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Draka #1
Shadows of Mallin
An otherworlder transported into a dragon’s body must grow her skills, build her hoard, and forge friendships in the first book of a charming isekai series.
A single slip is all it takes. But the consequences of falling from a rock wall are usually broken bones and bruises . . . not waking up in the body of a dragon. So when a young bouldering instructor finds herself suddenly transported to a strange new world—and into a powerful, black-scaled frame—she’ll have to rethink all the rules as well as her own expectations.
Adopting the name Draka, the newly minted dragoness begins to explore the forests, mountains, and villages surrounding the city of Karakan. To not only survive but thrive, she must learn to spread her wings, discover the joys of growing her hoard, and figure out how to handle the seductively draconic voice encouraging her to find violent means to any ends.
But most importantly, Draka will have to overcome her intimidating shape to form alliances with the human adventurers she meets. Because sometimes even dragons need a little help from their friends.
The first volume of the hit fantasy adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
A single slip is all it takes. But the consequences of falling from a rock wall are usually broken bones and bruises . . . not waking up in the body of a dragon. So when a young bouldering instructor finds herself suddenly transported to a strange new world—and into a powerful, black-scaled frame—she’ll have to rethink all the rules as well as her own expectations.
Adopting the name Draka, the newly minted dragoness begins to explore the forests, mountains, and villages surrounding the city of Karakan. To not only survive but thrive, she must learn to spread her wings, discover the joys of growing her hoard, and figure out how to handle the seductively draconic voice encouraging her to find violent means to any ends.
But most importantly, Draka will have to overcome her intimidating shape to form alliances with the human adventurers she meets. Because sometimes even dragons need a little help from their friends.
The first volume of the hit fantasy adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2025
197 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 17, 2026
Once the two women are alone... the yapping gets so annoying, holy cow. I do not care about your ex-boyfriend this and that, the first time you had sex, how Maglan taught you archery, how you don't get a period while being a dragon.... I don't care about any of this trash. This stuff goes on for whole chapters.
I feel like I need to skim read, just to advance the plot slightly.
You got one dude calling his 17 year old sister "kitten" constantly. Like why?
You got a woman with the name "Herald"... which is a guy's name. There were no other names available?
Tam sneaks up on his sister and a dragon, while they are watching the enemy, and surprises them. Which could easily get them all caught and start a battle they weren't ready for. He didn't even meet the dragon yet, and still he chooses to jump scare them, because that makes such a "funny" scene.
Outside of an enemy camp, that has a whole bunch of mind controlled human slaves... what are the main characters doing? They are yapping about stuff, hugging, and crying. This just seems so stupid to me. The realism is out the window.
DNF 59%
I feel like I need to skim read, just to advance the plot slightly.
You got one dude calling his 17 year old sister "kitten" constantly. Like why?
You got a woman with the name "Herald"... which is a guy's name. There were no other names available?
Tam sneaks up on his sister and a dragon, while they are watching the enemy, and surprises them. Which could easily get them all caught and start a battle they weren't ready for. He didn't even meet the dragon yet, and still he chooses to jump scare them, because that makes such a "funny" scene.
Outside of an enemy camp, that has a whole bunch of mind controlled human slaves... what are the main characters doing? They are yapping about stuff, hugging, and crying. This just seems so stupid to me. The realism is out the window.
DNF 59%
February 16, 2026
Admittedly, I'm liberal with my ratings. I typically judge based on negation from egregious problems. Obviously, I found nothing egregious to be problematic, and quite enjoyed this book!
To note, it's fairly obvious that the author is new to publishing, and so many errors can be found in that regard. I consider that a small issue, especially if this was their first book. the worst things I noticed were forgetting to separate some speaking quotes from others. To those used to the standard pattern, this created some minor confusion. This also appeared to largely vanish by the end of the book.
So, basically, most of my issues boiled down to "the editor should have caught this". No idea if the author is also editor, but again, this was rather good for a potentially first book potentially without a professional editor!
Things people should be mindful of; the author does not hand feed you lore and character information. This is a very much more of a social drama and character development piece than a heavily plot drive one. The foreshadowing, however was quite interesting! It appears to have caused some other reviewer issues.
Herald is not Harold. They sound the same, but one is a name and one a title. Titles don't care about gender. The reason the character is named this _is_ explained, but not until the penultimate chapter. And it is actually alluded to and foreshadowed as early as Draka learning her name.
Likewise, Tamor acting an idiot, or choosing to do something dumb, is actually brought up and spoken about. The actual reasoning is, again, foreshadowed, but not actually explored in this book. But you can make a pretty solid guess by the end!
I will, of course, continue reading this series, very happily! It's an odd is-but-isn't xenofiction. Yes, the point of view character isn't technically non-human, but as the story evolves, you do get to see Draka battle, work with, and come to terms with her predicament. She evolves into a xenofiction perspective. And that doesn't count the small dose of actual xenofiction that does also happen here! If that doesn't logic to you, I'm not spoiling it for you! 😉
This book doesn't hold your hand. It doesn't rush the plot. It moves at the speed someone unaccustomed to the world, lacking knowledge, and dealing with new found cultural and magical differences during a "small part of a big plan" moves.
And that is rather enjoyable for me. Minor errors included. I will enjoy watching this author grow!
To note, it's fairly obvious that the author is new to publishing, and so many errors can be found in that regard. I consider that a small issue, especially if this was their first book. the worst things I noticed were forgetting to separate some speaking quotes from others. To those used to the standard pattern, this created some minor confusion. This also appeared to largely vanish by the end of the book.
So, basically, most of my issues boiled down to "the editor should have caught this". No idea if the author is also editor, but again, this was rather good for a potentially first book potentially without a professional editor!
