Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
As Kingfall’s fuse burns ever closer to the powder keg of all-out war, the secrets of the godblades are slowly unsheathed.

In Travail, Dane and Peony face usurpers and a scheme by those seeking to overthrow the dragon throne, forcing Peony to flee to Solarii with Daneus to request help from the Dead King. In Teravainen, Jarrod must face his demons and learn how to rule in the wake of his father’s murder. When the darkblades are stolen, he is forced to ride south seeking retribution, while a newly graduated mage named Quill is sent by Aeromand to investigate.

Meanwhile, as Amari begins her search for Sampson, her path crosses that of another lost soul in the unlikeliest of places. And when Ando leads his hardy band of misfit soldiers into Solarii, an unexpected enemy is there waiting for him.

Looming in the darkness is a growing evil that threatens the entire continent, whether innocent or otherwise.

552 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2021

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

David Estes

78 books2,555 followers
Get a FREE short story from David Estes' #1 Amazon bestselling epic fantasy series, Fatemarked, when you sign up for his mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/b2v6v3

David Estes has written more than 40 science fiction and fantasy books. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his beautiful Aussie wife, Adele, his moody cats, Bailey and Luna, and his rambunctious sons, Beau and Brody.

Join 3,000+ David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite in David Estes' official fan group at:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...

Books by David Estes:

-The Fatemarked Epic- For fans of A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and The Way of Kings! Four kingdoms. A century-old war. One ancient prophecy that could change everything.

-The Kingfall Histories- a follow up series to the #1 Amazon bestselling series, The Fatemarked Epic

-Strings- “A wonderful retelling of the Pinocchio story…I simply couldn’t put this book down.”—Rysa Walker, bestselling author of TIMEBOUND

-The Dwellers Saga and the Country Saga. Voted books to read if you enjoyed the Hunger Games on Buzzfeed and Listopia.

-Salem's Revenge trilogy- the witch apocalypse begins!

-Slip Trilogy- "Someone must die before another can be born..."

-The Adventures of Nikki Powergloves- Kid superheroes? 'Nuff said.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,154 (61%)
4 stars
584 (31%)
3 stars
117 (6%)
2 stars
20 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for David Estes.
Author 78 books2,555 followers
Read
August 31, 2021
Dragonfall, the sequel to Kingfall, has just been released! This book continues the epic journeys of the growing cast of characters from Kingfall. The following are spoilers from Kingfall, NOT Dragonfall. Continue in the world of Kingfall here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...

Thanks for all your support and happy reading!
Profile Image for Nolan Lockhart.
16 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2021
This is in my opinion this is a masterpiece. Each character is intentional, carefully crafted, and deeply written. David writes his characters to transform from book to book. They are flawed, beautiful, ugly and magnificent. It’s amazing see how much real life experiences such as pain hurt and loss contribute so much to the growth of each character. After reading Kingfall you will have a favorite character. By the end of Dragonfall your least favorite character of Kingfall will be in your top three. This is without a doubt a high fantasy book, however nothing is cliche. After reading so many fantasy books I have a sense of what’s going to happen. This doesn’t seem the case here. (Most of the time 😏) You will find hints of your favorite fantasy series here with a twist. I have found that there is no one main character of the series. But each character is the main character playing an inter-woven weave that creates the entire fabric of the story. Some characters I didn’t like that much and others were my favorites but each character connected and came together within the story that makes for a great experience. Another thing I like about David’s writing is that you don’t have to wait years for the telling of the tale. He writes with the end already in mind, so you get a well written complex storyline that solidifies itself in your memory, months later the next book is written and you don’t have to reread an entire book to keep up.

