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The Dragon's Ballad #1
Song of the Shadow Prince
My name's Cat, and boy, do I have a tale for you. Imagine waking up to find yourself in a world utterly devoid of life's essentials—no Netflix, no Wi-Fi, and, brace yourself, not a single Starbucks in sight. Where, you ask? Well, that’s a nightmare I’m still unraveling.
Here’s the one moment I'm pulling off a daring stunt on a Hollywood set, and the next, I'm gasping for air in a realm that's straight out of a fantasy novel. This place? It’s overrun with werewolves, vampires, warlocks, fae and, to top it off, dragons. Yes, actual fire-breathing dragons!
But wait, there’s more—I’ve somehow taken the place of my doppelgänger Lady Arya Ryder, a noblewoman whose reputation is as tarnished as an old sword. Now, caught in the mess she left behind, I’ve got no choice but to navigate this medieval minefield. And then there's Damien Drakonar, the third prince. He’s a dragon, yes, but not the knight-in-shining-armor type.
No, Damien is the sort who would sooner burn you alive than glance your way. He’s a perilous enigma, straddling the line between savior and destroyer. Despite our mutual contempt, our fates are ominously intertwined as we face the devastation Arya’s actions have unleashed.
Now my only option is to find my way back home and fast, but many obstacles stand in my way—including Damien. Will I ever make it back home? Only the shadows hold the answers.
Here’s the one moment I'm pulling off a daring stunt on a Hollywood set, and the next, I'm gasping for air in a realm that's straight out of a fantasy novel. This place? It’s overrun with werewolves, vampires, warlocks, fae and, to top it off, dragons. Yes, actual fire-breathing dragons!
But wait, there’s more—I’ve somehow taken the place of my doppelgänger Lady Arya Ryder, a noblewoman whose reputation is as tarnished as an old sword. Now, caught in the mess she left behind, I’ve got no choice but to navigate this medieval minefield. And then there's Damien Drakonar, the third prince. He’s a dragon, yes, but not the knight-in-shining-armor type.
No, Damien is the sort who would sooner burn you alive than glance your way. He’s a perilous enigma, straddling the line between savior and destroyer. Despite our mutual contempt, our fates are ominously intertwined as we face the devastation Arya’s actions have unleashed.
Now my only option is to find my way back home and fast, but many obstacles stand in my way—including Damien. Will I ever make it back home? Only the shadows hold the answers.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
121 people are currently reading
1010 people want to read
About the author
Karina Espinosa
97 books467 followersKarina Espinosa is a Colombian-American author best known for the Mackenzie Grey series, the Blood Weaver Trilogy, and her latest romantasy hit, The Dragon’s Ballad. When she’s not writing fierce heroines and magical chaos, she’s globe-trotting, bingeing Asian dramas, or teaching college students how to write essays—with a coffee in hand and fictional body count on the rise.
Follow her for more coffee-fueled chaos and character heartbreak.
Follow her for more coffee-fueled chaos and character heartbreak.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 16, 2025
Ok. I absolutely devoured this. And I am already chomping at the bit for the next one, which luckily comes out innnn *runs to check* about 3 months. Holy heck I could not put this one down. Dragons and fae and a badass fmc plus a portal? Count me in. I was being roasted alive by this slow burn though. Don’t torture me 😩😩 but in the best way. I can’t wait to read the next one to find out if my hunches are right!
❤️Tropes❤️
💋 portal romantasy
💋 dragons, fae, and witches oh my!
💋 enemies on the way to lovers
💋 fated mates
Cat may no longer be in the army, but she is putting some of those skills to use doing all of the stunts in Hollywood. But at she does her next stunt, something goes horribly wrong. Something grabs her at the bottom of the lake, and the next thing she knows she is spit out in a different place with everyone calling her Lady Arya. Not only is this new world filled with dragons and fae and other magical beings, they don’t have indoor plumbing. So she just needs to find her way back to LA ASAP. But once someone spies her new tattoo she just got after dreaming of it, things change. Because all of a sudden the exiled shadow prince, the dragon, thinks she’s his mate. Lolol she needs to get back to her home, the sooner the better.
Thank you to Lady Amber PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
❤️Tropes❤️
💋 portal romantasy
💋 dragons, fae, and witches oh my!
💋 enemies on the way to lovers
💋 fated mates
Cat may no longer be in the army, but she is putting some of those skills to use doing all of the stunts in Hollywood. But at she does her next stunt, something goes horribly wrong. Something grabs her at the bottom of the lake, and the next thing she knows she is spit out in a different place with everyone calling her Lady Arya. Not only is this new world filled with dragons and fae and other magical beings, they don’t have indoor plumbing. So she just needs to find her way back to LA ASAP. But once someone spies her new tattoo she just got after dreaming of it, things change. Because all of a sudden the exiled shadow prince, the dragon, thinks she’s his mate. Lolol she needs to get back to her home, the sooner the better.
Thank you to Lady Amber PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
January 30, 2025
thank you so much to MTMC tours and the author for a digital copy!! all opinions are my own!
i wasn't expecting to be this hooked with a ROMANTASY, which is something i really avoid but here i am 😅
the fact that it was a dual POV had me beyond entertained, the dramas and the reactions to everything were so funny especially by the MC, her pop references in the middle of a fantasy setting was something i never thought i would read ever. i loved how eventually she got close to everyone and how her feelings evolved, tho i'm not sure if i saw any character developent on either of the MCs. the romantic feelings kinda threw me off since they came a bit too fast and for a moment i thought the author was just rushing things through because what the hell with that ending?? i needed at least 100 more pages with these characters so i could love them more but oh well, guess that's why there is a sequel.
also, something that bothered me a bit was the protectiveness from the guy. like, i get that she is yous salvation and everything but could you at least consider her feelings on the matter?? you're not giving her much of a choice and i really didn't like that.
but it was very well written, fast paced and now i'm interested in the drama and i wanna see how that unravels in the next books.
i wasn't expecting to be this hooked with a ROMANTASY, which is something i really avoid but here i am 😅
the fact that it was a dual POV had me beyond entertained, the dramas and the reactions to everything were so funny especially by the MC, her pop references in the middle of a fantasy setting was something i never thought i would read ever. i loved how eventually she got close to everyone and how her feelings evolved, tho i'm not sure if i saw any character developent on either of the MCs. the romantic feelings kinda threw me off since they came a bit too fast and for a moment i thought the author was just rushing things through because what the hell with that ending?? i needed at least 100 more pages with these characters so i could love them more but oh well, guess that's why there is a sequel.
also, something that bothered me a bit was the protectiveness from the guy. like, i get that she is yous salvation and everything but could you at least consider her feelings on the matter?? you're not giving her much of a choice and i really didn't like that.
but it was very well written, fast paced and now i'm interested in the drama and i wanna see how that unravels in the next books.
January 13, 2025
Hi, excuse me. WHAT THE HECK. That ending? Ugh. When’s the next book? 😤
This hooked me from the beginning. I could’ve done with a little less of the modern slang because it got real cheesy at times, but dang. This was enjoyable. I need more Damien and I agree it would’ve been cool to have some Arya POV in the real world. Maybe there will be some in the next book? There IS a next book, right?
This hooked me from the beginning. I could’ve done with a little less of the modern slang because it got real cheesy at times, but dang. This was enjoyable. I need more Damien and I agree it would’ve been cool to have some Arya POV in the real world. Maybe there will be some in the next book? There IS a next book, right?
November 30, 2024
Fantastic Book!
Cant wait for everyone else to read it once is out officially!!!
freaking amazing!!! 🤩 I couldn’t stop reading! I laughed so hard and swoon ❤️ in all the right places! Cat is absolutely a force of nature! You cant help but like her! And everyone slowly follows the same path! Shes absolutely 💯 real and
doesn’t hold back! Everything she says out of her mouth will
have you laughing your ass off! She is one of my new favorite female characters that i could totally relate and love! Her genuine feelings and honesty brings so much heart to the story i was rooting for her the whole way!
And talk about enemies to frenemies!? possibly lovers?! 😂😍 She basically fights hand to hand combat the “possibly” love interest… one of the best fighting scenes ever!!!! I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! New Arthur alert hello!!?? where you been all my life!? 😍❤️
Cant wait for everyone else to read it once is out officially!!!
freaking amazing!!! 🤩 I couldn’t stop reading! I laughed so hard and swoon ❤️ in all the right places! Cat is absolutely a force of nature! You cant help but like her! And everyone slowly follows the same path! Shes absolutely 💯 real and
doesn’t hold back! Everything she says out of her mouth will
have you laughing your ass off! She is one of my new favorite female characters that i could totally relate and love! Her genuine feelings and honesty brings so much heart to the story i was rooting for her the whole way!
And talk about enemies to frenemies!? possibly lovers?! 😂😍 She basically fights hand to hand combat the “possibly” love interest… one of the best fighting scenes ever!!!! I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! New Arthur alert hello!!?? where you been all my life!? 😍❤️
January 23, 2025
Fantasy, Mystery, and a hilariously amazing FMC!
This was a page turner and it hooked me from the very beginning, it was a fun read. We get Damien and Cat our two enemies possibly turned lovers? (Read and find out)
With the world building I felt like we could’ve used a LITTLE more and all the slang felt like I was dealing with my teenager at times but over all I enjoyed it
Does end on an ending that leaves you wanting more!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a page turner and it hooked me from the very beginning, it was a fun read. We get Damien and Cat our two enemies possibly turned lovers? (Read and find out)
With the world building I felt like we could’ve used a LITTLE more and all the slang felt like I was dealing with my teenager at times but over all I enjoyed it
Does end on an ending that leaves you wanting more!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2025
Just wow! This is my first read of Karina Espinosa and I was blown away. Her writing captivated me and made me as though I went into the portal too and into another world. In a world of doppelgängers, dragons, warlocks, witches and faeries, I was so enthralled from the first chapter until the last word. When I finished I had to pull up Google to find out is there going to be a Book 2?? Chef’s kiss! So good! A must read! Please say there is a book 2!! 5 stars all the way
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2025
If you’re looking for a page-turner, this is your book! Great start to this new series. A mix of warlocks, werewolves, vampires, fae and steamy Damien.. I mean dragons! I can’t wait to see what is in store for Cat and Damien in book two!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2025
This is a fun book. It has fantasy, mystery and intrigue. The characters are likable and I found myself wishing the book was longer. It does end on a cliff hanger which isn’t my favorite, but loved the story. I am looking forward to book two.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2025
I quite like the book cover for Song Of The Shadow Prince, it fits the rather dark, mysterious feel of the book really well. Very medieval with maybe a hint of Game Of Thrones in there too!
The main female character is Catalina, a young, confident, no nonsense young woman who is a stunt woman. Its whilst on set in Hollywood that something strange happens and she is catapulted into another world. She literally closes her eyes in Los Angeles, a world of internet, Netflix and modern technology and opens them in what I guess you could say is a medieval land called Elaria which is filled with various paranormal races, witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, dragons, seers and fae as well as humans. Everyone thinks Catalina is this Lady Arya, who has plenty of secrets and dodgy dealings going on that Catalina will have to navigate as well as being in a world totally alien to her.
The main male character is Damien, the Shadow Prince, the youngest son of Emperor Valenor. Damien has been imprisoned on the Obsidan Island for the crime of killing his mother during child birth by Emperor Valenor. The Emperor also had his powerful Seer remove Damien’s dragon bones, preventing him from shifting into a dragon, and his heart scale which gives Damien protection. When the Seer approaches Damien he is shocked at the markings on his arm. He looks at the markings with a mixture of reverance & fear! A twin flame marking means the legend is reborn. It signifies the one true king, but only when he meets his mate, who bears the matching marking.
Damien, his Uncle Bai and the Emperor sort of haggle over Damiens sentence and eventually rather begrudgingly the Emperor decree’s that one Sunday per month Damien is permitted to leave his Island prison to go in search of his mate who will also bear the twin flames markings.
Damien and Cat are literally thrown together when Cat arrives in Elaria. Damien doesn’t like Lady Arya as she is the arrogant spoilt favourite daughter of Zacharia Ryder. Damien has been dating Zacharia’s other daughter Gianna, the not so favoured one because her mother was the servant mistress. Damien has heard many tales of Lady Arya being nasty to Gianna and the servants and people around her at the Ryder home. Of course, when Damien is being curt and brusque towards Lady Arya/Catalina, Cat has no idea why and basically being the strong female she is gives as good as she gets! Though he dislikes her Damien does save Cat on numerous occasions, noticing the different behaviour and slowly warming to her. Though of course it is Cat he is falling for not Lady Arya. I thought it was hilarious the way Cat kept calling Damien David just to rile him. Cat thinks its funny to irritate him and though she won’t admit it she finds him quite attractive too. However Cat has one mission on her mind, and that is to get back home to Los Angles.
I loved the sassy, tattooed, straight talking, sweary, kick-butt, taking no nonsense from anyone whether they’re a peasant or a Prince, Catalina, or Cat as she prefers to be called. She seems to be the polar opposite of Lady Arya the young woman she has switched places with. Well, I presume that Lady Arya is in Cat’s world, but that hasn’t been totally confirmed yet, maybe there will be some of Lady Arya in Cat’s world in bk2. Though I have to admit I am loving Kat in Lady Arya’s world so much I’m not all that concerned with Lady Arya, though I bet she has been in some comical situations in Cat’s world. How will she have handled the cheating boyfriend situation with Fernando and how on earth will she have managed to work as a stunt woman with no experience of anything like that at all from her world.
I also loved the dark, brooding, ruggedly handsome yet hiding a softer-side Damien. He starts out being quite brusque and making the fact he doesn’t like Lady Arya very clear! But as he gets to know the “new Lady Arya” or rather Cat, you see him slowly thaw towards her until it’s clear he has fiery (well he is a dragon) passionate feelings of love towards her.
I also adored Maeve, the loyal servant that Lady Arya had bought when they were children. Maeve proves to be an invaluable source of information for the stranded Catalina. Maeve is loyal to her Lady Arya despite being treat cruelly at times. Maeve can read and write thanks to Lady Arya too which is unusual among the Palace servants.
I also adore Klaus & Garrick who are turning out to be unlikely allies to Cat at the moment. I love the way Klaus talks to Cat, he genuinely seems to care, but then she has Garrick telling her she must never trust the fae, especially Klaus. Garrick is a bit more of a lovable rogue, though I’d be interested to learn what his disagreement with the Emperor was about.
I’m still pondering on what I think to Gianna and Prince Thorne who on the surface seem to be okay yet I get the feeling they could both perhaps turn out to be “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Uncle Bai is giving me mixed feelings, is he a genuine good guy, taking care of his beloved nephew, or is he waiting on the sidelines for a chance at power? Only time will tell.
I think the other “one to watch out for” could by Lysandra who works at The Gilded Serpent and obviously has a soft spot for Damien to the point of being quite persistent and possessive!
I’m definitely enjoying disliking the Emperor Valenor, and his middle son who attempts to corner and manhandle an unsuspecting Catalina thinking she is his lover Lady Arya. He certainly gets more than he bargained for! Though Uncle Bai intervenes thinking he has rescued Lady Arya/Catalina but I think it was the amorous Prince, he rescued as its clear that Catalina can handle herself in a fight!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were, Wow! So, I don't normally like time-travel or fae, but I absolutely loved this and can't wait for more! What will bk2 bring? Will we meet Arya in Cat's world? Does she even want to return to her world? I think we may be going to see a nastier, devious side to Gianna. Definitely want more Cat & Damien, more Garrick, Klaus, Maeve, and Uncle Bai too!
Summing up, so maybe I don’t usually like time-travel and books with fae in them, and I was kind of wrinkling my nose thinking I wouldn’t like the medieval type setting but, honestly, I truly loved this one. I was enthralled by the fae songs and tales and how they were entwined within the great, well written plot. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions which helped me visualise the scenes within the book clearly such as The Broken Tankard and The Gilded Serpent. The book has fantastic characters that you quickly become attached to and care about! Definitely left me wanting more. I get the feeling theres a lot more to be revealed about both Garrick and Klaus and I have to admit I am hoping for a happy ever after type ending for Catalina & Damen!
The main female character is Catalina, a young, confident, no nonsense young woman who is a stunt woman. Its whilst on set in Hollywood that something strange happens and she is catapulted into another world. She literally closes her eyes in Los Angeles, a world of internet, Netflix and modern technology and opens them in what I guess you could say is a medieval land called Elaria which is filled with various paranormal races, witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, dragons, seers and fae as well as humans. Everyone thinks Catalina is this Lady Arya, who has plenty of secrets and dodgy dealings going on that Catalina will have to navigate as well as being in a world totally alien to her.
The main male character is Damien, the Shadow Prince, the youngest son of Emperor Valenor. Damien has been imprisoned on the Obsidan Island for the crime of killing his mother during child birth by Emperor Valenor. The Emperor also had his powerful Seer remove Damien’s dragon bones, preventing him from shifting into a dragon, and his heart scale which gives Damien protection. When the Seer approaches Damien he is shocked at the markings on his arm. He looks at the markings with a mixture of reverance & fear! A twin flame marking means the legend is reborn. It signifies the one true king, but only when he meets his mate, who bears the matching marking.
Damien, his Uncle Bai and the Emperor sort of haggle over Damiens sentence and eventually rather begrudgingly the Emperor decree’s that one Sunday per month Damien is permitted to leave his Island prison to go in search of his mate who will also bear the twin flames markings.
Damien and Cat are literally thrown together when Cat arrives in Elaria. Damien doesn’t like Lady Arya as she is the arrogant spoilt favourite daughter of Zacharia Ryder. Damien has been dating Zacharia’s other daughter Gianna, the not so favoured one because her mother was the servant mistress. Damien has heard many tales of Lady Arya being nasty to Gianna and the servants and people around her at the Ryder home. Of course, when Damien is being curt and brusque towards Lady Arya/Catalina, Cat has no idea why and basically being the strong female she is gives as good as she gets! Though he dislikes her Damien does save Cat on numerous occasions, noticing the different behaviour and slowly warming to her. Though of course it is Cat he is falling for not Lady Arya. I thought it was hilarious the way Cat kept calling Damien David just to rile him. Cat thinks its funny to irritate him and though she won’t admit it she finds him quite attractive too. However Cat has one mission on her mind, and that is to get back home to Los Angles.
I loved the sassy, tattooed, straight talking, sweary, kick-butt, taking no nonsense from anyone whether they’re a peasant or a Prince, Catalina, or Cat as she prefers to be called. She seems to be the polar opposite of Lady Arya the young woman she has switched places with. Well, I presume that Lady Arya is in Cat’s world, but that hasn’t been totally confirmed yet, maybe there will be some of Lady Arya in Cat’s world in bk2. Though I have to admit I am loving Kat in Lady Arya’s world so much I’m not all that concerned with Lady Arya, though I bet she has been in some comical situations in Cat’s world. How will she have handled the cheating boyfriend situation with Fernando and how on earth will she have managed to work as a stunt woman with no experience of anything like that at all from her world.
I also loved the dark, brooding, ruggedly handsome yet hiding a softer-side Damien. He starts out being quite brusque and making the fact he doesn’t like Lady Arya very clear! But as he gets to know the “new Lady Arya” or rather Cat, you see him slowly thaw towards her until it’s clear he has fiery (well he is a dragon) passionate feelings of love towards her.
I also adored Maeve, the loyal servant that Lady Arya had bought when they were children. Maeve proves to be an invaluable source of information for the stranded Catalina. Maeve is loyal to her Lady Arya despite being treat cruelly at times. Maeve can read and write thanks to Lady Arya too which is unusual among the Palace servants.
I also adore Klaus & Garrick who are turning out to be unlikely allies to Cat at the moment. I love the way Klaus talks to Cat, he genuinely seems to care, but then she has Garrick telling her she must never trust the fae, especially Klaus. Garrick is a bit more of a lovable rogue, though I’d be interested to learn what his disagreement with the Emperor was about.
I’m still pondering on what I think to Gianna and Prince Thorne who on the surface seem to be okay yet I get the feeling they could both perhaps turn out to be “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Uncle Bai is giving me mixed feelings, is he a genuine good guy, taking care of his beloved nephew, or is he waiting on the sidelines for a chance at power? Only time will tell.
I think the other “one to watch out for” could by Lysandra who works at The Gilded Serpent and obviously has a soft spot for Damien to the point of being quite persistent and possessive!
I’m definitely enjoying disliking the Emperor Valenor, and his middle son who attempts to corner and manhandle an unsuspecting Catalina thinking she is his lover Lady Arya. He certainly gets more than he bargained for! Though Uncle Bai intervenes thinking he has rescued Lady Arya/Catalina but I think it was the amorous Prince, he rescued as its clear that Catalina can handle herself in a fight!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were, Wow! So, I don't normally like time-travel or fae, but I absolutely loved this and can't wait for more! What will bk2 bring? Will we meet Arya in Cat's world? Does she even want to return to her world? I think we may be going to see a nastier, devious side to Gianna. Definitely want more Cat & Damien, more Garrick, Klaus, Maeve, and Uncle Bai too!
Summing up, so maybe I don’t usually like time-travel and books with fae in them, and I was kind of wrinkling my nose thinking I wouldn’t like the medieval type setting but, honestly, I truly loved this one. I was enthralled by the fae songs and tales and how they were entwined within the great, well written plot. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions which helped me visualise the scenes within the book clearly such as The Broken Tankard and The Gilded Serpent. The book has fantastic characters that you quickly become attached to and care about! Definitely left me wanting more. I get the feeling theres a lot more to be revealed about both Garrick and Klaus and I have to admit I am hoping for a happy ever after type ending for Catalina & Damen!
October 9, 2025
06/10
Well… I needed something to distract me from my panic attack about tonight’s hospital shift. Yeah, I’m panicking. Damn it. My chest is tight, and I keep replaying all the worst-case scenarios in my head. So I decided to grab this book and throw my brain into someone else’s disaster instead of my own. Poor Damien — his father is a complete asshole! The man actually locked his power so he can’t shift, all because of some stupid prophecy. And Cat? She’s a stuntwoman! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the FMC had that kind of job before. It’s refreshing. And she was in the military, too? Yeah, I can already tell she’s going to be a badass. Covered in tattoos, mouthy, tough — exactly what I need right now.
I keep rambling because I’m anxious. I’ve had to listen to every chapter twice because I start dissociating halfway through. My brain’s foggy, my body’s wired, and I just need to breathe.
Anyway, I survived my shift. Partly. But I’m giving myself a break now, only take another shift next week because damn it, I deserve it. Breakfast, audiobook, and then three hours of sleep or maybe a day? — not much, but enough.
So, Damien’s situation? It’s tragic. His father wasn’t joking when he said Damien could only leave his exile on that island for 24 hours once a month. He knew Gianna for ten years but only spent a total of 122 days with her. That’s insane. She’s completely in love with him, which makes sense because he’s kind and protective — especially toward her sister, who turns out to be our girl Cat. And she’s got her own storm brewing.
And seriously, he’s been trapped on that damn island since birth. At least his uncle was there — the rightful sovereign who abdicated the throne just to stop a war with Damien’s father. Which, again, proves what a toxic piece of work his dad is. Poor Damien’s been waiting fifty-five years for his fated mate, the one whose mark matches his, so he can finally be free. Fifty-five years. His life’s pure misery.
I love Cat. That line had me cackling. She’s exactly the kind of FMC I adore — sharp, sarcastic, doesn’t take shit from anyone. Her banter with Damien is gold. She keeps calling him “David” because she can’t remember his name, and it kills me every time. And finally, a book where the girl doesn’t instantly fall for the hot guy just because he’s hot! She just… doesn’t care. He’s a stranger, an inconvenience, and that’s how it should be.
I love that Cat is so brutally honest that she actually makes Damien blush. Can you believe it? The ancient, stoic dragon shifter turning red because this tattooed human woman won’t stop talking? Perfection. And Klaus — I like him. A lot. Please, universe, let this turn into a RH. Pretty please.
And then that ending — HOLY FUCKING DAMN. Cat’s furious with Damien, and she’s right to be. But poor man, he literally can’t let her go. And me? I’m starting the next book immediately, because I’m invested now.
This book pulled me out of my panic spiral, at least for a while. It’s wild, funny, and sharp in all the right ways — exactly the distraction I needed. Cat’s everything I want in a heroine: flawed, brave, mouthy, and human. Damien’s tragic, stubborn, and sexy in that quietly tortured way. Together they’re chaotic, but it works. And honestly? For a few hours, I forgot about the hospital, the exhaustion, and the fear. That’s worth everything.
Well… I needed something to distract me from my panic attack about tonight’s hospital shift. Yeah, I’m panicking. Damn it. My chest is tight, and I keep replaying all the worst-case scenarios in my head. So I decided to grab this book and throw my brain into someone else’s disaster instead of my own. Poor Damien — his father is a complete asshole! The man actually locked his power so he can’t shift, all because of some stupid prophecy. And Cat? She’s a stuntwoman! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the FMC had that kind of job before. It’s refreshing. And she was in the military, too? Yeah, I can already tell she’s going to be a badass. Covered in tattoos, mouthy, tough — exactly what I need right now.
I keep rambling because I’m anxious. I’ve had to listen to every chapter twice because I start dissociating halfway through. My brain’s foggy, my body’s wired, and I just need to breathe.
Anyway, I survived my shift. Partly. But I’m giving myself a break now, only take another shift next week because damn it, I deserve it. Breakfast, audiobook, and then three hours of sleep or maybe a day? — not much, but enough.
So, Damien’s situation? It’s tragic. His father wasn’t joking when he said Damien could only leave his exile on that island for 24 hours once a month. He knew Gianna for ten years but only spent a total of 122 days with her. That’s insane. She’s completely in love with him, which makes sense because he’s kind and protective — especially toward her sister, who turns out to be our girl Cat. And she’s got her own storm brewing.
And seriously, he’s been trapped on that damn island since birth. At least his uncle was there — the rightful sovereign who abdicated the throne just to stop a war with Damien’s father. Which, again, proves what a toxic piece of work his dad is. Poor Damien’s been waiting fifty-five years for his fated mate, the one whose mark matches his, so he can finally be free. Fifty-five years. His life’s pure misery.
“My mouth fell open slowly as my heart began to beat like a thousand wild horses. I laughed awkwardly. ‘You’re joking.’ I waved her off. ‘Dragons? Girl, please. If there are dragons, you might as well call me Daenerys Targaryen.’”
I love Cat. That line had me cackling. She’s exactly the kind of FMC I adore — sharp, sarcastic, doesn’t take shit from anyone. Her banter with Damien is gold. She keeps calling him “David” because she can’t remember his name, and it kills me every time. And finally, a book where the girl doesn’t instantly fall for the hot guy just because he’s hot! She just… doesn’t care. He’s a stranger, an inconvenience, and that’s how it should be.
I love that Cat is so brutally honest that she actually makes Damien blush. Can you believe it? The ancient, stoic dragon shifter turning red because this tattooed human woman won’t stop talking? Perfection. And Klaus — I like him. A lot. Please, universe, let this turn into a RH. Pretty please.
And then that ending — HOLY FUCKING DAMN. Cat’s furious with Damien, and she’s right to be. But poor man, he literally can’t let her go. And me? I’m starting the next book immediately, because I’m invested now.
This book pulled me out of my panic spiral, at least for a while. It’s wild, funny, and sharp in all the right ways — exactly the distraction I needed. Cat’s everything I want in a heroine: flawed, brave, mouthy, and human. Damien’s tragic, stubborn, and sexy in that quietly tortured way. Together they’re chaotic, but it works. And honestly? For a few hours, I forgot about the hospital, the exhaustion, and the fear. That’s worth everything.
January 30, 2025
A story in layers, mounting intrigue, danger, on the edge of war, secrets, old grievances, jealousy and hate. In a world where a love has waited decades to be brought to life, it may well bring about a prophecy that could destroy or restructure the world of Elara for all its inhabitants.
During a stunt gone horribly wrong. Cat, an army airborne veteran turned stunt woman in films, was pulled into a world not of her choosing. After being dragged out of the River Elara onto a ship, one look tells Cat something is wrong. She fights Damien and his men as she tries to return the river and her own world. This is not where she was supposed to be. Overpowered, she is knocked unconscious and wakes to a world more suited to Earth’s medieval times with no idea how to get back to Earth.
Looking almost exactly like Lady Arya, a spoiled, cruel princess, Cat learns they have somehow switched places and is finding it difficult to hold her tongue and keep her attitude in check. Elara is a magical world ruled by feudal laws. There are mythical creatures, beings with magical powers who rule over other lesser magical beings, human serfs, lords and ladies. This world is so different from her own, navigating through it will stir up trouble among the people; old hatreds, draw out conspirators, open avenues that allow those wanting change to slip into strategic positions. Meeting Damien again doesn’t bring any feelings but dislike and distrust on both sides. However, once Damien realizes Cat is in truth not the Lady Arya and sees her dragon and phoenix tattoo, his realizes she is the mate he has been waiting decades for. Cat has no concept of mates and could care less. However, working together it doesn’t take long for the bond of these mates to draw them closer together. Damien needs her to escape his imprisonment and to fulfill the prophecy. If his father learns that Damien can shift into his dragon form, it would mean his death. Trouble was coming, his brother Thorn has asked for his help. More than this he finds himself caring for Cat as none other. Is this what having a mate means, to care above everything else for that person? He couldn’t, wouldn’t let her go.
Cat begins to feel a need curling within her that she doesn’t understand, a feeling that might prevent her from leaving this world unscathed if she let it take hold of her. It’s leading her to Damien but is it her instincts or the magic within this world. This house of cards will come down and could cost her not only the chance to return to her own world but her life as well as others. Can she leave Damien to his fate? She recognizes she has growing feelings towards him. She has to get out before she listens to her heart instead of her head.
While Cat is drawn to the Shadow Prince, this isn’t her life, her world, nor does she want it to be. She has made some serious enemies, if she stays, it will take all the skills she’d built as a military soldier to fight back when they come after her. While others caught in the middle would surely fall as well. How would that affect this world of magical beings? If we go back and change history we can mess up the future. Could her actions in this world reflect back on her own Earth and cause destruction there as well?
What brought Cat here? How? Why? And where is the real Lady Arya? Is she causing havoc in Cat’s 21st century world? More and more people are beginning to see the cracks, the differences between the Lady Ayra and her. Within Cat, there is also a love growing in a garden of uncertainty, while within Damien beats a heart that had just about given up its cadence for its mate.
Karina Espinosa’s imagination and writing style unfolds in this romantic fantasy tale with just the right pace to keep my curiosity and interest turning page after page. There are a variety of characters some good, some cleverly cunning, some evil and many caught between those in power. I could easily see both Damien’s need for Cat to stay, join him and become his mate and her’s to leave this world so different from her own. I was torn between them and was just glad the decisions weren’t mine to make. I will simply have to ride out the storm until I can see what happens in the next edition “Song of the Dragon Rider.”
During a stunt gone horribly wrong. Cat, an army airborne veteran turned stunt woman in films, was pulled into a world not of her choosing. After being dragged out of the River Elara onto a ship, one look tells Cat something is wrong. She fights Damien and his men as she tries to return the river and her own world. This is not where she was supposed to be. Overpowered, she is knocked unconscious and wakes to a world more suited to Earth’s medieval times with no idea how to get back to Earth.
Looking almost exactly like Lady Arya, a spoiled, cruel princess, Cat learns they have somehow switched places and is finding it difficult to hold her tongue and keep her attitude in check. Elara is a magical world ruled by feudal laws. There are mythical creatures, beings with magical powers who rule over other lesser magical beings, human serfs, lords and ladies. This world is so different from her own, navigating through it will stir up trouble among the people; old hatreds, draw out conspirators, open avenues that allow those wanting change to slip into strategic positions. Meeting Damien again doesn’t bring any feelings but dislike and distrust on both sides. However, once Damien realizes Cat is in truth not the Lady Arya and sees her dragon and phoenix tattoo, his realizes she is the mate he has been waiting decades for. Cat has no concept of mates and could care less. However, working together it doesn’t take long for the bond of these mates to draw them closer together. Damien needs her to escape his imprisonment and to fulfill the prophecy. If his father learns that Damien can shift into his dragon form, it would mean his death. Trouble was coming, his brother Thorn has asked for his help. More than this he finds himself caring for Cat as none other. Is this what having a mate means, to care above everything else for that person? He couldn’t, wouldn’t let her go.
Cat begins to feel a need curling within her that she doesn’t understand, a feeling that might prevent her from leaving this world unscathed if she let it take hold of her. It’s leading her to Damien but is it her instincts or the magic within this world. This house of cards will come down and could cost her not only the chance to return to her own world but her life as well as others. Can she leave Damien to his fate? She recognizes she has growing feelings towards him. She has to get out before she listens to her heart instead of her head.
While Cat is drawn to the Shadow Prince, this isn’t her life, her world, nor does she want it to be. She has made some serious enemies, if she stays, it will take all the skills she’d built as a military soldier to fight back when they come after her. While others caught in the middle would surely fall as well. How would that affect this world of magical beings? If we go back and change history we can mess up the future. Could her actions in this world reflect back on her own Earth and cause destruction there as well?
What brought Cat here? How? Why? And where is the real Lady Arya? Is she causing havoc in Cat’s 21st century world? More and more people are beginning to see the cracks, the differences between the Lady Ayra and her. Within Cat, there is also a love growing in a garden of uncertainty, while within Damien beats a heart that had just about given up its cadence for its mate.
Karina Espinosa’s imagination and writing style unfolds in this romantic fantasy tale with just the right pace to keep my curiosity and interest turning page after page. There are a variety of characters some good, some cleverly cunning, some evil and many caught between those in power. I could easily see both Damien’s need for Cat to stay, join him and become his mate and her’s to leave this world so different from her own. I was torn between them and was just glad the decisions weren’t mine to make. I will simply have to ride out the storm until I can see what happens in the next edition “Song of the Dragon Rider.”
November 15, 2025
Title: Song of the Shadow Prince (The Dragon’s Ballad Book 1)
Author: Karina Espinosa
My fellow readers where should I begin? This book is utterly fantastic! I was blown away of how this story was carefully crafted. The creativity is just remarkable. I am in aww of the outstanding writing from this author.
I have said time and time again… I love it when a writer gives me a book that reads like a movie for my imagination. I was hooked from the main characters fight battle. It was intense. Nail biting and engaging. The description of the scene. What the characters looked like and the emotional images of the characters was on point. The scenes read so clear for me. Hands down to a brilliant story that has sort of an adventurous tale to it. The plot is original. The development of the plot is consistent throughout the book.
A number of enticing moments revealed themselves throughout the plot. The anticipated enticing moments are a little steamy, which help to make the main characters, Cat and Damien interaction even better. The plot also stayed relevant with the genre. Although there are two different dialogues in the story, the definition, meaning didn’t lose the translation with the reader. This also further advance bringing the characters to life through the narrative as well.
The dialogue was appropriate for the characters and the genre of the book. The dialogue was appropriate key element that helped push the book along. The characters are all brilliant. Take for instance Cat. She is sooo amazing.
She is like a Roman warrior who trained with the Navy seals. Damsel in distress she’s not. If anything I think she was the body guard for all the male characters. Even the vampires held no stone against her. I loved her carefree attitude.
Her companion towards the need to help. Her amazing talent to outwit, outsmart, and out challenge her foes. Each character is appropriate for the plot. The characters development through their relationships was engaging, enjoyable, sweet, mysterious and comical. I love the engaging interaction between Cat and Klaus.
Speaking of Klaus. I would love to have this fae be my protector at all times. He is described so well that he could melt any Romantasy readers heart. Then there’s Garrick the infamous warlock. He’s smart, and very mysterious.
He adds to the interesting storyline. He has a story to tell and you have to wonder who will be the one that will get him to tell it. I absolutely loved how the book ended. It’s a phenomenal page turner that is easy to read. I must know what’s to come for all the characters in the future and who will betray their family and/ or friends.
Yes I give this book two golden snaps and a- Lasaundra , sleep with both eyes open honey. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Author: Karina Espinosa
My fellow readers where should I begin? This book is utterly fantastic! I was blown away of how this story was carefully crafted. The creativity is just remarkable. I am in aww of the outstanding writing from this author.
I have said time and time again… I love it when a writer gives me a book that reads like a movie for my imagination. I was hooked from the main characters fight battle. It was intense. Nail biting and engaging. The description of the scene. What the characters looked like and the emotional images of the characters was on point. The scenes read so clear for me. Hands down to a brilliant story that has sort of an adventurous tale to it. The plot is original. The development of the plot is consistent throughout the book.
A number of enticing moments revealed themselves throughout the plot. The anticipated enticing moments are a little steamy, which help to make the main characters, Cat and Damien interaction even better. The plot also stayed relevant with the genre. Although there are two different dialogues in the story, the definition, meaning didn’t lose the translation with the reader. This also further advance bringing the characters to life through the narrative as well.
The dialogue was appropriate for the characters and the genre of the book. The dialogue was appropriate key element that helped push the book along. The characters are all brilliant. Take for instance Cat. She is sooo amazing.
She is like a Roman warrior who trained with the Navy seals. Damsel in distress she’s not. If anything I think she was the body guard for all the male characters. Even the vampires held no stone against her. I loved her carefree attitude.
Her companion towards the need to help. Her amazing talent to outwit, outsmart, and out challenge her foes. Each character is appropriate for the plot. The characters development through their relationships was engaging, enjoyable, sweet, mysterious and comical. I love the engaging interaction between Cat and Klaus.
Speaking of Klaus. I would love to have this fae be my protector at all times. He is described so well that he could melt any Romantasy readers heart. Then there’s Garrick the infamous warlock. He’s smart, and very mysterious.
He adds to the interesting storyline. He has a story to tell and you have to wonder who will be the one that will get him to tell it. I absolutely loved how the book ended. It’s a phenomenal page turner that is easy to read. I must know what’s to come for all the characters in the future and who will betray their family and/ or friends.
Yes I give this book two golden snaps and a- Lasaundra , sleep with both eyes open honey. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2025
The dual POV in Song of the Shadow Prince had me completely entertained. The drama, the humor, and especially the main character’s reactions kept me hooked. Cat’s pop culture references in the middle of a fantasy setting were such a unique touch—I never thought I’d see that blend in a book, but it worked surprisingly well.
I really enjoyed watching Cat grow closer to everyone and seeing her feelings evolve, but I’m not sure if either of the main characters experienced much real development. The romance, in particular, felt rushed. One minute, it seemed like there was barely any connection, and the next—bam, romantic feelings out of nowhere. The pacing of their relationship threw me off, making it feel like the author was pushing things forward just to get to that wild ending. Speaking of which—what the hell?! That finale left me needing at least 100 more pages with these characters. I get that there’s a sequel, but the way the book wrapped up didn’t give enough closure, especially with so many unresolved subplots.
That said, the book was well-written and fast-paced, making it an easy and engaging read. However, I wish there had been more depth—especially from Lady Arya’s perspective. We didn’t get to see how she struggled to adapt (or not) to Earth, which could have been both entertaining and insightful. It also felt like a missed opportunity that Cat didn’t use her real identity more effectively, like when dealing with her cheating ex.
And then there’s the cliffhanger—while I don’t mind one, this felt more like an abrupt stop than a well-executed conclusion. We got no resolution for so many side plots: What’s Klaus up to? Is Garrick’s gambling problem going to backfire? Is Gianna too good to be true, or is she secretly scheming? And what about those mysterious paintings—are they really just one-way views? So many unanswered questions!
The romance took a backseat to the plot, but ironically, I’m not even sure what the main plot was. There were a lot of great ideas, but the book didn’t spend enough time fully developing any of them. I liked the characters, but by the end, I still felt like I didn’t know them. Their important bonding moments seemed to happen off-page, which made it hard to truly feel connected to them.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes.
Would I recommend it? Sure.
Will I read the sequel? Absolutely.
Despite its flaws, Song of the Shadow Prince was a fun read with an intriguing setup. Hopefully, the next book delivers more depth, stronger character development, and, most importantly, some actual answers!
🖤Length: 335 Pages
🖤Genre: Fantasy
🖤Spice: Slow Burn
🖤Violence: 🔥
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: The Dragons Ballad
🖤Ending: Cliffhanger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed watching Cat grow closer to everyone and seeing her feelings evolve, but I’m not sure if either of the main characters experienced much real development. The romance, in particular, felt rushed. One minute, it seemed like there was barely any connection, and the next—bam, romantic feelings out of nowhere. The pacing of their relationship threw me off, making it feel like the author was pushing things forward just to get to that wild ending. Speaking of which—what the hell?! That finale left me needing at least 100 more pages with these characters. I get that there’s a sequel, but the way the book wrapped up didn’t give enough closure, especially with so many unresolved subplots.
That said, the book was well-written and fast-paced, making it an easy and engaging read. However, I wish there had been more depth—especially from Lady Arya’s perspective. We didn’t get to see how she struggled to adapt (or not) to Earth, which could have been both entertaining and insightful. It also felt like a missed opportunity that Cat didn’t use her real identity more effectively, like when dealing with her cheating ex.
And then there’s the cliffhanger—while I don’t mind one, this felt more like an abrupt stop than a well-executed conclusion. We got no resolution for so many side plots: What’s Klaus up to? Is Garrick’s gambling problem going to backfire? Is Gianna too good to be true, or is she secretly scheming? And what about those mysterious paintings—are they really just one-way views? So many unanswered questions!
The romance took a backseat to the plot, but ironically, I’m not even sure what the main plot was. There were a lot of great ideas, but the book didn’t spend enough time fully developing any of them. I liked the characters, but by the end, I still felt like I didn’t know them. Their important bonding moments seemed to happen off-page, which made it hard to truly feel connected to them.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes.
Would I recommend it? Sure.
Will I read the sequel? Absolutely.
Despite its flaws, Song of the Shadow Prince was a fun read with an intriguing setup. Hopefully, the next book delivers more depth, stronger character development, and, most importantly, some actual answers!
🖤Length: 335 Pages
🖤Genre: Fantasy
🖤Spice: Slow Burn
🖤Violence: 🔥
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: The Dragons Ballad
🖤Ending: Cliffhanger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 10, 2025
So, I enjoyed reading this book. Two things that I had a hard time with, was the beginning and the end. I wish we could've seen something from Lady Arya's perspective, before Cat got pulled into the portal. And I knew it would end on a cliffhanger, I thought it would be more of a dramatic ending, however it was not. Having said that, it was a fun book to read.
Cat was thrown into an unknown world and everyone thought she was Lady Arya, despite that fact that she talked different, acted different and tried to tell them who she was, no one would listen. She has the mouth of a sailor, which, I guess is to be expected given her background. She has a bit of a temper and just doesn't know when to keep quiet. She's a heck of a fighter, too.
Damien, is in a cage of his father's making. He wants to find his mate to be free, because his dad is NOT a nice guy in any sense of the word. What he had done to Damien was unforgiveable. He's smart enough, to find ways around his confinement. He hates Lady Arya (Cat), because apparently, she's not a nice person. From some of the stories we here, she really is a terrible person.
Cat tried to navigate her way through this new world, while trying to get back home. She makes a deal with a fae, who is mysterious, but I would definitely like to see more of him. She also makes "friends" with a warlock named Garrick, who seems kind, and helpful, and I wonder if there is more to him as well.
Maeve is Lady Arya's servant and "friend" (maybe). She helps Cat throughout the book, and they uncover even more unsavory things about Lady Arya. They do build a friendship throughout the book. Cat is smart enough to know she needs people on her side. The question is, will she ever make it back home, and will she even want to once she finds out who she is to Damien? What of Lady Arya?
Oh, and let's not forget Gianna, her half-sister, who is in love with Damien. She soft, gentle, and kind. But no one can be that perfect, right? I'm thinking there may be more there than meets the eye. We do see a glimpse of another side to her toward the end of the book. Makes me wonder what she's hiding.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cat was thrown into an unknown world and everyone thought she was Lady Arya, despite that fact that she talked different, acted different and tried to tell them who she was, no one would listen. She has the mouth of a sailor, which, I guess is to be expected given her background. She has a bit of a temper and just doesn't know when to keep quiet. She's a heck of a fighter, too.
Damien, is in a cage of his father's making. He wants to find his mate to be free, because his dad is NOT a nice guy in any sense of the word. What he had done to Damien was unforgiveable. He's smart enough, to find ways around his confinement. He hates Lady Arya (Cat), because apparently, she's not a nice person. From some of the stories we here, she really is a terrible person.
Cat tried to navigate her way through this new world, while trying to get back home. She makes a deal with a fae, who is mysterious, but I would definitely like to see more of him. She also makes "friends" with a warlock named Garrick, who seems kind, and helpful, and I wonder if there is more to him as well.
Maeve is Lady Arya's servant and "friend" (maybe). She helps Cat throughout the book, and they uncover even more unsavory things about Lady Arya. They do build a friendship throughout the book. Cat is smart enough to know she needs people on her side. The question is, will she ever make it back home, and will she even want to once she finds out who she is to Damien? What of Lady Arya?
Oh, and let's not forget Gianna, her half-sister, who is in love with Damien. She soft, gentle, and kind. But no one can be that perfect, right? I'm thinking there may be more there than meets the eye. We do see a glimpse of another side to her toward the end of the book. Makes me wonder what she's hiding.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2025
Song of the Shadow Prince is my first Karina Espinosa book, and I absolutely loved it. I haven't read many portal fantasies, but I really got into this one.
I adored Cat. Here she is, dropped in a fantasy world with vampires, witches, dragons, and more, saying what's on her mind, doing what she wants, and using modern colloquialisms. You know, everyone was looking at her like she was crazy. It was hilarious, and so were the situations she found herself in. I really like her forge-ahead personality. Cat stayed upbeat and worked the situation the best she could, and she did so with finesse.
The Shadow Prince. At first, Damien was very much the dark and tortured prince. He's been through a lot, and the only person he had in his corner was his uncle. Bai was more like a father figure. Their relationship was the sweetest; it warmed my heart. I liked Damien more as the book progressed. He started to reveal a different side of himself, and by the end, I was totally making heart eyes at him.
This book had everything I wanted from a fantasy. Cruel royals, intriguing backstory, questionable characters, great mysteries, and a little magic. Espinosa did a wonderful job with the world-building, and there was a great cast of characters. Watching Cat conquer all the challenges that she faced while also investigating what her shady doppelganger was up to has been very entertaining. One of my favorite parts was the visit to the palace. I just about killed over, the shock and hilarity of it all was the best.
By gods, this book was epic. I was like Cat, I just fell into this world. I'm all in, I'm so invested, especially after the final scene. It was so good. I hope the wait for the next book isn't too long.
I adored Cat. Here she is, dropped in a fantasy world with vampires, witches, dragons, and more, saying what's on her mind, doing what she wants, and using modern colloquialisms. You know, everyone was looking at her like she was crazy. It was hilarious, and so were the situations she found herself in. I really like her forge-ahead personality. Cat stayed upbeat and worked the situation the best she could, and she did so with finesse.
The Shadow Prince. At first, Damien was very much the dark and tortured prince. He's been through a lot, and the only person he had in his corner was his uncle. Bai was more like a father figure. Their relationship was the sweetest; it warmed my heart. I liked Damien more as the book progressed. He started to reveal a different side of himself, and by the end, I was totally making heart eyes at him.
This book had everything I wanted from a fantasy. Cruel royals, intriguing backstory, questionable characters, great mysteries, and a little magic. Espinosa did a wonderful job with the world-building, and there was a great cast of characters. Watching Cat conquer all the challenges that she faced while also investigating what her shady doppelganger was up to has been very entertaining. One of my favorite parts was the visit to the palace. I just about killed over, the shock and hilarity of it all was the best.
By gods, this book was epic. I was like Cat, I just fell into this world. I'm all in, I'm so invested, especially after the final scene. It was so good. I hope the wait for the next book isn't too long.
January 24, 2025
This author can always be relied upon to deliver a detailed and amazing story. It’s got some graphic fight scenes. Yes it has a mild cliffhanger (next book not out till April!) But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this read.
Cat is a stunt artist, she loves her job. But on a shoot she’s transported to another world (literally!) This one has dragons/witches/vampires and real werewolves! She’s got a temper, but also a wicked sense of humour, and I feel she’s going to need it.
Damien starts this book off, he’s a dragon shifter about to shift for the first time…. But that’s not allowed! Why? Well…. Apparently he killed his mother in childbirth 😞 and his father hears of a prophecy and locks down his dragon and his son! He allows him to leave his cage to look for his mate, then he will be free to claim his throne.
Lady Arya has been replaced by Cat. But what of her story? Apparently she’s not a nice person (which given Cat looks/sounds and acts different from Lady Arya how does no one spot she’s missing?)
So many other characters in this book will either help or hinder our reluctance heroine.
A warlock (Garrick) who wants to help her return to her world (hmm, why do I think there is more to it than meets the eye!) Maeve (Arya’s servant) could she be friend or foe? She seems to want to help Cat find a way home. And the lovely Gianna, who is in love with Damien (that’s got to cause waves somewhere along the line!)
And the ending? Well! I wasn’t sure how it would end, but I didn’t think it would end that way! 🫣
Don’t think Cat is going home anytime soon!
If your in the mood for a world of doppelgängers/dragons/warlocks/witches and fae, then I’m going to recommend this book, I was captured from the first word.
🦋
Cat is a stunt artist, she loves her job. But on a shoot she’s transported to another world (literally!) This one has dragons/witches/vampires and real werewolves! She’s got a temper, but also a wicked sense of humour, and I feel she’s going to need it.
Damien starts this book off, he’s a dragon shifter about to shift for the first time…. But that’s not allowed! Why? Well…. Apparently he killed his mother in childbirth 😞 and his father hears of a prophecy and locks down his dragon and his son! He allows him to leave his cage to look for his mate, then he will be free to claim his throne.
Lady Arya has been replaced by Cat. But what of her story? Apparently she’s not a nice person (which given Cat looks/sounds and acts different from Lady Arya how does no one spot she’s missing?)
So many other characters in this book will either help or hinder our reluctance heroine.
A warlock (Garrick) who wants to help her return to her world (hmm, why do I think there is more to it than meets the eye!) Maeve (Arya’s servant) could she be friend or foe? She seems to want to help Cat find a way home. And the lovely Gianna, who is in love with Damien (that’s got to cause waves somewhere along the line!)
And the ending? Well! I wasn’t sure how it would end, but I didn’t think it would end that way! 🫣
Don’t think Cat is going home anytime soon!
If your in the mood for a world of doppelgängers/dragons/warlocks/witches and fae, then I’m going to recommend this book, I was captured from the first word.
🦋
January 25, 2025
Song of the Shadow Prince by Karina Espinosa is a whirlwind of adventure, snark, and sizzling tension, wrapped in a world teeming with danger and dragons. From the moment Cat—our bold, modern-day stunt-woman—wakes up in a medieval realm devoid of Wi-Fi and Starbucks (the horror!), I knew I was in for a wild ride.
This isn’t just your typical portal fantasy. Cat isn’t some wide-eyed damsel lost in a mystical world—she’s sharp, sarcastic, and so out of her element that it’s impossible not to root for her. She’s been thrown into the life of Lady Arya Ryder, a noblewoman with a less-than-stellar reputation, and now she has to deal with the consequences of Arya’s past mistakes. Enter Damien Drakonar, the dangerously alluring dragon prince who is as likely to set the world ablaze as he is to help her escape it. Their dynamic? Pure fire. Enemies-to-lovers tension practically drips from the pages, and Damien is every bit the brooding, morally grey Shadow Daddy promised in the blurb.
The worldbuilding is immersive, packed with werewolves, vampires, warlocks, fae, and, of course, dragons. It’s a chaotic, perilous realm, and Cat’s struggle to survive—and maybe even thrive—makes every chapter pulse with energy. The banter is sharp, the stakes are high, and the chemistry is off the charts.
If you love a fierce heroine, an infuriatingly irresistible dragon prince, and a fantasy world that feels alive with magic and mayhem, Song of the Shadow Prince is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be hooked, because this story will sink its claws into you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Snarky, spellbinding, and utterly unputdownable!.
This isn’t just your typical portal fantasy. Cat isn’t some wide-eyed damsel lost in a mystical world—she’s sharp, sarcastic, and so out of her element that it’s impossible not to root for her. She’s been thrown into the life of Lady Arya Ryder, a noblewoman with a less-than-stellar reputation, and now she has to deal with the consequences of Arya’s past mistakes. Enter Damien Drakonar, the dangerously alluring dragon prince who is as likely to set the world ablaze as he is to help her escape it. Their dynamic? Pure fire. Enemies-to-lovers tension practically drips from the pages, and Damien is every bit the brooding, morally grey Shadow Daddy promised in the blurb.
The worldbuilding is immersive, packed with werewolves, vampires, warlocks, fae, and, of course, dragons. It’s a chaotic, perilous realm, and Cat’s struggle to survive—and maybe even thrive—makes every chapter pulse with energy. The banter is sharp, the stakes are high, and the chemistry is off the charts.
If you love a fierce heroine, an infuriatingly irresistible dragon prince, and a fantasy world that feels alive with magic and mayhem, Song of the Shadow Prince is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be hooked, because this story will sink its claws into you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Snarky, spellbinding, and utterly unputdownable!.
January 22, 2025
I love how in “Song of the Shadow Prince” by Karina Espinosa we get to explore the world of Elaria and divine into the story of Damien and Cat. On Prince Damien Drakonar twentieth birthday he had his birthright stolen by his father. When Emperor Valenor found out his son has the Twin Flame mark on his forearm, he had his seer to remove his dragon bones and take his heart scale to keep him from shifting and leave him vulnerable. Damien is only allowed to leave the island which he is imprisoned on one Sunday per month to seek his mate the one who bares the same Twin Flame mark as him in hopes to get his freedom. Catalina, “Cat,” is a military veteran who works as a stunt person in Hollywood. During one of her jobs, Cat is catapulted into an unknown world full of werewolves, vampires, warlocks, fae and, dragons called Elaria where she is mistaken for Lady Arya Ryder, a woman from an aristocratic family with a shady reputation. The longer Cat stays in Elaria she realizes Arya has a lot of dangerous secrets that need to be solved, while at the same time she keeps getting closer to Damien and, searching for a way to go home. Will Cat ever get to go home? Will Damien get her to stay and help free him? Will their bond shaped by their marks get stronger? If you want to know what happens I guess that you will have to read “Song of the Shadow Prince” to find out what happens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2025
After enjoying the Blood Weaver series from Karina Espinosa excited after reading book 1 of the Dragon's Ballad series.
Two strong lead characters in Damien and Cat with lots of physical, emotional and mental tension, strong willed characters, dislike to like to wait and see what will happen! The book is well written, lots of enjoyable details that help set the fantasy world and gradually begin to merge into it and become familiar with it that becomes part of the story and sets background to interesting dynamics, politics, diversity of classification of beings and history of the place. Maeve is another fun and enjoyable character along with others as them evolve through out the book including Garrick who makes an interesting warlock. The build up, intrigue and mysterious adventure of Cat adjusting to this fantasy world makes for great narrative, dialogue, humour and love how her 'Earth' language and setting is strange for her new world scenario that adds a lovely element to the story.
Great female lead in Cat as a woman who warms my heart with her resilience, fiery nature, grit, heroine feistiness and still caring nature and good intentions.
Was engrossed from the start of the book and hard to put down as found myself fully emerge, enjoying and becoming part of the world and storyline. Cannot wait for next book to see what happens next and the rollercoaster of what is to come.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two strong lead characters in Damien and Cat with lots of physical, emotional and mental tension, strong willed characters, dislike to like to wait and see what will happen! The book is well written, lots of enjoyable details that help set the fantasy world and gradually begin to merge into it and become familiar with it that becomes part of the story and sets background to interesting dynamics, politics, diversity of classification of beings and history of the place. Maeve is another fun and enjoyable character along with others as them evolve through out the book including Garrick who makes an interesting warlock. The build up, intrigue and mysterious adventure of Cat adjusting to this fantasy world makes for great narrative, dialogue, humour and love how her 'Earth' language and setting is strange for her new world scenario that adds a lovely element to the story.
Great female lead in Cat as a woman who warms my heart with her resilience, fiery nature, grit, heroine feistiness and still caring nature and good intentions.
Was engrossed from the start of the book and hard to put down as found myself fully emerge, enjoying and becoming part of the world and storyline. Cannot wait for next book to see what happens next and the rollercoaster of what is to come.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2025
"ᴛʜᴇʏ ꜱᴇᴇᴍᴇᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ʜᴇʀʙꜱ. ꜱᴏ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟ'ꜱ ʟᴇᴛᴛᴜᴄᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴏɴᴇ ᴘᴜꜰꜰ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴅ ᴍᴇ ʜɪɢʜᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴀ ᴋɪᴛᴇ."
"ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ɪꜱ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ'ᴠᴇ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ꜰɪꜰᴛʏ ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ." "ᴅᴜᴅᴇ, ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴏʟᴅᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ꜰɪꜰᴛʏ? ᴅᴀᴍɴ. ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴏᴋ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴀɢᴇ, ᴘᴏᴘꜱ."
"ᴊᴜʟɪᴀɴ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴜꜰꜰᴇʀ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴅ*ᴄᴋ ᴇɴᴇʀɢʏ."
"ᴄʜɪᴄᴋᴇɴ ᴡɪɴɢꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʟᴀᴘ ᴅᴀɴᴄᴇ? ɪ ᴍᴇᴀɴ, ʏᴏᴜ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅɴ'ᴛ ɢᴏ ᴡʀᴏɴɢ."
"ꜱʜᴇ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴅᴏ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴘᴏꜱꜱɪʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ʜᴇʀ. ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪꜰ ɪᴛ ᴍᴇᴀɴᴛ ʀɪꜱᴋɪɴɢ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ ʟɪꜰᴇ."
Thank you so much to @instabykarina and @hiddenhollowbooktours for the ecopy of Song of the Shadow Prince. When I tell you this book has me in a chokehold! I devoured it in on sitting!
The modern touch in the medieval era was addicting. There was always something that was just missing for me in fantasy books. I now know it's the cross over between current day and fantasy world. I don't believe I've ever read a portal fantasy before where it's a mix of the two timelines.
The banter is absolutely addicting and I completely forgot about the slow burn. Karina has such a way with her writing that it become enchanting and sucked me right in! The comedic value of this book is so unmatched.
I loved all the current day TV show and movie references. They were so funny. I can't remember the last book that made me just howl with laughter.
This was a medium to fast pace read. Not too little and not too much. Just perfect. Diving into book two now!
"ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ɪꜱ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ'ᴠᴇ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ꜰɪꜰᴛʏ ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ." "ᴅᴜᴅᴇ, ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴏʟᴅᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ꜰɪꜰᴛʏ? ᴅᴀᴍɴ. ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴏᴋ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴀɢᴇ, ᴘᴏᴘꜱ."
"ᴊᴜʟɪᴀɴ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴜꜰꜰᴇʀ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴅ*ᴄᴋ ᴇɴᴇʀɢʏ."
"ᴄʜɪᴄᴋᴇɴ ᴡɪɴɢꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʟᴀᴘ ᴅᴀɴᴄᴇ? ɪ ᴍᴇᴀɴ, ʏᴏᴜ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅɴ'ᴛ ɢᴏ ᴡʀᴏɴɢ."
"ꜱʜᴇ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴅᴏ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴘᴏꜱꜱɪʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ʜᴇʀ. ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪꜰ ɪᴛ ᴍᴇᴀɴᴛ ʀɪꜱᴋɪɴɢ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ ʟɪꜰᴇ."
Thank you so much to @instabykarina and @hiddenhollowbooktours for the ecopy of Song of the Shadow Prince. When I tell you this book has me in a chokehold! I devoured it in on sitting!
The modern touch in the medieval era was addicting. There was always something that was just missing for me in fantasy books. I now know it's the cross over between current day and fantasy world. I don't believe I've ever read a portal fantasy before where it's a mix of the two timelines.
The banter is absolutely addicting and I completely forgot about the slow burn. Karina has such a way with her writing that it become enchanting and sucked me right in! The comedic value of this book is so unmatched.
I loved all the current day TV show and movie references. They were so funny. I can't remember the last book that made me just howl with laughter.
This was a medium to fast pace read. Not too little and not too much. Just perfect. Diving into book two now!
January 23, 2025
Song of the Shadow Prince is the first book of the author’s The Dragon’s Ballad, and a very good Romantasy that finds heroine Cat/Catalina a stuntwoman working a movie not having the best of days. Right before performing a water stunt she finds out her soon to be ex boyfriend has been cheating. Matters get worse from there when in the water she finds herself being pulled into a light, and apparently a portal to another realm.
Things get real crazy for Cat when she regains consciousness on a boat, and the people around her believe she is the Lady Arya Ryder who just happened to have fallen overboard.
There is a lot going on in this story with twists and turns in abundance, an enemies-to-lover dragon, MFC Damien, who happens to not like Lady Arya at all.
Cat wants one thing only to get back home, but unfortunately fate has set other plans into motion for this former soldier.
This becomes a very entertaining story as the reader follows along on Cat’s adventure and reluctant adjustment to her new reality that does include a handsome dragon shifter Prince with serious issues of his own.
Loved the writing and characters, humor, intrigue, action, adventure, magic, Fae, Vampires, prophecy, political intrigue, and fated mates in a really enjoyable read.
TBC ,and I can’t wait for book two!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things get real crazy for Cat when she regains consciousness on a boat, and the people around her believe she is the Lady Arya Ryder who just happened to have fallen overboard.
There is a lot going on in this story with twists and turns in abundance, an enemies-to-lover dragon, MFC Damien, who happens to not like Lady Arya at all.
Cat wants one thing only to get back home, but unfortunately fate has set other plans into motion for this former soldier.
This becomes a very entertaining story as the reader follows along on Cat’s adventure and reluctant adjustment to her new reality that does include a handsome dragon shifter Prince with serious issues of his own.
Loved the writing and characters, humor, intrigue, action, adventure, magic, Fae, Vampires, prophecy, political intrigue, and fated mates in a really enjoyable read.
TBC ,and I can’t wait for book two!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2025
In Song of the Shadow Prince, Karina Espinosa expertly combines urban fantasy with a touch of medieval intrigue. The story follows Cat, a Hollywood stunt performer, who one day finds herself in a world of werewolves, vampires, warlocks, fae and dragons. But to make things worse, she is mistaken for her doppelganger, Lady Arya Ryder, a noblewoman with a bad reputation. In this dangerous world, Cat encounters Damien Drakonar, the dragon prince, whose intentions are as mysterious as his fiery personality. Together, they fight the chaos unleashed by Arya’s actions, while Cat tries to find a way back home.
I generally avoid prologues, but this one was a gripping exception; the essential background information flowed naturally into the main plot. As far as writing style goes, Espinosa uses multiple points of view in the story, but this did not cause any confusion. It was well done. This is a gripping story, cleverly told with likable characters, well-paced scenes, and believable situations; an excellent job overall.
Song of the Shadow Prince is a great read and I would recommend it. I hope to read more of Espinosa's work in the future.
Note: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I generally avoid prologues, but this one was a gripping exception; the essential background information flowed naturally into the main plot. As far as writing style goes, Espinosa uses multiple points of view in the story, but this did not cause any confusion. It was well done. This is a gripping story, cleverly told with likable characters, well-paced scenes, and believable situations; an excellent job overall.
Song of the Shadow Prince is a great read and I would recommend it. I hope to read more of Espinosa's work in the future.
Note: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2025
This was an interesting story of a modern women Cat, being pulled through a magical portal to another land. She was then mistaken for her doppelgänger Arya, by all the people of this strange land. As it turned out, Arya was quite the handful and full of secrets. Damien is the Shadow Prince shapeshifter Dragon who of course was waiting for Cat his whole life because she had the same markings on her body as he did and this meant he could be freed from his volcanic prison of isolation, enforced by his evil father.
Of course, Cat had other ideas. This was a fun adventure with slow burn romance, new friendships, vampires, witches, dragons, and a brothel and lots of giggles.
I would have liked the romance between Cat and Damien to fire up a little but I realise with this ending in a cliffhanger, that this is likely yet to come.
I am curious to know what happened to Arya in modern time America, that trouble maker would have probably ended her self up in jail!
I’m looking forward to the next book to find out all the unanswered questions. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Of course, Cat had other ideas. This was a fun adventure with slow burn romance, new friendships, vampires, witches, dragons, and a brothel and lots of giggles.
I would have liked the romance between Cat and Damien to fire up a little but I realise with this ending in a cliffhanger, that this is likely yet to come.
I am curious to know what happened to Arya in modern time America, that trouble maker would have probably ended her self up in jail!
I’m looking forward to the next book to find out all the unanswered questions. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2025
While this book for a fun and quick read - I felt like it was a mash up of freaky friday and wizard of oz. The world building wasn't overdone - and the characters were likeable. Would have liked to see more development, but with the short length hard to get those nuances across. We're missing the "real" Arya's point of view and all the ways she struggled to adapt (or not) to Earth, I feel like there were a lot of missed opportunities where her brand of communication could have been entertaining (maybe even useful with the cheating ex boyfriend). The ending was a bit lacking for me, while I don't mind the cliff hanger, if felt like we didn't get any closure on the various side plots - what was Klaus up to? Was Garrick's gambling problem going to come back and steal all the gold? Is Gianna really too good to be true or has she now joined up with evil to get back at Damien? What about the paintings, are they really one way views? SOOOOOO many questions, I'm fine with a cliffhanger, but this just felt unfinished on the rest of the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
3,5 ⭐️ .. I’m super frustrated because it was a good book with an amazing idea !
I really enjoyed the beginning and I even thought it would have been a 5⭐️ for a moment .. it was funny and addictive !
But unfortunately it lost its spark halfway through the story .. the reason ?
The romance is undeveloped with less screen time than the plot. And it was absolutely unnecessary ! A ton of missed opportunities to make this book more compelling and emotional. Did I like these characters ? Yes , but at the end of the book I didn’t know them at all .. they got to know each other but for a unknown reason this moment was off-page .. so I don’t even know what they learned and how they felt about it.. so I didn’t feel any connection between them and ended up really frustrated.. no need to tell you that there is no spice .. if I could have just let that slide because I love a good slow burn I can’t forgive the lack of depth.. the plot didn’t need to be in the front seat , I’m not even sure what the plot was !
Did I like it ? Sure
Would I recommend ? sure
Will I read the sequel ? Yes
I really enjoyed the beginning and I even thought it would have been a 5⭐️ for a moment .. it was funny and addictive !
But unfortunately it lost its spark halfway through the story .. the reason ?
The romance is undeveloped with less screen time than the plot. And it was absolutely unnecessary ! A ton of missed opportunities to make this book more compelling and emotional. Did I like these characters ? Yes , but at the end of the book I didn’t know them at all .. they got to know each other but for a unknown reason this moment was off-page .. so I don’t even know what they learned and how they felt about it.. so I didn’t feel any connection between them and ended up really frustrated.. no need to tell you that there is no spice .. if I could have just let that slide because I love a good slow burn I can’t forgive the lack of depth.. the plot didn’t need to be in the front seat , I’m not even sure what the plot was !
Did I like it ? Sure
Would I recommend ? sure
Will I read the sequel ? Yes
January 25, 2025
Song of the Shadow Prince, the first book in The Dragon's Ballad series, starts off wildly and doesn't slow down. Movie stuntwoman Cat takes a dive in a lake and surfaces in another world, one devoid of all modern amenities and full of magic. And magical beings. She has switched places with her doppelganger, an unsavory noblewoman. This story has so much going on that I just couldn't put it down.
The MMC Damien, a dragon prince, is both a jerk and a hottie. I wasn't crazy about his personality at first, but he quickly grew on me. I really like the FMC Cat, whose background as a soldier really helped her hold her own, especially when vampires attack. The worldbuilding is great, as per usual for Karina Espinosa. The characters are well developed, and I felt like I knew them. I was totally engrossed in the world and the story. I was so sorry when the book ended right in the middle of some very compelling drama (what??!! Noooo) and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The MMC Damien, a dragon prince, is both a jerk and a hottie. I wasn't crazy about his personality at first, but he quickly grew on me. I really like the FMC Cat, whose background as a soldier really helped her hold her own, especially when vampires attack. The worldbuilding is great, as per usual for Karina Espinosa. The characters are well developed, and I felt like I knew them. I was totally engrossed in the world and the story. I was so sorry when the book ended right in the middle of some very compelling drama (what??!! Noooo) and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2025
Song of the Shadow Prince is the first story in The Dragon’s Ballad series. This book is amazingly written, exceptionally balanced and perfectly executed by Karina Espinosa. I have read a couple books from Karina Espinosa and I have enjoyed each one of them. The characters of Song of the Shadow Prince are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. This book follows the journey of Cat and Damien. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Cat and Damien as the main characters of this book. I absolutely loved seeing their story unfolding throughout the book. I can hardly wait to see what Karina Espinosa will come up with for her next book in the future. I absolutely did NOT want to set this book down until I read the last page. I did feel that this book ended on a cliffhanger and I hope Karina continues Cat and Damien’s story. I would definitely give this book as a suggestion for anyone to checkout and give it a read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2025
Review for Song of the Shadow Prince
By Karina Espinosa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
Tropes:
* Fated Mates
* Portal Fantasy
* Kickass FMC
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Dragon shifters
* He falls first
* Shadow daddy
What did I just dive into? I was instantly captivated; this book deserves way more attention! This was my first experience with Karina Espinosa's writing, and it was absolutely mesmerizing.
The vivid descriptions and clever references to modern culture were simply fantastic. I really hope more readers get to experience this tale featuring dual perspectives, fae, warlocks, and, of course, dragons. It reminded me of Outlander with its portal element, which was a refreshing twist for me.
I loved Cat and enjoyed watching her tackle the obstacles in her path while also sleuthing around to uncover the secrets of her mysterious doppelganger. It was such a fun ride. Then there's Damien. Initially, I was unsure about him, but eventually, he won me over completely.
My goodness, this book was phenomenal! I was like Cat, I just fell into this world, completely immersed in it. I'm fully invested, especially after that thrilling final scene. It was incredible! I really hope the next installment comes out soon.
By Karina Espinosa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
Tropes:
* Fated Mates
* Portal Fantasy
* Kickass FMC
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Dragon shifters
* He falls first
* Shadow daddy
What did I just dive into? I was instantly captivated; this book deserves way more attention! This was my first experience with Karina Espinosa's writing, and it was absolutely mesmerizing.
The vivid descriptions and clever references to modern culture were simply fantastic. I really hope more readers get to experience this tale featuring dual perspectives, fae, warlocks, and, of course, dragons. It reminded me of Outlander with its portal element, which was a refreshing twist for me.
I loved Cat and enjoyed watching her tackle the obstacles in her path while also sleuthing around to uncover the secrets of her mysterious doppelganger. It was such a fun ride. Then there's Damien. Initially, I was unsure about him, but eventually, he won me over completely.
My goodness, this book was phenomenal! I was like Cat, I just fell into this world, completely immersed in it. I'm fully invested, especially after that thrilling final scene. It was incredible! I really hope the next installment comes out soon.
January 22, 2025
3.5 Stars.
FULL REVIEW IN Aisha's Book World
This book has a fantastic premise—a 21st-century woman being in a kinda medieval world, taking her doppelgänger’s place there, with all the plot this unknown place has. The cliffhanger is pretty good, the events sequence is great, and the storytelling is nice. Yet the devil is in the details, and the lack of them here made a difference.
Ms. Espinosa has a huge challenge with the next book of The Dragon’s Ballad series. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Let’s see how this story goes in future installment(s).
ARC given by Karina Espinosa via Booksprout. Thanks for your trust
FULL REVIEW IN Aisha's Book World
I knew things would never be the same. I’d just gotten myself into something I couldn’t talk my way out of.
This book has a fantastic premise—a 21st-century woman being in a kinda medieval world, taking her doppelgänger’s place there, with all the plot this unknown place has. The cliffhanger is pretty good, the events sequence is great, and the storytelling is nice. Yet the devil is in the details, and the lack of them here made a difference.
Ms. Espinosa has a huge challenge with the next book of The Dragon’s Ballad series. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Let’s see how this story goes in future installment(s).
ARC given by Karina Espinosa via Booksprout. Thanks for your trust
May 21, 2025
cat is a stunt double and got pulled into a portal during a stunt and switched places with her doppelgänger arya. the real arya is a bitch and cat has to navigate her world. damian killed his morher is child birth so his father disowned him and when he turned 18 he was supposed to shift to dragon but the twin flame tatoo showed up (ancient thing that hasnt shown up in centeries and when it does that is the true prince and has a mate thats destined to be a dragon rider). so his dad got mad and cut out his dragon bones and heart and exiled him to an island that he can only leave one day a month. and his uncle kai follwoed him. he has been looking for the girl with the twin flame tatoo for like 70 years and he realizes cat has it while still pretending to be arya but he finds out the truth and she has tried so many ways to go home and she almost made it to the portal but damian pulled her back at the last second and now she has a vendetta
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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