Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Shadow Dragon Saga #2

Legend of the Dragon Soul

Rate this book
Not even the sanctuary of the undercity is safe for Riony and her precious charges.

The wolf-riding Kess is stalking Riony and the young unidragon, waiting for her chance to strike. But her attempt to steal Dracuni goes terribly wrong.

Riony and her friends are lost, injured, and separated throughout the deepest depths of the ancient, cursed ruins.
Whether Riony and Kess find their way back to safety depends on whether they can stop trying to kill each other long enough to survive. As their cruel history is dredged up between them, the odds are slim.

Return to the fantasy world of the shadow dragon, diverse heroines, and epic adventure in the second book of this young adult series.

Grab your copy to continue the epic Shadow Dragon Saga today!

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2024

54 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

Selina A. Fenech

33 books377 followers
Selina A. Fenech writes quirky, positive, and powerful tales where love always wins. With laugh out loud moments, epic danger, twists, and unique magical worlds, her stories are perfect for a reader looking for something different.

Selina A. Fenech lives in Australia with her husband and daughter and loves food, gardening, geekery, and all things fantasy.

She is also a professional fantasy artist, and you can find her large range of coloring books and art books under her artist name, Selina Fenech.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
65 (68%)
4 stars
28 (29%)
3 stars
1 (1%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Jodie Simpson.
204 reviews13 followers
January 14, 2024
4⭐️ This book is a fast paced, action packed fantasy centred around two sisters who are barely surviving this harsh apocalyptic world where we make a seamless movement from book 1 to book 2 keeping the action going hard and fast.

**Spoilers ahead for those who have not read book 1

We left book 1 with Riony and Lyrrin safely back together in the undercity, after slavers took Lyrrin and her friends above ground, leaving Riony to partner with unexpected allies Yoskar and Aishena to save their siblings. Knowing the evil Kess would be plotting her next move to steal the baby dragon she so desperately wants.

Mere months later, Riony is about to begin her first day as a Delver while Lyrrin looks after Dracuni, keeping the dragon baby safely out of sight.

But, Riony’s first day as a delver does not go as planned and we embark on an action packed and dangerous adventure far underground in the Alderkin depths.

This entire book had action, moving from one dangerous situation to another as our characters were separated, moving deep underground in unstable ancient cities in two groups. I didn’t have time to breathe before another challenge appeared.

Thankfully I got to know the characters well in book 1 and was therefore completely invested in all of them, even the evil little ferret Kess. With all the action happening in book two, there wasn’t time to get to know the characters further.

I was happy to see that Riony remained strong, brave, capable, protective with a huge heart and bounds of integrity. Lyrrin kept her empathy, kindness and loving heart while stepping more into herself as a strong, clever and capable young lady who is starting to puzzle out where she came from.

Unpredictably, the author was not afraid to kill off her characters which gave a sense of realism to the adventure. I never knew who might survive which kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

… and the ending suggests that the action will continue!

This author knows what reader’s want including a beautiful and detailed map of her fantasy world and an extensive glossary of characters (details and pronunciations), animals, species, herbs, runes, history, weapons. These details help me to completely immerse myself in the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed Legend of the dragon soul and am looking forward to continuing the adventure.


83 reviews
March 21, 2024
"Legend of the Dragon Soul," the second installment in the Shadow Dragon Saga, left me thoroughly impressed and engaged, even more so than its predecessor. This book takes the characters on a journey of growth, challenges, and self-discovery that had me eagerly turning each page.

One notable improvement is the consistency in the main character Riony's behavior. In the first book, I found her actions somewhat inexplicable at times. However, in the second book, Riony's character is more focused on her tasks and adventures, showing maturity and determination.

Lirin, the younger sister, undergoes significant development as well. She strives to become a more independent and helpful individual. During their adventure in the underground city, Lirin begins to harbor suspicions about her true nature and unique appearance. This adds an intriguing layer to the story, particularly in relation to her innate talent in old magic.

Kess, along with her wolf and her quest to steal Dracuni, reappears in this book. The scenario in the underground tunnels and the separation of characters effectively build tension. Riony's internal conflict, torn between her duty and compassion for Kess, showcases the complexity of her character.

As the story progresses, Kessara's actions and betrayals keep readers on their toes. Her ever-changing loyalties add an element of unpredictability to the narrative. Moments of hope for her redemption and cooperation with the group create a rollercoaster of emotions.

When Riony, Kess, and Dracuni finally reunite with the others, they find them engaged in a battle against Lady Hjelzahn. In the end, only a small group manages to escape, thanks to Lirin's mysterious powers.

In summary, "Legend of the Dragon Soul" is a captivating sequel that surpasses its predecessor. Character growth, intricate relationships, and a well-crafted plot make this book a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts. I eagerly anticipate the next book in the Shadow Dragon Saga, as this series continues to impress with its depth and storytelling prowess.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melissa Kincaid.
Author 4 books83 followers
April 19, 2025
I loved Curse of the Dragon Shadow, and book two in the Shadow Dragon Saga did not disappoint!

We once again follow Riony as she navigates her new role as a delver, while also trying to keep her unidragon, Dracuni, and her sister, Lyrrin, safe. I adore the vibes I get from Riony, she’s so quirky, strong and refreshingly flawed, a MC with humor who isn’t afraid to admit that she’d rather swing a sword first and ask questions later. The thing about Riony is, she’s physically strong, built tougher than most MCs in fantasy books. She’s by far one of my favorite MCs that I’ve read recently!

In this installment, we also delve into Lyrrin’s POV, when they become separated in the underground tunnels of their cavernous settlement. We see glimpses into an ancient, long dead race, with hints to her mysterious past sprinkled throughout. I’m eager to know more!

There was so much drama and tension between Riony and Kess while stuck together in the caverns, with lots of their rough history revealed. I really enjoyed the push and pull of their strange relationship, and that twist near the end? I was glued to this book to the very end!

Pacing? = Perfect!
Action? = Tonnes!
Dialogue? = Fantastic!

If you love YA sapphic fantasy with deep, fleshed out characters, quick, action packed pacing and great banter, this series is definitely for you!

Super excited to dive into book three!

✨ Thank you so much to Selina for generously providing an eARC. I’m so grateful! This review has been left willingly and gladly!✨


Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Facebook | My Books
Profile Image for Livy.
45 reviews
January 19, 2024
Legend of the Dragon Soul picks up not too long after where book one left off. Riony's dreams of becoming a Delver are starting to come true, but are they all that she thought they'd be? Meanwhile, the obsessive, gremlin Kess is sneaking about, yet again causing problems. Problems that lead to her, Riony, Lyrrin and all the characters from the previous book stuck in a cave.


Like the title says, this book was fast paced. Much more action-y than the last one. From the moment the characters entered the cave, you're dragged on this wild, and heartbreaking ride. I had trouble putting this book down and if it wasn't for needing to do adult responsibilities and sleeping, I wouldn't have.

I have a personal beef with Miss Fenech now though for something that she did to two characters I really enjoyed. I won't say what she did to them due to spoilers, but they did not deserve that! Miss Fenech! I just want to talk!

Once again, I am in awe of the multi-deminsions of these characters. Especially for Kess. I want to hate her and I do. But I also feel for her too. I obviously want her to lose beause if she wins, it'll be bad for Riony and Dracuni. But at the same time, I want Kess to get some kind of win.

Alot of new characters were introduced in this story as well. My one gripe is that I feel like we could have gotten more "Screentime" with some of them. But seeing as how this is a series, I'm holding out hope that that might happen in future books.

I cannot wait for more of this story!

Profile Image for Lorena.
856 reviews23 followers
April 10, 2024
This is the second book in Selina Fenech’s Shadow Dragon Saga of young adult epic fantasy and adventure, which is best enjoyed in order. The setting is an interesting post-apocalyptic fantasy world featuring runes, curses, magic items, zombies, dragons, and unicorns with magical blood.

All of the characters are interesting. The main character, Riony, is an escaped slave determined to protect her little sister after their parents are killed. She’s stubborn, sarcastic, proud of her physical prowess, and can’t resist making jokes, although her lewd flirtatious comments to attractive females were toned down in this second book. Her little sister Lyrrin collects inappropriate pets and has a knack for working with Alderkin runes. I love how the other characters they interact with are complex and not always clearly friends or foes. Also, I appreciate the queer and disability representation.

This second book was almost nonstop suspense and action, although it does allow us to develop a deeper understanding of these characters. I really enjoyed most of the book, although I found the ending frustrating. I thought one character might find redemption, but it doesn’t happen in this book.

I recommend this story to those who enjoy YA epic fantasies featuring strong, stubborn women who sometimes make questionable decisions. Note that it contains violence, betrayal, murder, and discussions of past abuse.

I received an ARC from the author via BookSprout, and I volunteered to provide an honest review.
Profile Image for Belinda.
18 reviews
July 3, 2024
This second installment in the Shadow Dragon saga proved to be a captivating page-turner, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the series. The exploration of characters’ histories in this story arc significantly enriched their backgrounds, enhancing my understanding and connection with them. The narrative effortlessly held my attention, making it impossible to put the book down.

Delving into the Alderkins’ magic and the intricacies of the underground city, this installment caters to those who relish detailed fight scenes reminiscent of Tolkien. While I, personally, tend to skim through such descriptions, enthusiasts of battle scenes will find these sections particularly enjoyable and well-crafted.

The emotional bonds portrayed among the characters, whether through strong familial love or the willingness to sacrifice for one another, resonate throughout the narrative. This includes touching moments between siblings and a father-daughter relationship, adding depth to the overall storytelling.

I appreciated how the author skillfully conveyed thoughts and feelings from Dracuni to Riony, creating a connection that piqued my interest in how this ability will unfold in future installments.

However, it’s essential to note that the book touches on sensitive topics like slavery, physical punishment, and mental abuse. Readers sensitive to these themes should approach the book with awareness, as these elements may be triggering.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Monika Gotthardt-Marshall.
100 reviews
February 22, 2024
Wow, what an amazing second instalment in the Shadow Dragon Saga! I loved the first book and was super keen to jump right into book 2, I'm so glad I did. I wasn't sure how the author would be able to keep up the suspense and action but there was honestly never a dull moment!

I love Riony so much, she's a great witty, flirty and strong character who just continues to grow from book to book. I was excited to learn more about Lyrrin in this book, and can't wait to see where that goes in the next one.
Just when I thought Kess couldn't get any worse, she surprises me. I enjoyed learning a bit more about her though too.

It was awesome to learn more about the history of the Alderkin and get more of an insight into the world. I love how that sort of information is shared slowly with us and not info-dumped in the first book! The overall plot is amazing and not very predictable, which makes every page a surprise.

Action packed, suspenseful and at times heart wrenching, this was an amazing continuation of the series and I can't wait to get stuck into book 3!
This book is for anyone who loves fantasy, action, found family and a post apocalyptic setting; you're gonna love it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
63 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2024
This book is amazing! On her first day of finally being accepted as a delver, Riony is late! The story continues as Kess has tried kidnapped Dracuni - the unicorn/dragon hybrid - from Lyrrin but it all goes wrong when Riony comes to the rescue and they all get lost in the ancient depths of Alderkin. Riony and Kess are forced to work together to survive but their past doesn't make it easy. Lies and betrayal happen at every turn. And just when you think Riony and Dracuni are safe, Lady Hjelzahn attacks and Riony, Lyrrin, Dracuni and a few others luckily escape thanks to Lyrrin's new found powers using the runes.

This book is a fast-paced, well written, action-adventure story! I could not put it down! The characters are growing by leaps and bounds and learning of all their new powers. The interactions and dialogue between characters is amusing, dramatic and entertaining. I really can't wait to see what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shivani McFarland.
295 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2024
Book two is like being dropped out of a plane without a shoot. In the Shadow Dragon Saga, our protagonist Riony is now a delver and, she is ready to find herself some treasure. In 'Legend of the Dragon Soul' Riony soon finds that being a delver is a lot of hard work with little reward, the caverns have been scraped cleaned. So begins the most exciting fantasy I've read in a while. Selina has the story tellers gift of making the reader feel like they have stepped into a magical realm with all the feels, smells, excitement and danger one could want. Riony's life is in danger so many times along with her fellow delvers but her little sister Lyrrin steps into her own strength by helping, but this also exposes her true nature that has been hidden to all but Riony and we soon begin to see the differences. Kess is after Dracuni and is obsessed enough to follow the delver underground, putting them all at risk in that fragile environment, and poor Benji.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vivienne Fraser.
Author 24 books249 followers
February 21, 2024
I often find book two in a series a let down, but not this book—Legend of the Dragon Soul ramps up the tension from Curse of the Dragon Shadow to a whole new level.

Riony is still trying to look after her family and friends and make her way in the world, but nothing is going right for her. Trapped in the carvers after a fall, the past comes back to haunt her and her friends.

What makes this book for me is the complex world building and the thought that the dystopian world came about as a result of abuse of natural resources (timely considering the world we love in). I also find myself loving Riony. In book one I found her character a little confronting, but in book two her sense of loyalty and what is right appealed a lot more. The baddie, Kess, is complex and, although I don't trust her, I can feel a creeping of empathy.

I can't wait to see where this story goes!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
April 1, 2024
Dragon Soul . . .

The search begins when the baby dragon, Dracuni is stolen and Riony’s enemy, Kessara Heithorn (“Kess”), is in possession of her. The story line will pull the reader in as the tension ramps up. Things start going wrong with the ever-increasing danger underground. Everyone getting separated again increases the suspense. We get to know the characters a little better and see some growth and changes here and there as they react to the various crisis situations. And difficult decisions may have to be made. The story is well-written, the world-building is excellent, and the cast of characters definitely will capture the reader’s attention as we get to know them better while they interact with each other and respond to events around them. Lots of emotions will be unleashed as they face the difficulties ahead. Looking forward to more of their adventures… if they survive this one!
369 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2024

Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. This series is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Once I started reading there was no chance of putting it down! Dracuni has been stolen! The gripping, emotionally tense search starts when it is discovered that the dragonling is now in the hands of Kess, an enemy of Riony after leaving her mortally wounded in book 1. Riony, now a new Delver, is joined by her teammates to find him after she enters the underground caves alone, sending her sister for help. The mission turns dangerous with many unforeseen catastrophic events that lead to an epic battle of wills, betrayals, unworldly enemies and incredible discoveries. The plot will keep your attention while the storyline keeps you turning pages as you hold your breath through the building suspense! The ending will have you wanting more!
29 reviews
April 30, 2024
I am still a bit shocked at how fast I read this book. It simply pulled me in and spat me out in a very short time. How fast I tear through a book is always a good indication of the quality of the story and the writing. I like Riony although I do want to shake her from time to time for taking too many risks, but I am so happy that her little sister Lyrrin has started to really come into her own in this book.
I also found that my empathy for some characters increased in this second book, although that did not necessarily excuse their actions. The world building is good and the action is almost non-stop. There are lots of animals (cute ones and scary ones) and enough monsters (including the people kind).
I am looking forward to reading the next instalment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,871 reviews33 followers
April 6, 2024
- Apocalyptic
- Fast paced

This is the second book in the Shadow Dragon Saga and the story starts off immediately following the events in book one. I would recommend reading that story to fully enjoy this book.

The sisters have been reunited and Riony is settling into her position as Delver. Riony is a complex and tough character and I loved seeing her grow. We also find out about an ancient group of people that dwelled underground. I found this fascinating and would love to lean more about them.

The story moves at a fast pace and left me wanting more of this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bianca.
191 reviews10 followers
March 21, 2024
This was just as good as book 1, if not better.

It was action-packed and fast-paced.
Riony grew so much again in this book, and I loved reading more of her past and what made her into this strong, powerful FMC

Learning more about Kess has left me not knowing what I should feel for her in a good way.

I loved getting more of Lyrrins POV and watching her to start finding herself.

This series is a fun action-packed yet has all the emotions and depth to create an amazing journey. I can not wait for the next book
289 reviews6 followers
March 31, 2024
Legend of the Dragon Soul is a fascinating continuation of the Shadow Dragon Saga. The author expands on the world-building, and it was intriguing watching the characters develop more over the course of the book. I loved learning more about them and their world. This is shaping up to be a very strong series, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. I highly recommend this book for fans of epic fantasy, just be sure to start with the first book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 reviews
May 28, 2024
This book took us for a ride though twists and turns, although perhaps a water park ride would be a more appropriate term than a rollercoaster! Either way, an amazing experience that left us gasping for more.

Selina A. Fenech writes worlds full of depth, detail, and surprises to lead the reader on a journey of discovery, while her smooth and imaginative style makes her works very easy to read.

I thoroughly recommend this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Serina’s Stories wolfganghollows.
125 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2024
I seem to be tearing through these books fairly fast. In this book Riony finds herself in a lot of trouble and it keeps you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. I love reading about Lyrrin and watching her little story unravel. I think it’s pretty obvious now her heritage but I’m still excited to see her putting it all together in her little head.
I thought Kess was gonna have a whole 360 swerve in personality but alas it was not to be. I love the wolf tho. Think he would be better suited to Lyrrin in the future.
Already on to book 3 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Louisa.
593 reviews71 followers
December 13, 2024
The battle to protect Dracui begins

The next exciting chapter in the Shadow Dragon Saga. Riony has finally earned a place as a delver but will she be able to keep with her gun-ho personality. Lyrrin is work hard helping Riony take care of Dracuni but also practicing Runes. When Kess shows up and tries to kidnap Dracuni things go wrong, forcing the pair to work together to find their way to the surface. Will be able to do it without killing each other. What will the other delvers do when another enemy enters the picture.
Profile Image for Dulaine Roode.
317 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2025
Action packed

In the end it comes down to who can you trust. Kess and Riony have history and it's a very hard thing to bridge. Kess especially makes things hard with her greed, and not seeing and being grateful for what she has.

Riony wants a better life for her and her family. It's understandable, everyone wants that. That puts all their life's in danger too.

A lot of life's were lost in the altercation that started between them and a lot will probably still be lost in the end.

On to the next book I think.
1,402 reviews13 followers
January 22, 2024
This second installment in this dystopian series picks up where the first left off with Riony’s desire to become a dragon rider. The drama, intrigue, and danger, continue as gremlin Kess continues to create intense situations in the hopes of dashing Riony’s dream. This fast-paced tale is well worth the read and a perfect second installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,194 reviews18 followers
January 26, 2024
this was a strong sequel in the Shadow Dragon Saga series, it had everything that I was hoping for when reading the first book. The world was just as interesting and had the same great feel to it. The characters were what I was hoping for and it left me wanting more. Selina A. Fenech continues to write great fantasy stories that I enjoy a lot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Neil.
149 reviews
February 9, 2024
This book effortlessly follows on from book one, we find Riony and Lyrrin along with Dracuni struggling to eke out a living underground. As Riony becomes a delver she is sure that prosperity and a more comfortable lifestyle will follow. This is a really well written book with great characters and a thrilling action packed story line - highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Risa Domingues.
3 reviews
February 27, 2024
A cleverly imagined world that just grabs you and pulls you in, with characters that are deeply layered. Mythical beings that either have you wanting them as your pet, friend or the total creep factor. Emotions that you can relate to from love/protection to fear/horror and on to hate/betrayal. Ms. Fenech has created a book to be enjoyed by all ages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jessica Brown.
4 reviews
March 12, 2024
Well written fantasy novel that keeps building a complex and creative world while moving the story along at a nice pace. No getting bogged down in lore but enough information given that builds the world nicely, twists and turns while staying true to the last novel, no contradictory facts! Great read, highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Evernden.
176 reviews
March 12, 2024
Absolutely loved reading this, soo much action it leaves you on the edge of your seat and unable to put it down. Being an avid reader of Selina Fenech, I was eagerly awaiting to read legend of the dragon soul. Lyrrin is doing the best she can to reunite with her sister, so following her journey and Riony's to find eachother has been incredible. I can't wait to read the next book. Definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DENICE.
1,382 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2024
KESS, RIONI, AND LIRIN ARE AT IT AGAIN

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

This is the second book of the series, Shadow Dragon Saga. Kess is hunting Rioni to get the dragonling. I like the way that they have to work together or die in order to survive. I also like the way that they mature and learn more about each other. This is a great book to read. I enjoyed it immensely.
1,814 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2024
Riony has plenty of weight on her shoulders, with her new role as a delver, and keeping her sister Lyrrin and her special unidragon Dracuni safe. Will Kess steal the unidragon away from Riony? I enjoyed this second book of this series, the drama/adventure/suspense and I am looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
30 reviews
April 2, 2024
A good continuation from the first of the series.
Our MC, Briony, continues with her wicked one line sexual innuendos, that keep friend and foe, shaking their heads in disbelief.
The sisters enter into another absorbing adventure, in their attempt to keep Dracuni, their magical dragonling safe, from discovery and theft.
With Kess in pursuit of Dracuni, and another hazardous evil to avoid, the plot thickens. Decent read, kept me intrigued.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2024
LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Fenech’s writing style has always drawn me in and that was the case here as well. As soon as I start, I can’t stop! Breathtaking, edge-of-my-seat good! No, I didn’t like everything that happened. I did not like that at all! But that just shows you how invested I was. And when I truly can’t put a book down, it deserves all the stars it can get! Highly, highly recommended, but beware that this will get emotional! A book that stays with you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.