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Dragon's Oath #1
Drake Ascendant
Dragons. Magic. Rifts in time.
Ervig Greenfields, a young prison guard, seeks the dragons’ help to lift a curse that has trapped him in the form of a dungeon rat. The dragons offer him access to the Labyrinth of a maze where dark magic can be purged and the curse lifted.
But there's a catch. To enter, Ervig must swear the Dragon’s Oath, a vow of secrecy that binds him to the dragons as a Drake Ascendant - a human imbued with dragon power, compelled to fight alongside dragonkind for centuries, never to return to his own time.
Slipping through a tear in time to the past, The Drake Ascendant becomes the seed of change risking everything to confront the spirits of the Book Darkmore—and the evil forces that cursed him. His quest will demand sacrifice, and unity between humans and dragons. But can the Thornose and Goldenhorn dragons trust each other—and trust humanity?
An epic fantasy adventure, DRAKE ASCENDANT is the first book in Donna Sundblad's Dragon's Oath series.
Ervig Greenfields, a young prison guard, seeks the dragons’ help to lift a curse that has trapped him in the form of a dungeon rat. The dragons offer him access to the Labyrinth of a maze where dark magic can be purged and the curse lifted.
But there's a catch. To enter, Ervig must swear the Dragon’s Oath, a vow of secrecy that binds him to the dragons as a Drake Ascendant - a human imbued with dragon power, compelled to fight alongside dragonkind for centuries, never to return to his own time.
Slipping through a tear in time to the past, The Drake Ascendant becomes the seed of change risking everything to confront the spirits of the Book Darkmore—and the evil forces that cursed him. His quest will demand sacrifice, and unity between humans and dragons. But can the Thornose and Goldenhorn dragons trust each other—and trust humanity?
An epic fantasy adventure, DRAKE ASCENDANT is the first book in Donna Sundblad's Dragon's Oath series.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2024
82 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Donna Sundblad
14 books38 followersDonna Sundblad is a gifted author of young adult fantasy, celebrated for weaving captivating tales filled with prophecies, quests, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. With a rich background as a freelance writer, editor, and ghostwriter, Donna now devotes her energy to crafting imaginative novels that highlight themes of friendship, adventure, and meaningful life lessons.
Her recent works, published through Next Chapter Publishing, include The Inheritance (a Christian fantasy allegory), Beyond the Fifth Gate, and Windwalker.
Donna is also immersed in her Dragon's Oath series—an epic saga currently comprising Drake Ascendant, Shadowalkers, and Sages of Tachnir, with more book 4 in the works.
Faith remains a cornerstone of Donna’s life and storytelling. She resides with her husband, their adored shelter rescue cat, and a hand-raised cockatiel. When she isn’t writing, Donna enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family, and blogging about her literary passions.
Her recent works, published through Next Chapter Publishing, include The Inheritance (a Christian fantasy allegory), Beyond the Fifth Gate, and Windwalker.
Donna is also immersed in her Dragon's Oath series—an epic saga currently comprising Drake Ascendant, Shadowalkers, and Sages of Tachnir, with more book 4 in the works.
Faith remains a cornerstone of Donna’s life and storytelling. She resides with her husband, their adored shelter rescue cat, and a hand-raised cockatiel. When she isn’t writing, Donna enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family, and blogging about her literary passions.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 31, 2025
A fantasy novel with dragons.
What more do you do want?
To rescue and lift a curse from a dungeon and save a rat(cursed man) he had to take help from dragons.
But all the help he has to pay.
So he had to make a deal.
The deal is his descendent will have to bear the power of the dragon.
Great power gives you great responsibility.
So the struggle starts.
I loved the setting of the book.
This book has the potential to be a Great series.
The idea is good.
What more do you do want?
To rescue and lift a curse from a dungeon and save a rat(cursed man) he had to take help from dragons.
But all the help he has to pay.
So he had to make a deal.
The deal is his descendent will have to bear the power of the dragon.
Great power gives you great responsibility.
So the struggle starts.
I loved the setting of the book.
This book has the potential to be a Great series.
The idea is good.
May 26, 2025
I've taken my time to immerse myself in this fantasy world and I'm very glad I did as it is the first part of an epic story and I couldn't have guessed the direction events were going from the opening section of the book.
If you are looking for a fantasy world with dragons and magic then this will be for you and it's very different from other fantasy novels I've read.
There's a powerful book of magic and in the beginning it's in evil hands resulting in young prison guard Ervig Greenfields being turned into a rat.
He manages to enlist the aid of dragons to lift this curse and turn him back into his human self but to do this he must enter the Labyrinth of Times which the dragons guard.
Ervig agrees to change his life by swearing the dragon's oath which binds him to them and gives him the power of a Drake Ascendant. And as to what all that means you'll have to read it to find out.
It's well written with an unfolding epic covering decades, time travel and strange lands. Certain humans have dragon like powers and can converse with dragons telepathically and there's one family of dragons in particular whose lives are entwined with the Drake Ascendant and must keep the secret oath to fulfill their destiny in their battle against dark magic.
With little idea what to expect from the plot or the direction it went in I'm now very eager to see where the story goes next in book 2. It's going to be very interesting to see how this series develops.
Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the ebook.
If you are looking for a fantasy world with dragons and magic then this will be for you and it's very different from other fantasy novels I've read.
There's a powerful book of magic and in the beginning it's in evil hands resulting in young prison guard Ervig Greenfields being turned into a rat.
He manages to enlist the aid of dragons to lift this curse and turn him back into his human self but to do this he must enter the Labyrinth of Times which the dragons guard.
Ervig agrees to change his life by swearing the dragon's oath which binds him to them and gives him the power of a Drake Ascendant. And as to what all that means you'll have to read it to find out.
It's well written with an unfolding epic covering decades, time travel and strange lands. Certain humans have dragon like powers and can converse with dragons telepathically and there's one family of dragons in particular whose lives are entwined with the Drake Ascendant and must keep the secret oath to fulfill their destiny in their battle against dark magic.
With little idea what to expect from the plot or the direction it went in I'm now very eager to see where the story goes next in book 2. It's going to be very interesting to see how this series develops.
Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the ebook.
March 10, 2025
The exciting start of the story creates curiosity for the remaining parts of the book. When I imagined the details given about the characters in my mind, it was like a quality animation movie was playing. I remember my nephews looking into my eyes with excitement when I read these stories, I think they experienced the same feeling I did. The vivid narration of the story is very gripping and the narration is exciting, so I thank the author for this effort.
June 2, 2025
If you like Game of Thrones, you'll like this book too. It's a great fantasy book and recommended for young readers. Erving is a character you can really identify with. I think he has a brilliant development, from a nobody to someone with powers who learns to use them. He's not a perfect character; he's human, and that keeps you engaged with the book and the plot. Donna created a masterpiece.
Thank you Booktasters and Donna for giving me a copy of this book.
Thank you Booktasters and Donna for giving me a copy of this book.
July 16, 2025
This took a long long time to get into.
The plot is initially very exciting. But as we get introduced to more characters, the plot becomes confusing and not enough world-building is done. This makes it hard to follow and I almost found myself DNFing this book. We don’t get to know the characters very well until we meet Aurora.
When I reached Aurora’s story, it was clear that this book is supposed to be about her. Aurora is a good character and even if written about rather vaguely, I enjoyed following her along in the book. It only occurs to you from about page 450 what the purpose of the whole first 400 pages was supposed to be about which I think it’s rather exasperating.
I was going to rate this a lot lower, but the last 200 pages redeemed the story slightly. The last 200 pages- the plot made sense, we were able to connect with the characters and enough world building was done to finally understand all the terminology.
As I have committed to reading the third book as an arc, I will apprehensively begin book 2.
The plot is initially very exciting. But as we get introduced to more characters, the plot becomes confusing and not enough world-building is done. This makes it hard to follow and I almost found myself DNFing this book. We don’t get to know the characters very well until we meet Aurora.
When I reached Aurora’s story, it was clear that this book is supposed to be about her. Aurora is a good character and even if written about rather vaguely, I enjoyed following her along in the book. It only occurs to you from about page 450 what the purpose of the whole first 400 pages was supposed to be about which I think it’s rather exasperating.
I was going to rate this a lot lower, but the last 200 pages redeemed the story slightly. The last 200 pages- the plot made sense, we were able to connect with the characters and enough world building was done to finally understand all the terminology.
As I have committed to reading the third book as an arc, I will apprehensively begin book 2.
February 18, 2025
Oh, where do I even begin with this gem of a tale? Drake Ascendant is like a dragon’s hoard—shiny, full of surprises, and impossible to resist once you’ve laid eyes on it. Donna Sundblad has crafted a story that’s equal parts heart-pounding adventure, intricate world-building, and a masterclass in character development. As a fellow writer of fiction, I couldn’t help but marvel at how she juggles all these elements with the finesse of a dragon tamer.
Let’s start with the plot, shall we? Because, wow, what a plot! Ervig Greenfields, our unlikely hero, starts off as a prison guard (already a fascinating choice for a protagonist) and ends up… well, a dungeon rat. Yes, you read that right. A rat. But not just any rat—a cursed one. And the only way to break the curse? Strike a deal with dragons. I mean, talk about a bad day at work! The dragons offer Ervig access to the Labyrinth of Times, a maze where dark magic can be purged, but there’s a catch (isn’t there always?). He must swear the Dragon’s Oath, binding him to dragonkind for centuries. No pressure, right?
The story unfolds like a tapestry, with threads of time travel, ancient magic, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Sundblad’s pacing is impeccable—she knows exactly when to let the story breathe and when to hit you with a dragon-sized twist. The Labyrinth of Times is a particularly brilliant creation, a place where the past, present, and future collide in ways that are as thrilling as they are unpredictable.
Now, let’s talk about Ervig. Oh, Ervig. What a delightfully flawed and relatable hero. His transformation from a humble prison guard to a Drake Ascendant—a human imbued with dragon power—is handled with such care and nuance. Sundblad doesn’t just give us a hero; she gives us a person. Ervig’s struggles with duty, identity, and sacrifice are palpable, and his journey is one that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt trapped by their circumstances (though hopefully not literally as a rat).
And the dragons! Oh, the dragons. Sundblad’s dragons are not your run-of-the-mill fire-breathing beasts. They’re complex, layered, and brimming with personality. The Thornose and Goldenhorn dragons, with their simmering tensions and uneasy alliances, add a delicious layer of political intrigue to the story. Can they trust each other? Can they trust humanity? These questions keep the stakes sky-high and the pages turning.
The world-building is, in a word, exquisite. Sundblad has a knack for creating settings that feel alive, from the dank, oppressive dungeons to the majestic, otherworldly realms of the dragons. Her prose is vivid and evocative, painting pictures that linger in your mind long after you’ve put the book down. And the magic system? Chef’s kiss. It’s intricate without being overwhelming, and it’s woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story.
But what really sets Drake Ascendant apart is its heart. At its core, this is a story about unity, trust, and the power of sacrifice. It’s about finding your place in a world that’s bigger than you, and about the bonds that tie us together—whether we’re human, dragon, or somewhere in between. Sundblad’s background in exploring spiritual themes shines through, adding depth and resonance to the narrative without ever feeling preachy.
As a writer myself, I couldn’t help but admire Sundblad’s craft. Her ability to balance action, emotion, and world-building is nothing short of masterful. She’s created a story that’s not just entertaining, but meaningful—a rare feat in the world of epic fantasy.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet and carry you away on dragon wings, look no further than Drake Ascendant. It’s a tale that’s as bold and fiery as the dragons it features, and I, for one, cannot wait to see where the Dragon’s Oath series takes us next. Bravo, Donna Sundblad. Bravo.