Things people should be mindful of; the author does not hand feed you lore and character information. This is a very much more of a social drama and character development piece than a heavily plot drive one. The foreshadowing, however was quite interesting! It appears to have caused some other reviewer issues.
Herald is not Harold. They sound the same, but one is a name and one a title. Titles don't care about gender. The reason the character is named this _is_ explained, but not until the penultimate chapter. And it is actually alluded to and foreshadowed as early as Draka learning her name.
Likewise, Tamor acting an idiot, or choosing to do something dumb, is actually brought up and spoken about. The actual reasoning is, again, foreshadowed, but not actually explored in this book. But you can make a pretty solid guess by the end!
I will, of course, continue reading this series, very happily! It's an odd is-but-isn't xenofiction. Yes, the point of view character isn't technically non-human, but as the story evolves, you do get to see Draka battle, work with, and come to terms with her predicament. She evolves into a xenofiction perspective. And that doesn't count the small dose of actual xenofiction that does also happen here! If that doesn't logic to you, I'm not spoiling it for you! 😉
This book doesn't hold your hand. It doesn't rush the plot. It moves at the speed someone unaccustomed to the world, lacking knowledge, and dealing with new found cultural and magical differences during a "small part of a big plan" moves.
And that is rather enjoyable for me. Minor errors included. I will enjoy watching this author grow!
January 11, 2026
4.5 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an isekai story. For those who do not know, isekai refers to stories where a character is transmigrated, summoned, or reincarnated into another world. They have been gaining popularity in recent years, though the concept itself has always been around. Many people likely know it by another name, portal fantasy, such as The Chronicles of Narnia or Alice in Wonderland. There are plenty of stories about people from Earth being summoned or reincarnated into another world, usually still as humans, or occasionally as another humanoid race like an elf or a goblin. Every so often, though, a story goes off the beaten path and features a non-human protagonist, such as a spider monster, a sword, or even a vending machine.
I have heard about a new isekai anime where a person is reincarnated as a dragon. Funny enough, the first episode was released just a few days ago, and I was not impressed with it. If anything, it only cemented my interest in this series even more, as it does a much better job of handling the idea in a way that feels more engaging and enjoyable. It also helps that the main character, Draka, is a woman rather than the usual male lead and is genuinely likable, especially in her interactions and relationships with other characters.
This is an isekai story. For those who do not know, isekai refers to stories where a character is transmigrated, summoned, or reincarnated into another world. They have been gaining popularity in recent years, though the concept itself has always been around. Many people likely know it by another name, portal fantasy, such as The Chronicles of Narnia or Alice in Wonderland. There are plenty of stories about people from Earth being summoned or reincarnated into another world, usually still as humans, or occasionally as another humanoid race like an elf or a goblin. Every so often, though, a story goes off the beaten path and features a non-human protagonist, such as a spider monster, a sword, or even a vending machine.
I have heard about a new isekai anime where a person is reincarnated as a dragon. Funny enough, the first episode was released just a few days ago, and I was not impressed with it. If anything, it only cemented my interest in this series even more, as it does a much better job of handling the idea in a way that feels more engaging and enjoyable. It also helps that the main character, Draka, is a woman rather than the usual male lead and is genuinely likable, especially in her interactions and relationships with other characters.
October 21, 2025
I'll admit it took a bit to really start to get into it, but i enjoyed it. its kinda wholesome (if not bloody in some parts) though i will warn you the series gets a bit hmm i don't think darker is the right word, maybe more intense? It was a good read though, but if your dubious of reading the series/want to know i'll explain what i mean by more intense in my reveiw for the next book in the series
May 26, 2025
Interesting take
I really enjoyed the main character and how her change from human to dragon was portrayed. The difference in instincts and manner, but still having the human memories and personality. The drive to be more social and humane than what her dragon side wanted. Very good read. I look forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed the main character and how her change from human to dragon was portrayed. The difference in instincts and manner, but still having the human memories and personality. The drive to be more social and humane than what her dragon side wanted. Very good read. I look forward to the next book.
February 27, 2025
Fun Dragon Isekei
Draka is a fun addition to the litrpg genre. Light on game mechanics and more focused on the characters. If a dragon exploring a new world sounds fun, I'd recommend it.
Draka is a fun addition to the litrpg genre. Light on game mechanics and more focused on the characters. If a dragon exploring a new world sounds fun, I'd recommend it.
April 26, 2025
Slow to start, and I admit I almost dropped it due to that, but I'm glad I didn't. I really enjoyed it. The characters have depth. From a dragon's perspective the world is arguably less relevant, but there is some world building slowly happening. Definitely recommend.
July 21, 2025
loved it!
The new perceptive of an isekai reincarnation was a fresh new read and exciting book, I couldn’t put it down lol, it’s was different and an enjoyable read! Thank you
The new perceptive of an isekai reincarnation was a fresh new read and exciting book, I couldn’t put it down lol, it’s was different and an enjoyable read! Thank you
August 13, 2025
Great book
I love the book. It was exciting and fantastic. It had good, great characters. Fun, great storyline. I love the main character.
I love the book. It was exciting and fantastic. It had good, great characters. Fun, great storyline. I love the main character.
September 22, 2025
Wonderful
I quite enjoyed the world building and character depth. It kept my attention, I truly didn't know what would happen next!
I quite enjoyed the world building and character depth. It kept my attention, I truly didn't know what would happen next!
November 15, 2025
3.5 stars
November 30, 2025
Dragons + Magic, oh my!
Enjoyed this fantasy Isekai story. Loved that the protagonist became a dragon. Very different take on progression fantasy. A fun read.
Enjoyed this fantasy Isekai story. Loved that the protagonist became a dragon. Very different take on progression fantasy. A fun read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews