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.
Buy Order of the Shadow Dragon and embark on a thrilling adventure today!
Review:
A story of high stakes and companionship. McKinnon’s storytelling is exceptional. Plot delivery, pacing, character development and prose; Order of the Shadow Dragon delivers on every front, making for an unmissable indie read that will leave you wondering why more people aren’t talking about it.
Order of the Shadow Dragon is a fantasy novel that adopts the well trodden, great quest to save the world archetype, but where other books drown you with lore dumps and confuse you with more strange nouns than your brain can process, McKinnon opts for a fast paced, character driven romp that feeds you lore as and when you need it.
I read this book without reading McKinnon’s previous stories, which, I now know, are set in the same world, however this did not detract from my enjoyment of this work, nor did I feel confused or lacking anything required to enjoy this one. It’s clearly intended to stand as the beginning of a new series, and does an excellent job of setting one up.
McKinnon’s story contains political intrigue, conquest, greed, and lust for power. It is a story rich in theme, however none of the above are belaboured, the focus is always—and in my opinion as it should be—with the characters. Order of the Shadow Dragon sports a cast of memorable characters that continue to arrive throughout the story. Each feels genuine and well thought out. Their motivations and actions feel natural and each receives an arc that feels satisfying and cared for.
“Science explains the natural world, but art is how humans explain each other. And we’ve still got a lot to figure out.”
The only thing I could find to complain about in this book was that the second act contains some rather long chapters, some of which have little to no obvious place to take a break. Let’s be honest, if this is the only thing you can find to dislike in a book, it’s probably a five star, isn’t it?
McKinnon has made it to my list of must-read authors. Can’t wait for the sequel.
