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The Fox and the Dragon
There's little difference between a god's blessing, and a god's curse ...
A shrine maiden blessed by the gods, Shen’s life is devoted to banishing the dark spirits and demons that plague the war-torn lands. A life she’s stolen from when the Anui abduct her. Forced to marry their barbarian lord and held captive in a hostile land, Shen must conceal she possesses an unearthly power. One her people have wielded against the Anui in their ruthless war, that will get her killed, or worse, if she’s discovered.
For Shen to survive, she must master a part of her that she cannot yet control, and cannot hide for long.
Kisho never intended to take a wife. Not when the war between Anu and Huli drags on without end, a blight born of unholy magic threatens all creation, and certainly not when he suffers a goddess’ curse. But he never expected to fall in love with Shen, whose spiritual power goes far beyond that of a Hulin shrine maiden. Try as she might, she cannot hide her true nature from Kisho, and he cannot hide her from those who seek to harm her.
To save his people, Kisho accepted a goddess’ curse. To save Shen, he must make a greater sacrifice.
A shrine maiden blessed by the gods, Shen’s life is devoted to banishing the dark spirits and demons that plague the war-torn lands. A life she’s stolen from when the Anui abduct her. Forced to marry their barbarian lord and held captive in a hostile land, Shen must conceal she possesses an unearthly power. One her people have wielded against the Anui in their ruthless war, that will get her killed, or worse, if she’s discovered.
For Shen to survive, she must master a part of her that she cannot yet control, and cannot hide for long.
Kisho never intended to take a wife. Not when the war between Anu and Huli drags on without end, a blight born of unholy magic threatens all creation, and certainly not when he suffers a goddess’ curse. But he never expected to fall in love with Shen, whose spiritual power goes far beyond that of a Hulin shrine maiden. Try as she might, she cannot hide her true nature from Kisho, and he cannot hide her from those who seek to harm her.
To save his people, Kisho accepted a goddess’ curse. To save Shen, he must make a greater sacrifice.
519 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2023
45 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Ehra
6 books56 followersWhen not reading or writing, S.K. Ehra can be found wandering the woods and, while skittish, is friendly when approached.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 16, 2023
The Fox and the Dragon takes inspiration from Japanese and Chinese folklore to build a world that feels lived in, complete with its own political drama, religions, and culture. War rages between the northern country of Huli and the southern country of Anu, Huli trying to exert control over Anu and Anu fighting for its own independence. As a countermeasure against the encroachment of the more powerful Huli military, Anu destroyed the shrines keeping the nightbeasts at bay making travel between the two countries dangerous. The dual protagonists Shen, a shrine maiden with unrealized abilities from a temple in Huli and Kisho, a minor lord from Anu bearing the curse of a decision made long ago are thrown together on the same path when Shen is taken and married off to a reluctant Kisho against her will. Read this for its complex characters with fleshed out motivations protagonist and antagonist alike, unromanticized love story, fantastic and immersive world building, and its exploration on the meaning of duty and sacrifice.
May 23, 2023
Wonderfully realized characters provide a well written journey through a world of magic and tradition. S.K. Ehra walks readers through an amazing new fantasy world with themes of love, faith, and duty. Perhaps my favorite strength of the novel was the authors ability to create morally ambiguous characters within a world that holds no moral ambiguity, there is a light and darkness, but the characters see it in different ways.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next entry.
I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next entry.
May 2, 2025
i really loved it. not gonna lie. kisho and shen relationship was honestly so compelling to me — the way they connected, the chemistry, and how they balanced each other out was just really well done. but i do feel like it kind of lost some of that spark or momentum in the middle? like, i’m not exactly sure how to explain it, but something about the pacing or the emotional intensity just dipped a bit and didn’t hit as hard for a while. hahaha, maybe that’s just me, though.
kisho had a really unique presence in the story. even though he wasn’t always shown in full warrior mode, his strength came through in more subtle ways. his resilience stood out — the fact that he kept going despite everything he endured said a lot about his inner strength. he wasn’t just physically strong; he had this quiet determination that made him compelling.
yet i was really expecting to see more of his warrior side — like more moments where he takes charge, fights, or shows that powerful, commanding presence. instead, it felt like he was constantly being tortured or put in situations where he was more passive or broken down. i totally get that it’s part of his character journey, and that vulnerability can be powerful too, but i still hoped we’d see him stepping into those more lordly or leader-like duties more often.
and as for shen — she was amazing. seriously. she had such a strong and memorable presence throughout the story. her stubbornness, while sometimes frustrating, was also one of her greatest strengths — it showed how fiercely she believed in her convictions and how unwilling she was to back down, even when things got tough. she was super stubborn, almost to a fault, but it made sense for her character, and watching her grow and evolve through everything was really beautiful. her development felt earned, and even when she made mistakes, i was rooting for her the whole time.
kisho had a really unique presence in the story. even though he wasn’t always shown in full warrior mode, his strength came through in more subtle ways. his resilience stood out — the fact that he kept going despite everything he endured said a lot about his inner strength. he wasn’t just physically strong; he had this quiet determination that made him compelling.
yet i was really expecting to see more of his warrior side — like more moments where he takes charge, fights, or shows that powerful, commanding presence. instead, it felt like he was constantly being tortured or put in situations where he was more passive or broken down. i totally get that it’s part of his character journey, and that vulnerability can be powerful too, but i still hoped we’d see him stepping into those more lordly or leader-like duties more often.
and as for shen — she was amazing. seriously. she had such a strong and memorable presence throughout the story. her stubbornness, while sometimes frustrating, was also one of her greatest strengths — it showed how fiercely she believed in her convictions and how unwilling she was to back down, even when things got tough. she was super stubborn, almost to a fault, but it made sense for her character, and watching her grow and evolve through everything was really beautiful. her development felt earned, and even when she made mistakes, i was rooting for her the whole time.
October 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this fantasy novel set in a fictional world inspired by Asian mythological beings. The text reads very smoothly. It's very well written and in spite of many action scenes and ethereal episodes, I was able to follow and recreate the visuals clearly in my mind. Sometimes, when something's unclear in a book, I have to reread it a couple times. Not so here: everything was concise, yet creatively illustrated.
I read a lot of fantasy, but in more recent years I've had trouble finding stories that aren't full of over used tropes and cringy scenarios. I found this read to be a refreshing change.
The two protagonists are likeable, but realistic. Seeing the story from the points of view of both Shen and Kisho helped flesh out their motivations and point of view, while exploring the natural progress of their relationship. Not in the same genre at all, but I liked how the different sections were seen through each character's point of view similarly to Murakami's Kafka on the Shore (again, TOTALLY different books; I'm not comparing the content). You are rooting for these two all the way, in spite of their imperfections.
The villains are great, and layered. Characters aren't black and white: most of the antagonists have backstories that make sense and compliment the darkness of the blight the world is facing. While you may empathize with what lead most of the villains to where they are, you still feel a vehement for their actions and what they have become. Some, other hand, you understand better and feel only sorrow for them.
This was just such a great read. Don't be daunted by the 500 some odd page count. Like I said earlier, this was (for me) a very easy to read book that left me turning the pages and wishing for more! The chapters are a reasonable length, so if you're busy like I am (like MOST of us are), there are plenty of great stopping points: but even there, you're left on cliff hangers and wanting to return to the story.
I really enjoyed this novel, and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series/trilogy.
*The reason it took me so long to read this book, is because I'm a slow reader and have been very busy of late. BUT to be honest, this is quick for me. It often takes me four months to read a book XD Especially one of this size.
I read a lot of fantasy, but in more recent years I've had trouble finding stories that aren't full of over used tropes and cringy scenarios. I found this read to be a refreshing change.
The two protagonists are likeable, but realistic. Seeing the story from the points of view of both Shen and Kisho helped flesh out their motivations and point of view, while exploring the natural progress of their relationship. Not in the same genre at all, but I liked how the different sections were seen through each character's point of view similarly to Murakami's Kafka on the Shore (again, TOTALLY different books; I'm not comparing the content). You are rooting for these two all the way, in spite of their imperfections.
The villains are great, and layered. Characters aren't black and white: most of the antagonists have backstories that make sense and compliment the darkness of the blight the world is facing. While you may empathize with what lead most of the villains to where they are, you still feel a vehement for their actions and what they have become. Some, other hand, you understand better and feel only sorrow for them.
This was just such a great read. Don't be daunted by the 500 some odd page count. Like I said earlier, this was (for me) a very easy to read book that left me turning the pages and wishing for more! The chapters are a reasonable length, so if you're busy like I am (like MOST of us are), there are plenty of great stopping points: but even there, you're left on cliff hangers and wanting to return to the story.
I really enjoyed this novel, and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series/trilogy.
*The reason it took me so long to read this book, is because I'm a slow reader and have been very busy of late. BUT to be honest, this is quick for me. It often takes me four months to read a book XD Especially one of this size.
August 13, 2023
Highly enjoyable !
I definitely liked this one, the beginning is great, the middle dragged a little for me, and the ending is also great. I really liked the characters and the magic.
I definitely liked this one, the beginning is great, the middle dragged a little for me, and the ending is also great. I really liked the characters and the magic.
December 8, 2023
I can not wait for the next book. This is such a good read. The characters feel real. The world is heavily lived in and even the bad guys feel like people.
Highly recc
Highly recc
July 8, 2024
my main issue with this is that shen is 16. kisho is 23-24. there's reason why shen couldn't have been older or kisho younger.
as for the story, the plot was just boring. it was extremely slow for the most part, with some action around 50-60% and again around 80% until the end. it could've been half the length it was, and that would've been much better. i struggled to get through it, the only reason i didn't dnf being that i'm reading it with others.
whilst the world and magic system had potential, the plot just falls short and feels incomplete. the characters feel flat. the only character that i enjoyed was lei, but he didn't have enough room to develop.
there are some instances of beautiful prose and dialogue, but not enough to enjoy the writing style. a lot of the prose feels like it's repeating itself or saying things that have no need to be said.
i'm disappointed and disgusted. again, why the pedophilia? especially when you're supposed to root for the relationship and their love, which i also think fell flat. there was no chemistry; it would've been so much better if they had just been friends.
as for the story, the plot was just boring. it was extremely slow for the most part, with some action around 50-60% and again around 80% until the end. it could've been half the length it was, and that would've been much better. i struggled to get through it, the only reason i didn't dnf being that i'm reading it with others.
whilst the world and magic system had potential, the plot just falls short and feels incomplete. the characters feel flat. the only character that i enjoyed was lei, but he didn't have enough room to develop.
there are some instances of beautiful prose and dialogue, but not enough to enjoy the writing style. a lot of the prose feels like it's repeating itself or saying things that have no need to be said.
i'm disappointed and disgusted. again, why the pedophilia? especially when you're supposed to root for the relationship and their love, which i also think fell flat. there was no chemistry; it would've been so much better if they had just been friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2023
SK Ehra writes good characters. They are complex, realistic, shaped by trauma. Yet different characters respond to the same traumas in different ways, based on their own nature and willingness to confront their own biases. Her protagonists have flaws, and her antagonists see themselves as heroes, making sacrifices for the greater good.
The story starts out a bit confusing, as there are important things the reader doesn't learn until relatively late. That made it a bit difficult to get into at first. But it becomes clearer as the story progresses. Relationships are a major theme of the story - loyalty and trust and betrayal, both real and perceived. How do you know what is best for a nation or people group, and what price is worth paying to achieve your goals?
The cultures represented in the story are clearly derived from certain historical earth cultures, and the two people groups are so similar that I often forgot which was which. For me it helped to keep a list of names with definitions/bios. The 'Tanin' are central to the story, yet are not explained or well defined until later than I would have liked. I had a really hard time picturing them. You'll have less confusion if you know what a Tanin is already when you start reading - basically a Tanin is a shape-shifter, a person who can turn into a creature that is like a mix of fox and dragon, and they have some ability to control the elements. There is a lot of other world-building information that you have to pick up along the way, probably best that it's not all dumped in the text at the beginning because you'd never remember it all, but that one piece of information is good to have going in.
I love the character arcs in this story, and the various shades of self-sacrifice vs selfishness and bias, and distorted perceptions of self and of others. The personal journeys of each character are unique and interesting and as complex as the individuals themselves.
The story starts out a bit confusing, as there are important things the reader doesn't learn until relatively late. That made it a bit difficult to get into at first. But it becomes clearer as the story progresses. Relationships are a major theme of the story - loyalty and trust and betrayal, both real and perceived. How do you know what is best for a nation or people group, and what price is worth paying to achieve your goals?
The cultures represented in the story are clearly derived from certain historical earth cultures, and the two people groups are so similar that I often forgot which was which. For me it helped to keep a list of names with definitions/bios. The 'Tanin' are central to the story, yet are not explained or well defined until later than I would have liked. I had a really hard time picturing them. You'll have less confusion if you know what a Tanin is already when you start reading - basically a Tanin is a shape-shifter, a person who can turn into a creature that is like a mix of fox and dragon, and they have some ability to control the elements. There is a lot of other world-building information that you have to pick up along the way, probably best that it's not all dumped in the text at the beginning because you'd never remember it all, but that one piece of information is good to have going in.
I love the character arcs in this story, and the various shades of self-sacrifice vs selfishness and bias, and distorted perceptions of self and of others. The personal journeys of each character are unique and interesting and as complex as the individuals themselves.
May 15, 2023
High fantasy, set in the Far East with characters who act like real people when faced with the story's challenges. Set against a long war between peoples who discern deadly differences instead of (and despite) shared cultures and relationships.
The story arc is very good. There's a lot of research that must have gone into the book, and it shows in the setting and atmosphere. The war of the elites doesn't always filter down to the intermingled people, especially in the contested borderlands.
The heroes have weaknesses, faults and are heroic because they strive to overcome both external and internal obstacles. Shen (the Fox) is a mid-teen, whose reactions to being pulled from her sheltered existence to become hunted by both of the warring factions are exactly what a real teenage girl would probably have make her story compelling and relatable.
The antagonists don't see themselves as villains. Instead, they see themselves as the only ones who are willing to do what has to be done to "save" their respective nations. For some, it made them pitiable, even as you hope they don't succeed.
There is a stable full of minor characters who help move the story along and also illustrate different reactions to the challenges and terrors of living amidst warring factions and demonic beasts spawned by the war.
Reading it, at times I recalled Sam Gamgee's comment to Frodo about darkness being a passing thing and wondered if the darkness would pass here as well.
Darkness in Shen's world may pass too. The question is at what price, and who must pay.
Worth a read. I bought a kindle version, but may buy the hardback because I still like paper better.
The story arc is very good. There's a lot of research that must have gone into the book, and it shows in the setting and atmosphere. The war of the elites doesn't always filter down to the intermingled people, especially in the contested borderlands.
The heroes have weaknesses, faults and are heroic because they strive to overcome both external and internal obstacles. Shen (the Fox) is a mid-teen, whose reactions to being pulled from her sheltered existence to become hunted by both of the warring factions are exactly what a real teenage girl would probably have make her story compelling and relatable.
The antagonists don't see themselves as villains. Instead, they see themselves as the only ones who are willing to do what has to be done to "save" their respective nations. For some, it made them pitiable, even as you hope they don't succeed.
There is a stable full of minor characters who help move the story along and also illustrate different reactions to the challenges and terrors of living amidst warring factions and demonic beasts spawned by the war.
Reading it, at times I recalled Sam Gamgee's comment to Frodo about darkness being a passing thing and wondered if the darkness would pass here as well.
Darkness in Shen's world may pass too. The question is at what price, and who must pay.
Worth a read. I bought a kindle version, but may buy the hardback because I still like paper better.
June 15, 2023
"The Fox and the Dragon" by SK Ehra is a captivating fantasy tale that immerses readers in a meticulously developed world. The story weaves together compelling drama, heartwarming romance, and a well crafted magic system.
The pacing guides readers through a series of captivating events, allowing the characters to grow and evolve naturally. The attention to detail in the world-building and the hints of mystery create an engaging backdrop for the story. The integration of the magic system adds depth and wonder to the plot.
As the first book in a promising series, "The Fox and the Dragon" leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next. SK Ehra's storytelling expertise shines through, making this an enchanting adventure worth experiencing.
In conclusion, if you're seeking an engaging fantasy novel with a richly developed world and intriguing characters, "The Fox and the Dragon" is a recommended choice. SK Ehra's talent for storytelling keeps readers enthralled and eager for more.
The pacing guides readers through a series of captivating events, allowing the characters to grow and evolve naturally. The attention to detail in the world-building and the hints of mystery create an engaging backdrop for the story. The integration of the magic system adds depth and wonder to the plot.
As the first book in a promising series, "The Fox and the Dragon" leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next. SK Ehra's storytelling expertise shines through, making this an enchanting adventure worth experiencing.
In conclusion, if you're seeking an engaging fantasy novel with a richly developed world and intriguing characters, "The Fox and the Dragon" is a recommended choice. SK Ehra's talent for storytelling keeps readers enthralled and eager for more.
June 2, 2023
The Fox and the Dragon touches on the questions of long simmering hatred, the impact of war and the cost we are willing to pay to ensure victory and peace.
S.K. does a great job of portraying a relationship between two good but wounded people, originally forced together due to social convention and war, which blooms into genuine love. I found myself intrigued by their situation, and soon rooting for their relationship.
The worldbuilding is unique, pulling from eastern myths and focusing on concepts such as sacredness and desecration, the cost of a god's blessing, and the slow healing nature of love.
S.K. does a great job of portraying a relationship between two good but wounded people, originally forced together due to social convention and war, which blooms into genuine love. I found myself intrigued by their situation, and soon rooting for their relationship.
The worldbuilding is unique, pulling from eastern myths and focusing on concepts such as sacredness and desecration, the cost of a god's blessing, and the slow healing nature of love.
didn-t-finish
August 9, 2023A shrine maiden blessed by the gods, Shen’s life is devoted to banishing the dark spirits and demons that plague the war-torn lands. A life she’s stolen from when the Anui abduct her. Forced to marry their barbarian lord and held captive in a hostile land, Shen must conceal she possesses an unearthly power. One her people have wielded against the Anui in their ruthless war, that will get her killed, or worse, if she’s discovered.
For Shen to survive, she must master a part of her that she cannot yet control, and cannot hide for long.
For Shen to survive, she must master a part of her that she cannot yet control, and cannot hide for long.
January 5, 2025
I got this book from a local book festival. It’s was so well done. It took me a little bit to follow and remember some of the places and characters because it is definitely set in a completely created world. It is such an interesting story that was complex and thought provoking and had lot of dynamic characters. While the book is lengthy, chapters aren’t. So when I had to grudgingly pause, I was able to pick a physical section. I believe it’s going to be part of a longer series but it works well as a standalone.
January 30, 2026
Fantastic worldbuilding and characters. A very unique and well put together world and society concept. I hope it really is a series and that there's a second book. I actually had a twinge of sadness taking the book back to the library after I finished it. Relinquishing characters who had become old friends to the unknown realm of the library.
May 17, 2023
Absolutely wonderful story. It has demons, curses, magic, shape-shifters and an incredible love story all under one cover. This is a fantastical read and one that is sure to please any reader. Highly recommend taking a look at The Fox and the Dragon.
August 12, 2023
Perfect late night fantasy romp.
Populated with fully developed characters, great world building, and one of the creepiest villains I've read in a while, this was a good read. Highly recommend to readers who like their fantasy rooted in myth and legend, with creative twists.
Populated with fully developed characters, great world building, and one of the creepiest villains I've read in a while, this was a good read. Highly recommend to readers who like their fantasy rooted in myth and legend, with creative twists.
January 27, 2024
interesting read
It was definitely an interesting read and had a lot of cool cultural elements to it. But the story line was a bit chaotic for my tastes. I understand with the ending how it was somewhat necessary, but still not my favorite. But I did still enjoy it!
It was definitely an interesting read and had a lot of cool cultural elements to it. But the story line was a bit chaotic for my tastes. I understand with the ending how it was somewhat necessary, but still not my favorite. But I did still enjoy it!
September 23, 2024
Exceptional
Honestly, this book reignited my love for reading. Thorough world building combined with such a unique story really sets this book apart. I cannot wait to see what else this series has in store. S. K. Ehra, I can’t wait to see what else you release!
Honestly, this book reignited my love for reading. Thorough world building combined with such a unique story really sets this book apart. I cannot wait to see what else this series has in store. S. K. Ehra, I can’t wait to see what else you release!
December 5, 2024
I adored this book from start to finish. It’s written beautifully with the melodic structure of folklore. It’s unpredictable, hopeful, and left me longing for more from this world. Definitely one of my top reads of the year.
May 15, 2023
This is an amazing story. Complex characters with conflicting motivations in a fast paced, quick moving story that kept the pages turning up until the end.
April 15, 2024
DNF at 88%. How are we that far and nothing has happened?
September 20, 2024
Wish there was a map of the world and a pronunciation key. Some of the character names and location names were too similar.
January 12, 2025
A very enjoyable and exciting story that I would definitely recommend. I loved it!
Would love to know more about the other Tanin and his bodyguard…perhaps book 2?
Would love to know more about the other Tanin and his bodyguard…perhaps book 2?
January 8, 2026
typical troupe where she’s forced to marry but falls in love. Starts off as a damsel in distress but grows a back bone. Anyways it was enjoyable enough to get me through a plane ride.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews