A Slow Burn Fantasy That Sinks Its Claws In

4.5 out of 5 stars

Shadow of the Dragon snuck up on me. I didn’t expect to be this pulled in, especially coming in at book two of the Qiledara series, but here we are, fully hooked. Amy Daniels manages that rare trick of making a sequel feel accessible without turning it into a recap parade. Her writing just flows, filling in the gaps naturally while drawing you into this sprawling world of kingdoms, curses, and complicated loyalties.

Aaron, better known as the Dragonslayer, may be the central figure, but he’s not walking this path alone. His squire, a cursed knight’s children, a necromancer with some eerie talents, and a healer who can undo monstrous transformations all play key roles. The story jumps perspectives often, sometimes more than I wanted, but I get why — Daniels isn’t just telling a story, she’s building a living, breathing realm. Still, I found myself gravitating toward Aaron’s chapters and wishing we spent even more time in his head.

The dragonkin angle? That part fascinated me. The idea that people can transform and be saved adds a whole layer of moral tension that I wish had been front and center. And there’s this invisible dragon that’s hinted at but never quite steps fully into the light. It created some great atmosphere, but I kept waiting for a bigger payoff.

As for the narration, Phillip Nathaniel Freeman is phenomenal. His voice feels made for fantasy: grounded, expressive, and easy to follow even when the story shifts gears or timelines. Add in a supporting cast, and it all clicks together like an immersive audio drama. The transitions between characters were seamless, which matters when a story’s this wide in scope.

Sixteen-plus hours went by fast. The pacing isn’t breakneck, but it’s steady, deliberate, and richly rewarding. I came for the dragons and stayed for the characters, the politics, the quiet heartbreak. Now I’m absolutely circling back to book one to see how it all started.

Book Description:

Auguries of Peril for the Kingship…

Aaron’s defeat of one of Qiledara’s greatest enemies, with the help of his squire Timothy and other friends he met on his quests, appeared to herald a new era of peace. However, a greater enemy threatens not only Qiledara, but all the kingdoms of man. Even in the Hidden Kingdom, the safest of all lands, their king fears the looming threat. Aaron must discover all he can about this new enemy, while at the same time, deal with trouble brewing for him from his brother’s steadfast and stubborn followers.

Shadow of the Dragon by Amy Daniels
Narrator: Phillip Nathaniel Freeman
Length: 16 hrs and 37 mins
Series: Legends from Qiledara #2
on April 21st 2025
Brian
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