The book is not without flaws. Verbal and physical abuse, loss, human greed will emotionally capture you, and in some cases travel a little to close to home. Certain human conditions will be address without any underline agenda. I know this because the author has a way of allow you to see things from multiple perspectives, with even the so called villains. I have became emotionally attached and downright upset with the way that the story was told concerning some characters, then I realized how invested, captured and enthralled I became with the story. The series has taken me as if I were owner of a Bright Blade and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Profile Image for Karen’s Library.
1,186 reviews186 followers
October 6, 2021
David Estes does it again with another explosive book in his Kingfall Histories series. He returns with Dragonfall with favorite characters returning and some beloved new characters making their first appearances.

In the Kingfall Histories, there are Godblades, 3 Shadowblades and 3 Brightblades which were lost to humankind for eons. And now the Godblades have started to reappear and have begun choosing who will wield them.

In Dragonfall, there is so much story that David splits the world and in this book the reader follows Peony, Dane, and Daneus; Aisling; and Ando; and some others. Each of these favorites is joined by old and new characters we love, and some we come to hate.

And just when I thought I couldn’t love characters any more than I do, I’d end up falling in love with others. I’m not going to say who as I don’t want to spoil things for anyone. Let’s just say that there were nights when I could NOT turn off my audiobook because I couldn’t sleep until I knew a beloved character’s fate.

I’ve been listening to the Kingfall books on audiobook and right now, the most soothing voice to me belongs to Tim Gerard Reynolds. I’m seriously having a book hangover right now and I have another few weeks before Magefall releases by audiobook. I’m trying to wait but have already downloaded the Ebook just in case I can’t wait for more of this series. This is epic fantasy at its best!!
Profile Image for Sheree Bonita.
226 reviews20 followers
July 26, 2021
Wow. This series is just a must read. I don’t really have a lot of notes on Dragonfall, and this is mostly because I was instantly drawn into the book. It was really hard for me to pull out and think about the book in any other way besides enjoyment.
Profile Image for Liam.
402 reviews35 followers
September 19, 2024
This was a lot of fun. I’m really liking Estes’ characters throughout this series so far. Each book hasn’t ended at a point of closure in the story.. so it’s a bit tricky to rate each one.

Also - the amazing covers for these volumes haven’t been scenes that actually happened in the book so far. Hopefully that will change and we will see the events pictured there in the remainder of the series!
Profile Image for Joebot.
194 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2022
3.75 stars.

There was a drop between books 1 and 2. This one just wasn't as good. Things felt less epic. I did like the new POV and their investigation arc. Overall, still a good read but I hope book 3 will soar as high as 1 did
Profile Image for Dreng Archives.
34 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2023
DRAGONFALL!!! Book two of David Estes's Kingfall epic.

Kingfall gave us Kings, Godlings, Godblades, Mages, demons, and war.

Dragonfall takes us to the other side of the continent as we follow some old characters and new ones as they uncover the truth about what's truly happening within Kingfall, and it is treacherous.

Dragonfall also gives us a better look at how the mages and dragons truly wield their power within the world. It has a little bit more "magic", and I'm here for it.

I can't say who my favorite character is without spoiling book one for some of you. Let's just say she was mysterious and abbreviated in Kingfall, but in Dragonfall we get a peek inside her head, and perseverance and she has become my favorite character from this book and I am SO PUMPED to see what she delivers in the next ones.

I thought Kingfall would be the "setup" but Dragonfall just escalated everything so much more. That being said, Estes' writing flows much better in this book and I got lost in it quite rapidly.

I definitely liked book two better than book one, and while it added to the complex plot it's not difficult to keep track of. I'm not sure where this series is going, but one thing is for sure: between dragons, mages, Godlings, and Godblades, the world is a tinder bundle begging to burn.
Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews55 followers
August 3, 2023
I love this series BUT I think it's a little too long. The 3rd book, that I started last night, has 1078 pages, UGH! But I am going to read it because I want to see what happens to everyone.

There's no romance to speak of and absolutely no swearing.

