The Dragon's Legacy

This is a brand-new novel from a debut author, and is a great addition to the grimdark roster. The world is slowly dying, with fewer babies born every year, and great swaths of the world lost to magical storms. Amidst this, a rich cast of complex characters vie for power and safety amidst shifting battle-lines where it's impossible to tell friend from foe, let alone good from evil. This book is very focused on character, but the seeds of a larger, epic plot are sown throughout, and will bear fruit in later books. The world is one in which traditional gender roles are reversed, which is interesting, for example, a young man wishes that he could grow up to become a warrior rather than staying home to care for the children, which is an interesting subversion of a standard fantasy trope. There are a few genuine 'holy shit, that actually just happened' moments, and it's nice to be surprised when you think you've figured things out. Read this book if you want a desolate world filled with complex characters, and a plot that you won't be able to predict, no matter how clever you think you are.