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The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow
A young boy finds himself in a dark cave, alone and afraid. He doesn't feel good. He doesn't know why. Then a small green dragon appears and tells the boy that it isn't his fault he's in the cave, but a great task has been set before him -- defeat an ancient evil known as the Shadow.
To do so, the boy must pass several trials and obtain a powerful magic called the Light. But the Light, while powerful against the Shadow, comes at a cost. Each spell harms the boy. Racing against time, the boy and his new friends must confront the Shadow before it consumes his entire world.
To do so, the boy must pass several trials and obtain a powerful magic called the Light. But the Light, while powerful against the Shadow, comes at a cost. Each spell harms the boy. Racing against time, the boy and his new friends must confront the Shadow before it consumes his entire world.
- GenresFantasy
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2024
44 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Guhl
7 books17 followersWhen he’s not spinning on his head, Christopher Guhl is an award-winning author weaving fantastical tales of triumph over darkness. He prioritizes writing stories that are fast-paced and easy to read, with believable characters, witty banter, and surprising plot twists. He is the proud owner of a very expensive piece of paper from the University of Iowa and lives in Iowa with his wife, son, and their little dog.
Check out http://ChristopherGuhl.com for more details about his work.
He can also be found on TikTok, Facebook, IG, and X!
Check out http://ChristopherGuhl.com for more details about his work.
He can also be found on TikTok, Facebook, IG, and X!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 26, 2024
Found from tiktok
This was a short but beautiful read, i first came a crossed it on tiktok where Guhl was explaining why he wrote this book. It made me want to read it immediately. I don’t regret reading it and recommend it.
This was a short but beautiful read, i first came a crossed it on tiktok where Guhl was explaining why he wrote this book. It made me want to read it immediately. I don’t regret reading it and recommend it.
June 10, 2025
This story follows Liam who is battling to make it out of the cave and has to fight through some trials “obstacles” before he can get out of the cave, along the way he makes some friends my personal favorite is Georgie (The Dragon). Liam has to push through pain while fighting these trials to make it out of the cave!
This was a kid friendly read, would suggest this for all ages. The backstory of why this was wrote is beautiful and made the story mean that much more! So glad I came across Christopher and his story on TikTok!
This was a kid friendly read, would suggest this for all ages. The backstory of why this was wrote is beautiful and made the story mean that much more! So glad I came across Christopher and his story on TikTok!
March 25, 2025
This story about a young boy in a cave fighting against the Shadow was inspired by the author's son's battle with leukemia and his bravery while he fought against it. You can see the symbolism of his battle throughout the book, and it brought tears to my eyes reading it.
Liam meets a little green dragon in the cave who helps him on his journey, and he meets others who help give him the power of light and more to fight the Shadow. This light hurts him every time he must use it against the Shadow, but he stays strong and brave and defeat the Shadow before it defeats them.
This story is so beautiful and heart-wrenching, emotional, and powerful!
It is written for all ages and is a great story for children. It gave me kind of Labrynth and The Black Cauldron vibes. I loved it!
Liam meets a little green dragon in the cave who helps him on his journey, and he meets others who help give him the power of light and more to fight the Shadow. This light hurts him every time he must use it against the Shadow, but he stays strong and brave and defeat the Shadow before it defeats them.
This story is so beautiful and heart-wrenching, emotional, and powerful!
It is written for all ages and is a great story for children. It gave me kind of Labrynth and The Black Cauldron vibes. I loved it!
January 14, 2025
This was a really touching read about a boy fighting a relentless monster. The backstory of why it was written really adds to the emotion.
September 27, 2024
Wholesome and action packed
I saw this book on TikTok and the author explained what inspired him for the story. It was really wholesome so I had to check it out. And i wasn’t disappointed.
Juvenile, yes, but it really hits hard with its message. The way the shadow ask does feel like a sickness and the boy Liam just wants to get away from it all. But he goes through tough trails to find the strength within himself to beat the shadows.
It’s simple and effective! A fantastic wholesome inspiring story.
I saw this book on TikTok and the author explained what inspired him for the story. It was really wholesome so I had to check it out. And i wasn’t disappointed.
Juvenile, yes, but it really hits hard with its message. The way the shadow ask does feel like a sickness and the boy Liam just wants to get away from it all. But he goes through tough trails to find the strength within himself to beat the shadows.
It’s simple and effective! A fantastic wholesome inspiring story.
September 15, 2024
A heartfelt story
I saw the author on TikTok and knew from his story of his son that I would need to read this book. It’s a story of battles and light and darkness, a battle no child should have to fight. Liam is so brave and strong and with his friend’s help he just might beat the darkness.
I saw the author on TikTok and knew from his story of his son that I would need to read this book. It’s a story of battles and light and darkness, a battle no child should have to fight. Liam is so brave and strong and with his friend’s help he just might beat the darkness.
September 4, 2024
A beautifully written book. The author is a father who was inspired by his son’s cancer journey to write this book.
I was rooting for Liam all through out the book and was very happy with the ending. A must read for anyone living with cancer or any chronic illness.
I’m looking forward to reading other books written by this author.
Overall I loved the book.
I was rooting for Liam all through out the book and was very happy with the ending. A must read for anyone living with cancer or any chronic illness.
I’m looking forward to reading other books written by this author.
Overall I loved the book.
August 28, 2024
This is so good. The author’s son was fighting leukemia when he wrote this story about a boy named Liam who has to battle the shadow. And he gets a lot of help from a dragon and trolls. He also has weapons he can use in the fight. It was so enchanting and it even had a deeper meaning of a real boy and his battle with cancer. What a special book.
August 26, 2024
Such an amazingly well written story! It tells the journey of Liam as he tries to overcome the shadow with his friends. A beautiful story for anyone who has fought or is fighting cancer, doesn't matter the age. Just beautiful!
October 10, 2024
The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow by Christopher Guhl is a heartwarming fantasy that tells the story of a boy named Liam and his loyal companion, a dragon named Georgie. Together, they journey through a perilous cave, facing challenges and forming alliances with an array of intriguing characters as they battle the menacing force known as The Shadow. Throughout this quest, Liam discovers an incredible power within himself, yet each use of this strength comes at a steep personal cost. This poignant story is deeply inspired by Guhl’s own experience, drawing from his son’s battle with leukemia, making it as personal as it is powerful.
In many ways, the novel serves as a beautifully crafted metaphor for the struggles faced during illness. The dark, endless cave becomes a symbol for the overwhelming and often uncertain path that lies ahead when confronting such adversity. But, amid the darkness, Liam finds support in the form of unique beings, each offering guidance, hope, and strength for his dangerous journey. Guhl’s storytelling taps into universal emotions, making each fantastical encounter feel personal and relatable. The allegory of the story shines through, resonating with anyone who has faced hardship, particularly when illness is involved. The vivid descriptions of the cave heighten the sense of the daunting, almost impossible task that Liam faces. Yet, the tender moments of assistance and support from those around him give the narrative warmth and hope, illustrating that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone. While the brevity of the book makes it accessible to younger readers, it could also be seen as a drawback. The story's characters, themes, and emotional depth feel deserving of more time and space to be fully explored. That said, the book’s sincerity and emotional resonance remain intact, delivering an impactful and moving tale even within its concise structure.
Perfect for middle-grade readers or anyone who appreciates stories of courage and resilience, The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow is a beautifully inspiring read. Guhl’s story is not only a testament to the power of perseverance but also a touching allegory of the struggles we face—and overcome—when life’s battles seem insurmountable. An uplifting read for children and adults alike, it’s a must-read for those who enjoy stories of hope and bravery in the face of adversity.
In many ways, the novel serves as a beautifully crafted metaphor for the struggles faced during illness. The dark, endless cave becomes a symbol for the overwhelming and often uncertain path that lies ahead when confronting such adversity. But, amid the darkness, Liam finds support in the form of unique beings, each offering guidance, hope, and strength for his dangerous journey. Guhl’s storytelling taps into universal emotions, making each fantastical encounter feel personal and relatable. The allegory of the story shines through, resonating with anyone who has faced hardship, particularly when illness is involved. The vivid descriptions of the cave heighten the sense of the daunting, almost impossible task that Liam faces. Yet, the tender moments of assistance and support from those around him give the narrative warmth and hope, illustrating that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone. While the brevity of the book makes it accessible to younger readers, it could also be seen as a drawback. The story's characters, themes, and emotional depth feel deserving of more time and space to be fully explored. That said, the book’s sincerity and emotional resonance remain intact, delivering an impactful and moving tale even within its concise structure.
Perfect for middle-grade readers or anyone who appreciates stories of courage and resilience, The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow is a beautifully inspiring read. Guhl’s story is not only a testament to the power of perseverance but also a touching allegory of the struggles we face—and overcome—when life’s battles seem insurmountable. An uplifting read for children and adults alike, it’s a must-read for those who enjoy stories of hope and bravery in the face of adversity.
August 1, 2025
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow
Author: Christopher Guhl
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I liked this story. The boy’s very brave. I read that the author’s son had cancer I think, which is very sad. I think the boy in the story is fighting like his son is. I hope his son gets better.” Boy, aged 12
“Exciting story about a boy fighting a shadow but when he fights it using light, it hurts him too. This story is about being brave.” Girl, aged 10 – with a little help from mum
“Exciting story, lots of drama, I didn’t know what was going to happen. The best half is the second half as there’s lots of suspense. I think most 10 or 11 year olds will enjoy this book.” Boy, aged 11
“The shadow is sort of a sickness which is clever. My mum says it’s a metaphor. It’s not a very long book, but it’s good anyway. I was never bored, and I liked the title which is very original.” Girl, aged 12
“I think this author is a good writer. I understood 99% of the story, and I liked the boy and the green dragon. Fun book.” Girl, aged 9 – with a little help from her TA
To Sum It Up:
“A superbly plotted adventure for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow
Author: Christopher Guhl
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I liked this story. The boy’s very brave. I read that the author’s son had cancer I think, which is very sad. I think the boy in the story is fighting like his son is. I hope his son gets better.” Boy, aged 12
“Exciting story about a boy fighting a shadow but when he fights it using light, it hurts him too. This story is about being brave.” Girl, aged 10 – with a little help from mum
“Exciting story, lots of drama, I didn’t know what was going to happen. The best half is the second half as there’s lots of suspense. I think most 10 or 11 year olds will enjoy this book.” Boy, aged 11
“The shadow is sort of a sickness which is clever. My mum says it’s a metaphor. It’s not a very long book, but it’s good anyway. I was never bored, and I liked the title which is very original.” Girl, aged 12
“I think this author is a good writer. I understood 99% of the story, and I liked the boy and the green dragon. Fun book.” Girl, aged 9 – with a little help from her TA
To Sum It Up:
“A superbly plotted adventure for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
April 22, 2025
The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow by Christopher Guhl, is a children's book that made a lasting impression on my heart. With the influence of a remarkable muse, Guhl spins a story filled with significance and encouragement, one that will touch your soul, irrespective of your age.
Liam, the protagonist, embodies remarkable strength and bravery, serving as a beacon of inspiration throughout the tale. What makes his journey even more poignant is the support he receives from his friends; their camaraderie highlights the importance of accepting help and the courage it takes to lean on others. This aspect of the story emphasizes that no one has to face their battles alone. His indomitable will shines brightly, even when faced with the most daunting obstacles making Liam one of my favorite characters in literature.
The creativity woven into this tale is simply captivating, compelling readers to dig deeper into its narrative. Each chapter unfolds with a sense of wonder, making it impossible to put the book down. Liam’s journey through the shadows not only showcases his inner strength but also serves as a reminder that we all possess a light within us, capable of guiding us through our darkest moments.
Overall, this enchanting story is a testament to the power of friendship, courage, and the unbeatable spirit of a hero...I can't recommend it enough!
Liam, the protagonist, embodies remarkable strength and bravery, serving as a beacon of inspiration throughout the tale. What makes his journey even more poignant is the support he receives from his friends; their camaraderie highlights the importance of accepting help and the courage it takes to lean on others. This aspect of the story emphasizes that no one has to face their battles alone. His indomitable will shines brightly, even when faced with the most daunting obstacles making Liam one of my favorite characters in literature.
The creativity woven into this tale is simply captivating, compelling readers to dig deeper into its narrative. Each chapter unfolds with a sense of wonder, making it impossible to put the book down. Liam’s journey through the shadows not only showcases his inner strength but also serves as a reminder that we all possess a light within us, capable of guiding us through our darkest moments.
Overall, this enchanting story is a testament to the power of friendship, courage, and the unbeatable spirit of a hero...I can't recommend it enough!
March 24, 2025
*Review contains spoilers*
On the surface, this is a quick and simple story. An adventure-fantasy featuring a young boy and a host of companions on a quest to defeat a monster. It's an age-old story. That said, the impact of this particular telling packs a heavier emotional punch due to it reflecting the journey that the author's son underwent during his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
As a nurse, I can definitely see this book having value for anyone with a child fighting this particular monster. It's a story of fear, but also courage and hope. Written at a level that a child would be able to follow and appreciate, but descriptive enough to be engaging for an adult looking for a quick moral boost as well.
On the surface, this is a quick and simple story. An adventure-fantasy featuring a young boy and a host of companions on a quest to defeat a monster. It's an age-old story. That said, the impact of this particular telling packs a heavier emotional punch due to it reflecting the journey that the author's son underwent during his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
As a nurse, I can definitely see this book having value for anyone with a child fighting this particular monster. It's a story of fear, but also courage and hope. Written at a level that a child would be able to follow and appreciate, but descriptive enough to be engaging for an adult looking for a quick moral boost as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
This book is clearly written for children but that is to be expected for a children’s book. 🤣 Anyway it’s simple but perfect for the age group. Adorable characters that are different races and different personalities. I loved them especially the dragon. The author creatively connected the battles in the book and the battles his son fought in real life. The ending made me want to cry. The symbolism was not only clear but well written. Then you realize what that meant and you want to cry. I am honored to have this book and for the author’s son to have made me part of the group. 💕
December 21, 2024
Crying and Smiling
I came across Chrisptophers tiktok video sharing his families story with his young sons diagnosis of cancer and how it inspired him to write this book. I had tears in my eyes in the FIRST chapter.
I love Georgie, his guardian and the guardians he meets along the way as he tries to escape The Shadow. A heart warming story of bravery, strength, and companionship.
I’m so happy I read this story Chris, thank you for sharing it with us.
I came across Chrisptophers tiktok video sharing his families story with his young sons diagnosis of cancer and how it inspired him to write this book. I had tears in my eyes in the FIRST chapter.
I love Georgie, his guardian and the guardians he meets along the way as he tries to escape The Shadow. A heart warming story of bravery, strength, and companionship.
I’m so happy I read this story Chris, thank you for sharing it with us.
October 5, 2025
This is a fun story and in it is a lesson to be learned. No matter how much you want to quit battling, you have to go on to help your friends. The characters are simplistic, but then it's a story for children and for folks who still believe there is magic in the world. The plot is easily followed and the premise is defeat the dark, so you are free to learn bravery and help others. I definitely recommend this short story.
December 27, 2024
Read this book after seeing the post from the author on TikTok about losing his inspiration to write with his young son having being diagnosed with leukemia, but then being bolstered to write this story with his journey in mind
The parallel there is on the nose throughout the work, and hard to disassociate from that message. The work itself was written for a younger audience in mind, and I don't read many of those myself lately, but knowing the inspiration behind the book elevates it for me to some extent. Writing with a purpose hopefully helped him work through a tough time for their family, and hopefully is relatable to others going through something similar
The parallel there is on the nose throughout the work, and hard to disassociate from that message. The work itself was written for a younger audience in mind, and I don't read many of those myself lately, but knowing the inspiration behind the book elevates it for me to some extent. Writing with a purpose hopefully helped him work through a tough time for their family, and hopefully is relatable to others going through something similar
February 13, 2025
I admire this author’s strength to write so optimistically about a time that was certainly just as dark as the Shadow in this book, and I admire his brave son even more. It’s good to see that stories such as these have a happy ending, and I hope this book helps parents and children battling the same foe.
October 28, 2024
This story goes way beyond the words on these pages. I loved this book, it is a book that all ages can enjoy and I have recommended this to my family who have all started/are reading this one. I read this book in one sitting and highly recommend this to anyone.
December 25, 2024
3.5 stars for me.
Seeing the Tiktok inspired my husband and I to read this. Knowing it was based on the author's young child's journey with Luekemia and treatment made this a sweet and heart-wrenching little book.
Seeing the Tiktok inspired my husband and I to read this. Knowing it was based on the author's young child's journey with Luekemia and treatment made this a sweet and heart-wrenching little book.
January 11, 2025
I found this book on TikTok and was inspired to read it after hearing the author’s reasoning for writing the book. It was a quick and easy read with an action packed plot that had a beautiful message woven into it. Highly recommend!
February 23, 2025
This was such a good short story about a boy fighting leukemia. It put it in a way that a young person might experience it. It was a good book and the purchase also went to a good cause. I would definitely recommend.
March 2, 2025
What an amazing, short read. This follows a young boy who has to defeat a shadow, and he is the only one, ultimately, that can do it. He does have the help of his friends, but in the end, it's him. The book is truly beautiful. I would definitely recommend this to everyone!
March 24, 2025
A win for the good guys
I loved this story. It was great and relevant. I imagined myself as a child and felt what it was like to fight an ugly illness from within. Thank you for that.
I loved this story. It was great and relevant. I imagined myself as a child and felt what it was like to fight an ugly illness from within. Thank you for that.
June 7, 2025
I read this book as a read aloud to my fifth grade students. They loved the book and so did I! There were several vocabulary words, that make me think it’s a little above grade level. But, overall, an amazing book with a great message!
July 24, 2024
An amazing book, from a fantastic father of an even more amazing young boy!
January 23, 2025
A beautiful short story about courage and strength. Written for the author's son who was battling leukemia and you can definitely see the parallels within the story.
February 10, 2025
inspiring!
I loved every second of this book. Definitely give it a read especially if you’re looking for an uplifting story.
I loved every second of this book. Definitely give it a read especially if you’re looking for an uplifting story.
March 1, 2025
Beautiful story for all ages. A sad story if old enough to see into the Shadow
April 15, 2025
Adorable read about a little boy. Based of a true story of a little boy fighting cancer. Found on TikTok. Quick easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews