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Dragon Prince #3
Sunrunner's Fire
It began with the discovery of the star scroll—the last repository of forgotten spells of sorcery, the only surviving record of the ancient foe who in times past had nearly destroyed the Sunrunners and their magic. Now, as Andry, the new Sunrunner Lord of Goddess Keep, begins to master this potentially deadly knowledge, while Pol, son of High Prince Rohan, seeks to touch the minds of dragons, the long-vanquished enemy is mobilizing to strike again, drawing on forbidden lore to play an ever-shifting game of treachery and betrayal—and secretly infiltrating even the most strongly protected of citadels.
And soon, Pol, Andry, Rohan, his Sunrunner wife Sioned, and all whom they hold dear will find it hard to tell friend from foe as spell wars threaten the devastate the land—and dragons soar the skies, inexorably lured by magic’s fiery call….
And soon, Pol, Andry, Rohan, his Sunrunner wife Sioned, and all whom they hold dear will find it hard to tell friend from foe as spell wars threaten the devastate the land—and dragons soar the skies, inexorably lured by magic’s fiery call….
496 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Melanie Rawn
73 books1,198 followersMelanie Rawn received a BA in history from Scripps College and worked as a teacher and editor before becoming a writer.
She has been nominated for a Locus award on three separate occasions: in 1989 for Dragon Prince (in the first novel category), in 1994 for Skybowl (in the fantasy novel category), and again in 1995 for Ruins of Ambrai (in the fantasy novel category).
She has been nominated for a Locus award on three separate occasions: in 1989 for Dragon Prince (in the first novel category), in 1994 for Skybowl (in the fantasy novel category), and again in 1995 for Ruins of Ambrai (in the fantasy novel category).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
May 20, 2019
I really, really struggled to get through this book. I just never grew to like any of the new characters and kept wishing that the narrative had been about my old favorites. At this point, I cannot see myself continuing on to the next trilogy, but who knows what tomorrow will hold.
October 3, 2018
It took me a while to get into this, because I’m terrible at keeping up with series, and it has been a while since I read the previous Dragon Prince book. But, kudos to Melanie Rawn for creating such a memorable world and characters, because by the first couple of chapters I’d gotten my footing and could read the story without looking up who everyone was. (Thank goodness for character directories in fantasy novels!)
Overall, I really enjoyed this series as a whole. The world is wonderful and I love how Rawn is able to create such different, vibrant characters. There are dozens of strong, independent women who are able to hold their own even in this brutal society, and in this book, she introduces a female character who isn’t so strong-willed, which was a nice change of pace, and I like that we got to see that someone can be strong and brave without being stubborn and physically or mentally powerful.
My favorite part of this is the tension between Andry and his family. It’s masterfully grey, where his family supports him as a person, but doesn’t necessarily agree with his tactics as Lord of Goddess Keep. For me, this is the most interesting dynamic within the whole story, especially when you throw in his relationship with Pol. I’m interested in seeing this further developed in the sequel series.
I do think that this book suffers a bit from not having high enough stakes. The drama is there, but the danger isn’t, since the characters are overly smart and powerful, there really isn’t much of a question of how everything is going to turn out. It’s exciting and interesting, but there isn’t as much tension as there could be. It’s also a bit tough to keep up with things since there are huge year jumps. I appreciate not being walked through every boring thing, but I wish there were more of a transition so the reader can get a feel of the time passing.
Overall, this is a decent fantasy. Wonderful characters, beautifully crafted world, and a plot that works and provides enough excitement to be entertained. I am planning to eventually read the sequel series and hope it only gets better!
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series as a whole. The world is wonderful and I love how Rawn is able to create such different, vibrant characters. There are dozens of strong, independent women who are able to hold their own even in this brutal society, and in this book, she introduces a female character who isn’t so strong-willed, which was a nice change of pace, and I like that we got to see that someone can be strong and brave without being stubborn and physically or mentally powerful.
My favorite part of this is the tension between Andry and his family. It’s masterfully grey, where his family supports him as a person, but doesn’t necessarily agree with his tactics as Lord of Goddess Keep. For me, this is the most interesting dynamic within the whole story, especially when you throw in his relationship with Pol. I’m interested in seeing this further developed in the sequel series.
I do think that this book suffers a bit from not having high enough stakes. The drama is there, but the danger isn’t, since the characters are overly smart and powerful, there really isn’t much of a question of how everything is going to turn out. It’s exciting and interesting, but there isn’t as much tension as there could be. It’s also a bit tough to keep up with things since there are huge year jumps. I appreciate not being walked through every boring thing, but I wish there were more of a transition so the reader can get a feel of the time passing.
Overall, this is a decent fantasy. Wonderful characters, beautifully crafted world, and a plot that works and provides enough excitement to be entertained. I am planning to eventually read the sequel series and hope it only gets better!
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
April 13, 2014
75-percent of this book concerns people painstakingly discussing what they just did, what they're going to do, and what they might do. I'm not sure why. It's not like any of these people are brilliant Machiavellian statesmen. Their motivations/actions should be easily discernible. Also, there's dragons.
It's possible that this naval-gazing is a brilliant structural reflection of the main theme: protagonist Pol struggles with Hamlet's dilemma between satisfying barbaric violence and agonizing civilized reflection. The reader struggles right along with Pol. The fifteenth time that the characters earnestly discuss their inner feelings, the reader develops a headache.
It's possible that this naval-gazing is a brilliant structural reflection of the main theme: protagonist Pol struggles with Hamlet's dilemma between satisfying barbaric violence and agonizing civilized reflection. The reader struggles right along with Pol. The fifteenth time that the characters earnestly discuss their inner feelings, the reader develops a headache.
August 28, 2019
Andry, YOU SUCK. Using the first ring night to get teenagers pregnant and killing people just because of their heritage? I know you have your reasons but you still suck.
Pol, I have my eye on you. You were actually sort of okay in this book but you are about to turn into an insufferable, arrogant jerk and I will want to knock your block off.
If the two of you could both knock off this stupid power struggle, things would work out much better for everyone. But then we would lose a lot of plot and 17 years worth of entertaining arguments, so I guess it's all good. ;)
Pol, I have my eye on you. You were actually sort of okay in this book but you are about to turn into an insufferable, arrogant jerk and I will want to knock your block off.
If the two of you could both knock off this stupid power struggle, things would work out much better for everyone. But then we would lose a lot of plot and 17 years worth of entertaining arguments, so I guess it's all good. ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2020
The third book in Rawn's first series, this one drags a bit at the start. The primary motivation of pretty much everyone in the Sunrunner world is having a son. Girls are great, we are told, provided they marry a prince and have a son, otherwise, they are not really necessary. I don't know if Rawn wrote or read romance novels, but this idea is so thick in her books it sure seems likely.
One one hand, it's kind of cool that every character is flawed in some way (we're supposed to love a murderer and a rapist, really). On the other hand, Pol and Andry, the two primary characters in this novel, are both annoying jerks. Both are as entitled as anyone I've ever read about, believing they should be prince or head sunrunner simply because that's what they want to be, so surely it is owed to them. Ultimately, Pol has no real claim to his throne any better than Roelstra's sons, beyond the fact that his dad killed Roelstra. I'm not sure how that in and of itself makes him a better person than they are, but he sure seems to think so, and the novel mirrors that belief.
It's never really explained why sorcerers are powerful or why anyone would be afraid of them--but they don't seem very scary or powerful. It'd be nice if some of the minor characters, like Hollis, Maarken, and the woman who studies dragons (Feylin, I think) stuck around longer, or if anyone, and I mean anyone, got some attention who wasn't a highborn. Rawn clearly does not care for anyone who isn't royal. They do not matter. Weird.
Meiglan is a frustrating character as well. Rawn's created lots of strong female characters in this series, all worth reading about, then has Andry fall in love with the most timid, naive, innocent vessel to grace the pages. Rawn makes it clear Pol loves her mostly because she's NOT a strong woman. Ugh. How are we supposed to root for Pol when he acts like that (granted, maybe we aren't supposed to).
Anyway, these novels are a nice diversion, but I had to slog through the first half, and the disdain for anyone not highborn is palpable and disturbing. My wife assures me that at least a lot more happens in the second trilogy. Let's hope so. Andry's primary motivation is to avoid a horrible prophesy (he's kind of like Anakin Skywalker that way) so maybe all that awfulness takes place.
One one hand, it's kind of cool that every character is flawed in some way (we're supposed to love a murderer and a rapist, really). On the other hand, Pol and Andry, the two primary characters in this novel, are both annoying jerks. Both are as entitled as anyone I've ever read about, believing they should be prince or head sunrunner simply because that's what they want to be, so surely it is owed to them. Ultimately, Pol has no real claim to his throne any better than Roelstra's sons, beyond the fact that his dad killed Roelstra. I'm not sure how that in and of itself makes him a better person than they are, but he sure seems to think so, and the novel mirrors that belief.
It's never really explained why sorcerers are powerful or why anyone would be afraid of them--but they don't seem very scary or powerful. It'd be nice if some of the minor characters, like Hollis, Maarken, and the woman who studies dragons (Feylin, I think) stuck around longer, or if anyone, and I mean anyone, got some attention who wasn't a highborn. Rawn clearly does not care for anyone who isn't royal. They do not matter. Weird.
