Publishers Weekly
★ 09/21/2020
Winter returns with a second action-packed installment to the Burning series (following The Rage of Dragons). Tau Tafari—now Solarin—is not the same person he was at the start of the series after losing loved ones in and out of battle, confronting entitled Nobles who wish to see him fail, dealing with a surprise attack on the capital, and becoming Queen Esi’s Champion. What hasn’t changed? Tau’s palpable rage at the classist system that oppressed his family and his ever-present desire to avenge the deaths of those he cared about. As Queen Esi’s sister, Tsiora, and her army move to reclaim Palm City, Tau and his blood brothers seek advantages against those who write off their caste as Lessers. All the while, Tau navigates an increasingly complicated relationship with the queen. With energizing battle scenes and well-handled romance, Winters capably earns readers’ attention again as he unfurls the politics of a nation in-flux. This forceful second epic will delight fans and newcomers alike—and leave readers holding their breath for the next in the series. Agent: Erin Malone, WME. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"Winters's stunning debut fantasy epic is rich in complex characters and a well-wrought world with both European and African influences. ... This impressive series launch holds tremendous promise."—Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Rage of Dragons
"People ask the last book I couldn't put down, and I tell them The Rage of Dragons. The tension rises with every page until you fear it will break you in two."—Peter V. Brett, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Warded Man on The Rage of Dragons
"Expertly structured with a keen eye for action and character, The Rage of Dragons is a captivating epic heroic fantasy from a major new talent."—Anthony Ryan, author of Blood Song on The Rage of Dragons
"The Rage of Dragons takes the best parts of epic fantasy and sets them in a refreshing and inventive new world, a gripping tale that makes clear the true cost of war and colonialism with one of the most enthralling hero's journeys I've read."—S. A. Chakraborty, author of City of Brass on The Rage of Dragons
"Compelling, expansive and rich. Winter has created an exciting and immersive world of magic, vengeance and wonder"—Micah Yongo, author of Lost Gods on The Rage of Dragons
"A refreshingly brutal and imaginative tale of survival and revenge. Evan Winter's battles are visceral, bloody masterpieces, and Tau's climb from exiled Lesser to legendary warrior is earned in a way few writers could hope to match."—David Dalglish, author of the Shadowdance Series on The Rage of Dragons
"A Xhosa-inspired world complete with magic, dragons, demons and curses, The Rage of Dragons takes classic fantasy and imbues it with a fresh and exciting twist."—Anna Stephens, author of Godblind on The Rage of Dragons
"Wow. This book hits the ground with stunning action and danger, and it barely lets up as the pages fly by. I loved the African-influence culture, the unique use of dragons and demons, the complex martial and class hierarchy, and it has a magic system unlike anything I've seen before. What a terrific set up for a series!"—David Anthony Durham, author of The Acacia Trilogy on The Rage of Dragons
"Winter's debut will draw strong comparisons to George R.R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson, and the strong African influences and ties create a singular, exciting epic with intriguing characters and culture. Readers will be clamoring for the next installment."—Library Journal (starred review) on The Rage of Dragons
"Intense, inventive and action-packed from beginning to end - a relentlessly gripping, brilliant read."—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost on The Rage of Dragons
"The Rage of Dragons is an uncompromisingly brutal fantasy in a unique, fascinating world I want to see a lot more of. Fans of Anthony Ryan's Blood Song will love this."—Django Wexler, author of The Thousand Names on The Rage of Dragons
"A unique military fantasy....The fast-paced action will have readers eager to follow Tau into the next book of this captivating epic."—Booklist (starred review) on The Rage of Dragons
"The Rage of Dragons is what fantasy was always meant to be. Winter will pull you into a world of revenge, war, and fire. This isn't just a book, it's an unforgettable experience."—Sean Grigsby, author of Smoke Eaters and Daughters of Forgotten Light on The Rage of Dragons
"Intense, vivid and brilliantly realized - a necessary read"—Anna Smith Spark, author of The Court of Broken Knives on The Rage of Dragons
"Page-turner replete with demons, dragons, and really bad dreams...fantasy fans will find this an absorbing, fast-paced table-setter. "—Kirkus on The Rage of Dragons
Library Journal
★ 08/01/2020
Tau Solarin has become the Queen's Champion, but Queen Tsiora's people are split in two since the failed coup by the Royals named her sister Esi as Queen of the Omehi. Now facing an upcoming attack by the native Xiddeen, Tau and his queen come up with a bold and dangerous plan that would allow Tsiora to retake her capital city and reconcile her people. However, the ingrained caste system of the Omehi and Tau's own burning desire for revenge for his father's death could derail any cohesive measures and lead Tau and the Omehi themselves to unavoidable, horrifying truths of their pasts. Tau's violent rage and willingness to put his own pain before almost anything else cause him to be a protagonist that readers love to dislike, but still support. The expansive worldbuilding and Xhosa influences create a hard, immersive landscape. VERDICT Winter takes all the intense emotion and action of The Rage of Dragons—and exceeds it. The book will be impossible to put down and readers will wait anxiously for the final volume.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
