The Dragons of Deepwood Fen

"The Dragons of Deepwood Fen" by Bradley P. Beaulieu is an enthralling adventure that transports readers into a meticulously crafted world teeming with dragons, magic, and intrigue. Beaulieu’s storytelling prowess shines through each page, crafting complex characters and an engrossing plot that dances gracefully between action and emotional depth. The dragons themselves are not mere monsters but fully realized beings that add layers to the story. This book is a masterclass in fantasy writing—absolutely captivating from start to finish. A must-read for any fan of the genre.

This was a great start to the Book of the Holt series, the characters worked overall in this fantasy novel. The world has everything that I was looking for. The use of dragons worked well in the world and I’m glad it had everything that I enjoyed about the genre.

I received this book as an ARC reader from NetGalley, and offer my honest review of it.

I loved this book. I devoured it. I 100% recommend it.

I honestly had trouble putting this book down and stepping out of the world to attend my daily obligations (children). I went to bed thinking about this book, that is how much I loved this.

The plot itself. Amazing. It was evenly paced between character and plot development, and the political scenes and actions sequences paced and pushed each other in the most perfect way.

The world building while at first intense, was absolutely stunning, and slow enough throughout the book that I wasn’t overwhelmed by information, and left me hungry for more.

The characters in this book - chefs kiss
This is a multi POV book, and I want to note, I don’t normally like multi POV. However in this case. It worked, I loved it, being able to read this story from every angle, only added to plot development and the intrigue.

This book has the potential set up for romance in following books, and 0 spice, and I do normally like my books a little spicy. But it absolutely was not missed in this book.

I need book 2 now. Right now. I could not put this fast paced story down. And I have to know what happens next!! I'm obsessed with this.
I just reviewed The Dragons of Deepwood Fen by Bradley P. Beaulieu. #TheDragonsofDeepwoodFen #NetGalley
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The Dragons of Deepwood Fen is the first book in a new series that has adventure, fantasy, with multi point of views that grabs your attention from the very beginning.

In a mountain city of Ancris, Lorelei is one of the smartest people there and when she gets a tip that leads her to a meet up, she discovers a peril that could endanger not only her but the entire empire. Meanwhile Rylan, an infamous thief, uncovers the same mystery as Lorelei. When their paths cross, Lorelei decides to free Rylan in order to stop the Red Knives from fulfilling their goals. The two flee into the forest known as the Holt where they find out that the Red Knives, along with the Church, are planning on raising a high-powered demigod. They must bring the same people who condemned them together before it is too late to stop the Red Knives and the Church from accomplishing their nefarious plan.


I loved this book so much. The plot was great, there was drama, you wouldn’t think of a drama with a high fantasy book, but it works well. (At least not me, when I think of a drama I think of a contemporary normally) I flew through this book, even though it was almost 500 pages, it took me no time at all to read.

Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for this early review copy in exchange for an honest review!

My review can be found on my blog:
https://wellreadnovel.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-dragons-of-deepwood-fen.htm

Bradley is back with that new series! What a comeback! Fantastic world and crazy story! I can't way for the next one!

First of all dragons, I've been obsessed with dragons since always, and this book had a lot of dragon detail I loved

There is a LOT of information to take in early on. This world had a fully realised government and religion and military among other things, the roles and groups and hierarchies are all fairly complex. We also have magic and lore and rebellion and controversy and history.

And dragons.

But it's worth the time, the universe the author has created is absolutely stunning.

Love the concept of a dragon singer and I think Rylan is my new book boyfriend.

And dragons.

We follow various characters throughout the book, switching between their POVs and it's done so well. The story progresses at the good pace, without feeling hectic or forced. With a nice dose of plot twists to keep us guessing.

And the characters evolve through their experiences and encounters in ways that feel so natural and organic.

We touch on themes like drug use, mental health, racism and trauma.

And dragons.

The way magic works and can be used in this universe is fascinating and terrifying. The comparison of bond and bind was such an interesting concept.

I really enjoyed the way that we are left with so much story left to tell, but it wasn't a jarring cliffhanger.

I cannot wait for the next one and I desperately want a dragon bestie.

Did I mention dragons?

Happily give this 5 stars.