REVIEW: Order of the Shadow Dragon by Steven McKinnon
Order of the Shadow Dragon is the latest fantasy novel by Steven McKinnon, set in the same world as his completed trilogy, The Raincatcher’s Ballad. McKinnon might be known to readers from his 2018 SPFBO entry, Symphony of the Wind, which made it through to the competition’s final stage.
As with his first books, this opening instalment in McKinnon’s new Legacy of Light & Shadow series is brimming with complexity. Confident in the world he has created, McKinnon deftly sets up a conflict of epic proportions, a hero’s journey with a grim twist. McKinnon’s greatest skill is being able to weave flawed characters, a surprising plot, high action, and snarky humour into a stunning tapestry filled with both the deepest of dark and brightest of light moments. That there’s definitely more of the former than the latter means there’s lots here to appeal to the grimdark reader.
Only one thing drives Adrian Navarro: revenge. They say it’s a dish best served cold, but Navarro burns with the need to find and destroy whatever the hell is was that killed his father. Watching him twisted and broken by a shadowy visitation was the defining moment of Adrian’s childhood – his father’s screams and the monstrous laughter ringing from the darkness has echoed in Adrian’s mind every moment since. Magic is the enemy. And it’s not just his. This is a world being destroyed by dark sorcery and he’s been assigned the job of assassinating the White Death, a mysterious woman who seems to be at its heart. As the last knight in the Order of the Shadow Dragon, a military organisation dedicated to neutralising the threat of dark magic, this task is certainly in his wheelhouse. A pleasure, even. But he’s about to find out that everything he’s been told is a lie, and if that’s the case, there’s only one question that matters: who is really responsible for his father’s murder?
The most immediately appealing aspect of Order of the Shadow Dragon for the grimdark reader is the lived-in world, intricately detailed and layered with gritty realism. Part of this comes from the recognisable imperfections of our society writ large. From the smaller interactions to the overarching themes, McKinnon holds a mirror up to the darkness of the human condition: the pre-eminence of greed and self interest, the cynical use of hatred and racism for personal gain, the vilification and brutalisation of refugees, the idealisation of money and power. All of humanity is here – and most of it is ignorant or immoral.
That’s not to say that there is no hope, Adrian and his collection of companions have the fate of the world on their shoulders, and they’re prepared to risk it all to prevent disaster. But this is not a merry band of friends off to save the world with nothing more than a few magic tricks and a plucky attitude. At best, they’re a tenuously connected bunch of eccentric individuals with competing resentments and at times it seems like they’re just as likely to kill each other as the bad guys. For many, Dante – thief, con artist, entertainer – will be the standout. His pessimistic quips and self-depreciation offered some real gallows humour: ‘His cellmate wailed like an infant. Dante cleared his throat. “Begging your forgiveness, friend – but could you shut up? Some of us intend on dying quietly. Thanking you.”’ This is precisely the attitude I’m looking for from someone about to die, especially when added to the ongoing world weariness of an actor gone to seed. In contrast, Adrian’s journey, from a loner consumed by vengeance to someone having to work with others and make difficult, morally complex decisions, was subtler but engaging – I like him much more now that his world has been made more complicated by uncomfortable truths. Perhaps my one complaint would be that, for me, neither he, nor the others have the immediate appeal I’m used to with McKinnon’s characters, especially when compared to those in Symphony of the Wind. For all that each had an individual voice, with real humour and more than a little snarky commentary in their conversations (which I love), I wasn’t rooting for anyone. Saying that, the events in this novel acted like a scouring, shearing off the outer elements of each person’s character until all that’s left was heart and bone. It made them that much more interesting and I have hopes for what comes next (for those that survive).
Overall, Order of the Shadow Dragon was an engaging opener in a new story, a worthy read for a grimdark audience, and something that’ll keep you turning the pages well after bed time. If you like a story with real pace, action set pieces, and a generous dose of darkness, give this a go.
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