The Great Dying

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

This book is currently being released, and the follow-on book,The Mantle of Balance, is fully written and scheduled here on Royal Road. *** The dragon inside her is done being caged. Swift-River was a druid commander. Disciplined. Controlled. Certain of her place in the world. Then her bones began to break. Wings. Horns. A voice that bends minds without her permission. Every form she survives makes her harder to kill. One man isn't afraid of what she's becoming. Zirien's magic answers hers in ways neither of them can explain, and the bond between them only pulls tighter each time the world tries to sever it. The dracolich she helped destroy has returned. The dead walk in thousands. A hidden hand moves in every court of power, and it knows her name. The dragon is done asking permission.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: D. BOHICA

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 98
Views: 10,620

Chapters(69 total)

What readers say about The Great Dying

“The book starts strong with a mysterious figure reviving a dragon back alive, revealing quite a lot about the world. It's deep and has a complex system and rules, and the factions in the books are all entwined one way or another, warring, fighting, or allyi…”
snipoxkilloRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“I came into The Great Dying expecting a typical dark fantasy story with dragons and necromancy, but it ended up having a lot more depth than that. The story does a good job blending large-scale conflicts - like the return of the dracolich Crimson Ruby and t…”
AnezethRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

snipoxkilloRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The book starts strong with a mysterious figure reviving a dragon back alive, revealing quite a lot about the world. It's deep and has a complex system and rules, and the factions in the books are all entwined one way or another, warring, fighting, or allying. the multiple POV is a bit hard to get used to since you dont know a lot about this world, so shifting through POV and having to crack at what the situation is and what something is slightly put me off, but the actions and writing was very strong, so it didn't really matter.
AnezethRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I came into The Great Dying expecting a typical dark fantasy story with dragons and necromancy, but it ended up having a lot more depth than that. The story does a good job blending large-scale conflicts - like the return of the dracolich Crimson Ruby and the shadowy influence of the Puppet Master - with smaller, character-focused moments that make the world feel lived in.
One of the things that stood out to me most throughout the story is how distinct the characters feel. Swift-River’s transformation and inner struggle give the narrative a strong emotional core, especially as the dragon blood inside her continues to awaken. At the same time, characters like Miikka bring a grounded perspective to the larger magical conflicts. His humor and pragmatism make him a great contrast to the more powerful figures moving pieces around the world.
The supporting cast adds a lot of personality as well. Zirien, Iandel, and Streed each bring different strengths and attitudes to the group dynamic. Their interactions often balance tension with moments of humor, which works well against the darker tone of the story. The relationships between the characters feel like they evolve naturally as the stakes increase.
The worldbuilding is also one of the stronger aspects of the story. Magic isn’t just something characters throw around—it feels woven into the environment itself. Whether it’s druids navigating ancient root networks, strange necromantic rituals bringing dragons back from death, or hidden forces manipulating events from the shadows, the setting feels like it has its own rules and history behind it.
Overall, The Great Dying feels like a story that balances dark fantasy atmosphere, strong character dynamics, and large-scale magical conflicts. If you enjoy stories with dragons, necromancy, political intrigue, and evolving character relationships, there’s a lot here to like.
I’m definitely interested to see where things go next, especially with Crimson Ruby still at large and the l
CarcianRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I’m really enjoying The Great Dying so far. The prologue hooked me fast—necromancy in a dragon crypt, a resurrection that feels genuinely wrong in the best way, and this whole idea of nodules as a kind of life-force currency that immediately tells you what kind of world you’re stepping into. It’s dark, it’s tense, and it feels like everything comes with a price.
By the time I hit the first few chapters, the story is already moving on multiple fronts, and that’s a big part of why it works. Crimson Ruby has a strong presence right away, but what I like is that it isn’t just “big scary villain.” There are layers of control and manipulation around him that make the situation feel unstable in a way that keeps me leaning forward.
The POV threads also have real emotional pull. Swift-River’s guilt and determination feel grounded, and the way the “dragon voice” complicates her scenes adds a constant edge of tension.
Miikka’s sections hit too—there’s something immediately human about his fear and the way he keeps getting pushed into worse choices. The cistern/Eva memory beat in particular stuck with me.
On the writing side, the atmosphere is doing a lot of heavy lifting (in a good way). The action is easy to follow, but the creepy/uncanny moments are where it really shines. That mirror sequence was a standout for me—short, unsettling, and it lands without having to spell everything out.
The worldbuilding feels purposeful: the nodule economy isn’t just “cool magic,” it’s clearly tied to how the society works and how the worst parts of it are justified.
If you like dark fantasy with big stakes, moral ugliness, and that creeping sense that something massive is lining up behind the scenes, this is absolutely worth following early.
CrashingOceanRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I went into The Great Dying not fully knowing what to expect, but it quickly pulled me in with its tone and atmosphere. The opening immediately establishes a darker, more serious world, and it doesn’t take long before you can feel that this story is leaning into grimdark territory in a good way.Swift River is an interesting lead. She’s not written as a perfect hero, and that’s where a lot of the tension comes from. There’s a clear internal conflict between her intentions and the consequences of her actions, which makes her feel grounded even in a high fantasy setting.If I had to point out anything, it would be that the story leans heavily into dense descriptions at times, which can slow the pacing slightly. But for readers who enjoy immersive world building and darker fantasy, that’s more of a feature than a flaw.Overall, this feels like a strong start to a grimdark fantasy with a clear direction, interesting mechanics, and a protagonist who has real weight behind her choices. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy dragons, moral conflict, and a more serious tone.I'm looking forward to continuing reading frequently. Earned a follow from me!
D.P. GurbalovRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I loved the puppet master and the ritual.
also coin-flipping is something I've always done in my early life. I decided quite a few times my own fate, haha, using a coin-flip.
Overall, though: strong start, strong mood, and Miikka is carrying a ton of tension in a really readable way.
If I’m being picky, the only thing I believe I could improve is that you throw a lot of named stuff at us early ( for example: Pulse Fire Nodule, Phylactery Ceremony, Dragon’s Reach, several other location names) and it starts to blur. They sound cool, but I’d space a few of those out so readers don’t feel like they’re memorizing a glossary in chapter one. To be honest I forgot some of them. This is okay, of course, if you are aiming for a steeper learning curve. Are you?
If you are, then it is intentional. If note, the story might benefit from a small tone-down in terms of names in first three chapters. A
DJY66Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I came here from the forums for a swap and I'm glad I did.The opening with the blood ritual immediately sets a dark and gripping tone. The descriptions are vivid and really help build the atmosphere right from the start. If you enjoy Dark Fantasy with a serious tone, this is definitely worth checking out!Good luck with the story!
LayzQuillRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I went into Chapters 0–9 thinking, “Sure, let’s see what this halfling and dragon drama is about.” And now? I can’t stop thinking about it. Seriously, this story hooks you faster than a Dracolich can ruin an Orc camp.
The characters are chef’s kiss. Miikka—tiny, snarky, chaotic little genius—makes you laugh even while clinging to life in a storm of dragon wings and dark magic. Swift-River is brilliant: half-dragon, all badass, and somehow still relatable. And Vardan… oh, Vardan. Cold, terrifying, efficient… the kind of villain you love to hate (while simultaneously questioning all your life choices).
The plot? Non-stop tension with a perfect sprinkle of humor. You have epic flights through wind-torn skies, shadow-mink stealth, Pulse Fire Nodules, and Orcs just trying to survive—yet the author somehow makes you grin at Miikka spinning coins and throwing shade at Vardan mid-chaos. It’s dark, it’s epic, and it’s funny when you least expect it.
Grammar and writing mechanics are excellent. Sentences flow, descriptions are vivid, and the pacing keeps you turning pages like a caffeine-fueled reader on a mission. The few tiny imperfections? Honestly, they make it feel alive, like you’re sneaking along with the characters instead of reading a textbook.
By Chapter 9, I was fully invested. I needed to know if Swift-River could actually save everyone, if Miikka would survive his own chaos, and how Vardan’s cruelty would complicate every plan. The story’s addictive, clever, and just wild enough to make you forget to blink.
TheRealJoshKarnageRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I haven't ready too far into the series yet but it really hooked me. The opening was well written and I like how it got into the action.
On a personal note I love when some dialogue is italicized. Not sure why but I always liked it.
So far the characters are distinct and well written, and I can see the beginnings of some excellent world building.
Giving this a follow and will be continuing to read it when I'm not writing myself.
Thank you for the wonderful and entertaining work.
YorueRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Description pulled me in. Author got ways with words.The whole time it's was like reading a story that building up into a grand confirmation between Swift River and Mikka.I get the sense the author carefully moving piece of the plot forward toward it. This was done by split pov between Mikka and Swift River. It's enjoyable to see both sides. But, I do wish we spend more time with Swift River. Her struggle with draconic change is interesting and oh, that sceneThe scene where her body finally turn, it's very very viseral and you can feel her pain going through itGreat work!
AlolanExeggutorRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I am a big fan of female protagonist in dark theme stories. What most authors fail to do is either they tend to overdo the "I am strong woman who doesn't need a man" or they keep pushing them into situations where they'll need to be rescued, either physical or emotional support. I think this story is balanced so far. I am looking forward to how it unfolds.