Fans of Natalie Wright’s award-winning epic fantasy title, SEASON OF THE DRAGON, will love this illustrated companion storybook set in the DRAGOS PRIMERI universe.In Season of the Dragon, readers meet the reluctant hero, Quen, and a cast of memorable characters, gods, and creatures great and small. The Saga of Ilkay and Collected Stories is a “replica” of Quen’s favorite storybook which was destroyed by dragon fire. Containing new illustrations, detail maps, and two new short stories, fans of the Dragos Primeri series can extend their adventures in the world of Season of the Dragon.The Saga of Ilkay and Collected Stories can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, and all readers who enjoy fables and fantasy tales.
Natalie’s stories transport readers to realms of magic, myth, lovable misfits—and dragons! She is the author of Season of the Dragon (2023), named a Top 10 Indie Epic Fantasy by Ingram; a BookLife Editor’s Pick; and winner of the silver medal in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Awards (Epic Fantasy).
The first in a planned 5-book series (Dragos Primeri), book 2—The Spring Dragon— is set to release in early Spring 2025.
Natalie also co-hosts the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast: The best of Sci-Fi & Fantasy—with a twist! You can download the popular SFF podcast free wherever you get your podcasts. Read the book, grab a cocktail, and join the conversation: http://tipsynerdsbookclub.com.
Natalie is a judge in the international NYC Midnight writing challenges and a full member of SFWA. She frequently appears on panels at book festivals, SFF cons, and other book events throughout the western US. If you'd like to meet Natalie in person, check her website for book tours/signings/event schedule.
Natalie lives in the desert southwest of America with her husband and two cat overlords, and visits her college-age son frequently in NYC.
For current news about new releases, cover reveals, invitations to ARC teams, etc., become a subscriber and/or follow Natalie on her socials:
I loved the book. Specifically the Prince and the Peacock. Each were stories within their own right not just created to make sense of season of the dragon. All the stories were beautifully written with a spike of familiarity that took me back to reading season of the dragon. 🐲
The Saga of Ilkay and Collected Stories is a beautifully imagined companion that breathes even more life into the world of Season of the Dragon. For fans of the Dragos Primeri universe, this book feels like stepping back into a beloved realm one filled with charm, myth, and the quiet magic of fables passed down through generations.
What makes the book so captivating is how it presents itself as the rebuilt version of Quen’s treasured storybook, lost to dragon fire. That storytelling layer not only honors the mythology of the series but also creates a heartfelt connection between the reader and the world’s lore. The inclusion of fresh illustrations, new short stories, and detailed maps makes the experience even richer.
My favorite element is how the stories feel timeless simple on the surface, yet layered with meaning, wonder, and the warmth of traditional fantasy storytelling. It’s the kind of companion book that deepens a series in a way fans truly appreciate: not by retelling the main plot, but by expanding its soul.
A delightful and immersive read for lovers of epic fantasy, rich worldbuilding, illustrated story collections, and fables that stay with you long after you finish.
Ever since reading Season of the Dragon and learning Quen's favorite stories were The Saga of Ilkay, I wanted a copy of my own. I was curious to what idols and sorts of creatures the tale entailed.
No wonder she was afraid of dragons. The first main story tells of love and betrayal at the release of Vahgrin. It matches perfectly with how Quen bolstered the story and complimented Season of the Dragon very well. Stories of two sides and how the choices one makes goes beyond themselves.
It was sweet, loving, harrowing, thundering, and consequential. All within a few stories and poems. The perfect companion.
This little book of short stories & poems was a neat read & brought me back into the world in which "Season of the Dragon" takes place in. Especially helpful after waiting for book #2 to come out & I'm curious to see how some of it is incorporated into "The Spring Dragon".