The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham is an epic fantasy novel set in a world once ruled by dragons, now inhabited by thirteen different races of humans. The story follows four main characters: Marcus, a disgruntled soldier turned guard for hire; Cithrin, an orphan girl raised by a banking house and thrust into a mission she doesn't understand; Geder, a soldier and nobleman drawn to books over warfare; and Dawson, a key player in the political games of the court. The plot weaves these characters' journeys together as war looms on the horizon, with the narrative structured through alternating perspectives akin to George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Characters:

The characters are multi-faceted and relatable, each undergoing significant development, thus enriching the narrative experience.

Writing/Prose:

The engaging prose combined with multiple perspectives enhances character depth and keeps the narrative flowing smoothly.

Plot/Storyline:

The story effectively weaves a balance of war and finance through its complex character relationships and political machinations.

Setting:

Set in a richly detailed world with a history of dragons and diverse races, the story emphasizes political and economic landscapes.

Pacing:

Though the pacing starts slow, the narrative accelerates as conflicts mount, delivering engagement toward the conclusion.

A hundred and fifty years before, when the parochial disagreements between Earth and Mars had been on the verge of war, the Belt had been a far horizon of tremendous mineral wealth beyond viable econo...

Notes:

The book features a unique blend of themes centered around war and finance.

Daniel Abraham introduces multiple point-of-view characters to create a rich narrative tapestry.

One major character, Cithrin, is an orphan raised by a bank and aspires to become a banker herself.

The story is set in a complex world with thirteen different races, all created by dragons in the past.

The characters are noted for their moral ambiguity, making readers question who the true heroes and villains are.

Geder, one of the main characters, goes from a sympathetic figure to committing terrible acts, showcasing a remarkable character arc.

The narrative avoids traditional epic fantasy tropes, such as bands of heroes, instead focusing on personal motives and political intrigue.

Readers are drawn in by the author’s skill in intertwining various character storylines seamlessly, avoiding confusion despite multiple perspectives.

The book is described as fast-paced and tightly written, countering the typical bloat present in many epic fantasy novels.

Daniel Abraham's writing style is compared to George R.R. Martin, yet it is said to have a more accessible approach.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book features themes of violence, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of war, which could be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

"Everything I look for in a fantasy." - George R. R. Martin

All paths lead to war. . .

Marcus' hero days are behind him. He knows too well that even the smallest war still means somebody's death. When his men are impressed into a doomed army, staying out of a battle he wants no part of requires some unorthodox steps.

Cithrin is an orphan, ward of a banking house. Her job is to smuggle a nation's wealth across a war zone, hiding the gold from both sides. She knows the secret life of commerce like a second language, but the strategies of trade will not defend her from swords.

Geder, sole scion of a noble house, has more interest in philosophy than in swordplay. A poor excuse for a soldier, he is a pawn in these games. No one can predict what he will become.

Falling pebbles can start a landslide. A spat between the Free Cities and the Severed Throne is spiraling out of control. A new player rises from the depths of history, fanning the flames that will sweep the entire region onto The Dragon's Path - the path to war.

The Dagger and the Coin

The Dragon's Path

The King's Blood

The Tyrant's Law

The Widow's House

The Spider's War

Ratings (18)

Loved It (10)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (5)

Reader Stats (55):

Read It (21)
Want To Read (28)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

soulfulsin

Loved It

3 months

The numerous typos, missing words, and random errors plaguing this piece prohibit me from giving this five stars. I feel bad, too, because this was the first book I read in a while where I felt for the characters, they were multi-dimensional, and I didn't want the book to end. But c'mon. Find yourself a better copy-editor.

That being said, it's been so long since I found an author who made characters that I ached for and even sympathetic villains that I rooted for. I can't wait to start the next book.

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The Dragon's Path

Daniel Abraham

Book 1 in the series:The Dagger and the Coin