Let’s start with the plot, shall we? Because, wow, what a plot! Ervig Greenfields, our unlikely hero, starts off as a prison guard (already a fascinating choice for a protagonist) and ends up… well, a dungeon rat. Yes, you read that right. A rat. But not just any rat—a cursed one. And the only way to break the curse? Strike a deal with dragons. I mean, talk about a bad day at work! The dragons offer Ervig access to the Labyrinth of Times, a maze where dark magic can be purged, but there’s a catch (isn’t there always?). He must swear the Dragon’s Oath, binding him to dragonkind for centuries. No pressure, right?
The story unfolds like a tapestry, with threads of time travel, ancient magic, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Sundblad’s pacing is impeccable—she knows exactly when to let the story breathe and when to hit you with a dragon-sized twist. The Labyrinth of Times is a particularly brilliant creation, a place where the past, present, and future collide in ways that are as thrilling as they are unpredictable.
Now, let’s talk about Ervig. Oh, Ervig. What a delightfully flawed and relatable hero. His transformation from a humble prison guard to a Drake Ascendant—a human imbued with dragon power—is handled with such care and nuance. Sundblad doesn’t just give us a hero; she gives us a person. Ervig’s struggles with duty, identity, and sacrifice are palpable, and his journey is one that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt trapped by their circumstances (though hopefully not literally as a rat).
And the dragons! Oh, the dragons. Sundblad’s dragons are not your run-of-the-mill fire-breathing beasts. They’re complex, layered, and brimming with personality. The Thornose and Goldenhorn dragons, with their simmering tensions and uneasy alliances, add a delicious layer of political intrigue to the story. Can they trust each other? Can they trust humanity? These questions keep the stakes sky-high and the pages turning.
The world-building is, in a word, exquisite. Sundblad has a knack for creating settings that feel alive, from the dank, oppressive dungeons to the majestic, otherworldly realms of the dragons. Her prose is vivid and evocative, painting pictures that linger in your mind long after you’ve put the book down. And the magic system? Chef’s kiss. It’s intricate without being overwhelming, and it’s woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story.
But what really sets Drake Ascendant apart is its heart. At its core, this is a story about unity, trust, and the power of sacrifice. It’s about finding your place in a world that’s bigger than you, and about the bonds that tie us together—whether we’re human, dragon, or somewhere in between. Sundblad’s background in exploring spiritual themes shines through, adding depth and resonance to the narrative without ever feeling preachy.
As a writer myself, I couldn’t help but admire Sundblad’s craft. Her ability to balance action, emotion, and world-building is nothing short of masterful. She’s created a story that’s not just entertaining, but meaningful—a rare feat in the world of epic fantasy.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet and carry you away on dragon wings, look no further than Drake Ascendant. It’s a tale that’s as bold and fiery as the dragons it features, and I, for one, cannot wait to see where the Dragon’s Oath series takes us next. Bravo, Donna Sundblad. Bravo.
June 13, 2025
I enjoyed the book. The first part with the Red Knave hooked me and I was excited to see where it went. I just wish to know what happened to the guards back at the prison.
Nerius ruined Ervig's life. He turned him into a different species, completely uprooted his life and tried holding onto a power he didn't understand. I don't feel sorry for him, but I wish I would've gotten more of his perspective. I would've loved to know what the book was saying to him, and how it was influencing him.
The book for me starts being quite slow after the Red Knave gets entombed. We follow Ervig's journey with the dragons and witness him build a life completely separated from the rest of humanity.
We get to see his daughter grow into her powers and have her own family. All beautiful. I just wished there was more.
The way the dragons spoke also threw me off quite a lot. I didn't enjoy that. The names of the characters also got harder and harder to pronounce as the book progressed.
However, I am aware it's only the 1st installment in what already promises to be a fun, magical book. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
Thank you so much to BookTasters and author Donna Sundblad. I had a fun week reading the book!
Nerius ruined Ervig's life. He turned him into a different species, completely uprooted his life and tried holding onto a power he didn't understand. I don't feel sorry for him, but I wish I would've gotten more of his perspective. I would've loved to know what the book was saying to him, and how it was influencing him.
The book for me starts being quite slow after the Red Knave gets entombed. We follow Ervig's journey with the dragons and witness him build a life completely separated from the rest of humanity.
We get to see his daughter grow into her powers and have her own family. All beautiful. I just wished there was more.
The way the dragons spoke also threw me off quite a lot. I didn't enjoy that. The names of the characters also got harder and harder to pronounce as the book progressed.
However, I am aware it's only the 1st installment in what already promises to be a fun, magical book. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
Thank you so much to BookTasters and author Donna Sundblad. I had a fun week reading the book!
February 12, 2025
Review of Drake Ascendant by Donna Sundblad
Drake Ascendant is an exciting dive into a world of dragons, magic, and unexpected destiny. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Ervig Greenfields’ journey—imagine being turned into a dungeon rat and realizing the only way out involves making a life-altering pact with dragons! The stakes were high, and I loved how Sundblad weaved in themes of sacrifice and duty, making Ervig’s choices feel weighty and real.
What really stood out to me was the world-building. The Labyrinth of Times, the dragons, and the idea of an oath binding humans and dragons together—it all felt fresh and immersive. The pacing was just right, keeping me engaged without feeling rushed.
If you love fantasy with deep lore, strong character arcs, and a bit of mystery, this book is definitely worth a read. I’m already looking forward to the next in the Dragon’s Oath series!
Drake Ascendant is an exciting dive into a world of dragons, magic, and unexpected destiny. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Ervig Greenfields’ journey—imagine being turned into a dungeon rat and realizing the only way out involves making a life-altering pact with dragons! The stakes were high, and I loved how Sundblad weaved in themes of sacrifice and duty, making Ervig’s choices feel weighty and real.
What really stood out to me was the world-building. The Labyrinth of Times, the dragons, and the idea of an oath binding humans and dragons together—it all felt fresh and immersive. The pacing was just right, keeping me engaged without feeling rushed.
If you love fantasy with deep lore, strong character arcs, and a bit of mystery, this book is definitely worth a read. I’m already looking forward to the next in the Dragon’s Oath series!
April 14, 2025
This story is a great example of the battle between good and evil.
It is a Young Adult (YA) fantasy fiction book full of adventure and symbolic puzzles, including the Labyrinth of Times: a magic maze.
Well-written, intelligent, thought-provoking and inspirational. Featuring a brave young protagonist, dragons, suspense, going back in time, while trying to correct some important things.
Donna Sunblad's book, which is part of an epic series, is woven with prophecies, quests, and the timeless battle between light and darkness.
It is a Young Adult (YA) fantasy fiction book full of adventure and symbolic puzzles, including the Labyrinth of Times: a magic maze.
Well-written, intelligent, thought-provoking and inspirational. Featuring a brave young protagonist, dragons, suspense, going back in time, while trying to correct some important things.
Donna Sunblad's book, which is part of an epic series, is woven with prophecies, quests, and the timeless battle between light and darkness.
June 13, 2025
That fight between Good and Evil. Ervig in order to conquer Nerius Azwix also known as the Red knave travelled through the Labyrinth of Times. Where he met some dragons. He took the oath of secrecy which made him a Drake Ascendant. He needs to conquer the hosts of the Book of Darkmore in order to prevent the evil book which needed human blood to destroy. The book captures the reader in it's mesmerizing fantasy, with each scene filled with intriguing actions. In this book, magic, fantasy, grotesque and imagination are intertwined to capture the mind of the reader to the end. A must read!
June 24, 2025
A thrilling dive into a world of dragons, dark magic, and destiny! Drake Ascendant masterfully blends time travel with epic fantasy as Ervig Greenfields’ desperate quest for freedom leads him to an oath that changes everything. With rich world-building, powerful themes of sacrifice and loyalty, and unforgettable dragon lore, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers. A strong start to the Dragon's Oath series—I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews