The Last Ballad of Hope

A Time of Dragons, Book 3

By: Philip C. Quaintrell

Narrated by: Steven Brand

Death cannot hold him—that's what they said. And they were right...

Evil has been made manifest, returned from shadow and madness. Try as they might, those who would be heroes could not prevent the return of The Dark One.

In the shattering aftermath, the survivors have but one choice: hunt down what cannot be killed. Cob, the ranger—the cursed—must find his quarry before the enemy makes his first move. By his side rides Androma, fearless and unyielding. They must succeed. To fail would doom the realm to a new war, a war without end.

But in a world slipping into darkness, not all hope is lost.

A time of dragons is yet to come. Joran Pendain must shoulder the weight of that destiny, but he need not shoulder it alone anymore. In the depths of Azad-guul, where only despair might breed, Joran's path crossed with that of a dragon egg—his egg.

Theirs was not the only path to cross, however.

True to his word, Baelon Vos—Dragonlord—would make Joran a Rider worthy of legend—if he could survive the training. Baelon's designs for the world have been years in the making, and Joran might just be the missing piece to bring it all together. Or bring it all down.

And beneath the waves, the ocean races stir, the currents swelling with revolution and the hope of freedom. Kitrana Voden, a battle maiden of the Swordsworn and proud Nimean, must find her way back to the people of Nimala before extinction drowns them all—before the oldest demon from the oldest world awakens from its slumber.

Above or below, it matters not to The Dark One. He is not afraid to be called evil. If evil could not be corrupted, bound, or destroyed, then he would gladly endure the title, if only to weed out the beasts that clothe themselves as men.

He is not the chosen one. He is not a hero. Just a man who refused to die.

©2025 Philip C. Quaintrell (P)2026 Podium Audio

Yet another 10/10

Phillip, you never cease to amaze me with your storytelling. Another amazing book. Steven Brand’s narration, as always, was spot on. Very well done to the entire team. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us. I can’t wait for the next release!

Good Plot

Love the way Philip C Quaintrell connects all the dots in a satisfying way. Not very fond of the child of 2 worlds plot line. But a very good story all the same. I'll be eagerly waiting for the next book.

Amazing

Philip C. Quaintrell is one of the best fantasy writers ever. I love this series and I can’t wait for the next book.

Absolute knockout for the series and world of Verda!!

Full disclosure !-! biased opinion incoming (tastefully I hope lol)
I was, yeah no… *I very much AM* a big fan of The Echoes Saga. That’s an understatement. I won’t elaborate but suffice it to say it’s entirely possible that I enjoy that saga more than maybe anyone alive….

That being said!! Naturally I’m always enthusiastically awaiting any and every new adventure and perspectives Philip adds to the World of Verda. From the Ranger Archives, Leviathan, a few short stories, and now A Time Of Dragons, Philip has yet to disappoint. aaaaaaand he sure as sh*t doesn’t start now.

This 3rd book brings a lot of depth to the characters and their respective personalities and story arcs. Books 1 and 2 contained a LOT of information to keep up with in dialogue and establishing each character’s history and motives, that at times had me a bit impatient, but much of that weaving is coming together through book 3.
It’s hardly slow going, the story moves well and with both book and audible I had no trouble staying invested. The last few chapters had me literally talking to & rooting for some characters, as many of them come to peace with their journeys and the roles they have to play, and actively angry with others (as well as with Phil for being so good at writing such punchable characters)
Some still have unknown paths, a couple are probably in big trouble, and there’s maybe one of my favorite, just totally unexpected developments for one, that I’ve ever read!!

Steven Brand is exceptional in his performance, as always. He has suuuch a great voice, and the life and emotion he can bring to characters in any scene can be so subtle, but so powerful… so much so at times it seems like he’s got no business being so damn captivating, yet here we are!

The Last Ballad of Hope brings a measure of catharsis to the reader, much much desired catharsis, but definitely not too much. And as a follower of all Phillip C. Quaintrell’s work, I think it’s the next writing he given us. Can NOT WAIT for book 4!!!!!

This story hits like a gut punch to your heart.

Excellent writing! Interesting character development and juxtaposition of good and evil leaving the gray as our guide to righteousness. Great!