As for the narration: Phenomenal! Everyone has their own distinct voice and Tim Gerard Reynolds' emotions when he reads is awesome.
1 review
September 3, 2024
enjoyable read

Pleasant journey. Characters moderately engaging. Falls flat at times with “main character is an idiot who just won’t say what they think or mean to another character doing the exact same thing back.” However, the series continues to build and I’m happy with the time invested relative to the enjoyment obtained. Looking forward to book three.
Profile Image for William Wells.
17 reviews
January 29, 2024
Amazing. Surpassed my expectations.

After the first book I couldn’t wait to learn more about the characters. Now I’m even more intrigued. I’m even more happy I bought the whole series after the first book! Thank you for making me want to read more David Estes!
255 reviews
January 26, 2024
Again David Estes has filed out the characters back stories, helping you to understand their ways. Not only the characters but also the whole of the Kingfall Kingdom.
Profile Image for Jacob DiDio.
33 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2021
Another great book by Mr. Estes. I was a HUGE fan of the fatemarked series. This series is setting up to be way better. Anyone that liked the fatemarked series will love this series
Profile Image for Sheree Bonita.
226 reviews20 followers
August 31, 2021
I don’t really have a lot of notes, and this is mostly because I was instantly drawn into the book. It was really hard for me to pull out and think about the book in any other way besides enjoyment. There were a few tears cried and many angry moments for me because the characters are so rich and real.
Profile Image for John Doyle.
628 reviews
July 15, 2024
Loved this book. What a great continuation. The author's note at the beginning explaining whose POV would be in the book helped. Loved this book! :)
Great antagonists and protagonists and sub-characters.

Reread- Still great
Profile Image for Tammie.
1,488 reviews165 followers
October 13, 2022
4.5 stars

I read the first book in this series, Kingfall, last year as a buddy read with my friend Melissa on Goodreads, and after a slow start, I ended up really liking it. In the beginning, I was afraid it was going to be too dark and gritty for me. There were some very sad things that happened to a couple of the characters, and there were a few characters that I just knew I wasn't going to like. Well, after I got into the book it really took off. I ended up loving the story line with Peony and Dane, and Ando's story grew on me was well. It took me a whole year to get back to the series, but I finally did, and coincidentally finished book two exactly a year after I finished book one.

In book two I was most excited to get back to Peony and Dane. They are the characters that have kept me reading this the most, but along the way other characters have grown on me, and in fact, even surprised me. Characters that I thought would be despicable, ended up changing, and I loved that they proved to be less predictable than I thought. I've enjoyed the self-reflection of some of these characters so much. And while Peony's and Dane's story didn't go the way I was wanting it to, I still very much enjoyed this book, and still enjoying their story as well. I absolutely love the dragon Daneus! Peony's conversations with Daneus and the godblade are very amusing at times.

I was a bit frustrated that we don't know the fate of a couple of characters by the end of the second book. One we haven't seen since book one, and the other, it just wasn't real clear what happened. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that one of them is really alive.

There are four books in the series and one more will be published in April 2023. I'm planning on getting to at least one more of them this year, preferably two. It takes me a while to read these big books in ebook form, but I noticed after I borrowed the KU version, that I could buy the audio versions for 1.99 each. That helped book two go a lot faster. I like being able to switch between print and audio for these, and Tim Gerard Reynolds did the narration, so it's good.

Overall, this is a great series, and one of the best self published ones I've read. I liked that there were darker themes but it didn't get too dark, and there was enough lighter stuff to balance it out nicely.

