James Rollins, long-renowned for his outstanding and well-researched thrillers, has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fantasies. A DRAGON OF BLACK GLASS continues the adventures previously covered in THE STARLESS CROWN and THE CRADLE OF ICE.

The greatest twist that Rollins throws at readers is that this stellar series is not a trilogy. He freely indicates that the finale will take place with the 2026 release of the fourth novel. As with the earlier books, A DRAGON OF BLACK GLASS includes a much-needed “Cast of Characters” list that spans four-and-a-half pages. I found myself constantly flipping back to it during the course of my reading.

"Much is left open-ended in A DRAGON OF BLACK GLASS, but those who have been along for the ride will feel excited to finally get closure to this epic and enjoyable adventure."

Rollins has put these books under the umbrella of the Moonfall Saga as all of the events here are punctuated by the idea that the moon may be literally crashing into the Urth, essentially wiping out all living beings, if not utterly destroying the planet. Our young heroine, Nyx, must find an ancient weapon that may not even exist in an attempt to save everyone. According to the legend, across the part of the planet that is completely ice-blasted and uninhabitable lies a weapon of “glass” buried beneath the frozen tundra.

Nyx is aboard a ship and opens the story flying aboard a winged giant bat named Bashaliia. The oncoming moonfall event is fully on her mind, and even though she does not trust all those traveling with her, she remains determined to prevent this from happening. She also still must deal with enemy factions on land that belongs to the residents of the Western Crown. Rollins has done a nice bit of worldbuilding with the Moonfall Saga, and it is necessary to read these books in order so you can get the complete experience.

Much of the novel deals with the war that is breaking out across the Crown, a narrative that is carried simultaneously to Nyx, and companies trek to the frozen wasteland in search of the fabled ancient weapon that could end the war, as well as their planet’s destruction. Nyx also must wage an inner battle as her specialized gift --- called bridle-song --- opens her up to certain dark elements that threaten to take over her soul.

Whereas Prince Kanthe from the Crown recognizes that he must destroy all he loves to save the world, Nyx is on an entirely different and more inclusionary path whereby she could become the savior of all beings. Meanwhile, the cunning weapon hidden deep in the ground has the capability of either saving or ending all life. If Nyx should find it, will she prove to be a friend or a foe in the face of such power?

Much is left open-ended in A DRAGON OF BLACK GLASS, but those who have been along for the ride will feel excited to finally get closure to this epic and enjoyable adventure.