If you grew up reading epic sagas full of noble quests, royal family intrigue, destiny, and classic battles of good vs. evil, The Ballad of House Draconis: Book One of the Glory Road Series by Casey Cooper will feel like a nostalgic return to that style of fantasy. Crown prince Artos gives serious King Arthur vibes.
At the heart of the story are four brothers, each wielding a magic sword and possessing a distinct personality. Their interactions feel natural—sometimes tense, but always rooted in deep familial bonds. One of the book’s strengths is how seamlessly the writing transitions between the brothers’ perspectives—so much so that I didn’t always notice the shifts. While this made for a smooth reading experience, I would love to delve even deeper into their individual viewpoints in future books.
For the quest to reclaim the kingdom from the evil that has befallen it has only just begun in this book. The brothers are aided by a cast of intriguing allies that I won’t completely reveal here—except to say that there’s a giant mist cat, which is reason enough to read on! And it looks like they’ll need all the help they can get in book two, which I’m excited to read when it comes out.