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
Profile Image for Paul Wandless.
89 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2021
A great continuation from Kingfall. While this book doesn't continue all the story lines of all the threads and characters from Kingfall, it does follow most of them. David Estes lets you know this up front with a message and also lets you know, its because new major characters are being introduced and wanted them to have proper space in Dragonfall to develop. He also promised the other characters and threads will be returning in Magefall. I was nervous when I read that, but it turned out not to be a problem at all and I enjoyed the new characters that were important to where the story is going. 80% of all the characters were still present and they all turned out to my favorite ones from Kingfall, so I personally wasn't bothered with this unique approach to book 2 at all.
There are lots of plot twists, battles, political manuevering, action, battles and character building. Just like his other books, he is a fantastic world builder and really brings the locations to life. I admit, there are some instances where less could have been more when describing areas or when in the head of a character. But that is David's style of storytelling and I'm ok with it, even in sections when it does slow the pacing a little.
This is really becoming a fantastic story with many layers that I look forward to seeing how they finally start to coalesce. There were some answers and plot lines that cam to a resolution, but twice as many new ones started. It's been a very enjoyable read so fare and I'm off to read Magefall now!
Profile Image for roy  douglas lynch.
186 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2021
robuster

This series like Mr Estes other series Fate Marked , has a great hook and great characters . It has in spots exceptional writing.
Unfortunately , Mr Estes needs his books to be edited better. They are to long filled with to many interesting characters to keep up with and his love for continually trying to turn the story on it heads is tiring to me the reader.
This series , as his other Fate Marked series jumps , twists and turns , till me the reader is annoyed with the whole story.
LESS IS MORE .
Tell the story with without the continued revving up of drama , chaos and conflict. The endless fight scenes , the constant conflict wears me , the reader down. There are two different series( at least two and maybe as many as four ) at war in these two books with each other.
When one story line would have been effective to gain and keep me the reader interested Mr. Estes keeps adding characters , more fight scenes , more plot twists , more political intrigue. .
It just to damn much in my opinion.
LESS IS MORE . Tone down some of the conflict , eliminate 1/3 of the characters , quit jumping the plot lines, Twists and turns are only really appreciated when they add to the storyline . When they are unexpected . As a reader of Mr. Estes I have to expect that every other page or two and he drag the protagonist and other characters off the rails into unknown and uncharted conflict .
One other detail, either write for an adult audience or write for the Young adult readers. One thing about George RR Martin is he knows his audience.
At times , I truly wish Mr. Estes would define his as well.
It’s tiring .
Just my opinion.

5,630 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2021
Just completely blown away by how much has happened in the first two books.The story unfolding is rich and vast and filled with everything i love about fantasy.I just about ran the entire gamut of emotions in this one.The writing is so crisp and the story moves at such enthralling pace you cant help but get sucked in.After reading the Fatemarked series i knew David was headed for true stardom but its hard to fathom that he could equal the brilliance of that series with the Kingfall Histories but thats exactly what hes doing.Davids name belongs with any and all of the truly great fantasy writers.I cannot put into words how excited i am for Magefall.Once again David your hard work and creative genius is truly appreciated!I could go on and on but the postludes of this one are calling me and i must answer their call.
442 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2022
This review will be repeated for four of the books in "The Kingfall Histories". The fifth book, "Nightfall", will be be available until later in 2022.

If I were to make one New Year's resolution, it would be to check if a trilogy or other series are complete prior to starting book one. It becomes very difficult to pick up the pace after a lengthy pause.

This series, to date, is well done. I hadn't heard of David Estes until this year and started "The Fatemarked" series just by accident. I have not been disappointed. Mr. Estes is a phenomenal story teller and can present multiple worlds and scenarios that are in no wise repetitive. The stories continue to be fresh and original.
42 reviews
June 14, 2022
I am LOVING this series!

After reading Knightfall, plus the three character background supplements, I could not wait to read Dragonfall! It did not disappoint. Next I will begin reading Magefall.

I find David Estes to be an amazing writer! Of course, it’s a given that I am a fan of science fiction and epic fantasy. Especially when written so well. There are so many interesting and complex characters. The cultural histories, political histories, geographic differences, as well as all the twists and turns - I never want to put these books down! I become lost in a completely different world. It’s amazing!
74 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2023
Getting better and better!

The first book , I was a little curious, why so many characters, and like a soap opera, just a short episodes with each character. Towards the end if the first book, you began to see the development of more important characters. In this, the second book, Dragonfall, the stage of characters has been set and now the plot, or should I say "plots" take off and skillfully inter-weave with war, betrayals, alliances made and broken, and the emergence if the true enemy. A totally
absorbing and entertaining book series is a gift and I'm hooked! Can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for BobA707.
752 reviews15 followers
March 17, 2023
Summary: Complex plot, complex premise, interesting characters, well written, almost comical at times, very dark at times. Thoroughly enjoyed this audio book and would definitely recommend. Book 2 even better than book 1

Plotline: Multiple threads winding around a complex plot. The characters are for the most part not particularly likeable, but the plot moves on ... and the god blades ...

Premise: Very interesting, good magic system (still much to be learnt), and vast world building

Writing: Excellent, the reader is there in the action

Ending: Yes. Where is book 3 ...

Pace: Never a dull moment!
Profile Image for Victoria Zigler.
Author 62 books235 followers
October 3, 2021
This was an absolutely amazing continuation of the story, which grasped hold of me from the very first page and held me hostage until the very end. It’s action packed, the world building and character development is wonderful, and the feels… Oh, where do I start? If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, and have not yet started reading this series, I suggest you grab the first book in this series and start now. Better yet, go read the “Fatemarked” series 1st, since it is set in the same world and before the “Kingfall” series.
74 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2022
The plot thickens

The kingdom's status quo changes as deeper plots are revealed. Some had to die. Some heroes are born and their actions reveal their inner or hidden strengths. The many threads woven together are starting to come apart while some just grow stronger. Did Dane really die? I just have to know. Doesn't seem like his budding marriage would end. So far this is a great story full of imaginations and twists. Also the dark and light blades are being forced as unstoppable forces - almost.

Can't wait for next book! Thanks David Estes for this great universe!
30 reviews
December 9, 2022
The Journey continues….

Great work David!

Still enjoying this well told adventure in Kingfall !

The characters are interesting and continue to stay true to their principles and change their morals as they develop and grow by the experiences they are faced with.

The ending was a bit disappointing leaving with out resolving a few issues, a common ploy these days.
But that being written, It was well done.
I’m encouraged to continue forward and read the third book in the Kingfall series.
Once again a great author worthy of his task,and a skilled wordsmith!
4 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2023
This is the best book series. I have been looking for something to beat the Belgariad etc. series by David Eddings, it is my absolute favourite, and this series might have done it. It has been a long time since I found a series I enjoy as much as this one. I will read this series over and over again. Great character development, engaging story, epic adventure, tragedy, comedy…. It has all the things. I just can say enough about this series. I love it.
Profile Image for Bullman.
187 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2021
A great continuation

Once again DE delivers a fantastic follow up in book 2 of The Kingfall Histories. All of the twists and turns in this book reminds me of George R.R. Martin's books. I thoroughly enjoyed, as a reader, the in depth writing and overlapping storylines. I can not wait for book 3!!!
Profile Image for Tisa Allen.
11 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2022
4.5 stars

World building and story get 5 stars.

The individuality of the characters- 5 stars.

The way David Estes struggles to write about romantic love, 3.5 stars.

Overall, I recommend to anyone with the caveat that there is a trigger warning for SA, but it is kept contained to one specific part of the book and ends as well as that type of thing can end.
Profile Image for Thomas Goldsworthy.
61 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2023
amazing adventure

When I got to this next step in the story, I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the story and its incredible journey with so many characters who each brought freshness and excitement to their adventures. I'm ready for the continuation of the next book of this series.
1 review
June 17, 2023
Much better than the first...

A very good read and far far better than the first installment of the series.
It felt the storyline of this second book was well written, striking a better balance of dialog between YA and more mature readers. Best of all there were far fewer instances of cutsey and "oh so annoying" pre-adolescent banter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.