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The Dragon Within #1
Scales of Rage
From David Angelo, the mind behind the Elder of Edon series and The Skies Over Lisandra, comes Scales of Rage, the first installment in an urban fantasy series like nothing you’ve read before!
In a world where mythical dragons live in the shadows of abandoned subway tunnels, Nathan Van Cleef is just trying to survive life as a teenager. Plagued by a mysterious "forever flu" that leaves him bedridden and despondent, Nathan's dreams of a normal life seem as unreachable as the stars. But a series of extraordinary events unveils a secret long hidden within his family—one that thrusts him into a world of ancient sanctums, powerful dragonkin, and deadly adversaries.
On what should be a triumphant graduation day, Nathan's life takes a shocking turn when he's struck by a car and awakens to find scales growing across his body. This startling transformation is just the beginning. As Nathan delves deeper into his family’s past, he discovers that his father’s legacy is intertwined with the secretive DC Sanctum, a covert group of dragon-human hybrids dedicated to preserving the balance between their two worlds.
With newfound abilities awakening within him, Nathan must navigate a treacherous path filled with fierce battles, ancient grudges, and dark secrets that could threaten everything he holds dear. Allies and enemies emerge from unexpected places, testing Nathan’s courage and resolve as he learns to harness the dragon within. From the bustling streets of New York to hidden sanctuaries, Nathan's journey is fraught with peril and wonder.
As Nathan grapples with his own weaknesses and those who wish him harm, he learns that the greatest battles are fought not with claws and fire, but with courage and heart.
Join Nathan on an epic adventure where the lines between myth and reality blur, and destiny awaits those bold enough to embrace the dragon within.
In a world where mythical dragons live in the shadows of abandoned subway tunnels, Nathan Van Cleef is just trying to survive life as a teenager. Plagued by a mysterious "forever flu" that leaves him bedridden and despondent, Nathan's dreams of a normal life seem as unreachable as the stars. But a series of extraordinary events unveils a secret long hidden within his family—one that thrusts him into a world of ancient sanctums, powerful dragonkin, and deadly adversaries.
On what should be a triumphant graduation day, Nathan's life takes a shocking turn when he's struck by a car and awakens to find scales growing across his body. This startling transformation is just the beginning. As Nathan delves deeper into his family’s past, he discovers that his father’s legacy is intertwined with the secretive DC Sanctum, a covert group of dragon-human hybrids dedicated to preserving the balance between their two worlds.
With newfound abilities awakening within him, Nathan must navigate a treacherous path filled with fierce battles, ancient grudges, and dark secrets that could threaten everything he holds dear. Allies and enemies emerge from unexpected places, testing Nathan’s courage and resolve as he learns to harness the dragon within. From the bustling streets of New York to hidden sanctuaries, Nathan's journey is fraught with peril and wonder.
As Nathan grapples with his own weaknesses and those who wish him harm, he learns that the greatest battles are fought not with claws and fire, but with courage and heart.
Join Nathan on an epic adventure where the lines between myth and reality blur, and destiny awaits those bold enough to embrace the dragon within.
- GenresDragons
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
5 people are currently reading
1681 people want to read
About the author
David Angelo
5 books10 followersDavid Angelo invites you to delve into a weird and wonderful world of dragons and mythical creatures, where nothing is as it seems and adventure awaits all those who are brave enough. Explore the Edonverse, an interconnected world full of action, intrigue, and love, where dragons fly free and divine entities battle for the fate of the world.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 2, 2024
⚫️David Angelo’s Scales of Rage is a thrilling urban fantasy that combines myth, mystery, and coming-of-age elements to deliver an exhilarating ride. The first book in The Dragon Within series, it introduces readers to Nathan Van Cleef, a teenager who’s anything but ordinary, despite his attempts to lead a normal life. Plagued by an enigmatic “forever flu” that keeps him bedridden and isolated, Nathan’s existence is a far cry from the adventure-filled stories he dreams of. But when a life-altering accident triggers an extraordinary transformation, his world is thrown into chaos—and mythological dragons are revealed to be far more than fantasy.
⚫️Nathan’s journey begins on what should have been a day of celebration, his high school graduation. Instead, he’s struck by a car and discovers an alarming change: scales are growing on his body. This shocking transformation is the catalyst for a deeper exploration of his family’s secret past and a world he never could have imagined. As he uncovers the truth about his lineage, Nathan learns that his father’s legacy is tied to a covert group known as the DC Sanctum—an ancient order of dragon-human hybrids dedicated to maintaining a fragile balance between two worlds.
⚫️Angelo’s storytelling excels in blending the mundane with the fantastical. The setting of New York City, with its ordinary streets and hidden sanctuaries, creates a stark contrast to the mystical world Nathan is drawn into. The pacing of the plot is spot-on, keeping readers on their toes with twists and turns that introduce an intriguing mix of allies, enemies, and ancient secrets. Nathan’s internal struggle as he comes to terms with his new powers and identity gives the narrative a relatable emotional depth. His transition from a sickly, isolated teen to a young man capable of powerful abilities is compelling and well-developed.
⚫️The dragon mythology in Scales of Rage is fresh and captivating, with a rich backstory that fuels the narrative and propels Nathan into a series of dangerous confrontations. The conflict between the dragonkin and various adversaries feels epic in scale, yet Angelo grounds the story in Nathan’s personal growth and the universal struggle of finding one’s place in the world. The stakes are high, not just in terms of the external threats Nathan faces, but also in his internal battle to reconcile his human side with the dragon within.
⚫️Angelo’s characters are complex, particularly Nathan, whose flaws and vulnerabilities make him an endearing protagonist. As he navigates his transformation, Nathan grapples with not only new powers but also the darker sides of himself and the legacy thrust upon him. The book’s supporting cast—ranging from allies who teach him to control his abilities to enemies who seek to exploit them—adds layers of intrigue and suspense to the story.
⚫️What truly elevates Scales of Rage is its thematic exploration of courage, identity, and destiny. Nathan’s greatest challenges are not simply the external battles with enemies or mystical creatures, but the internal struggle of accepting who he is becoming. The tension between his human side and the growing power of the dragon within him is a compelling central conflict that will resonate with readers familiar with the complexities of self-discovery.
⚫️The world-building is rich, yet accessible, blending urban landscapes with hidden mystical realms. The use of mythological elements feels both timeless and contemporary, giving the story a unique flavor that stands out in the crowded urban fantasy genre. The writing style is immersive, drawing readers into Nathan’s world while keeping the action fast-paced and engaging.
⚫️Scales of Rage is a captivating start to The Dragon Within series, offering a gripping mix of magic, myth, and personal growth. With a well-paced plot, an intriguing protagonist, and a world full of secrets and dangers, this book is sure to captivate fans of urban fantasy. Nathan Van Cleef’s journey is just beginning, and readers will undoubtedly be eager to see what’s next as he learns to wield the dragon within.
Happy reading ❤️✨
⚫️Nathan’s journey begins on what should have been a day of celebration, his high school graduation. Instead, he’s struck by a car and discovers an alarming change: scales are growing on his body. This shocking transformation is the catalyst for a deeper exploration of his family’s secret past and a world he never could have imagined. As he uncovers the truth about his lineage, Nathan learns that his father’s legacy is tied to a covert group known as the DC Sanctum—an ancient order of dragon-human hybrids dedicated to maintaining a fragile balance between two worlds.
⚫️Angelo’s storytelling excels in blending the mundane with the fantastical. The setting of New York City, with its ordinary streets and hidden sanctuaries, creates a stark contrast to the mystical world Nathan is drawn into. The pacing of the plot is spot-on, keeping readers on their toes with twists and turns that introduce an intriguing mix of allies, enemies, and ancient secrets. Nathan’s internal struggle as he comes to terms with his new powers and identity gives the narrative a relatable emotional depth. His transition from a sickly, isolated teen to a young man capable of powerful abilities is compelling and well-developed.
⚫️The dragon mythology in Scales of Rage is fresh and captivating, with a rich backstory that fuels the narrative and propels Nathan into a series of dangerous confrontations. The conflict between the dragonkin and various adversaries feels epic in scale, yet Angelo grounds the story in Nathan’s personal growth and the universal struggle of finding one’s place in the world. The stakes are high, not just in terms of the external threats Nathan faces, but also in his internal battle to reconcile his human side with the dragon within.
⚫️Angelo’s characters are complex, particularly Nathan, whose flaws and vulnerabilities make him an endearing protagonist. As he navigates his transformation, Nathan grapples with not only new powers but also the darker sides of himself and the legacy thrust upon him. The book’s supporting cast—ranging from allies who teach him to control his abilities to enemies who seek to exploit them—adds layers of intrigue and suspense to the story.
⚫️What truly elevates Scales of Rage is its thematic exploration of courage, identity, and destiny. Nathan’s greatest challenges are not simply the external battles with enemies or mystical creatures, but the internal struggle of accepting who he is becoming. The tension between his human side and the growing power of the dragon within him is a compelling central conflict that will resonate with readers familiar with the complexities of self-discovery.
⚫️The world-building is rich, yet accessible, blending urban landscapes with hidden mystical realms. The use of mythological elements feels both timeless and contemporary, giving the story a unique flavor that stands out in the crowded urban fantasy genre. The writing style is immersive, drawing readers into Nathan’s world while keeping the action fast-paced and engaging.
⚫️Scales of Rage is a captivating start to The Dragon Within series, offering a gripping mix of magic, myth, and personal growth. With a well-paced plot, an intriguing protagonist, and a world full of secrets and dangers, this book is sure to captivate fans of urban fantasy. Nathan Van Cleef’s journey is just beginning, and readers will undoubtedly be eager to see what’s next as he learns to wield the dragon within.
Happy reading ❤️✨
December 15, 2025
Something ancient stirs beneath the noise of the city, until one day it stirs within us.
Rating: (4.5/5)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scales of Rage: The Dragon Within by David Angelo is an urban fantasy that quickens the pulse, merging myth, vulnerability, and coming-of-age courage in a tale both cinematic and deeply human. Against the gritty heartbeat of New York City, the novel introduces us to Nathan Van Cleef, a teenager who keeps company with chronic illness, isolation, and the quiet grief of a life that never quite feels normal. But when an accident triggers a terrifying transformation, Nathan's fragile reality shatters to expose dragons beneath subways, sanctums cunningly hidden in plain sight, and a legacy in fire and scales.
This isn't just any story about mythical creatures-it's about identity, inheritance, and the fear of becoming something one never chose. Balancing explosive action with emotional introspection, as Nathan uncovers his father's connection with the secretive DC Sanctum and learns what it really means to be dragonkin, the heart of the story is in Nathan's resilience-his quiet determination to stand even when his body and world betray him.
Why This Urban Fantasy Excels
• A Relatable Hero: Nathan's physical weakness and emotional vulnerability lend to his character developing certain traits that don't feel as if he were heroic by default.
* New Urban Mythology: Subways and sanctums underlying cities add a thrill to dragons in modern times.
• Retaining a strong emotional undercurrent: chronic illness, grief, and legacy have been worked upon and allowed to blend freely with the fantasy structure.
• Fast Pacing: It's an engaging story without over-intruding-the pressure is always on to push the journey further in each chapter.
• Heart Over Fire: The message is clear and powerful-the greatest strength isn't brute force, but courage and compassion.
The spread of armies all over the world was parallel to the destruction it caused and as a result, large-scale deaths occurred.
Final Thoughts
Scales of Rage is one hell of an opening to a series that promises depth as much as spectacle. David Angelo crafts a world where myth collides with modern life, and where becoming powerful doesn't mean losing your humanity. Fast-paced and immersive, emotionally anchored, it is a story about embracing the parts of ourselves we fear the most. A compelling read for anyone in love with urban fantasy with a bit of soul, substance, and a dragon-sized heart.
Rating: (4.5/5)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scales of Rage: The Dragon Within by David Angelo is an urban fantasy that quickens the pulse, merging myth, vulnerability, and coming-of-age courage in a tale both cinematic and deeply human. Against the gritty heartbeat of New York City, the novel introduces us to Nathan Van Cleef, a teenager who keeps company with chronic illness, isolation, and the quiet grief of a life that never quite feels normal. But when an accident triggers a terrifying transformation, Nathan's fragile reality shatters to expose dragons beneath subways, sanctums cunningly hidden in plain sight, and a legacy in fire and scales.
This isn't just any story about mythical creatures-it's about identity, inheritance, and the fear of becoming something one never chose. Balancing explosive action with emotional introspection, as Nathan uncovers his father's connection with the secretive DC Sanctum and learns what it really means to be dragonkin, the heart of the story is in Nathan's resilience-his quiet determination to stand even when his body and world betray him.
Why This Urban Fantasy Excels
• A Relatable Hero: Nathan's physical weakness and emotional vulnerability lend to his character developing certain traits that don't feel as if he were heroic by default.
* New Urban Mythology: Subways and sanctums underlying cities add a thrill to dragons in modern times.
• Retaining a strong emotional undercurrent: chronic illness, grief, and legacy have been worked upon and allowed to blend freely with the fantasy structure.
• Fast Pacing: It's an engaging story without over-intruding-the pressure is always on to push the journey further in each chapter.
• Heart Over Fire: The message is clear and powerful-the greatest strength isn't brute force, but courage and compassion.
The spread of armies all over the world was parallel to the destruction it caused and as a result, large-scale deaths occurred.
Final Thoughts
Scales of Rage is one hell of an opening to a series that promises depth as much as spectacle. David Angelo crafts a world where myth collides with modern life, and where becoming powerful doesn't mean losing your humanity. Fast-paced and immersive, emotionally anchored, it is a story about embracing the parts of ourselves we fear the most. A compelling read for anyone in love with urban fantasy with a bit of soul, substance, and a dragon-sized heart.
October 22, 2024
'Scales Of Rage: The Dragon Within Book 1' by David Angelo is a breath-taking urban fantasy drama that revolves around the mythical world of dragons. The story focuses on the life of Nathan Van Cliff, a teenager trying to survive. Hello is forced to confront his own family's secret ties to dragonkin, offering readers a mix of emotional depth and magical fantasy.
It's the first book in the series, a perfect beginning as it sets the stage on fire, with it's power-packed storyline and multi-dimensional characters. Nathan's character is a driving force of the story as he delves deeper into his family's past, he discovers that his father's legacy is intertwined with the secretive DC sanctum, a group of dragon human hybrids.
The author's ability to blur the thin lines between reality and imagination is what makes this novel stand-out. From power-packed action sequences to an epic adventure of destiny, it is Magnum Opus for those who enjoy high octane urban fantasy drama.
One of the best things about this book is definitely it's length, which doesn't drag on unnecessarily like many other fantasy fiction series. Moreover, Nathan's courage and positive spirit to fight against allies and enemies emerging from unknown places showcase his fierce personality, nothing short of a warrior.
Angelo's well-paced narration and engaging writing style allows readers to deeply invest themselves in this highly engrossing fantasy fiction drama. The character of Nathan has undoubtedly experienced a series of events which transformed his vision and perspective as an individual and learner that the greatest battles are fought not with class and fire, but with courage and heart.
In essence, It was an exciting read for me and Now I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Must read♥️♥️
It's the first book in the series, a perfect beginning as it sets the stage on fire, with it's power-packed storyline and multi-dimensional characters. Nathan's character is a driving force of the story as he delves deeper into his family's past, he discovers that his father's legacy is intertwined with the secretive DC sanctum, a group of dragon human hybrids.
The author's ability to blur the thin lines between reality and imagination is what makes this novel stand-out. From power-packed action sequences to an epic adventure of destiny, it is Magnum Opus for those who enjoy high octane urban fantasy drama.
One of the best things about this book is definitely it's length, which doesn't drag on unnecessarily like many other fantasy fiction series. Moreover, Nathan's courage and positive spirit to fight against allies and enemies emerging from unknown places showcase his fierce personality, nothing short of a warrior.
Angelo's well-paced narration and engaging writing style allows readers to deeply invest themselves in this highly engrossing fantasy fiction drama. The character of Nathan has undoubtedly experienced a series of events which transformed his vision and perspective as an individual and learner that the greatest battles are fought not with class and fire, but with courage and heart.
In essence, It was an exciting read for me and Now I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Must read♥️♥️
October 21, 2024
This story is a perfect balance between action and emotion, exploring Nathan’s struggle with identity while delivering gripping battles and intricate dragon lore. A mysterious illness, that’s soon discovered to be far more extraordinary. he’s transforming into a dragon hybrid. Angelo weaves a fast-paced story full of thrilling battles, ancient secrets, and a complex world of hidden dragon sanctums. The emotional depth of Nathan’s journey adds an extra layer of meaning to the action, making this a standout in the genre. Great read and highly recommend you read it!
I received this Kindle edition as a Goodreads giveaway, thank you to the author for a chance to read and review.
I received this Kindle edition as a Goodreads giveaway, thank you to the author for a chance to read and review.
October 7, 2024
A teenager who is dealing with illness and hopelessness discovers his heritage as a dragon-human hybrid. Nathan's journey is a fast paved adventure full of personal growth and epic battles. I loved this book!
November 5, 2024
A unique take on dragon stories. I loved the action, emotion and transformation that the main character goes through. I couldn't put it down!
September 18, 2024
Received my copy from Goodreads giveaways! Post read review coming soon!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews