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Dragonshadowed #1
Dragon Watch: A Dawn Before the Storm
A warrior priestess returns home from self-imposed exile. She must confront unrelenting evil in a realm trembling beneath great dragon clans. The rising darkness threatens to corrupt her passion into a curse, and consume everyone she loves.
The corpses stood, draped in scraps of rag and rusted armor. Jade green fire flickered from eye sockets, nose slits and toothy maws.
“Bow or join my servants in undeath!”
“I will free you if I may, but will not bow!” declared Tamsin.
The skeletal mob raised weapons and surged forward. The leading undead swung its sword down in a mighty cleaving stroke.
She whirled her skirtblades to deflect the power of the blow and stepped to the side. Slashes from multiple blades glittered across the corpse, lifting green sparks from its body, driving it back.
Cold ghoul fire flared. A roaring wave of green and black flame engulfed the priestess. Her world caught fire.
A band of friends composed of humans, an elf, a dwarf and a goblin reluctantly travel to a divided kingdom. They bring a dire warning to the high nobility, haughty clerics, and suspicious archmages of a land greatly changed in their absence. A storm of unimaginable power approaches, intent upon eradicating everything as if it never existed. This storm has a name. The Void.
The kingdom’s rulers are unlikely to alter their activities based solely on the word of a handful of visitors preaching doom. Others have their own agendas, and may actively resist warnings from outsiders. The humans within the band must first reclaim their abandoned birthrights, positions, and gain power. Only then may they speak with any hope of being honorably received by those with the ability to resist.
Arrival on the shores of the old land begins a journey fraught with peril. They must navigate the mundane world while contending with the impinging fey plane and time traveling adversaries. Open threats of jousts and combat compete with hidden dangers in a culture rife with lies, lethal enchantments and subtle poison. Worse, ancient sorcerer dragons greedily manipulate the fortunes of the ground folk, and may be allied with the impending storm.
But not all dragons are evil. Many assume unsuspected humanoid forms to communicate, mentor, and protect selected groups of beings through mystical relationships, magic, and direct actions. Whispers of war simmer as each great clan maneuvers subtle plots against their draconic rivals.
This high fantasy action-adventure story is set in an alternate world similar to Earth’s medieval period where the laws of magic have replaced the laws of science.
A Dawn Before the Storm is the first book of the Dragonshadowed series. The second book, A Hope in the Darkness, will follow shortly.
The corpses stood, draped in scraps of rag and rusted armor. Jade green fire flickered from eye sockets, nose slits and toothy maws.
“Bow or join my servants in undeath!”
“I will free you if I may, but will not bow!” declared Tamsin.
The skeletal mob raised weapons and surged forward. The leading undead swung its sword down in a mighty cleaving stroke.
She whirled her skirtblades to deflect the power of the blow and stepped to the side. Slashes from multiple blades glittered across the corpse, lifting green sparks from its body, driving it back.
Cold ghoul fire flared. A roaring wave of green and black flame engulfed the priestess. Her world caught fire.
A band of friends composed of humans, an elf, a dwarf and a goblin reluctantly travel to a divided kingdom. They bring a dire warning to the high nobility, haughty clerics, and suspicious archmages of a land greatly changed in their absence. A storm of unimaginable power approaches, intent upon eradicating everything as if it never existed. This storm has a name. The Void.
The kingdom’s rulers are unlikely to alter their activities based solely on the word of a handful of visitors preaching doom. Others have their own agendas, and may actively resist warnings from outsiders. The humans within the band must first reclaim their abandoned birthrights, positions, and gain power. Only then may they speak with any hope of being honorably received by those with the ability to resist.
Arrival on the shores of the old land begins a journey fraught with peril. They must navigate the mundane world while contending with the impinging fey plane and time traveling adversaries. Open threats of jousts and combat compete with hidden dangers in a culture rife with lies, lethal enchantments and subtle poison. Worse, ancient sorcerer dragons greedily manipulate the fortunes of the ground folk, and may be allied with the impending storm.
But not all dragons are evil. Many assume unsuspected humanoid forms to communicate, mentor, and protect selected groups of beings through mystical relationships, magic, and direct actions. Whispers of war simmer as each great clan maneuvers subtle plots against their draconic rivals.
This high fantasy action-adventure story is set in an alternate world similar to Earth’s medieval period where the laws of magic have replaced the laws of science.
A Dawn Before the Storm is the first book of the Dragonshadowed series. The second book, A Hope in the Darkness, will follow shortly.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
10 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 20, 2024
Dragons, Elves, Mages & Magic, Different realms. A lengthy fantasy book series . What's not to like?
Great world building with well detailed scenes. The main characters are well developed and the story really makes you feel a part of Tamsin, Gyrfalcon and friends journey as the world is revealed around them. As a reader you need to let yourself be entertained and not focus on the main plot line or what the VOID is. There are plenty of sub plots to keep you intrigued. I'm sure the VOID is a nasty thing that must be prevented but you won't learn much about it in book one. Really enjoyed becoming immersed in this world and looking forward to reading book 2.
Great world building with well detailed scenes. The main characters are well developed and the story really makes you feel a part of Tamsin, Gyrfalcon and friends journey as the world is revealed around them. As a reader you need to let yourself be entertained and not focus on the main plot line or what the VOID is. There are plenty of sub plots to keep you intrigued. I'm sure the VOID is a nasty thing that must be prevented but you won't learn much about it in book one. Really enjoyed becoming immersed in this world and looking forward to reading book 2.
February 24, 2024
I've always enjoyed a good fantasy novel, and this author delivered. I enjoyed the world that Bathgate created, and the interactions between the different societies of people in this fantastical setting. Although there were a lot of characters to keep track of, Bathgate provided a comprehensive list until I became familiar with all the names and titles. I'm going to dive into his second novel very soon, and I have high hopes that it will be just as riveting.
October 10, 2024
Found the story to be a bit slow.
World building was good, but a bit slow.
Perhaps colored by the intro novel, which hit at a very brisk pace.
The upside to this is that the world did feel more alive with the small details being slipped in periodically.
Still interested in following to the next book to see how it develops.
World building was good, but a bit slow.
Perhaps colored by the intro novel, which hit at a very brisk pace.
The upside to this is that the world did feel more alive with the small details being slipped in periodically.
Still interested in following to the next book to see how it develops.
March 31, 2022
I would read this book and I count myself both a fan of Game of Thrones and a veteran role-player. Not that those would be the only interested parties in what this story promises to deliver. I am anxious to find out more about the Dragonshadowed and possibly the origin and/or nature of dragons as well. I believe this will be a fine addition to books I enjoy and read more than once. Excited to begin the adventure!
P.D. Doyle
C.A. Bathgate weaves an intriguing story about an unlikely company of heroes consisting of humans, dwarves, goblins and elves. Throw in a mysterious Dragon, mischievous rival Gods, political intrigue, a darkness on the horizon, and you have all the ingredients for grand adventure!
- G.J. Forrest
Dragonshadowed is a world populated with many of the mystical creatures we expect to see in this genre, but C. A. Bathgate has created many new creatures with unique capabilities and motivations that the reader will find very interesting. It is a world unaware and uncaring that the Void, which will consume everything in its path, is coming. Dragonshadowed is an interesting and entertaining read. Highly recommended.
Walter Simbirski
Action packed, great description, varied and colourful characters. A very good read. And when you reach the end I know you will be clamoring to get the next book. I certainly am.
P. Aspler
Utter eradication of literally everything is the vision which Tamsin, priestess of Melqart, shares with her close travelling companion, Sir Gyrfalcon. After hearing of the predicted destruction of Valdain, the priestess’ homeland, the knight makes a solemn oath. We must return to Valdain and warn the high folk. Accomplishing this mission will demand the use of all the magic that the travellers can muster in order to survive.
If you love high fantasy adventure with a hint of romance you will devour this book.
K. Saik
A captivating adventure with imaginative characters and a clever description of the beauty and darkness of this fantasy world. A great escape into a world of magic, wealth and power.
K. Stewart
As the characters present themselves in a tangible and colourful way, the mystery and intrigue literally sends shivers up my spine! The author most certainly has a knack of delivering the reader right into the scene with graphic and very realistic descriptions of sights, sounds, smells. One can sense the nature and the personalities of the characters. What I really appreciate is the synopsis right at the beginning of who’s who so I didn’t get lost as the characters pour in and out of the plots.
A great and spell binding read!
E. Evans
Thank you for the opportunity to escape to an action packed fantasy world for a little while. It’s been a long time since the days of being immersed in the Hobbitt and the Lord of the Rings but you have awakened my senses-it’s time to explore the world beyond once again.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Dawn Before The Storm. The band of “friends” could not have been more courageous, more loyal or more protective of one another, especially of Tamsin. The descriptive writing had this reader visualize every event as if we were there, in an inn, on a ship, partaking in a duel, riding to escape capture, etc… As the novel unfolded I found myself reading faster and faster to keep up with the tempo of the action taking place. The additional information provided (ie dictionary, dramatic personae, common pantheon) worked very well. The descriptions were very thorough and thought provoking-so many strange words. The “slum slang” certainly could pose a problem-LOL.
R. Jennex
One problem I have with the fantasy genre is they often require the reader to learn a whole new large scale world with its unique geography, list of characters and level of magic and technology. Dragonshadowed overcame my hesitation quite quickly, presenting a cast of characters that were archetypical of the genre, but still managing to be a fresh take at the same time. The writing was engaging and I enjoyed the use of language and phrasing at different points throughout the story. Well done.
C. Hutchings
This is a great read! With strong character development and scene presentation, it draws the reader deep into the action. I’m looking forward to part 2!
Art Fink
P.D. Doyle
C.A. Bathgate weaves an intriguing story about an unlikely company of heroes consisting of humans, dwarves, goblins and elves. Throw in a mysterious Dragon, mischievous rival Gods, political intrigue, a darkness on the horizon, and you have all the ingredients for grand adventure!
- G.J. Forrest
Dragonshadowed is a world populated with many of the mystical creatures we expect to see in this genre, but C. A. Bathgate has created many new creatures with unique capabilities and motivations that the reader will find very interesting. It is a world unaware and uncaring that the Void, which will consume everything in its path, is coming. Dragonshadowed is an interesting and entertaining read. Highly recommended.
Walter Simbirski
Action packed, great description, varied and colourful characters. A very good read. And when you reach the end I know you will be clamoring to get the next book. I certainly am.
P. Aspler
Utter eradication of literally everything is the vision which Tamsin, priestess of Melqart, shares with her close travelling companion, Sir Gyrfalcon. After hearing of the predicted destruction of Valdain, the priestess’ homeland, the knight makes a solemn oath. We must return to Valdain and warn the high folk. Accomplishing this mission will demand the use of all the magic that the travellers can muster in order to survive.
If you love high fantasy adventure with a hint of romance you will devour this book.
K. Saik
A captivating adventure with imaginative characters and a clever description of the beauty and darkness of this fantasy world. A great escape into a world of magic, wealth and power.
K. Stewart
As the characters present themselves in a tangible and colourful way, the mystery and intrigue literally sends shivers up my spine! The author most certainly has a knack of delivering the reader right into the scene with graphic and very realistic descriptions of sights, sounds, smells. One can sense the nature and the personalities of the characters. What I really appreciate is the synopsis right at the beginning of who’s who so I didn’t get lost as the characters pour in and out of the plots.
A great and spell binding read!
E. Evans
Thank you for the opportunity to escape to an action packed fantasy world for a little while. It’s been a long time since the days of being immersed in the Hobbitt and the Lord of the Rings but you have awakened my senses-it’s time to explore the world beyond once again.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Dawn Before The Storm. The band of “friends” could not have been more courageous, more loyal or more protective of one another, especially of Tamsin. The descriptive writing had this reader visualize every event as if we were there, in an inn, on a ship, partaking in a duel, riding to escape capture, etc… As the novel unfolded I found myself reading faster and faster to keep up with the tempo of the action taking place. The additional information provided (ie dictionary, dramatic personae, common pantheon) worked very well. The descriptions were very thorough and thought provoking-so many strange words. The “slum slang” certainly could pose a problem-LOL.
R. Jennex
One problem I have with the fantasy genre is they often require the reader to learn a whole new large scale world with its unique geography, list of characters and level of magic and technology. Dragonshadowed overcame my hesitation quite quickly, presenting a cast of characters that were archetypical of the genre, but still managing to be a fresh take at the same time. The writing was engaging and I enjoyed the use of language and phrasing at different points throughout the story. Well done.
C. Hutchings
This is a great read! With strong character development and scene presentation, it draws the reader deep into the action. I’m looking forward to part 2!
Art Fink
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews