Review: Dragon Blood (Shadow War Saga) by Elana A. Mugdan

All journeys take unpredictable turns, as is the case for Keriya Soulstar, the intrepid protagonist of Dragon Blood, the third book in the Shadow War Saga by author Elana A. Mugdan.

When Keriya wakes up on the other side of the world, far from Allentria and her loyal companions, she must face a new and terrifying reality. Her part in the ancient war back home is over, for a time, but she remains determined to return and finish what she had started.

Armed only with her magic sword— – had saved her from the evil shadow of Necrovar – Keriya journeys to train with the legendary Xamarai, who may be able to teach her how to use her blade and unleash its full potential. Before she can return to Allentria, she will first have to survive the greatest and most secretive warriors in her newfound land.

Suspicious new masters eventually grow into powerful allies who believe in her quest, and want to kindle her spark of destiny. In classic high-fantasy style, the young apprentice must eventually set out to face her past, but she isn’t alone. Viran is Keriya’s magic-wielding love interest, and the man who may finally show her how to master the magic within herself, if higher powers don’t keep them apart.

Unraveling the dark mysteries of Necrovar, wrestling with the painful trauma of Thorion’s death, and desperately trying to make her way back home to Allentria, Keriya is a bold and thrilling protagonist, supported by believable allies and hampered by relatable faults. Her determination to overcome impossible odds, even as everyone she meets casts doubt on her quest, solidifies her as the inspiring heart of this series.

While there are plenty of recognizable tropes on display in this book, there is also a strong streak of originality in Mugdan’s world-building. The rules of magic are similar to other popular fantasy worlds, but this can be forgiven in the face of such compelling and creative writing. The story is densely packed with vivid characters and complex cultures, as well as sinister creatures, particularly the Kraken and new horrors from the Etherworld.

Aside from the epic battles, kindly goddesses and terrifying monsters, this book is supported by strong narration, thoughtful descriptions, and ample character development to ensure readers care about the laundry list of players on these pages. Emotional exchanges and moral dilemmas are just as viscerally described as exotic lands and bizarre beasts, making this book an engaging read on multiple levels.

The dialogue is the aspect of the book that could use the most improvement, as it is occasionally overdramatic or unnatural. Additionally, while most of these 500 pages are valuable and plot-moving, there are also some scenes where the pace drags, which could be tightened up with a further edit.

That being said, Mugdan is a patient storyteller, with an impressive vision for this saga, and after the teasing epilogue of this book, readers will be eager to sink their teeth into the fourth and final installment of this epic series.