Meiglan is a frustrating character as well. Rawn's created lots of strong female characters in this series, all worth reading about, then has Andry fall in love with the most timid, naive, innocent vessel to grace the pages. Rawn makes it clear Pol loves her mostly because she's NOT a strong woman. Ugh. How are we supposed to root for Pol when he acts like that (granted, maybe we aren't supposed to).
Anyway, these novels are a nice diversion, but I had to slog through the first half, and the disdain for anyone not highborn is palpable and disturbing. My wife assures me that at least a lot more happens in the second trilogy. Let's hope so. Andry's primary motivation is to avoid a horrible prophesy (he's kind of like Anakin Skywalker that way) so maybe all that awfulness takes place.
July 7, 2011
Review from the PFS Book Club...
What I Liked: This book is a well-crafted (plot-wise, at least) ending to the Dragon Princetrilogy, nicely tying up the Rohan versus Roelstra and his family vein that started in the first book. There are revelations a plenty, but in what might be Rawn's greatest move, most of them are character-driven, not plot-based or world-building based. The strongest moments in this book come from the characters, especially a heated series of moments towards the end of the book.
As always, Rawn manages to excel at her characters and motivations, although she seems to make falling in love with the perfect partner just too easy. It would be nice to see at least one person hate their spouse, at least for a moment or two. In the end, though, it's the characters and their mulitple motivations that provide the best action the book can supply - and that's including the epic magic duel that ends the book.
What I Didn't Like: Rawn has lots and lots of characters running around. In this third book, she adds to Andry's Sunrunners, a lot of children are born, and it all seems to start to slip out of Rawn's control. Some of the background characters start to fall into the trap of being too similar to others, and some of the characters simply don't have enough importance to actually be part of the plot, but there they are.
This is none the more apparent then in the first half of the book, when, for some reason, takes place mostly outside of the Rohan-family circle. While it's nice to focus on Ostvel and the others, it takes up too much time until the readers see the main characters. This is only further confirmed in the ending, which focuses entirely on them, and most of the characters from the beginning aren't even involved in the third act of the book. It's a failure of plot and structure that makes the book's weaknesses come even further out.
And yet once again, Rawn's writing isn't pretty. There's even a few atrocious moments in this volume, but for a quick read, it's not that awful. Rawn just should avoid discussing sunsets for more than a sentence.
Last Thought: A fitting end to a fast, fun-to-read fantasy trilogy.
What I Liked: This book is a well-crafted (plot-wise, at least) ending to the Dragon Princetrilogy, nicely tying up the Rohan versus Roelstra and his family vein that started in the first book. There are revelations a plenty, but in what might be Rawn's greatest move, most of them are character-driven, not plot-based or world-building based. The strongest moments in this book come from the characters, especially a heated series of moments towards the end of the book.
As always, Rawn manages to excel at her characters and motivations, although she seems to make falling in love with the perfect partner just too easy. It would be nice to see at least one person hate their spouse, at least for a moment or two. In the end, though, it's the characters and their mulitple motivations that provide the best action the book can supply - and that's including the epic magic duel that ends the book.
What I Didn't Like: Rawn has lots and lots of characters running around. In this third book, she adds to Andry's Sunrunners, a lot of children are born, and it all seems to start to slip out of Rawn's control. Some of the background characters start to fall into the trap of being too similar to others, and some of the characters simply don't have enough importance to actually be part of the plot, but there they are.
This is none the more apparent then in the first half of the book, when, for some reason, takes place mostly outside of the Rohan-family circle. While it's nice to focus on Ostvel and the others, it takes up too much time until the readers see the main characters. This is only further confirmed in the ending, which focuses entirely on them, and most of the characters from the beginning aren't even involved in the third act of the book. It's a failure of plot and structure that makes the book's weaknesses come even further out.
And yet once again, Rawn's writing isn't pretty. There's even a few atrocious moments in this volume, but for a quick read, it's not that awful. Rawn just should avoid discussing sunsets for more than a sentence.
Last Thought: A fitting end to a fast, fun-to-read fantasy trilogy.
September 24, 2024
I loved SUNRUNNER'S FIRE and I love Melanie Rawn's writing. I love the epic fantasy-ness of this series thanks to the awesome world building, characters, relationships, political intrigue, and the ethical/moral issues the books explore.
While DRAGON PRINCE is my favorite book in the series because I adore Rohan and Sioned, I loved SUNRUNNER'S FIRE because it’s the end of the trilogy and most of the events that had been brewing from the beginning came to an end.
One of my favorite aspects of the trilogy is the farahd’im (Sunrunners) and diarmahd’im (Sorcerers). People who are born with faradhi gifts are sent to Goddess Keep to be trained in the sunrunning arts of weaving light using the power of the sun and moon, call fire and wind, and conjure images of the future. The diarmahd’im have been in hiding for hundreds of years because of their differences with the farahd’im. They also weave light, call fire and wind AND earth and water, and produce conjurings, using the forbidden power of the stars.
