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Curse of the Dragon's Eye: Gay Epic Dragon Fantasy Saga
Dusk thought he knew the boundaries of his world - the endless tunnels of the Ronja mines, the cruel whims of his captors, and the crushing weight of a life in chains.
But when a hidden cavern reveals an ancient dragon skeleton and a mysterious crystal that seems to whisper directly to his soul, Dusk's world expands in ways he never imagined.
Suddenly thrust into a journey towards an unknown fate, he must navigate the perils of a world he barely remembers, all while grappling with an awakening power within him that he doesn't understand
.
As Dusk uncovers long-buried secrets and forges unexpected alliances, he begins to realize that his quest for freedom may hold the key to something far greater.
In this breathtaking gay fantasy adventure, the line between slave and savior blurs as Dusk races to unlock the secrets of his past and the power of the dragon's legacy.
Curse of the Dragon's Eye contains a diverse cast of characters and queer themes. It was previously published under the title "The Crystal Eye" by Blake R. Wolfe. Although the title and cover are different, the content remains the same.
But when a hidden cavern reveals an ancient dragon skeleton and a mysterious crystal that seems to whisper directly to his soul, Dusk's world expands in ways he never imagined.
Suddenly thrust into a journey towards an unknown fate, he must navigate the perils of a world he barely remembers, all while grappling with an awakening power within him that he doesn't understand
.
As Dusk uncovers long-buried secrets and forges unexpected alliances, he begins to realize that his quest for freedom may hold the key to something far greater.
In this breathtaking gay fantasy adventure, the line between slave and savior blurs as Dusk races to unlock the secrets of his past and the power of the dragon's legacy.
Curse of the Dragon's Eye contains a diverse cast of characters and queer themes. It was previously published under the title "The Crystal Eye" by Blake R. Wolfe. Although the title and cover are different, the content remains the same.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
burn-pile
August 17, 2024Note: Uses AI
June 28, 2024
Confusion Reigns
The grammar and construction of the narrative exceed many of the books I sample on KU, even though the storyline bears faint resemblance to the story description. This is a harsh tale, with a considerable amount of collateral death, many of whom die only for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Most of the deaths do not move the plot forward. And at the end of the book, there is only more to come. No resolution for any story threads encountered so far, nor even a sense there will be a future resolution.
The grammar and construction of the narrative exceed many of the books I sample on KU, even though the storyline bears faint resemblance to the story description. This is a harsh tale, with a considerable amount of collateral death, many of whom die only for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Most of the deaths do not move the plot forward. And at the end of the book, there is only more to come. No resolution for any story threads encountered so far, nor even a sense there will be a future resolution.
October 5, 2025
This is not an LGBT book.
None of the characters even discuss their sexuality once and there was not even the slightest hint of romantic feelings between any of the characters.
Dusk calls Lex his friend twice in the book. Once like 80% in and once on the last page.
That is the extent of their relationship.
I shit you not.
There are no LGBT elements aside from one of the guards threatening to SA them. That is literally it.
The fact that this is marketed as an lgbt book enranges me.
Don’t get me wrong. It was a decent YA fantasy book but it’s not what I thought it was at all.
None of the characters even discuss their sexuality once and there was not even the slightest hint of romantic feelings between any of the characters.
Dusk calls Lex his friend twice in the book. Once like 80% in and once on the last page.
That is the extent of their relationship.
I shit you not.
There are no LGBT elements aside from one of the guards threatening to SA them. That is literally it.
The fact that this is marketed as an lgbt book enranges me.
Don’t get me wrong. It was a decent YA fantasy book but it’s not what I thought it was at all.
April 24, 2024
Curse of the Dragon’s Eye (Crystalline Dragons Saga 1)
By Eoghan R. Cunningham
UwU Publishing, 2024
Four stars
This promises to be an epic saga indeed, with the lead protagonist being Dusk, a young man enslaved to the salt mines of Ronja when he was a child. Dusk has no memory of life outside the mines—indeed no memory of what his actual name was. Eoghan Cunningham sets up the grimness of Dusk’s life in careful detail.
When Dusk’s ten years at the mine is up, he is sent off to be sold, but not before he manages to snatch something small and bright that he discovers hidden deep in the salt mine. He doesn’t understand what it is that makes him hold onto his tiny treasure, but it becomes a major factor in his suddenly-changed life when his slave caravan is attacked and he finds himself on the run in a world of which he has no knowledge.
Along the way Dusk finds Lex (a nickname, but I note only that it means “law” in Latin), also a runaway, but from a very different place. Together they need to find their way out of Ditania and to the far coast—and freedom. Cunningham is a good writer, and he gives his characters depth and interest. The differences between Dusk and Lex are profound, and negotiating their differences to form a friendship is a fascinating journey in itself. Both young men have secrets (or, at least, things they don’t want to talk about), and this necessarily sets up miscommunications and emotional hurdles that they have to deal with along the way.
But of course, sagas are never simple. Twist after twist keeps the plot moving fast, although nothing major is resolved before the book ends, by which time I was totally caught up in Dusk and Lex’s quest. There is mild disappointment that the expected queer spin on the story promised by the author never quite materialized. Nonetheless, I already have the second book in the series on my kindle, and look forward to seeing where Dusk and Lex go from here.
By Eoghan R. Cunningham
UwU Publishing, 2024
Four stars
This promises to be an epic saga indeed, with the lead protagonist being Dusk, a young man enslaved to the salt mines of Ronja when he was a child. Dusk has no memory of life outside the mines—indeed no memory of what his actual name was. Eoghan Cunningham sets up the grimness of Dusk’s life in careful detail.
When Dusk’s ten years at the mine is up, he is sent off to be sold, but not before he manages to snatch something small and bright that he discovers hidden deep in the salt mine. He doesn’t understand what it is that makes him hold onto his tiny treasure, but it becomes a major factor in his suddenly-changed life when his slave caravan is attacked and he finds himself on the run in a world of which he has no knowledge.
Along the way Dusk finds Lex (a nickname, but I note only that it means “law” in Latin), also a runaway, but from a very different place. Together they need to find their way out of Ditania and to the far coast—and freedom. Cunningham is a good writer, and he gives his characters depth and interest. The differences between Dusk and Lex are profound, and negotiating their differences to form a friendship is a fascinating journey in itself. Both young men have secrets (or, at least, things they don’t want to talk about), and this necessarily sets up miscommunications and emotional hurdles that they have to deal with along the way.
But of course, sagas are never simple. Twist after twist keeps the plot moving fast, although nothing major is resolved before the book ends, by which time I was totally caught up in Dusk and Lex’s quest. There is mild disappointment that the expected queer spin on the story promised by the author never quite materialized. Nonetheless, I already have the second book in the series on my kindle, and look forward to seeing where Dusk and Lex go from here.
April 17, 2024
highly entertaining, great character, well written
Rating: 4.5🌈
The Crystalline Dragons Saga by Eoghan R Cunningham (also released by the same author writing as Blake R. Wolfe) is new to me.
I’m so happy to have found this as a lover of fantasy novels and epic YA adventure series, as this one has the elements of all those stories done so well.
The character of Dusk is incredibly well written. Dusk’s is a haunting story, a young man captured at the age of 11 or 12, and brought to the infamous deadly mines as a slave for the next 10 perilous, darkened years of his life. If slaves survive to a certain point, they “age” out of the mines, in a worst case scenario. And we live in the moment with Dusk.
Of course, so many things happen. Horrible and magical things. Simple moments like a shining light that stuns a youth that’s been buried in darkness to magical scenes that’s clouded by a lack of knowledge.
Along the path to a new life, Dusk gathers a few friends, a lot more enemies, some astonishing new powers, and his journey becomes a rollicking adventure, sometimes nightmare, on the path to enlightenment and self discovery.
It’s a fascinating story. I’m onto book two and recommending this as a highly entertaining take on fantasy adventure.
Plus. There be dragons.
The Crystalline Dragons Saga-5 books:
- [x] Curse of the Dragon's Eye #1
- [ ] Mist, Shadow, and Deep #2
- [ ] Rise of the False King #3
- [ ] The Queen of Darkness #4 -May 9,2024
- [ ] Fall of the Crystal Moon #5-June 6,2024
Rating: 4.5🌈
The Crystalline Dragons Saga by Eoghan R Cunningham (also released by the same author writing as Blake R. Wolfe) is new to me.
I’m so happy to have found this as a lover of fantasy novels and epic YA adventure series, as this one has the elements of all those stories done so well.
The character of Dusk is incredibly well written. Dusk’s is a haunting story, a young man captured at the age of 11 or 12, and brought to the infamous deadly mines as a slave for the next 10 perilous, darkened years of his life. If slaves survive to a certain point, they “age” out of the mines, in a worst case scenario. And we live in the moment with Dusk.
Of course, so many things happen. Horrible and magical things. Simple moments like a shining light that stuns a youth that’s been buried in darkness to magical scenes that’s clouded by a lack of knowledge.
Along the path to a new life, Dusk gathers a few friends, a lot more enemies, some astonishing new powers, and his journey becomes a rollicking adventure, sometimes nightmare, on the path to enlightenment and self discovery.
It’s a fascinating story. I’m onto book two and recommending this as a highly entertaining take on fantasy adventure.
Plus. There be dragons.
The Crystalline Dragons Saga-5 books:
- [x] Curse of the Dragon's Eye #1
- [ ] Mist, Shadow, and Deep #2
- [ ] Rise of the False King #3
- [ ] The Queen of Darkness #4 -May 9,2024
- [ ] Fall of the Crystal Moon #5-June 6,2024
August 20, 2024
This is not a first person POV, thank god.
There is "Gay" mentioned in the title. I hate to disappoint, but it ain't so. While there are two male travelers running together for their freedom, there is no romantic relationship between them. There is nothing between them. Not a touch, not a glance - . But I am reading on and hoping book 2 will be more generous on the relationship.
Although this book needs serious editing (grammar, syntax, spelling - nothing is spared*), the story itself is not half bad.
The story is fast paced and is easy to read. Bandits, wizards, monsters and bad weather are nipping at the travellers' heels all the way through the book.
*
"Abused" modifiers make for an interesting reading, especially when everything is going to shits and you just can't stop laughing.
Some sentences are hard to untangle. I found it pretty challenging at least a couple of times.
And then, of course, there was the "knocking" of the arrow. I am going to leave it at that.
4 stars for the story. 2 stars for editing.
There is "Gay" mentioned in the title. I hate to disappoint, but it ain't so. While there are two male travelers running together for their freedom, there is no romantic relationship between them. There is nothing between them. Not a touch, not a glance - . But I am reading on and hoping book 2 will be more generous on the relationship.
Although this book needs serious editing (grammar, syntax, spelling - nothing is spared*), the story itself is not half bad.
The story is fast paced and is easy to read. Bandits, wizards, monsters and bad weather are nipping at the travellers' heels all the way through the book.
*
"Abused" modifiers make for an interesting reading, especially when everything is going to shits and you just can't stop laughing.
Some sentences are hard to untangle. I found it pretty challenging at least a couple of times.
And then, of course, there was the "knocking" of the arrow. I am going to leave it at that.
4 stars for the story. 2 stars for editing.
May 18, 2025
I absolutely don’t know since when this book has been on my kindle but now I had the time to read it. As I do it with all books, I had absolutely no idea what it was about and so it was a surprise for me.
The story was good, the setting fabulous written. The characters okay, not too deep but enjoyable. I could feel them in some ways. We’ve got the slave Dusk, the noble Lex- short for Alexander- and Tara. The horse Maribel and a strange crystal. Magic, fairy tales and adventures is what happens in this book. But I am not quiet sure if I read the second book.
4/5 stars for this read. It’s a okay-ish fantasy book, but nothing that had me hooked.
The story was good, the setting fabulous written. The characters okay, not too deep but enjoyable. I could feel them in some ways. We’ve got the slave Dusk, the noble Lex- short for Alexander- and Tara. The horse Maribel and a strange crystal. Magic, fairy tales and adventures is what happens in this book. But I am not quiet sure if I read the second book.
4/5 stars for this read. It’s a okay-ish fantasy book, but nothing that had me hooked.
March 20, 2024
A gripping story about a runaway slave trying to gain his freedom. He finds an item that will change his life forever…
The mc is, despite what he has been through, very kind and understanding. He appreciates the world around him, something the rest of the humans don’t see anymore because they have become jaded. However, he is not some naive fool, so he’s not annoying at all. I also love his newfound friendship and the horse.
The story continues in the next book. What dangers will they face next?
I highly recommend this book!
The mc is, despite what he has been through, very kind and understanding. He appreciates the world around him, something the rest of the humans don’t see anymore because they have become jaded. However, he is not some naive fool, so he’s not annoying at all. I also love his newfound friendship and the horse.
The story continues in the next book. What dangers will they face next?
I highly recommend this book!
July 17, 2026
An enjoyable read. I like Dusk. For a young man who's spent his life in the dark, he's pretty sunny. Lex is a bit of a cypher who wants to be more than what his parents wanted. Tara is a tough nut and I look forward to learning more about her.
The big bad guy does come across a bit like Gargamel from the Smurfs cartoon though. And he uses a term that I suspect is very much from the 20th century and sounds really out of place in a pseudo-medieval setting: "mission statement".
Now if the author can break the cycle of capture/escape...
The big bad guy does come across a bit like Gargamel from the Smurfs cartoon though. And he uses a term that I suspect is very much from the 20th century and sounds really out of place in a pseudo-medieval setting: "mission statement".
Now if the author can break the cycle of capture/escape...
September 27, 2025
A CURSE AND A NEW WORLD TO DISCOVER
Cunningham has woven a new kind of story of eternal optimism centered by Dusk, our main protagonist. The beginning of the story puts us in an underground mine for 10 years. Never seeing the sun, never a bond of friendship, a lone stalwart soul to carry the tale.
I've found all of Cunningham/Wolfe's writings to be intriguing, and enjoyable. The CRYSTALLINE DRAGON SAGA has intrigued me greatly. It's going to be a great adventure.
Cunningham has woven a new kind of story of eternal optimism centered by Dusk, our main protagonist. The beginning of the story puts us in an underground mine for 10 years. Never seeing the sun, never a bond of friendship, a lone stalwart soul to carry the tale.
I've found all of Cunningham/Wolfe's writings to be intriguing, and enjoyable. The CRYSTALLINE DRAGON SAGA has intrigued me greatly. It's going to be a great adventure.
November 6, 2025
Incredible start
This is an incredible start to what I believe will be an epic fantasy series. Dusk hasn't known anything but the salt mines he was a slave for. The day before he was supposed to be sold for aging out, he happens upon something incredible that will change his life forever. This was just the beginning of his harrowing journey towards freedom. Dusk has already been through so much, I can't imagine what he will have to endure next.
This is an incredible start to what I believe will be an epic fantasy series. Dusk hasn't known anything but the salt mines he was a slave for. The day before he was supposed to be sold for aging out, he happens upon something incredible that will change his life forever. This was just the beginning of his harrowing journey towards freedom. Dusk has already been through so much, I can't imagine what he will have to endure next.
July 13, 2025
things didn't really make sense. stuff appeared out of nowhere, the world is hard to visualise. also it randomly ends for no reason with no resolution at all. apparently the author uses AI which is very disappointing as I was looking forward to a good gay fantasy series.
September 9, 2025
Heard about this series through a video on social
I gave it a try just because and it delivered thank you. I like the magic and mystery and the coming from different worlds and people still managing to be friends through it all.
I gave it a try just because and it delivered thank you. I like the magic and mystery and the coming from different worlds and people still managing to be friends through it all.
May 17, 2024
Excellent book
This was a very good book. The characters were interesting and believable and at times it was a hard book to put down. Really looking forward to the next book.
This was a very good book. The characters were interesting and believable and at times it was a hard book to put down. Really looking forward to the next book.
May 1, 2025
All right, you got me.
Bring on volume two.
Bring on volume two.
November 14, 2025
Good world building, but I wanted more of the dragon.
July 10, 2026
This book is a perfect example of why marketing matters. It was sold as an M/M fantasy, yet the M/M aspect never actually materializes in any meaningful way. If you’re picking this up expecting romance, chemistry, or even a worthwhile slow burn, prepare to be disappointed. Calling it M/M feels more like a marketing tactic than an honest description.
Then there’s the writing.
The prose is painfully basic and often reads like a first draft that never saw an editor. The author has a terrible habit of stating the blindingly obvious instead of trusting readers to connect the dots. One line actually reads: “[The bad guy] kicked [his captive], cruelly.” Cruelly? Really? Was there a chance he was going to kick his prisoner compassionately? It’s this kind of redundant, tell-don’t-show writing that fills the book and constantly pulls you out of the story.
The author has an almost compulsive need to explain the obvious, as if readers can’t be trusted to infer anything on their own (or he used a computer program to write for him…*cough*). The dialogue is flat, the descriptions are uninspired, and the narration constantly over-explains every emotion and motivation. Rather than immersing you in a fantasy world, it feels like being read a very rough outline of one.
What frustrates me most is that there are hints of an interesting premise buried underneath all of this. Unfortunately, the execution never rises above the level of half-baked fan fiction. Combined with the misleading M/M marketing, the whole experience feels like a bait-and-switch.
I kept waiting for the story to become the book it was advertised as, or for the writing to improve. Neither happened.
The biggest fantasy in this book is the marketing copy pretending it’s an M/M Fantasy novel.
Then there’s the writing.
The prose is painfully basic and often reads like a first draft that never saw an editor. The author has a terrible habit of stating the blindingly obvious instead of trusting readers to connect the dots. One line actually reads: “[The bad guy] kicked [his captive], cruelly.” Cruelly? Really? Was there a chance he was going to kick his prisoner compassionately? It’s this kind of redundant, tell-don’t-show writing that fills the book and constantly pulls you out of the story.
The author has an almost compulsive need to explain the obvious, as if readers can’t be trusted to infer anything on their own (or he used a computer program to write for him…*cough*). The dialogue is flat, the descriptions are uninspired, and the narration constantly over-explains every emotion and motivation. Rather than immersing you in a fantasy world, it feels like being read a very rough outline of one.
What frustrates me most is that there are hints of an interesting premise buried underneath all of this. Unfortunately, the execution never rises above the level of half-baked fan fiction. Combined with the misleading M/M marketing, the whole experience feels like a bait-and-switch.
I kept waiting for the story to become the book it was advertised as, or for the writing to improve. Neither happened.
The biggest fantasy in this book is the marketing copy pretending it’s an M/M Fantasy novel.
July 1, 2026
Sorry to say. The blurb and updated AD artwork outshine the story itself. No chemistry, not even as platonic friends nevermind MM vibes. Not likely to continue with the rest of the series.
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