First off, I would like to thank Jonathan Maberry for concluding Kagan’s story with a trilogy. Far too often authors drag on a successful series until there is really no story left to tell and as a reader, I’ve moved on without getting a satisfying conclusion. I completely understand, you’ve got something that readers are connecting with, you are making a profit, and you want to keep the good things going.

Three is a magic number: three of a kind, things happen in threes. Humans connect well with the number. The popularity of the trilogy is a perfect example of this. And Kagan’s story deserved the trilogy.

Maberry had a lot of things going on in this story. An extensive cast of characters with Kagan leading the way, and an evil villain whose depths of deceit go above and beyond. There are hordes of fantastic beasts and magical creatures. The trilogy allowed Maberry to fully develop all of these things.

The Dragon in Winter kept me engaged throughout, I wanted to keep reading. Most importantly, we arrived at the end of a fabulous tale.

*5 Stars

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I really like the ending of this series though I wish it was a little longer than i think it needed to be. There were parts of this book that I felt dragged on a little more than I would have liked. I'm glad we got to see the chaos and creatures and the universe as a whole is very interesting. I'd love to get more of that in a related series perhaps. I thought the characters were funny and Charming and they were probably the highlight of the series for me.

The third and final installment in Maberry’s KAGEN THE DAMNED series is every bit as engrossing as the previous installments, filled to the brim with weird magic, all kinds of unusual creatures, and plenty of brutal warfare.

This time, as the Witch-king prepares to become a demigod, he has also been busy messing with nature, giving some of the story an ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU vibe. There’s lots going on at a breakneck pace (the 200 short chapters fly by) including a wild battle on an ancient castle’s staircase and Kagen’s united army fighting, among other things, a bizarre breed of the living dead. Maberry’s Dragons fit in nicely with this trilogy’s use of the Lovecraftian mythos, giving them a different feel than your standard fantasy tale.

My only issue: Once Cthulhu’s brother Hastur is finally revealed, the novel nosedives way too quickly to an abrupt ending. We’re only given quick glimpses of what becomes of the many characters we’ve spent over 2,000 pages with across 3 novels. A small complaint, as the ride to the conclusion was fantastic.

Hoping to see more Kagen somewhere down the line.

he Dragon in Winter is the final book in the Kagen the Damned series. Like the endings to most epic grimdark fantasies we don't wrap everything in tidy little bows and happy endings. But we do get an ending and I will say overall it is a satisfying conclusion to this journey.
“We’re all pretending to be heroes, dear heart,” she observed. “Everyone is looking to us now, so we had better play the parts assigned to us.”

Mayberry did a great job of moving the story and keeping a lot of tension happening throughout. A lot of the chapters are really short, pivoting the reader between multiple PoVs quickly to keep the momentum of the story going until the last battle fought at the end. We, the reader, get to view this story through a lot of different character's eyes and it really helped with the pacing and the overall knowledge the reader is privy to, even when other characters are not. Even so, there were still a few surprises to be had along the way as scripts were flipped and various revelations made.

The veils between the worlds are blurring and Kagen is one that can see between them sometimes. Loved by a faery, he has some protections that help to carry him through the story. Maralina, will do what she can to help the mortal man who chained her heart to him. They are doomed and we know it, but I really longed to see Kagen and Maralina reunited sometime in this story.

There is so much going on though out the story. Kagen's brothers are traveling to the North looking for a lost brother and the last dragon in this world, Fabeldyr. The dragon brought magic to this world and her death will also be the death of all magic, she must be saved. The Witch King is gathering his strength and followers for a ceremony and transformation into a demigod. Kagen will need to defeat him before the ritual or all is lost. Alliances are made and the kingdoms will choose sides for the war of all wars.
“By the cast-iron balls of the god of blacksmiths,” growled Tuke. “That was a flag of truce. He came over to parlay”

“I know,” said Kagen, his voice as cold as winter ice. “But I came here to start a war.”

So many of the characters had parts to play in the bigger story. The Widow finally starts to show what she has become and how she will contribute to the war. Tuke and Filia are really the best friends Kagen could possibly have. I like how they keep him human and Tuke's various references to different gods balls were some of my favorite lines in the book. Jheklan and Faulker had one of the arcs that was the most interesting to me as I was really excited to get to the ice caves and see the dragon.

The Witch King is a fantastic bad guy. He was so easy to hate for so many reasons. The twist with him was both surprising and not surprising when it came. I had suspected for most of the book what the twist would be. The cost of magic was high and that was never sugar coated in our scenes with him. The Witch King was smart, ruthless and so cruel. But we the reader spend time in his head and so while I wanted him dead for so many reasons, I felt like he was one of he more intricate characters of the story and his chapters were fascinating.

At the end, while most things were wrapped up and this is definitely a concluded story I couldn't help but be disappointed it was over. I want to see where some of my favorite characters were years in the future and new stories made with some of the characters I'd grown to love. I could see Mayberry possibly creating another story in this word, although it is unclear if it will be something he will undertake later.

If you enjoy grimdark epic fantasy, I think this could be a good overall series for you. I enjoyed each book a little more than the last with the building of the characters, the world and the journey.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC.

What an epic ride!! Just full on from page one, this conclusion to Kagen's story wraps everything in an absolutely satisfying tale that definitely brought tears to my eyes and certainly left me wanting more. When I first started book 1, I wasn't sure if I would like Kagen, but he has become a favorite character, the man who refuses to be the hero. His journey from the lowest of lows to bringing together this group of unusual people to save the day is so well done and his relationship with Tuuk and Filia is a joy to read. This story truly has everything you could want: epic battles, humor, magical creatures, vampires, deliciously dangerous characters and of course.....DRAGONS!!!! The audio narration by Ray Porter is again, so fantastic and his readings of the spells in the foreign tongues are so marvelously creepy at times!! I will certainly listen to these stories again and maybe someday we will get the adventures of the Sons of the Dragon(really, give me all the Jheklan and Faulker!!!).

The fantastic conclusion to this series. Couldn't wait to start the next book with this whole series, and now wish there would be more. Great characters, great story, great pacing. Will definitely be looking for more to read from Jonathan Maberry.

The Dragon in Winter is fantasy at its best and it an amazing conclusion to the Kagen the Damned trilogy. Jonathan Maberry weaves together epic action, compelling characters, and complex plot. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone who loves this genre.

Here, I will confess that I was hoping this would turn into a longer series. It won’t be. I wrapped this up with tears in my eyes and a contented sigh. 🥹

In the previous two books the stage has been set, the Witch-King must fall. He has survived all of the attempts of our heroes thus far and the only choice left is all out war. How does a warrior as damned as Kagen build up enough support and people to form an army? Let Jonathan Maberry tell you exactly how.

This being the third book of a trilogy, you really do need to read the previous two books to get the most from this one. Only then, will you know and recognize the importance of these events and how they affect our characters.

All of my favorite characters are here, (and forgive me if I spell a name incorrectly, as I have listened to this series, and not read it.) Mother Fray is ageing even more quickly, and she was old to start with. Obviously Kagen is here, and by the squishy balls of the tentacle god, so is Tuq. (I'm going to miss his endless ball jokes). Maralina and Rissa, (though now called the widow), also appear. For a damned man, Kagen has a lot of support. The poor twins are still being held by the Witch King and they're more miserable than ever. Maralina has some tricks up her sleeve though, and I was really hoping that she and Kagen would meet again. Do they? You'll have to read or listen to this to find out!

I received an ARC of this book, but when the audio became available, I listened to that instead. That is because Ray Porter narrates this trilogy and he's just...OUTSTANDING. His performances are always good, but here there are so many characters in play, I thought it might be difficult for him. I shouldn't have worried because he is a professional and a joy to listen to. A JOY, I say! I especially love the voice of Tuq-which is somehow sexy and funny at the same time. Whenever I read a book by Johnathan Maberry and Ray Porter narrates it? It's a special sort of magic that to me, feels like coming home. I know I am in the hands of masters and I'm able to just let myself fall into the story effortlessly. No matter how long the book is, I'm always saddened when it's over. Luckily for me, these two work together a lot and I hope they continue to do so because they ROCK.

This was one wild finale where it felt like every character ever introduced to us ends up being present for the denouement. I think the final war took place over the last third of the book as the war parties clashed, magic spells whipped about, and ancient gods showed up to have their say.

I had such a good time listening to this book while at the same time I was sad. As I said I was hoping we'd see more of Kagen in the future and nothing happened here that would make that impossible, but his battle against the Witch King is now definitely over. It looks like I'll be taking a short break from this winning author/narrator combination...at least until the next Joe Ledger book comes out!

Highly recommended!

*ARC from publisher. Thank you. *

I requested this book having not read the previous two (mostly because I somehow missed that it was the third book--that was one me), so I immediately went back and binged the first two. And my goodness, having read them consecutively it made this book all the more beautiful.

I am in awe of the world that the author built and the characters that came through the pages. You have multiple POVs that keep you bouncing around and engaged with multiple story lines. It's an epic fantasy that more need to read!

I was not ready for the ending, but by the this point you know 'the witch king has to fall'. What I loved most about this final book is it brought all the characters together. As a reader this is very satisfying as I am not left wondering about certain side characters or ones that may have been left out of the battle. There are also DRAGONS! Seriously, this series has everything: epic adventures, action, fantasy, horror/mystery, dragons, fae, witches, creatures, mystery, secrets, lies--everything!

You really have to read the entire series to get just how wonderfully this third wraps everything up.

I have truly been in the thrall of this trilogy. What a fantastic story! This author has such a talent for world building and storytelling. I was completely immersed in this world and felt as if I personally knew the characters - - which could be a bit scary at times because some of them weren't so nice....and weren't even human.

But truly, over the course of these three books, I've seen them all grow and change. They've learned many secrets and been further deceived by others. Some things weren't as they appeared while others were completely what they looked like. At the end, it all led up to a war and that is exactly what they had. There were twisty machinations from both sides of the battlefield. It just kept going with the drama and suspense. And the Witch King had his own personal battle going on trying to become a God.

The entire series, but in particular this story impart many lessons of treating others with kindness - - including other animals we share our planet with. It's good to always remember that even though we sometimes see monsters, we don't know "what" or "who" made them into that creature. There were some deep messages tucked into the very action-packed story. It's not necessarily what you would have expected. I simply loved it all. I kept thinking to myself in the second half of the book that it was just so brilliantly creative.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I was fortunate to also receive an early copy of the audiobook. It was stellar. The narrator was absolutely perfect, and I loved listening to this book. It was nice to be able to listen most of the day and then switch to the ebook at night so I could stay in the story. I felt that the audiobook made it feel like a production. 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the audiobook and ebook.

Wow! An epic conclusion to the Kagen Trilogy. The story wraps up very well, though I will miss Kagen and his friends Tuke and Filia.
I have ready 'almost' everything authored by Jonathan Maberry and yet he still surprises and knocks me off balance. Everything that I though I had figured out in book two, I was completely wrong about. Except, of course, the fact that I already knew The Prince of Games by another name. No one writes a story, that flows so effortlessly, as Jonathan Maberry.
I will not reveal much of the actual story, because I don't want to ruin the experience for other readers.
Anyone who enjoys fantasy really needs to read this series. Anyone who is only an occasional fantasy reader, like me, also needs to read this.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to enjoy this e-ARC.

The Dragon in Winter is the final book in the Kagen the Damned series. Like the endings to most epic grimdark fantasies we don’t wrap everything in tidy little bows and happy endings. But we do get an ending and I will say overall it is a satisfying conclusion to this journey.

“We’re all pretending to be heroes, dear heart,” she observed. “Everyone is looking to us now, so we had better play the parts assigned to us.”

Mayberry did a great job of moving the story and keeping a lot of tension happening throughout. A lot of the chapters are really short, pivoting the reader between multiple PoVs quickly to keep the momentum of the story going until the last battle fought at the end. We, the reader, get to view this story through a lot of different character’s eyes and it really helped with the pacing and the overall knowledge the reader is privy to, even when other characters are not. Even so, there were still a few surprises to be had along the way as scripts were flipped and various revelations made.

The veils between the worlds are blurring and Kagen is one that can see between them sometimes. Loved by a faery, he has some protections that help to carry him through the story. Maralina, will do what she can to help the mortal man who chained her heart to him. They are doomed and we know it, but I really longed to see Kagen and Maralina reunited sometime in this story.

There is so much going on though out the story. Kagen’s brothers are traveling to the North looking for a lost brother and the last dragon in this world, Fabeldyr. The dragon brought magic to this world and her death will also be the death of all magic, she must be saved. The Witch King is gathering his strength and followers for a ceremony and transformation into a demigod. Kagen will need to defeat him before the ritual or all is lost. Alliances are made and the kingdoms will choose sides for the war of all wars.

“By the cast-iron balls of the god of blacksmiths,” growled Tuke. “That was a flag of truce. He came over to parlay”
“I know,” said Kagen, his voice as cold as winter ice. “But I came here to start a war.”

So many of the characters had parts to play in the bigger story. The Widow finally starts to show what she has become and how she will contribute to the war. Tuke and Filia are really the best friends Kagen could possibly have. I like how they keep him human and Tuke’s various references to different gods balls were some of my favorite lines in the book. Jheklan and Faulker had one of the arcs that was the most interesting to me as I was really excited to get to the ice caves and see the dragon.

The Witch King is a fantastic bad guy. He was so easy to hate for so many reasons. The twist with him was both surprising and not surprising when it came. I had suspected for most of the book what the twist would be. The cost of magic was high and that was never sugar coated in our scenes with him. The Witch King was smart, ruthless and so cruel. But we the reader spend time in his head and so while I wanted him dead for so many reasons, I felt like he was one of he more intricate characters of the story and his chapters were fascinating.

At the end, while most things were wrapped up and this is definitely a concluded story I couldn’t help but be disappointed it was over. I want to see where some of my favorite characters were years in the future and new stories made with some of the characters I’d grown to love. I could see Mayberry possibly creating another story in this word, although it is unclear if it will be something he will undertake later.

If you enjoy grimdark epic fantasy, I think this could be a good overall series for you. I enjoyed each book a little more than the last with the building of the characters, the world and the journey.

With The Dragon in Winter Jonathan Maberry brings his Kagen the Damned trilogy to an end. And while I’m sad the story is over, I’m pleased to say Maberry delivers a satisfying conclusion. I’m not even going to try to do a recap of the events. This is just such a complex, epic adventure. And yes I would say you absolutely should read the previous volumes before this one. (And why wouldn’t you? Who only reads the third book in a trilogy? lol) No matter the genre, Maberry just knows how to craft incredible stories and unforgettable characters. I’d love to see him return this world again in the future. I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of The Dragon in Winter.

https://www.amazon.com/review/RS2AMQC0X3ZZV/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

This book is fantastic! It just took the spot of my favorite this year so far. Every book in this series has been great, but this one took it to another level.

There is just so much to love.

It's not just people fighting against the evil witch-king and the Hakkians. Everyone has to choose a side. Animals, ghost warriors, fey, vampires, gods. And dragons! This book has it all. And we can't ignore these brilliant characters. Kagen of course, but don't forget the rest. Filia, Tuke, Maralina and all the rest are just as compelling in my opinion.

If you want fantasy with a beyond epic war, you have to read this series. I would give it more stars if I could. I absolutely loved it!

The Dragon in Winter is book three in this phenomenal series Kagen the Damned by Jonathan Maberry.
I absolutely loved book one and two! When I seen the third book on my NetGalley shelf I instantly hit download.
Maberry’s exceptional storytelling is my absolute favorite thing!
And the fact that the author has not only crafted an extraordinary and realist protagonist and villain, but also side characters who just jump right of the damn pages.
The story plotline continues to keep you guessing and things are revealed at such a good pace.
A dark fantasy masterpiece!

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you first to NetGalley for providing with this ARC of "The Dragon in Winter". I had randomly picked up "Kagen the Damned" one day looking for a new adventure and couldn't put it down. I enjoyed Maberry's writing style so much that when I saw this ARC available I had to ask for it. I love the dark overtones and the subtle bits of dark humor most in this series. As a fantasy lover I highly recommend the "Kagen the Damned" series collectively and "The Dragon in Winter" did not disappoint. Highly recommend adding this to any fantasy lover's MUST read list.

Kagen the Damned is always non-stop action. I did have to go back and remind myself of the first two books because there are a lot of characters and a lot of moving parts. What Maberry does best, though, is write complicate characters. That and very involved action scenes. I always want to meet the characters again and I can always picture the action in my head.

I read this book at a time when my life is ridiculously busy, hectic, and stressful. It just took me right out of all that for a day. I can always depend on Jonathan Maberry for that.

The Dragon in Winter is a gripping and satisfying conclusion to a series that has masterfully woven together elements of darkness, violence, and wonder. The story plunges deep into a world teeming with all manner of creatures and magic, each more fascinating and terrifying than the last. The world-building is exceptionally well thought out, creating a vivid and immersive landscape that feels as if it extends far beyond the pages. This world brims with potential for further exploration, hinting at untold stories yet to be uncovered.

The narrative is driven by multiple points of view, each contributing a unique perspective that enriches the overall story. Despite the complexity, the voices are distinct and memorable, making it easy to follow and recall each character's journey. The intricate plot threads are skillfully tied together, delivering a conclusion that feels both inevitable and satisfying. Fans of the series will find this final installment to be a fitting end, one that lingers long after the last page is turned.

All the stars! This was a riveting conclusion to the trilogy. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and Maberry NEVER disappoints. The story comes full circle, with a conclusion that will satisfy readers and there's DRAGONS!!!!

A word about the amazing audio for this - Ray Porter outdoes himself yet again. Stellar performance throughout.