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Silver, Sand, and Silken Wings
In the opinion of the common storyteller, Sylph did not exist.
Frustrated and deceived by her mothers hiding the truth of her parentage, young dragoness Sylph heads out looking for answers along with a childhood friend, a young human alchemist. From the sky high walls of Carthia, through the winding, lively streets of Halfhill, her journey leads her all the way up north to the picturesque nightmare of snow where she hatched. And yet, the answers lie buried in the desert sand on the other side of the continent. In a world of cruel slave traders and a ruthless, self-proclaimed queen, Sylph uncovers the answers she seeks and realizes her grave mistake of ever leaving home. A singular misstep in the hostile city means death, or worse, and the guards are hot on her haunches after blundering her way through the gates.
Frustrated and deceived by her mothers hiding the truth of her parentage, young dragoness Sylph heads out looking for answers along with a childhood friend, a young human alchemist. From the sky high walls of Carthia, through the winding, lively streets of Halfhill, her journey leads her all the way up north to the picturesque nightmare of snow where she hatched. And yet, the answers lie buried in the desert sand on the other side of the continent. In a world of cruel slave traders and a ruthless, self-proclaimed queen, Sylph uncovers the answers she seeks and realizes her grave mistake of ever leaving home. A singular misstep in the hostile city means death, or worse, and the guards are hot on her haunches after blundering her way through the gates.
- GenresDragons
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
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71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 6, 2025
The thing that stands out to me the most about this book is how it balances dark, heavy thematic material with a writing style that feels lighthearted and fun. It's like balancing sweetness and acidity in cooking—SSSW has a surprising flavour balance that I've never really experienced before but I think works really well.
The hardship in protagonist Sylph's backstory sets the stage for this high-stakes adventure in a world that is underlain with cruelty. It also demonstrates how she is a strong dragon, even if she has flaws and plenty of room to grow. Despite the seriousness, I challenge you to find another epic creature fantasy with this many bodily function related jokes! It could turn some readers off, but I don't know whether to be proud or ashamed to say I found the crude humour quite entertaining. However, I do think that there were isolated moments where the silliness could have been dialed back a bit, as it diffused the dramatic tension.
This book has magic and supernatural components that I think were well-executed. It feels like this book only scratches the surface of the lore, leaving much unexplained. But it doesn't come across in a "this makes no sense" kind of way, but in a way that makes me excited to find out more in the sequel.
As other reviews have mentioned, English isn't the author's first language. I found that to be apparent with certain grammar and phrasing things, but it didn't interfere with the reading experience for me. It was very well written despite the little technical flaws. For instance, the author cleverly used certain motifs to tie the story together. Sure, the book may have benefited from more thorough editing, but hey, it's a first book from a self-published author, so I think they did a great job in the circumstances!
The hardship in protagonist Sylph's backstory sets the stage for this high-stakes adventure in a world that is underlain with cruelty. It also demonstrates how she is a strong dragon, even if she has flaws and plenty of room to grow. Despite the seriousness, I challenge you to find another epic creature fantasy with this many bodily function related jokes! It could turn some readers off, but I don't know whether to be proud or ashamed to say I found the crude humour quite entertaining. However, I do think that there were isolated moments where the silliness could have been dialed back a bit, as it diffused the dramatic tension.
This book has magic and supernatural components that I think were well-executed. It feels like this book only scratches the surface of the lore, leaving much unexplained. But it doesn't come across in a "this makes no sense" kind of way, but in a way that makes me excited to find out more in the sequel.
As other reviews have mentioned, English isn't the author's first language. I found that to be apparent with certain grammar and phrasing things, but it didn't interfere with the reading experience for me. It was very well written despite the little technical flaws. For instance, the author cleverly used certain motifs to tie the story together. Sure, the book may have benefited from more thorough editing, but hey, it's a first book from a self-published author, so I think they did a great job in the circumstances!
January 13, 2024
I love Sylph! She's devious, stubborn, unstoppable, and good. I was driven forward by wanting to read more of her character. The other characters are good, but nearly the whole book is in Sylph's head, and that choice pays off heavily.
There are some novice errors in the book. The worst of them is that the author commits the sin of sometimes having multiple characters talk in the same paragraph. This is the first time I've read a story that did that while thinking, "Okay, that's forgivable here. This is still awesome." It did however occasionally take a moment of thought to figure out who was speaking.
This book is a little heavy on derg suffering. I was tempted to drop it down to a four star rating for abusing its characters too much. It hurt sometimes to read about characters who I loved suffering so much. The characters wear their scars with pride, though. They aren't beaten down. And there are enough interesting, exciting, and positive moments to bear it up. The material gets grim at points, but it doesn't stay there.
There's magic in the magic, too. The exploration of the abilities is exciting. Where the magic comes from feels like an open mystery to me; it was something that I noticed early on, and I thought, "Wait, is this entirely healthy?" There are hints of a ton of lore in the setting as it's all called 'paths' and there are books about the paths. I want to hear about the other paths.
Finally, there were some great descriptions in the book. I earmarked two bits of very excellent writing that I thought I would want to return to again, and there was a third that I feel like I should've marked. I loved reading about visits to new places. I loved reading about the different variety of dragons in the setting, too. The places and the dragons feel very vibrant.
There are some novice errors in the book. The worst of them is that the author commits the sin of sometimes having multiple characters talk in the same paragraph. This is the first time I've read a story that did that while thinking, "Okay, that's forgivable here. This is still awesome." It did however occasionally take a moment of thought to figure out who was speaking.
This book is a little heavy on derg suffering. I was tempted to drop it down to a four star rating for abusing its characters too much. It hurt sometimes to read about characters who I loved suffering so much. The characters wear their scars with pride, though. They aren't beaten down. And there are enough interesting, exciting, and positive moments to bear it up. The material gets grim at points, but it doesn't stay there.
There's magic in the magic, too. The exploration of the abilities is exciting. Where the magic comes from feels like an open mystery to me; it was something that I noticed early on, and I thought, "Wait, is this entirely healthy?" There are hints of a ton of lore in the setting as it's all called 'paths' and there are books about the paths. I want to hear about the other paths.
Finally, there were some great descriptions in the book. I earmarked two bits of very excellent writing that I thought I would want to return to again, and there was a third that I feel like I should've marked. I loved reading about visits to new places. I loved reading about the different variety of dragons in the setting, too. The places and the dragons feel very vibrant.
October 25, 2023
Knowing who you are and and where you came from, that is a question most don't have to wonder about.
Sylph does though, and it keeps messing with her, damaging her perception of self as well as her relationship with her adoptive parents who conceal whatever they may know.
They likely do for her good, like all parents... but it is knowledge kept back nevertheless, and growing into adulthood one justly feels the right to know.
Hard to say wether this knowledge is a boon or a curse. Maybe neither by itself, but rather whatever you'll do with it.
I found Sylph an endearing character, with strengths and also insecurities, a personality of her own.
The main cast is also delivered with appropriate detail that they feel real around her.
The resolution, while satisfying, felt a bit easy in itself. Yet while this stole some of the MC's agency, it will likely serve another purpose.
It should have longer term repercussions on the MC feelings and relationships, but they fall out of the scope of this book, maybe in a sequel then.
Overall, the situations and resolutions and how the characters' abilities (magical or mundane) help, are sound, no wtf happened there effect I can remember of.
I liked the dragons' telepathic ability, it is a great enabler in character development yet is not an easy way to everything either, no more than any of their other skills.
The world where the story is set has humans and several races of dragons each with their own specifics, and a history of conflict and slavery both ways.
Even in places where they have become equal in law, lingering feelings remain. This is used for a nice twist, too.
The dragons feel like their own with their own body language and thought specificities, yet living alongside the humans for a long time there are some habits that blend in; a good mix.
Overall I had a good time reading this book and I'll keep watching for possible sequels or prequels.
For me it is a 4/5 but making it a 5 to give it exposition as there is only one other rating at this time.
Sylph does though, and it keeps messing with her, damaging her perception of self as well as her relationship with her adoptive parents who conceal whatever they may know.
They likely do for her good, like all parents... but it is knowledge kept back nevertheless, and growing into adulthood one justly feels the right to know.
Hard to say wether this knowledge is a boon or a curse. Maybe neither by itself, but rather whatever you'll do with it.
I found Sylph an endearing character, with strengths and also insecurities, a personality of her own.
The main cast is also delivered with appropriate detail that they feel real around her.
The resolution, while satisfying, felt a bit easy in itself. Yet while this stole some of the MC's agency, it will likely serve another purpose.
It should have longer term repercussions on the MC feelings and relationships, but they fall out of the scope of this book, maybe in a sequel then.
Overall, the situations and resolutions and how the characters' abilities (magical or mundane) help, are sound, no wtf happened there effect I can remember of.
I liked the dragons' telepathic ability, it is a great enabler in character development yet is not an easy way to everything either, no more than any of their other skills.
The world where the story is set has humans and several races of dragons each with their own specifics, and a history of conflict and slavery both ways.
Even in places where they have become equal in law, lingering feelings remain. This is used for a nice twist, too.
The dragons feel like their own with their own body language and thought specificities, yet living alongside the humans for a long time there are some habits that blend in; a good mix.
Overall I had a good time reading this book and I'll keep watching for possible sequels or prequels.
For me it is a 4/5 but making it a 5 to give it exposition as there is only one other rating at this time.
October 13, 2025
Silver, Sand, and Silken Wings, or: Local Dragoness Cannot Stop Being Handed the L
This book is interesting and fun, and the dragons in it are top notch in many ways. However, it's also "interesting" in less positive ways too. Really this is just a weird one. Still, though, I enjoyed my time with it.
This book starts out as if it's a sequel to something never written. The great heroes went and defeated the great evil and rescued... Our protagonist, Sylph. She was a damsel in distress, and now she seeks to break out of that mold and find a life for herself. She seeks her lost biological mother, and all hell breaks loose. I have to say, that's an interesting way to frame a book, as if the story is already over. But it also makes for some weird moments where characters are introduced that simply aren't important at all. What the heck even is Void's entire deal, anyways? Regardless, it's a cool narrative device overall.
The book shines with its dragon ergonomics. The author obviously considered how four-legged creatures would work in a society. And the dragons have such fun depth of character, too. There's an interesting theme of a mother's love, both of good and evil. This is most apparent early on, but kinda takes a backseat later as the action heats up. That's okay, though, because the action is good too. Except...
There's a huge problem. Sylph simply cannot stop taking the L. It's established early on that So anyways, I think maybe she was a bit of a girlfailure.
Overall, it was fun, but the book does some things that no other books do, and that's for a reason. While the framing device is interesting, the characters have some awesome potential for depth, and I love the dragon societies the book sets up, the book's prose is merely acceptable, and some of the decisions are entirely aggravating. I'll be reading the sequel.
This book is interesting and fun, and the dragons in it are top notch in many ways. However, it's also "interesting" in less positive ways too. Really this is just a weird one. Still, though, I enjoyed my time with it.
This book starts out as if it's a sequel to something never written. The great heroes went and defeated the great evil and rescued... Our protagonist, Sylph. She was a damsel in distress, and now she seeks to break out of that mold and find a life for herself. She seeks her lost biological mother, and all hell breaks loose. I have to say, that's an interesting way to frame a book, as if the story is already over. But it also makes for some weird moments where characters are introduced that simply aren't important at all. What the heck even is Void's entire deal, anyways? Regardless, it's a cool narrative device overall.
The book shines with its dragon ergonomics. The author obviously considered how four-legged creatures would work in a society. And the dragons have such fun depth of character, too. There's an interesting theme of a mother's love, both of good and evil. This is most apparent early on, but kinda takes a backseat later as the action heats up. That's okay, though, because the action is good too. Except...
There's a huge problem. Sylph simply cannot stop taking the L. It's established early on that So anyways, I think maybe she was a bit of a girlfailure.
Overall, it was fun, but the book does some things that no other books do, and that's for a reason. While the framing device is interesting, the characters have some awesome potential for depth, and I love the dragon societies the book sets up, the book's prose is merely acceptable, and some of the decisions are entirely aggravating. I'll be reading the sequel.
August 30, 2024
This is the first dragon point-of-view book I think I've ever read, so maybe the novelty of that is coloring my views on the book - however, I don't think this is the case. I've read several books that have been unique to me, which I disliked, so that's likely not something that would cause me to automatically like this book.
The story was well-paced and kept up the suspense and action. The characters were well developed, and the world-building was extensive. The main character, Sylph, was someone you could really root for, someone you empathized with, and someone whose antics were fun to witness! Sylph experiences plausible and satisfying character growth throughout the book, and we get to see moments from her and others' pasts, which build some great backstory and emotional attachment.
Like very few books I've read, this book pulled me through it constantly; there were no times I felt like I wanted to put the book down and go do something else, aside from sleeping when I could no longer read and understand sentences or keep my eyes open.
There were 2 or 3 places where the book could have used some edits to events, to make them follow more logically from a character's personality, or to make them feel more emotionally satisfying. But these are the exception rather than the rule, and do not detract much from the book as a whole.
Because the book is the first the author has ever published, and it's self-published, there was no copy-edit that happened before publishing. This means there are many grammatical, flow, and clarity errors throughout the book. It should go to show you just how much I and others enjoyed the book, that we still love it this much *despite* these mistakes. Also, I'm working on a copy-edit that will eventually fix the overwhelming majority of these issues.
