Review: Order of the Shadow Dragon by Steven McKinnon

Blurb:

Magic is the enemy. When he discovers all is not what it seems, can a young knight survive long enough to protect the world from the forces of darkness?

Adrian Navarro burns for revenge. The lone member of a defunct military sect, the nineteen-year-old can’t shake the horrific nightmare of witnessing his father’s murder by shadowy fiends.

So when a cataclysm devastates a neighbouring kingdom and his superiors blame a powerful sorceress, he gladly agrees to assassinate her to settle the score.

Striking out across another realm’s border, the relentless soldier tracks the evil wielder of the dark arts. But after he’s ambushed by magic-users and captured, he’s shocked to discover his crusade for vengeance could be built on a stunning lie - and now the fate of the world is at stake.

As he’s confronted by soul shattering truths, can Adrian overcome his greatest fear and save the world?

Order of the Shadow Dragon is the action-packed first book in the Legacy of Light & Shadow epic fantasy series. If you like heroes who grow, fast-paced thrills, and humour along with the danger, then you’ll love Steven McKinnon’s high-stakes adventure.

Review:

DELICIOUSLY SHARP

Order of The Shadow Dragon, by Steven McKinnon, is a really good read that packs a punch in all the right ways. The action is gripping, the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish, and the dialogue? I think it is among the most entertaining and well-balanced I have read in recent years. McKinnon has a talent for sharp, dry humor that feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre that can sometimes take itself too seriously. The banter between the characters, especially within the central trio—Hadrian, Dante, and Diaz—is both endearing and sharp, adding layers of enjoyment to their already fascinating journey.

What amazed me most is that these dialogues never detract from the underlying tension and the very high stakes of the story. It is an extraordinary achievement, and I think many authors should take it as an example.

I am tempted to use this reflection on how, over the past decade, a current of thought and style has emerged that has ended up diluting the importance and usefulness of dialogues such as these. Too often, sharp, sarcastic dialogues become self-referential, risk constantly breaking the suspension of disbelief, and leave it at that.

But today there is no time and space for a tirade like this and I will let it slide.

In any case, again, McKinnon has done a great job here.

CULTURAL PALETTE

For me, one of the standout elements of  Order of The Shadow Dragon is its unique cultural flavor, which brings a refreshing Mediterranean twist to world-building. The characters' names, the cities they inhabit, and the overall atmosphere often evoke the rich and diverse landscapes of Italy, Spain, and Greece. As a European reviewer, I found this particularly exciting—it's a vibrant departure from the more commonly seen British or Germanic influences that dominate much of epic and high fantasy. The, with its sun-soaked vistas, lively marketplaces, and deeply rooted traditions, adds a distinct charm and originality to the story. It's not the first time we've seen Mediterranean-inspired settings in fantasy, but they are still rare and McKinnon uses them effectively, creating a world that feels both fresh and familiar.

I'm more than happy to see this cultural palette being explored, honestly.

SYSTEMIC IGNORANCE

The world-building in this book is intricate and well-delivered.

The relationship between the broader society and the Order of the Shadow Dragon is complex and fraught with tension. While some fear the Order for its mysterious powers and influence, many more dismiss it outright, relegating its members to the fringes of society through a mixture of systemic ignorance and deep-seated superstition. This cultural divide profoundly affects Adrian, the protagonist, who embodies the consequences of living within such a fractured world. As a member of the Order, Adrian is portrayed as a loner—quiet, defensive, and distrustful. The pervasive mistrust and misunderstanding of his role not only isolate him but also shape his guarded personality. His experiences highlight the broader societal issues at play, where fear and ignorance create barriers that prevent true understanding and cooperation. 

A NUANCED PROCESS

Adrian’s evolution as a character is a gradual and nuanced process. Throughout the story, Adrian slowly begins to open up, shedding some of his deep-seated defenses and mistrust.

But this transformation is never forced or abrupt.

He doesn't suddenly become a different person for the sake of plot convenience. Instead, his growth is organic, driven by the relationships he forms and the challenges he faces. Adrian remains true to his core, yet we see subtle shifts in how he interacts with others, allowing glimpses of vulnerability and connection that were previously buried under layers of isolation. This nicely ties with how the story unraveled bit by bit, with the investigation at the start serving as a clever way to introduce the world and its unique dynamics. It’s dark, atmospheric, and at times genuinely spooky—especially the prologue, which sets the tone perfectly.

Curiously, despite the fact that Dante and Diaz possess traits that make them more immediately stand out—Dante’s soft-spoken, sly humor and untrustworthy charm, and Diaz’s strength and fierce independence—I found myself connecting more deeply with Adrian.

While Dante’s wit and Diaz’s resilience are undeniably compelling, Adrian’s nature resonated with me on a more personal level. His journey, marked by subtle shifts, felt more relatable and authentic. His internal struggles, his gradual opening up, and the weight of his solitude created a sense of depth that drew me in, making his personality surprisingly powerful. Even as the other characters grabbed the spotlight with their bold traits, it was Adrian’s complex internal struggle that truly captured my attention.

IMMERSION

I would have liked it to be longer though. The novel spans about 330 pages. Had there been more meat on the fire in the second act, the worldbuilding and characters could have breathed more, and the immersion would have grown, perhaps at the expense of the overall pace. But I still felt it was a wasted opportunity.

Overall, Order of The Shadow Dragon is a strong start to what promises to be an exciting series. It's perfect for anyone looking for a mix of epic fantasy with a touch of darkness, smart humor, and action-packed storytelling. If you're into well-paced, engaging fantasy with great characters, definitely give this one a go. I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!