I loved that the Sorcerers had a more central role in SUNRUNNER'S FIRE. We didn't know much about them before this book so I loved learning more about their powers and finding out why they hate Sunrunners as much as they do.
I'm really glad I reread this trilogy and I hope to start reading the Dragon Star trilogy (sister trilogy to Dragon Prince trilogy) within the next couple of months. I’m excited to find out what happens.
While DRAGON PRINCE is my favorite book in the series because I adore Rohan and Sioned, I loved SUNRUNNER'S FIRE because it’s the end of the trilogy and most of the events that had been brewing from the beginning came to an end.
One of my favorite aspects of the trilogy is the farahd’im (Sunrunners) and diarmahd’im (Sorcerers). People who are born with faradhi gifts are sent to Goddess Keep to be trained in the sunrunning arts of weaving light using the power of the sun and moon, call fire and wind, and conjure images of the future. The diarmahd’im have been in hiding for hundreds of years because of their differences with the farahd’im. They also weave light, call fire and wind AND earth and water, and produce conjurings, using the forbidden power of the stars.
I loved that the Sorcerers had a more central role in SUNRUNNER'S FIRE. We didn't know much about them before this book so I loved learning more about their powers and finding out why they hate Sunrunners as much as they do.
I'm really glad I reread this trilogy and I hope to start reading the Dragon Star trilogy (sister trilogy to Dragon Prince trilogy) within the next couple of months. I’m excited to find out what happens.
April 25, 2024
4.5 stars!! I only don't go the full 5 because the pacing felt a little off. The first half of the book was a little bit of a drag. The end was so exciting though! I'm a little irked because I was hoping for a nice, neat bow at the end here and instead I think it set up for the next series?? lol Now I'm going to have to continue reading sooner rather than later.
>>>>>SPOILERS BELOW<<<<<
I do wish we'd spent a little more time in the last chapter on resolution of Pol and Meiglan with Pol's parents or something. I loved the way the dragon's situation was resolved though. So great to see them hatching so many bebe dragons!! Even though I didn't love the Andry chapter setting up the next series, I do think Andry is a great character, in a very tragic way. Hard to be too upset about that.
>>>>>SPOILERS BELOW<<<<<
I do wish we'd spent a little more time in the last chapter on resolution of Pol and Meiglan with Pol's parents or something. I loved the way the dragon's situation was resolved though. So great to see them hatching so many bebe dragons!! Even though I didn't love the Andry chapter setting up the next series, I do think Andry is a great character, in a very tragic way. Hard to be too upset about that.
September 17, 2017
At 3 stars only because there's not an option for 2.5 stars. :/ It's taken me awhile because I was pissed at the actions of some of the characters, and MILD SPOILERS for events of the first book.
Some of it due to how crappy Andry became in this book. I get it, he's taking measures to prevent the bad future he saw-or at least be able to springboard into action once it arrives, which is made harder because his family and friends' reaction range from disbelief to laughing in his face.
ROHAN, SERIOUSLY, SHUT UP ABOUT IANTHE. YOU DIDN'T RAPE HER, SHE HAD YOU KIDNAPPED THEN SHE DRUGGED AND RAPED YOU. You've got it bass-ackwards! Y'alls 2nd encounter might not be qualified as rape because I don't know if the drugs were out of Rohan's system yet, and therefore how much he would've been able to consent. But his "I'm a Barbarian, WOE IS ME" act is so old and annoying I want to read someone throat-punching him so he can't talk about it ever again! Violent? Maybe. But it's like a broken record, he keeps going on and on and ON about how he's a monster... when he wasn't even capable of consent! Ianthe was the monster because she was the one who took away his ability to consent! ARGH.
On the upside? DRAGONS. Yes.
On the downside? The next book in my re-read of this series is Stronghold, IIRC, and I'm not looking forward to it. Pol's character peaks here in Sunrunner's Fire folks, and it's alllllll downhill from here as to his likeability. >.<
Some of it due to how crappy Andry became in this book. I get it, he's taking measures to prevent the bad future he saw-or at least be able to springboard into action once it arrives, which is made harder because his family and friends' reaction range from disbelief to laughing in his face.
ROHAN, SERIOUSLY, SHUT UP ABOUT IANTHE. YOU DIDN'T RAPE HER, SHE HAD YOU KIDNAPPED THEN SHE DRUGGED AND RAPED YOU. You've got it bass-ackwards! Y'alls 2nd encounter might not be qualified as rape because I don't know if the drugs were out of Rohan's system yet, and therefore how much he would've been able to consent. But his "I'm a Barbarian, WOE IS ME" act is so old and annoying I want to read someone throat-punching him so he can't talk about it ever again! Violent? Maybe. But it's like a broken record, he keeps going on and on and ON about how he's a monster... when he wasn't even capable of consent! Ianthe was the monster because she was the one who took away his ability to consent! ARGH.
On the upside? DRAGONS. Yes.
On the downside? The next book in my re-read of this series is Stronghold, IIRC, and I'm not looking forward to it. Pol's character peaks here in Sunrunner's Fire folks, and it's alllllll downhill from here as to his likeability. >.<
December 20, 2014
By far the strongest of the series. The opening was inspired, with about 9 chapters taking place over 9 years, so we got snapshots in time and the point of view of many different characters, as well as their thoughts. When the last year was complete I was dreading that the bulk of the action was going to be taking place in a Rialla year. After the last book, where all the action took place at the Rialla, I am done with that event forever. It thankfully never came to that.
The dragons are pretty under utilized. I need more dragons!
I think I'm going to take a small break before beginning the next trilogy, but the series definitely picked up with this installment.
The dragons are pretty under utilized. I need more dragons!
I think I'm going to take a small break before beginning the next trilogy, but the series definitely picked up with this installment.
September 24, 2013
Wanted to see how the series turned out. Can't say that I was captivated by the whole thing. My biggest complaint is calling this series the Dragon Prince. It would've been much more fitting to name it the Desert Prince as the "dragon" part is more than a little misleading. Learning about the diarmadhi and the differences between them and the faradhi was interesting. Didn't realize it until I closed my Nook but I found I was relieved when I finished the series.
July 27, 2022
I love this series! I've lost count of how many times I've read it, but I know I'm past 6 times at least. This series has it all... dragons, magic, romance, political intrigue, familial love. It's complex and interesting. The feelings! I love Sioned & Rohan! I love that we get to follow along in their lives and then it naturally transitions to their son Pol and the next generation.
November 3, 2007
This book is the third in the Dragon Prince Saga again it starts out to be a very politically oriented story line but turns into a great saga. The story keep your attention and takes you into a world of High Princes and Sunrunner Magick. It is a good read for any dragon and fantacy lover.
October 29, 2016
Ah, so good. I forgot that this ends on sort of a cliffhanger though. Guess I will have to reread the others as well. :)
November 29, 2017
Third in the trilogy of complex fantasy thrillers with many interwoven plot lines. Intrigue, betrayal, treachery. This was Game of Thrones before G. R. R. Martin ever started writing.
December 6, 2020
Much as I liked Dragon Prince and The Star Scroll, Sunrunner's Fire is probably my favorite of the Dragon Prince trilogy. It's solidly written, well-paced, politically-oriented fantasy with solid character development (for the most part) and plausible situations. It's also a good introduction to who Pol, who is becoming the lead protagonist, is growing into adulthood and his responsibilities.
What is interesting about this book (and series) is that Rawn was writing Epic/High Fantasy in the 1980s - an era in fantasy which was typically dominated by men. In some ways, these books can be seen as decidedly feminist with portrayals of strong women in positions of power and influence, as well as having the ability to fill different roles throughout society beyond what might be considered gender-appropriate for a medieval-esque setting.
That being said, there are points where the presentation of strong, intelligent, forceful, and savvy women is a touch too aggressive, particularly in comparison to one woman (Meiglan) who is anything but. It could be argued that the contrast was deliberately set up (which, if that is the case, was a touch heavy-handed) specifically to highlight the differences for plot purposes. Regardless, all the characters in Sunrunner's Fire are more plausibly human than can sometimes be found in even current fantasy hitting modern bookshelves for sale.
As with the preceding two books, I read this about once a year or two, and have since I was about sixteen - so coming up on thirty years. Structurally, thematically, and narratively, the book and the series holds up.
Things I Like:
- I like that Pol is kind of cluelessly stupid about some situations. I also like that he gets involved with Meiglan, who is actually one of my favorite characters throughout the entire two trilogies.
- The political backdrop is still present, but kind of takes a backseat to the personal drama of people involved with that theme. It makes the characters feel much more real.
- While the antagonists' motivations are still surprisingly one-note ("I want it all, I deserve, but all will never be enough because I want more") the reasons behind some of those motivations make the villains a little less mustache-twirling tropey than they otherwise could have been.
- Magic, religion, and politics are well-balanced and contributing themes to the overall narrative, with plausible execution and satisfying payoff.
Things I Dislike:
- For a book and series that could be justifiably called feminist or feminist-leaning, it's actually kind of appalling how one character - Meiglan - gets treated because she ISN'T loud, quick-thinking, in-your-face, opinionated, and confident...and how she stirs resentment and suspicion because of it. Also, the innocence quality is borderline overplayed, and comes across almost creepily childlike considering the political and social situations the character of Meiglan is supposed to be serving within the plot. Then again, some of that is intentional on Rawn's part, I think, to get readers to feel bad for and protective of the character.
- Yes, Ms. Rawn, we get it. Your good characters are always going to be super handsome, debonair, or stunningly beautiful. Even your villains are going to be, though the ugliness within them sometimes shows through on their appearance. The higher you go in Rawn's created social structure the better looking you are.
Definitely worth a read, especially as it ties off the first trilogy and sets the stage for the Dragon Star trilogy (which is even better).
What is interesting about this book (and series) is that Rawn was writing Epic/High Fantasy in the 1980s - an era in fantasy which was typically dominated by men. In some ways, these books can be seen as decidedly feminist with portrayals of strong women in positions of power and influence, as well as having the ability to fill different roles throughout society beyond what might be considered gender-appropriate for a medieval-esque setting.
That being said, there are points where the presentation of strong, intelligent, forceful, and savvy women is a touch too aggressive, particularly in comparison to one woman (Meiglan) who is anything but. It could be argued that the contrast was deliberately set up (which, if that is the case, was a touch heavy-handed) specifically to highlight the differences for plot purposes. Regardless, all the characters in Sunrunner's Fire are more plausibly human than can sometimes be found in even current fantasy hitting modern bookshelves for sale.
As with the preceding two books, I read this about once a year or two, and have since I was about sixteen - so coming up on thirty years. Structurally, thematically, and narratively, the book and the series holds up.
Things I Like:
- I like that Pol is kind of cluelessly stupid about some situations. I also like that he gets involved with Meiglan, who is actually one of my favorite characters throughout the entire two trilogies.
- The political backdrop is still present, but kind of takes a backseat to the personal drama of people involved with that theme. It makes the characters feel much more real.
- While the antagonists' motivations are still surprisingly one-note ("I want it all, I deserve, but all will never be enough because I want more") the reasons behind some of those motivations make the villains a little less mustache-twirling tropey than they otherwise could have been.
- Magic, religion, and politics are well-balanced and contributing themes to the overall narrative, with plausible execution and satisfying payoff.
Things I Dislike:
- For a book and series that could be justifiably called feminist or feminist-leaning, it's actually kind of appalling how one character - Meiglan - gets treated because she ISN'T loud, quick-thinking, in-your-face, opinionated, and confident...and how she stirs resentment and suspicion because of it. Also, the innocence quality is borderline overplayed, and comes across almost creepily childlike considering the political and social situations the character of Meiglan is supposed to be serving within the plot. Then again, some of that is intentional on Rawn's part, I think, to get readers to feel bad for and protective of the character.
- Yes, Ms. Rawn, we get it. Your good characters are always going to be super handsome, debonair, or stunningly beautiful. Even your villains are going to be, though the ugliness within them sometimes shows through on their appearance. The higher you go in Rawn's created social structure the better looking you are.
Definitely worth a read, especially as it ties off the first trilogy and sets the stage for the Dragon Star trilogy (which is even better).
April 29, 2023
The most important parts of any book for me are the characters. This trilogy features a large cast of very unique characters who are brimming with personality, flaws, virtues, vices, pridefulness, insecurities, and humanity. The character work in this is second only to George R. R. Martin in its depth and authentic feel. MR really makes a world full of dragons and fire wielding makes them feel believable and rich as the characters are going through struggles, forming friendships, experiencing losses and hard truths, and striving toward triumph. Through each twist in the narrative, the characters are guiding the way rather than just being pushed forward with the plot. Every action has consequences and things that happen in the first novel were still strongly impacting the last.
My only complaint with the trilogy as a whole is the handling of rape. In the first novel, a character is raped, but afterward that rape is framed as though he was the rapist rather than the victim. I'm wondering if MR knew a rape had occurred but couldn't fathom the idea that a man could be raped by a woman. So she referred to it as him raping the woman who kidnapped, drugged, and forced sex on him. Since this was written decades ago, I wonder if the author's views have changed on this subject.
Changing views from different eras aside, this series has been excellent. I'm surprised I don't see it discussed more often.
My only complaint with the trilogy as a whole is the handling of rape. In the first novel, a character is raped, but afterward that rape is framed as though he was the rapist rather than the victim. I'm wondering if MR knew a rape had occurred but couldn't fathom the idea that a man could be raped by a woman. So she referred to it as him raping the woman who kidnapped, drugged, and forced sex on him. Since this was written decades ago, I wonder if the author's views have changed on this subject.
Changing views from different eras aside, this series has been excellent. I'm surprised I don't see it discussed more often.
April 16, 2019
This third book in the Dragon Prince series is full of violence, murder, mayhem, secret plots, greed and of course love. Pol is striving to find himself so he can be a good and just ruler of Princemarch. Learning from Rohan and Sioned his true parentage sends him into a tail spin. Finding his own love in his enemy's daughter wasn't in his plans, but neither is killing his half brother, Ruval. Andri looks to be turing into a bad guy. Killing without justification unless you count the Old Blood that runs in the veins of his victims. I have more empathy with Pol trying to find his way than the coldness of Andri. I'm glad the Dragons came back to Rivenrock. I want to read more on the Dragons but I'm afraid that if I do I won't like the results. As in when Ruval forceably took over the sire. Yes good came out of it for the dragons numbers came back up in the breeding, but what of others that have no scruples and do the same as Ruval. No being should have their mind taken over. Rawn is an atrist when she writes. I could see her words take shape in my mind. I invested myself in the book. Hoping and dreaming right along with her characters. I look forward to the next book.
November 18, 2020
Sunrunner's Fire is yet another dull, uninspired instalment in this series. (And, yes, despite the fact that this is supposed to be the finale to the Dragon Prince trilogy, it is very clearly not resolved by the end of its 470-page run).
Sunrunner's Fire makes the somewhat baffling choice to jump ahead a year or two each chapter for most of its first half, then abruptly slow everything down in the second half so that only a day or two passes between each chapter. The narrative of this novel isn't anything particularly unexpected or any more exciting than one might expect after reading the first two. Andry is Lord of Goddess Keep, Pol is still Ianthe's illegitimate son and everyone seems to know it but Pol, Alasen and Sionell and Andry all start having kids. It's a dull, uninteresting babble of names and fantasy buzzwords and it's just, frankly, exhausting.
I speed-read this book and I still wish I hadn't wasted that time. I wouldn't recommend this novel, or either of its predecessors, to pretty much anyone.
Sunrunner's Fire makes the somewhat baffling choice to jump ahead a year or two each chapter for most of its first half, then abruptly slow everything down in the second half so that only a day or two passes between each chapter. The narrative of this novel isn't anything particularly unexpected or any more exciting than one might expect after reading the first two. Andry is Lord of Goddess Keep, Pol is still Ianthe's illegitimate son and everyone seems to know it but Pol, Alasen and Sionell and Andry all start having kids. It's a dull, uninteresting babble of names and fantasy buzzwords and it's just, frankly, exhausting.
I speed-read this book and I still wish I hadn't wasted that time. I wouldn't recommend this novel, or either of its predecessors, to pretty much anyone.
April 29, 2024
Usually the ending of a book series is bittersweet; we get to see characters as they grow, in this case, over decades with a ton of loss, self discovery, lessons, politically motivated actions, pain, happiness, etc. along the way. In this trilogy's ending, we're left with the invitation to head into the world of Andry should we choose to see how he fares as a leader, knowing he's hot headed and makes impulse decisions no matter how full of love his heart is for those he cares about. Tobin throughout the ages has remained a favorite; she's humorous, strong, and when faced with decisions, isn't marred by blood relations; her tact and grace is ever present, and I adore her relationship with Chay. The dragons coming back and no longer dwindling in population made me irrationally happy; I hope the faradhi can continue to learn more about them and deepen their bonds in the coming series. Additionally, I want to know how Pol and Meiglan get along, and if his children will inherit both of his gifts as well should they have any!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2020
This was an OK ending to the Dragon Prince trilogy but I agree with another reviewer who pointed out the start is a bunch of chapters that pull the focus away from Rohan and Sioned and don't add much by way of plot. I also found Mireva to be pretty cartoon villain. Why did she sleep with Pol shape-shifted as Meiglan at all? For shits and giggles? For some masterplan the author forgot to mention? That part of the story made no sense to me at all. Also, on this re-read I noticed how Ianthe's sons have no shade of grey. The villains are so relentlessly evil it was a little dull. I seem to remember liking the next trilogy more because it was honest about war and a bit more shades of grey. Onwards!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2021
I had a hard time with this book.
It concludes the arc started with Dragon Prince, even though it leaves the door open for the sequel, but my main complain is that most of the problems and situations in this books are engineered to put Andry against the rest of his family. It's too obvious and I didn't like it.
It's clear that Andry is being set up to be a major pain in the ass in the sequel, if not the villain, the one who wants power for power's sake, the one wrong where Pol is the one right.
I found some situations extremely hypocritical. Andry does it? It's bad, it's so wrong! Pol does it? Eh, he needed to!
Nope. It's too black and white and too unbalanced. I didn't appreciate it.
It concludes the arc started with Dragon Prince, even though it leaves the door open for the sequel, but my main complain is that most of the problems and situations in this books are engineered to put Andry against the rest of his family. It's too obvious and I didn't like it.
It's clear that Andry is being set up to be a major pain in the ass in the sequel, if not the villain, the one who wants power for power's sake, the one wrong where Pol is the one right.
I found some situations extremely hypocritical. Andry does it? It's bad, it's so wrong! Pol does it? Eh, he needed to!
Nope. It's too black and white and too unbalanced. I didn't appreciate it.
November 10, 2021
1st trilogy re-read complete, welcoming back an original plot concept after the book 1 rehash that was book 2.
As a re-read, I'm rediscovering just how unlikeable the second generation of players are. Pol is the golden child, ready and willing to step into the destiny his parents created for him. Andry is power hungry and insecure, wishing for paternal approval of his chosen path. The problem? These two are the lynchpins of the story moving forward and they are so incredibly self-centered and selfish, that it's nearly impossible to root for them to succeed.
Still, Rawn's writing is superb and the world an enjoyable one to revisit. And at least we have a ginormous cast of supporting characters who evoke empathy and sympathy from the reader, even when the Pol and Andry can't.
As a re-read, I'm rediscovering just how unlikeable the second generation of players are. Pol is the golden child, ready and willing to step into the destiny his parents created for him. Andry is power hungry and insecure, wishing for paternal approval of his chosen path. The problem? These two are the lynchpins of the story moving forward and they are so incredibly self-centered and selfish, that it's nearly impossible to root for them to succeed.
Still, Rawn's writing is superb and the world an enjoyable one to revisit. And at least we have a ginormous cast of supporting characters who evoke empathy and sympathy from the reader, even when the Pol and Andry can't.
February 18, 2024
I feel like the trilogy really goes downhill with this book, because this is the one where all the really bad stuff starts happening to the characters we know and love. Adversity can be interesting to read about, but compared to the first novel, this book is missing the rich and colorful worldbuilding that I loved so much in the first book. It feels much more dry and it's hard to get into, because it's harder to connect with the new characters. It feels a lot like Rawn didn't enjoy writing this book, because it's not a very enjoyable read. But I still own it because I'm a completionist. Oh yeah, and a lot of people die.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2018
Another Great Read!
Overall it was an okay finish to the series although the ending of the Book felt lacking and incomplete. You can tell the author was ready to come to a close and didn't exactly tie up loose ends in a detailed manner. But having already read the next trilogy I know the author did this intentionally, so keep reading the next 3 books and you won't be disappointed. I hope Hollywood never gets their hands on this entire storyline because I love it too much to see them massacre it on the big screen.
Overall it was an okay finish to the series although the ending of the Book felt lacking and incomplete. You can tell the author was ready to come to a close and didn't exactly tie up loose ends in a detailed manner. But having already read the next trilogy I know the author did this intentionally, so keep reading the next 3 books and you won't be disappointed. I hope Hollywood never gets their hands on this entire storyline because I love it too much to see them massacre it on the big screen.
May 30, 2023
An unsatisfactory end to a compelling series
This is a sweeping trilogy. That follows three generations of a family and follows their adventures as they interact within a well crafted world. All the big themes of humankind are addressed love, fear, greed, ignorance, lost knowledge, power. Boys grow into men and girls into women as decades pass and civilization evolves as it always does. This definitely left me wanting to know what happens next for the characters I’ve come to know and value.
This is a sweeping trilogy. That follows three generations of a family and follows their adventures as they interact within a well crafted world. All the big themes of humankind are addressed love, fear, greed, ignorance, lost knowledge, power. Boys grow into men and girls into women as decades pass and civilization evolves as it always does. This definitely left me wanting to know what happens next for the characters I’ve come to know and value.
August 22, 2021
These books get better with each one! They are a bit slow going but you realise how much you need that extra information as you get towards the end! Now not many books bring a tear but when Rohan and Sioned tell Pol about his birth and parentage I couldn’t stop myself! Over 3 books and they are thick books you come to love and despise these characters. It’s definitely a an epic journey. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes from the next set of books.
February 15, 2022
This trilogy was among my favourites in grades 8 and 9, and I was long past due for a re-read! Melanie Rawn plots her writing with a kind of inevitability that makes me want to take certain characters by both ears and SHAKE them until they stop acting like IDIOTS, but the read was just as satisfying as when I first read it as a teenager. And nothing will ever change the fact that I desperately want to LIVE in this world!
August 3, 2024
The book disappointed me a lot compared to the first two parts. It's setting up a storyline for the next part but the conclusion and the storyline is poor.
I wouldn't recommend this book series to anyone to read, especially this part.
There is too much of poor clarity in this part.
I wouldn't recommend this book series to anyone to read, especially this part.
There is too much of poor clarity in this part.
February 28, 2018
Will review at www.fantasyliterature.com.
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