I would say this is one of the books I've most enjoyed reading in the past few years. Pick it up and give it a try! Its reasonable price is well worth it.
The story was well-paced and kept up the suspense and action. The characters were well developed, and the world-building was extensive. The main character, Sylph, was someone you could really root for, someone you empathized with, and someone whose antics were fun to witness! Sylph experiences plausible and satisfying character growth throughout the book, and we get to see moments from her and others' pasts, which build some great backstory and emotional attachment.
Like very few books I've read, this book pulled me through it constantly; there were no times I felt like I wanted to put the book down and go do something else, aside from sleeping when I could no longer read and understand sentences or keep my eyes open.
There were 2 or 3 places where the book could have used some edits to events, to make them follow more logically from a character's personality, or to make them feel more emotionally satisfying. But these are the exception rather than the rule, and do not detract much from the book as a whole.
Because the book is the first the author has ever published, and it's self-published, there was no copy-edit that happened before publishing. This means there are many grammatical, flow, and clarity errors throughout the book. It should go to show you just how much I and others enjoyed the book, that we still love it this much *despite* these mistakes. Also, I'm working on a copy-edit that will eventually fix the overwhelming majority of these issues.
I would say this is one of the books I've most enjoyed reading in the past few years. Pick it up and give it a try! Its reasonable price is well worth it.
April 15, 2024
This book seamlessly flies into the ranks of my favourite dragon stories, and I imagine it's there to stay.
Sylph is not a hero - or so she thinks. From a dragoness fighting against the misrepresentation of her past, we follow her on a quest to find her OWN answers, live her OWN story, and the path she walks is nothing short of tumultuous. From the relatively peaceful kingdom of Sawalia, Sylph is thrust into other corners of the world which prove much less friendly than her home. Accompanied by her friend, they deal with adversaries, suffer plenty and pay back, and all that against the backdrop of a singular question: where did I come from?
Sylph is a very engaging protagonist to follow. At times a brat, her personality bleeds through the pages. She's been dealt a bad hand (pfod!) in life, but she's not some gloomy, broody, edgy heroine. She's brave, loyal, committed, stubborn and... well, she is Sylph.
Some story beats felt a little rushed in their resolutions, but that didn't detract from the enjoyment of the story. Overall SSSW promises an adventure spreading across cities and deserts, cruel slave traders and a ruthless queen, questions and answers, friends and foes, and it delivers in spades on all fronts! It's a true hidden gem of dragon fiction, and deserves way way WAY more recognition. I'll be awaiting all the sequels with bated breath
Sylph is not a hero - or so she thinks. From a dragoness fighting against the misrepresentation of her past, we follow her on a quest to find her OWN answers, live her OWN story, and the path she walks is nothing short of tumultuous. From the relatively peaceful kingdom of Sawalia, Sylph is thrust into other corners of the world which prove much less friendly than her home. Accompanied by her friend, they deal with adversaries, suffer plenty and pay back, and all that against the backdrop of a singular question: where did I come from?
Sylph is a very engaging protagonist to follow. At times a brat, her personality bleeds through the pages. She's been dealt a bad hand (pfod!) in life, but she's not some gloomy, broody, edgy heroine. She's brave, loyal, committed, stubborn and... well, she is Sylph.
Some story beats felt a little rushed in their resolutions, but that didn't detract from the enjoyment of the story. Overall SSSW promises an adventure spreading across cities and deserts, cruel slave traders and a ruthless queen, questions and answers, friends and foes, and it delivers in spades on all fronts! It's a true hidden gem of dragon fiction, and deserves way way WAY more recognition. I'll be awaiting all the sequels with bated breath
November 15, 2023
A book about the dragoness Sylph searching for questions in her past with her human friend Brandon.
Sylph and the characters around her have a rich backstory that leaves her with traumas, scars and most of all questions. Questions that her mothers keep from her. This makes the main theme of this book one of self identity and self worth. After all nobody wants to be Sylph.
The characters are all fleshed out and feel like real people. Same goes for the world and abilities these characters posses. There was also a surprising amount of humor in this book, especially for how serious it could be at times. Most of the humor landed for me. Pacing is good and it packs some serious emotional punches nearer the end.
All in all I really enjoyed this book.
Sylph and the characters around her have a rich backstory that leaves her with traumas, scars and most of all questions. Questions that her mothers keep from her. This makes the main theme of this book one of self identity and self worth. After all nobody wants to be Sylph.
The characters are all fleshed out and feel like real people. Same goes for the world and abilities these characters posses. There was also a surprising amount of humor in this book, especially for how serious it could be at times. Most of the humor landed for me. Pacing is good and it packs some serious emotional punches nearer the end.
All in all I really enjoyed this book.
November 28, 2023
Heiko is a delightful author.
Silver, Sand, and Silken Wings is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and self-discovery.
I quickly found myself falling in love with Sylph, the story’s protagonist. She is a flawed as any real person with relatable fears, weaknesses, and blindnesses and also possesses a beautiful heart.
As we travel with Sylph on her adventures, I enjoyed balanced pacing, natural character growth, and discovery of the world Heiko has created. There was no point in the story where I struggled with the desire to continue forward. The story drew me onward as I itched to see what happened next.
With this thoroughly enjoyable story as his first work, I’m excited to read the next stories he has in store.
Silver, Sand, and Silken Wings is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and self-discovery.
I quickly found myself falling in love with Sylph, the story’s protagonist. She is a flawed as any real person with relatable fears, weaknesses, and blindnesses and also possesses a beautiful heart.
As we travel with Sylph on her adventures, I enjoyed balanced pacing, natural character growth, and discovery of the world Heiko has created. There was no point in the story where I struggled with the desire to continue forward. The story drew me onward as I itched to see what happened next.
With this thoroughly enjoyable story as his first work, I’m excited to read the next stories he has in store.
October 15, 2023
Very enjoyable story about young and bit messed up dragoness searching for her past. Story kept me interested and it gets very good especially in final part of the book.
Book could be standalone – meaning no cliffhangers, but sequel is suggested at the end. I am looking forward to it.
Book could be standalone – meaning no cliffhangers, but sequel is suggested at the end. I am looking forward to it.
August 12, 2024
Sylph is an endearingly defiant (and witty) protagonist. Sylph's character wonderfully bleeds into the narration. Her observations are intelligent and clever; I can say this for very few books, and for even fewer dragon pov books. Her voice is a massive highlight and makes this so fun to read.
Heiko Ehlers writes terrific scenes. Every single scene is memorable and distinct. Every single one. I cannot stress this enough. It's truly impressive, and frankly this alone would have it as my favourite dragon-pov book, but there's more.
The writing style's rhythm flows well, making for an easy read, with enough description for deep immersion in the world and the story. Tension is masterfully spun tight and loose to hook the reader, with the spaces for reflection and breath placed exactly where they're needed, and to stir the pace into a frenzy, and all in an immersive, subtle way at that. Add in the the strongly varied sentence structure and length and you have a book that feels like a much quicker reader than its page count would suggest. It's a story that simply does get you to keep reading.
Character wit is the source of most of the humour, not one iota of which overstays its welcome. Even the more colourful jokes are tastefully executed.
The worldbuilding is excellent. There's enough detail given to spark the imagination without bogging down the pacing. While there's one hiccup near the end in this regard, it doesn't hinder the story, and aside from that, everything fits naturally into the world.
Grammatically, there aren't many errors, mostly ones of tense, although they do become more frequent toward the end. Even so, they don't make the story harder to understand. I did keep a log of them.
The story stands on its own. There's certainly room for a sequel, one to which I look forward. She has a striking family.
You can tell notes were taken from Discworld, and they only make this story more fun—and fun, along with exciting, is the best word to describe Silver, Sand, and Silken Wings.
Heiko Ehlers writes terrific scenes. Every single scene is memorable and distinct. Every single one. I cannot stress this enough. It's truly impressive, and frankly this alone would have it as my favourite dragon-pov book, but there's more.
The writing style's rhythm flows well, making for an easy read, with enough description for deep immersion in the world and the story. Tension is masterfully spun tight and loose to hook the reader, with the spaces for reflection and breath placed exactly where they're needed, and to stir the pace into a frenzy, and all in an immersive, subtle way at that. Add in the the strongly varied sentence structure and length and you have a book that feels like a much quicker reader than its page count would suggest. It's a story that simply does get you to keep reading.
Character wit is the source of most of the humour, not one iota of which overstays its welcome. Even the more colourful jokes are tastefully executed.
The worldbuilding is excellent. There's enough detail given to spark the imagination without bogging down the pacing. While there's one hiccup near the end in this regard, it doesn't hinder the story, and aside from that, everything fits naturally into the world.
Grammatically, there aren't many errors, mostly ones of tense, although they do become more frequent toward the end. Even so, they don't make the story harder to understand. I did keep a log of them.
The story stands on its own. There's certainly room for a sequel, one to which I look forward. She has a striking family.
You can tell notes were taken from Discworld, and they only make this story more fun—and fun, along with exciting, is the best word to describe Silver, Sand, and Silken Wings.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews