...straddles the line between caper and epic, and it plays some interesting tricks with narrative and point of view while it’s at it ... The most straightforward description of this novel gives the impression that it follows the conventions of an enemies-to-lovers romance set in an epic frame. That’s slightly misleading: Dragonfall leans as hard if not harder into its epic concerns as it does its personal ones, and while neither are short-changed, readers primarily interested in stories with a romantic emphasis may find this novel does things they don’t expect ... Lam has written a vivid, energetic fantasy, mixing and matching subgenres to create a striking and appealing novel. Their worldbuilding is interestingly layered, with hints of other secrets yet to be revealed, and their characters are compelling. This is a very enjoyable book, and I look forward to the next installment.
Lam employs many common tropes of both romance and high fantasy, but their world building is still delightfully imaginative and richly detailed ... Lam’s deep exploration of this fascinating society beautifully balances the somewhat pulpy genre elements. Grimdark aficionados should steer clear, but Dragonfall will delight fans of well-designed worlds, heroes’ journeys and slow-burning romance. Here there be (sexy) dragons.
...[a] sumptuous epic fantasy ... Lam crafts a dynamic world of mystery and magic populated by diverse characters with well-shaded backstories and conflicting motivations that add a layer of depth to this sophisticated fantasy. Readers will be eager for more.
