched in the author’s ability to create deep, multi-dimensional characters, allowing readers to connect with their struggles, growth, and courage throughout the epic journey as different plot points put various members of the troupe to the test. I was very drawn to the drama between Myrriden and his son, with heartfelt dialogue that brings a lot of unspoken emotion to the surface without ever over-dramatizing the moment. Adler’s storytelling balances intense action with a thoughtful exploration of themes like legacy, sacrifice, and the burdens of leadership, and there’s never too long a pause before the next twist sends you flying back into the fray. Overall, The Dragonkin Legacy is a compelling and unforgettable fantasy adventure for fans of intricately penned adventures and bold, complex characters.

The Dragonkin Legacy is an epic fantasy series by Ian E.S. Adler consisting of two books, The Last War and Dragon Guardians. During a devastating, century-long war between the Dragonkin and humans, the dragons were overpowered by the humans' auric magic. Eventually, the ruins of the Dragonkin faded into legend. Now, millennia later, Archmage Hoth senses an impending Naga attack on Shrine Isle. He uses the Spell of Seeing to confirm a fleet of Naga warships approaching the isle. The snake-folk of Nag Isle is a fierce enemy. The reader will follow the adventurous efforts of five people of the continent Cynnahu, whose destinies intertwine to save humanity with swords, spells, and old scrolls. Will the prophecy about a “team of five” be fulfilled, and at what price?

I could not help but become fully absorbed in this mythic story of magic and war. Ian E.S. Adler writes with conviction and passion, describing the rich history of the mages' and dragons' cultures in an entertaining and captivating way. The characters are unique and authentic, and their stories combine to form an intriguingly rich and thrilling narrative. As the character Emrys realizes his calling – that he is the student of the five mentioned in the prophecy – he lights up and truly comes to life. His journey will appeal to the young adult audience to which this book is aimed. The Dragonkin Legacy highlights strategy, war, politics, and magic, it is an adventure not to be missed and an intriguing mystery to be unraveled.

The Dragonkin Legacy: The Last War & Dragon Guardians comprises both novels by Ian E.S. Adler in the series. The future of humanity lies in the hands of three mages and two eleven-year-olds. The Cynnahu continent was plagued by the attacks of snake-like mireborn Naga who were relentless in pursuing the Dragon Shrine. These attacks all pointed to the Last War and a prophecy waiting to come true. According to that prophecy, a “Team of Five” will come forward and save humanity. By the looks of it, the team includes Myrriden, a mage, and a single father who already had his hands full with caring for his son. Emrys, Myrriden’s son, believed he was nowhere near the mage his father was. Sakura, a recently orphaned girl was burning with vengeance. Archmage Hoth, the leader of the Cynnahu people, was already feeling the pressure of keeping his people safe. And finally, Volcan Darkrod, a fire mage who had mysterious powers. All five of them are supposed to protect Cynnahu and humanity. But are they truly the “Team of Five?”

The Dragonkin Legacy by Ian E.S. Adler is an epic fantasy adventure that blends historical fiction with mythical elements. I loved the world-building and the intense action. The narrative style was perfect to keep the pace of the story, keep the attention of readers on the plot, and complement the development of the characters. Adler’s vivid descriptions bring the world of Cynnahu to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. I loved how the story explored topics like the consequences of war and how it affects countless lives. While the plot is intricate and involves numerous subplots, Adler ties everything together in a satisfying conclusion. The storytelling is both rich and immersive, drawing readers into a world that is as enchanting as it is dangerous. Each member of the Team of Five is well-crafted, with distinct personalities and arcs that evolve as the narrative unfolds. Sakura’s quest for vengeance adds a raw emotional edge, while Myrriden’s struggles with fatherhood and duty provide a clear contrast. Was there ever a moment in the story that felt lacking? Never! The ending was perfect and made me love the story more. Highly recommended!

The Dragonkin Legacy by Ian E.S. Adler is a high fantasy filled with magic, mages, and a myriad of dragons, all set against a backdrop of action and adventure. The story weaves together a prophecy and a legacy in the mystical world of Cynnahu, creating an epic tale of a legendary quest undertaken by a team of five. The narrative unfolds in the ancient battleground of the Cynnahu Archipelago, where humanity has vanquished the Dragonkin, and the snake people of Nag Isle are determined to challenge them. This situation compels our heroes to devise a survival plan. The team of five of varying ages and social statuses tries to tackle and navigate the unfolding secrets of the narrative, exploring ancient ghosts, shrines and swords, mysterious motives and myths, along with friendships and betrayal. Their primary objective is to summon the legendary strength of the Dragonkin, which has disappeared from human history, leading them on a mission filled with magic and mystery—a quest steeped in legacy and prophecy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The narrative seamlessly blends Book 1, The Last War, and Book 2, Dragon Guardians, creating an incredible world of magic and myth. Smooth transitions in the story, along with unexpected twists and turns, craft an engaging and immersive fantasy world. The prologue offers valuable insights that enhance the plot’s authenticity and worldbuilding. The title is apt and captures the story well, highlighting the importance of the legacy of the dragonkin, a crucial aspect of the novel. The intertwining elements of battles, magic, prophecies, and mythology, alongside the characters' burning ambition to avert catastrophe, keep readers intrigued and eager to discover their significance. Character development is woven throughout the plot, showing the depth and solidarity of their bonds and friendships. The author cleverly ends the first book with a hint of mystery that unfolds in the second book. Ian E.S. Adler's writing is imaginative and descriptive, vividly conveying the battles, emotions, and adventures the characters experience while also providing rich details of the history and mythology of the land. Beyond action and adventure, the story delves into the characters' minds, revealing their wit and strategy as they overcome various obstacles during their journey. Overall, The Dragonkin Legacy is well-structured, providing ample insights and development in the plot. It takes readers on a journey through spells, swords, myths, and dragons, making it a top choice for fans of a high fantasy tale filled with action, mystery, and adventure.

In The Dragonkin Legacy by Ian E.S. Adler, the Archmage Hoth of Noridris assembles a Mages Council amid a catastrophic attack by the Naga. Captain Serro valiantly defends Shrine Isle but falls during the siege. In the aftermath, survivors, including Volcan Darkrod and Sakura, who lost her family, return to Noridris, where disquiet arises regarding Sakura's guardianship between Volcan and Nifel, an Inner Circle mage. Emrys, a student at the School of Eirias, discovers a prophecy tied to a group called the Team of Five, indicating an urgent threat from the Naga. Meanwhile, Aneirin explores ancient ruins on Escow Isle, uncovering vital information about the Dragonkin and a dark, looming dissidence. As Emrys and Sakura prepare for battle, the impending clash with the Naga becomes imminent, driving them to hone their skills and unite their strengths for the defense of their realm.

Ian E.S. Adler's The Dragonkin Legacy: The Last War & Dragon Guardians does well in mixing up the action of training and, ultimately, battle, with the pure emotions of those in its throes. Adler makes rooting for Sakura in particular an organic process through her sheer grief and loss. There is one scene where she is overwhelmed with a haunting reminder of the screams of her mother and baby brother which is absolutely heartbreaking. The desire for vengeance becomes ours as well. The world-building is really just spectacular with a social system that makes sense and textured environments that are almost cinematic. The standout to me is Nag Isle, a misty wetland alive with chimeric creatures and bioluminescent flora that cast an eerie glow on dark waters. These are elevated by near-poetic prose in lines like, “Even the sea tasted of iron, with bloated corpses no less common than driftwood, the latter often the broken remnants of ships.” Overall, this is a well-written and engrossing novel that readers will undoubtedly enjoy. Very highly recommended.

The Dragonkin Legacy by Ian E.S. Adler consists of The Last War and Dragon Guardians in a highly recommended epic fantasy. Many years ago, Cynnahu was shaken by a deadly war when human mages arrived and conflict began with the Dragonkin that lived there. After the mages won, the Dragonkin became extinct, and now, the human descendants are facing a deadly threat foretold in a prophecy. Five individuals known as the Traveler, the Orphan, the Survivor, the Student, and the Lord are destined to fight the Naga in the Last War. The outcome of this war will determine the fate of the Archipelago of Cynnahu as those chosen embark on a dangerous mission to uncover the secrets of the Dragonkin’s magic. Their adventure is guided by a riddle found by Aneirin - also known as the Grey Owl - which grants them the ability to find other hidden secrets that could help them win the war.

The Last War introduces an assortment of characters at the center of this great war between mages and Naga. The five chosen fulfill key roles at the core of a hero’s journey, each possessing a specific characteristic as part of their overall arcs. Ian E.S. Adler uses these elements to create an interesting reflection of the war between the mages and Dragonkin at the start. Sakura has the role of the Orphan with her journey rooted in losing everything and everyone she knows. This is a common theme found throughout both books and furthers the emotional weight of the story. Paired with Emrys, the two add innocence to the narrative that helps ground the seriousness of the war. Their inclusion shows the reality of war and reveals the stakes if the five fail to save the continent from the Naga. The history of the Dragonkin creates a rich backstory interspersed throughout and serves as a guiding force for the adventure. Their presence is felt throughout, especially in book one, with their culture, magic, and history directly impacting how the mages fight against the Naga. This continues into book two with the Naga's growing threat and more obstacles awaiting the characters. The Dragonkin Legacy is a highly recommended fantasy that takes readers on an epic adventure as the war unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the characters face dangerous challenges in the hope of saving the continent they call home.