Dragon Child

The Shadow War Saga #2

by Elana A. Mugdan

For the first time ever, Keriya Soulstar is truly happy. She's a hero among the Galantrians, having returned triumphant from her battle with Necrovar; she's been reunited with her dragon, Thorion; she's even daring to think she's found a place she can call home. Things are good.

Unfortunately, the Allentrian states are gearing up for war, and when a surprise attack reveals that Thorion is sick, Keriya's happy life crumbles apart.

In a race against time, Thorion's allies must delve into the past to provide hope for the future. And as Keriya uncovers unsettling secrets about the dragons' role in the first great war against the Shadow, she realizes her battle has only just begun.

Genres: Fantasy

558 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2018

About the author

Just a dragon stuck in a human costume. Neutral Good on my best days, Chaotic Evil on my worst.

Reviews

[NickReads]

the first book is amazing, I can't wait to read this one too, heard it gets way more darker.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy book birthday to Dragon Child! 🎉 Congratulations to the amazing mother of The Shadow War Saga, Elana A. Mugdan 💕


You can also read my review here

“You cannot be both a champion of justice and a defender of mercy.”

THIS BOOK JUST BLOW ME AWAY.


I enjoyed the first book, Dragon Speaker, and when the author asked me if I want to beta read Dragon Child, of course I said yes. I can't miss the opportunity to follow Keriya's and Thorion's journey.


Some things unexpected happened and that makes the world-building got bigger this time. I loved how Mugdan explored the kingdoms and places in this book. I was easily lost in the words because they turned into vivid images in my head. I also loved how things were more complicated and complex. I enjoyed the feelings when trying to untangle all the secrets but still found so little because book three is on its way so that means more secrets!

“To know your heart, look at your dreams. To know your soul, listen to your nightmares.”

I didn't know why but while reading this book, I struggled a bit to keep my eyes on the pages. I think it has something to do with how big the story actually is. To write a story with this scale, it surely need a slow but steady progress. But once it arrived on the right spot, the tension and action didn't stop.


Now let's talk about the characters! All of them showed a great development and I really liked that. Oh, and I loved the idea of separating the characters into different journeys. It really played a big role in the characters' amazing growth and I was able to get to know them closely.

“Evil is defined by what society views as detrimental to see its core values.”

I didn't really like Keriya at first, but she became more mature in this book. So now, I'm fine with her. But having a world's future put on your shoulders wasn't easy. She actually handled her situation well. I'm really looking forward to see her in the next book.
And OH MY GOD I LOVE ROXANNE SO MUCH. She was amazing! I loved how Mugdan changed her but didn't lose the Roxanne I know and adore.
Oohh, Effrax, another favorite of mine. HE WAS AWESOME AND SURPRISING! I knew that he still has a lot of secrets even though he warmed up with his friends. But his behavior in this book shocked me, in a good way. I think this might be the real Effrax and I can't wait to know how his character will adapt to the situation in the third book.
Fletcher's development was so good! He was a scared and shy boy, while in this book he changed into a brave but still a loyal friend. I really loved reading about his journey. He was definitely an awesome character.
Though I still don't really care about him, Maxton really showed some great things. I liked how he handled Keriya's mood and situations with clear mind. He played an important part as the crown prince and a friend of Keriya's.


I left some things unwritten in this review because I want my reviews to be spoiler-free. But know this, Dragon Child surprised and amazed me. Especially THAT ending. I mean, seriously? You decide to wrapped it with that? Well, I tell you what, IT WAS CRUEL. No way I'm going to wait for book three with THAT as my last memory of the second book. IT'S UNFAIR. I'm definitely not okay.

“The most tragic truths you can ever behold are stories unfinished, and stories untold.”

Overall, I loved Dragon Child. Yes, it broke my heart but the story, the world, the characters were all magnificent. I can't wait for book three! If you enjoy books about dragons and adventure mixed with friendship, I really recommend you to read The Shadow War Saga.


Blog | Twitter | Instagram

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has not been released yet and I have just finished reading a PDF version sent to me by the author (thank you). I enjoyed this just as much as I did Dragon Speaker (book 1 of this series).

This is classic YA fantasy that has a well-defined magic system that works with the elements (fire, water, earth and air). If you have read book 1 you will know that it is about Thorion (a young dragon) and the dragon speaker Keriya (a young girl without magic). Dragon Child continues their story as they struggle against the evil of the shadow lord Necrovar.

As with Dragon Speaker; this book is well set out and has chapters headed with dragon pictures and proverbs. (It's a winning format, for me, so why change it?).

I like the characters and the magic system and the fact that it tells the tale without the use of bad language. This book builds more on the characters themselves and gives some insight as to their strengths and weaknesses. I'm not sure who my favourite character is (probably between Keriya, Fletcher and Roxanne) but Princess Seba is definitely my least favourite. She is too stuck-up and self-absorbed for my liking.

It is not the end of the story; so don't expect the tale to be wrapped up. I think the series has great potential and I look forward to reading more by Elana A, Mugdan.

Thanks for reading and look out for the release of this in the near future!

[Elana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book and I think it's lit

[Keelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book from the author, much more unpredictable this time. More details are uncovered (which raise their own questions) although it more or less ends on a cliff-hanger.

Packs a lot of emotional punches.

[Quentin Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elana Mugdan is an author to look out for!

After an extremely disappointing season of Game of Thrones, I had to look elsewhere for my fix for Dragons. Yes, I love dragons on a screen and in books.. or in any format really. Thankfully, this book was the perfect fix. As I said in my review of the first book in this saga, Elana brings J.K. Rowling level character and world building. A fantastic and much needed addition in the second book is that the world building is expanded. I seem to relate to Keriya more and more. Her development is a progressive one and at times you want to think she's at her breaking point or at the edge, but she pulls herself together and continues on. Roxanne was a character I also liked from the first book and this book seems to go into a more passive angle to her development. Thankfully the characters aren't all on one journey for one person. They each are on a journey themselves, especially internally. That is the kind of character building every author should do but doesn't. Some authors aren't consistent with their writing but Elana seem's to stay consistent but add's layers of detail. The more you learn and know of a character, the more realistic they become.

Oh, I must stop you for a second and ask you.. did I mention that I have an obsession with dragons? Oh, I did? Well.. I'm here to mention it again because it's worth mentioning! DRAGONS. DRAGONS. DRAGONS. You get a VERY strong dosage of dragons! Hahaha!

Conclusion: After finishing you weirdly miss the land of Allentria along with the characters. Maybe that just me. I've never felt that kind of connection to a fictional place before! I am VERY pleased with the second installment of this saga. I cannot wait to continue following them around on their journeys! The first and second books are so captivating that I believe I'll re-read them again before the third is released. Highly recommend this author's publications!

P.s. I wasn't aware that "Allentria" had a website where readers can view a world map, interact with the author, shop, newsletters, see upcoming projects/releases, etc. Pretty incredible of an author to include that for readers!

Check it out if you're a fan of fantasy! www.allentria.com

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked her last book and was happy to preorder and wait for it to be delivered. And it was fun to see what these book friends were doing. She gave some background for those that skipped volume one, yet this wasn't over done and left room for the energy to build.
In life I enjoy morally mature folks who do wrong and clean up there mess. I don't like the sitting president yet I enjoy how much he has taught me about folks far different than my small circle.
In this volume I was irritated by a whiny character, and board by the white
Knight that never crossed the appropriate line, never gave facts for jealousness. Slowly the Big questions emerged. Who is really bad? How can we hate evil without being a little evil ourselves? What can't be justified when judging another as evil? Yes he lies. Yes you can't believe him. Yet when your actions haven't been clean, how can you condemn this alternate ego?
I got caught up in the circles of life. How we characters strive to solve the big questions. And how do we ever go on after tragedy?
Who are we truly ? Who is she to lead this quest, when she doesn't have the magic depth of others? Oh I'm glad it was her and not me who had to keep slugging on through the muck, insects, heat and cold, separation and anxiety. To see a child or friend make a mistake that hurts others, how do you stay true? When they keep making bad choices how do you help them turn away from their deadly path?
Yes I put this on my book shelf glad to have the printed version that I will remember in a long time, as a book that spoke about real life problems with Dragons and Fantasy and inspired me to think, about the world I populate.

[Maggie Chatterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Child by Elana A. Mugdan is the much anticipated sequel to her Shadow War Saga continuing where her first book, Dragon Speaker left off. We follow Keriya and her companions as they set out to not only prevent a war from tearing apart the land, but also save Thorion from a sickness that has little hope for survival.
The novel is gripping and leaving you hungry for more. Much more. I seriously let out a cry of despair at the end because I didn't want it to end. The novel is a bit darker than the first, and deeply emotional. It brings forth questions to be answer in the next novels, but also answers a few questions that were brought up in book one.

[Maggie Chatterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Child by Elana A. Mugdan is the much anticipated sequel to her Shadow War Saga continuing where her first book, Dragon Speaker left off. We follow Keriya and her companions as they set out to not only prevent a war from tearing apart the land, but also save Thorion from a sickness that has little hope for survival.
The novel is gripping and leaving you hungry for more. Much more. I seriously let out a cry of despair at the end because I didn't want it to end. The novel is a bit darker than the first, and deeply emotional. It brings forth questions to be answer in the next novels, but also answers a few questions that were brought up in book one.

[Gus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like the first it took me a little bit to fully get into it to where i was just turning page after page reading having to know what happens next. And yes there is way more darkness to this a lot more then the first book.
So much stuff happens where it just leaves you wondering if you read that correctly, like did that really just happen??????
like I said about the first book I really wish there was more to the main events that happen in the book and not so much of the leading up to it, I felt like you get teased with all this greatness only for it to come and go quickly.
All in all after finishing this book I need book three asap, I need to know what happens next!

[Lauren Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book, but this second novel is even more fantastic! The descriptions of the stunning world Mugdan has created are breathtaking. The characters are all really well developed and the plot really twists and turns before you can even realise what’s just happened - you are kept on your toes in the best way. This book deserves to be widely recognised and applauded as it is superbly crafted and I felt rather emotional after I’d finished reading it, as it was such a beautiful, funny, dark and gripping journey which was both thrilling and inspiring.

[Charles Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weird but fascinating

WOW what a story. It seems that there are forces at work here we haven't met yet. I believe good should win out though. Looking forward to the next book.

[Alyson Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: Dragon Child
Author: Elana A. Mugdan
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the author Elana A. Mugdan for providing me with a copy of this book. I am super excited to be working with you again and am looking forward to more.

Now, the first book was book, but in this second book, we get to go to whole new levels and see a whole new world. What I really love about fantasy books is that the more books we have, the more of the world we get to see. Elana fits into this formula very nicely. The first book set up the world and the second book takes us to whole new levels. I love just how much we get to see of the world.

Not only does the world grow, but the characters do as well. I love just how we get to see the characters adapt to a new set of situations. It also does also help that Elana is amazing at writing character development. I like how all of the characters were on different journeys, which gave them their chance to really shine. Often times in fantasy, everyone is lumped together and it feels like everyone is trying to get their chance in the spotlight. I like how everyone was there, but discovering themselves almost. Also, like I just got done saying, it helps us get to see different worlds.

I really enjoyed Keriya’s point of view. She’s probably my favourite, not that I didn’t enjoy the others. There was just something about her character that I really enjoyed. I thought that maybe she would break because of the pressure, but she held onto herself very nicely. I liked how she just kind of handled everything with a certain set of grace.

Roxanne is the one who I think got the most character development. Don’t get me wrong, she was well written in the first book, but in this second book, she really came out of her shell. I like how she was changed, but, yet, kept a lot of the same personality.

Elana’s writing has also developed. I’m not sure how long this was published after Dragon Speaker, but it is clear that Elana listened to reviewers and fixed some of the issues in her writing. Don’t get me wrong, the first book was very well written, but this one, is a whole new level. It could have had something to do with just how far we get to see the world. I truly am looking forward to more from this world.

Dragon Child is out now, so and pick up a copy for yourself.

[Donald LaPointe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem from Ms. Mugdan

A joy to read. The more I read of her work, the less I see of Martin. Ms. Mugdan writes in a crisp manner that isn’t confused by her near seamless transition between points of view and development of the entire cast of characters. “The Shadow War Saga” is a must read for anyone who enjoys the works of Tolkien, Lewis, Jordan, and/or Sanderson.

This latest installment of “The Shadow War Saga” builds upon “Dragon Speaker” in along multiple lines. The thematic elements diverge and converge in a manner of a shuttle flying across a loom.

There are the familiar themes of teen angst, self-doubt, trust/mistrust and interpersonal squabbles. Because I live with late teens/young adults, I missed some of these nuances in the first book.

The biggest thread that left me gobsmacked was the back story for Valerion, the hero of the Great War. One part was hinted at in the prologue but I missed its meaning and implications. I am hoping that future books include the history of Valerion’s “last battle” before the Great War.


Other thematic elements: Is the cure worse than the disease? To balance perceived inequalities, are people willing to “sacrifice” who they are and their rights to follow leaders who promise balance? Are these same people willing to stand up against these same leaders when they create other (sometimes worse) inequalities to benefit themselves? Does equality bring justice? Does justice bring equality? Is Keriya autobiographically based on Elana Mugdan?

The following may be a result of living in the time of “COVID-19 quarantining” and my perspective may be different in other circumstances BUT I found the quest line parallels the current struggles with this virus and, especially, the search for a cure. The quest line also reflects everyone’s life—plans made are changed, sometime against our will; activities get sent onto side roads and we experience dead ends, cul-de-sacs, etc.

My only negative of this book: Fletcher’s “reveal” was, in my opinion, moderately predictable and more distraction than contribution. However, the distraction was quite minimal and did not detract from the overall excellence of this book.

[Meagan Poetschlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the shadow war saga. Im am enjoying the unique world and diverse characters in this book. Dragon Child gives you a bit more about the characters history than you get in the first book. Of course, my favorite part is the dragons. I love Mugdan's take on dragons. Most books go with the typical fire breathing but Thorion and the other mystical dragons in Mugdan's Allentria weild light magic. I was fascinated by the dragons and learning the true history of Valerion, Allentria's historic hero. New fun characters come into play in book 2. A unicorn, a werelion, and tons of amazing imagery and magic weilding. Some characters are obnoxious and others I love, just like real life. It is an immersive world and there was a ton of action packed scenes. The book did not disappoint. A wonderful fantasy series that I will have to finish.

Spoiler: This is a very sad part of the story for my favorite character. Read it to find out what happens.

[Avalon Roselin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take everything good and heartbreaking about Dragon Speaker and double it, and you've got Dragon Child. While there was rather a lot to keep track of for someone with my attention span, I couldn't put it down from about page 200 on. So many revelations! So much buildup to the next book! Dragon Blood can't come soon enough!

[Janne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I loved it. Its nice to watch all the characters grow and overcome their obstacles im looking forward to reading the next book

[chaospaladin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I loved from the first one is still present in this one (awesome characters, clever lines), but somehow even better.

[One Anjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

“We are not crippled, we are merely disadvantaged.” A subtle tremor ran through his body as he shifted his weight closer to her. “And you will overcome those disadvantages, as you always have. I know it.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

I have to admit that in this second installment of Shadow War Saga, the story goes darker, more new characters are involved, the world is explored more broadly and the world-building is more fascinating.

Most of the characters are well-developed, although there are some whose development is not too significant. For example, Keriya. I still feel annoyed with her stubborn side and her infatuation for her dragon, Thorion, that she doesn't appreciate her friends who always there for her. Even I came to agree with 'the evil side' statement here towards Keriya.

“You may have loved him, but look at all you did in the name of love—not only to Thorion, but to your friends and your country. Some people don’t deserve love.”

But I love Roxanne, Fletcher and Effrax! Their character development is great. Roxanne becomes a formidable and stronger warrior. It was Fletcher who became bolder, braver and remained loyal. Effrax's character from the beginning is interesting and friendly, although his demeanor at the end is a bit surprising, but he’s still interesting, and it seems that Effrax still keeps many secrets. We'll see then. Princess Seba, although still annoying, but her character is also quite developed, I see she’s becoming smarter here.

My other complaints about technical difficulties are still the same as in the previous book, such as the location of the glossary at the very back, and also the symbol in each chapter that describes the POV which is sometimes confusing for some non-dominant characters. Even so, overall, I think the story is good, but it doesn't feel 'wow' to me, especially since I skimmed a lot of Keriya's pov because I didn't really like it. However, I will still read the next book because the story is interesting.

[Court · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the pace more comfortable in this one, there was a lot of information coming quite fast in book 1. But that's not to say that the pace was slow by any means.

The universe the author is created is still amazing.

We saw a lot of growth in our squad of young heroes; through maturing and communication and confrontation and heartache.

I loved seeing our guy Fletcher really start to come into his own, to start finding his own strength, I have a soft spot for him.

Our bad-ass Roxanne is still amazing, she has a grip on the person she wants to be, shes not the gentle, easy friend, but she is the friend who will never give up on you.

Max is.... well.... I like fine but he just disappoints me.

Effrax I have another soft spot for and holy shit our boy goes through some shit in this book.

A certain someone is still a cow, i am probably supposed to give her some leeway, but she is a spoiled, judgmental, vicious lil bish.

Then we have out main babies, Keriya & Thorion. Our girl is still trying so hard to be the hero with, lets face it, absolutely ZERO information about how to go about it.

I still find the concept of being without emotion until bonding fascinating.

And then we have our gooey frenemy as well, who is very interesting.

Amazing book and a can't wait to jump straight into the next one.

and maybe the next book will confirm whether my suspicions are correct!

[Noriboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Elana, what are you doing to me?! 😭
This book was so emotional and gutwrenching. Keriya is showing a lot of growth, but she's very scared at the same time. I can't fault her for that. I appreciated that Keriya is much more empathetic towards Fletcher and Roxanne, and their friendships become much strenger because of it. I want Keriya to believe in herself as much as Thorion, Fletcher and Roxanne do!

The ending had me screaming. I take my proverbial hat of to the author.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Quite interesting, though this kind of novel usually written for teens, adult can enjoy this too. The plot begun to taken shape. Good and evil became ambiguous, but surely the rotten one would smell soon.

[Cali Ravenwing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was gut wrenching, uplifting, fun banter. It has a dragon!! The relationships between the characters are well written. The banter is perfect the conflict of desires and duty. The cliffhanger is superb!!

[Alex T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...