Defiant

Defiant

by Michael R. Miller

Book 3 of the Songs of Chaos series

4.7 out of 5

Defiant by Michael R. Miller continues the Songs of Chaos series as Holt and his dragon face rising war, forbidden magic, and the cost of defying a corrupt system.

Defiant by Michael R. Miller is the third installment in the Songs of Chaos series, expanding the scope of the story from personal survival to full-scale conflict. As tensions between dragon riders, ruling powers, and suppressed truths reach a breaking point, Holt must confront the consequences of choices that can no longer remain hidden.

Following the events of Ascendant and Unbound, Holt’s once-secret bond with his dragon is no longer just a personal risk — it has become a catalyst for political upheaval. The rigid hierarchy governing dragon riders is beginning to fracture, and those in power will go to any length to maintain control. As alliances shift and enemies emerge from unexpected places, Holt is forced to decide what kind of leader he is willing to become.

At the heart of Defiant is the evolving relationship between rider and dragon. Their bond deepens under pressure, testing trust, loyalty, and shared responsibility. Dragons remain intelligent, emotionally complex beings, and the novel continues to emphasise that true power comes not from domination, but from mutual respect and understanding.

The story leans heavily into themes of defiance, identity, and moral courage. Holt’s journey is no longer about proving himself worthy — it is about choosing whether to stand against a broken system, even when doing so risks everything he cares about. Training and progression give way to real-world consequences, where mistakes are costly and victories are rarely clean.

Defiant balances fast-paced action with thoughtful character development. Battles are intense and strategic, while quieter moments explore fear, doubt, and the emotional toll of leadership. The worldbuilding grows richer, revealing deeper layers of dragon lore, magic, and the long-suppressed history shaping current events.

For readers who enjoy epic fantasy with dragon riders, progression arcs, and morally complex choices, Defiant delivers a gripping continuation of the Songs of Chaos series. It marks a turning point where rebellion becomes inevitable and the price of freedom can no longer be avoided.

Publication Details:

Number of Pages 796
ISBN-10 1399953125
ISBN-13 978-1399953122
Published Date

Other books in the Songs of Chaos series

Songs of Chaos by Michael R. Miller is an epic fantasy series filled with magic, political intrigue, and morally complex characters. It follows heroes and antiheroes navigating wars, betrayal, and dark powers in a richly imagined, high-stakes world.

Michael R. Miller

About Michael R. Miller

Michael R. Miller is a fantasy author best known for the Songs of Chaos series. His work combines epic battles, political intrigue, and morally complex characters, delivering high-stakes adventures in richly imagined worlds.

Read more about Michael R. Miller