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The Dragon Portal #5

Dance of Wings

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Death awaits those who fly too close to the sun...

Something’s wrong with Sabine’s magic.

The portal seals have begun to fracture, poisoning the magic of their world, and endangering those dependent upon it. Time is running out for Sabine and her companions to find the last artifact.

A cryptic clue found in the underworld is their only lead. But the magical race entrusted with the relic’s safekeeping was annihilated by the dragons centuries earlier.

Determined to find any trace of the mysterious artifact, Sabine agrees to face down the dragons in their own den.

Can love withstand dragonfire?

Sabine may have fallen for the charismatic dragon who captured her heart, but his people are harboring a deadly secret.

The dragons have no intention of allowing Sabine or her magic to escape their grasp.

No matter the cost.

Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2025

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221 people want to read

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Jamie A. Waters

18 books512 followers
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Jamie A. Waters is an award-winning fantasy romance author and dragon enthusiast. Weaving together magic, intrigue, and some delicious romance, she creates memorable and immersive worlds that provide the perfect escape. Her books feature strong, spunky heroines and their swoon-worthy heroes who will stop at nothing to save the day.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
2,996 reviews43 followers
September 4, 2025
Sabine and her motley crew of found family are on their way to the Sky Cities, to help her find the final artifact needed to either seal or open the portal to the dragon world. If she doesn’t succeed, then anyone with any touch of magic will die, as well as all of the land which relies upon it. Her love interest, Malek, is giving the non-flyers a lift in a basket hung below his dragon form. Bane, a demon, has been guarding her every night, while she and Malek sleep, and they are accompanied by Rika, a human seer who is new to her abilities, and tiny pixie Blossom, who always comes up with something inappropriate at the worst of times and wants Sabine to give her a boost of magic, so she can transform into a tiny pink dragon! They won’t get to their destination all in one go, so they are looking to stop at the city of Imenel, where they hope to get some information about the dragon clans in the Sky Cities and what might be happening between them, since it has been some years since he was last there. Also, about any clues for the location of the last artifact, which was supposed to have been in the hands of an extinct magical race, the aderyan, who were wiped out by the dragons in the Dragon War. The portal between worlds was sealed at the end of that war some centuries before, cutting off the source of magic, but those seals are weakening. Levin, a wyvern, and Esme, a dryad new to her abilities, are going to meet them in Imenel, before they head up to Malek’s estate in the Sky Cities. An attack before they even get to the city brings more worries about how safe any of them will be once in the Sky Cities. Sabine had been covering them with a glamour, but that had been broken. They need to ensure that nobody finds out exactly who she is, as the Unseelies Queen, but she is so much more than that as well. She is linked to the renegade goddess Lachlina, and has marks on her wrists that represent the artifacts they have collected so far, which were gifted to the original magical races that safeguarded Aeslion. Malek and Bane have been worried about how far Lachlina has managed to take over Sabine at times, and only their bonds to Sabine, manage to help bring her back to herself. The symbols represent the artifacts, a chalice entrusted to the fae, a priceless pearl which represented the merfolk’s power, a hammer which was a sign of the dwarves, and a curved blade which represents the power of life and death. The final artifact is a golden quill which belonged to the aderyan people.

Each time Lachlina takes control of Sabine, it leaves her indebted ever more to the goddess and makes it harder to separate her mind from hers. The goddess’ hatred of dragons makes Sabine’s growing love of Malek and friendship with Levin, difficult at times, as Lachlina would prefer them to be dead, along with all other dragons and wyverns. The wyvern attack has left parts of the forest around them damaged and burnt down, which Sabine can sense, and before they head off to the city, she needs to help the forest recover and also get Blossom and Rika back from the forest guardians she had sent them to for safety, when they came under attack. Malek soon finds that he doesn’t know who he can trust, even within his own household, as alliances and loyalties are ever changing. Esme gets overwhelmed as she reacts to the wild magic loose in the forest, with Levin feeling her pain through their mating bond. Nothing is ever going to be simple for any of this group, as the hunt continues. Sabine has had limits placed on her magic by the Huntsman and when she allows her magic to combine with the artifacts or with the goddess, her skin becomes golden and her magic is more powerful, but also gives away her true identity. Something even she isn’t privy to! An imbalance is affecting their world, as corruption spreads over the land, affecting anything magical. Malek’s grandmother was fae, the second wife of his grandfather and someone not accepted by many in the dragon world. Normally fae were captives and bound in iron on the islands of the Sky Cities, but his grandfather stopped that practise on the Obsidian Clan’s Island. Other clans had their own rules and didn’t necessarily follow his grandfather’s rules. But if there are still any fae imprisoned by dragons in the Sky Cities or below, Sabine will not leave until she has freed them all. That brings them to a shocking revelation, that many of those thought to be fae, are in fact part of the aderyan race, long thought extinct! Sabine has managed to reunite the merfolk, gained the dwarves and demons as allies, even walked the Hall of Gods and drank from the Well of Dreams. Now she has another race to save!

The shocking discovery of the aderyan, who have been used and abused by some of the dragon clans, their magic needed to enable the very existence of the dragon islands within the Sky Cities, gives Sabine even more to consider as they look for the last artifact. Many had their wings cut off or were forced to procreate, to provide more of their kind to power the magic of the Sky Cities. Diminishing numbers of the aderyan, as well as dragons, means there is not as much magic in the skies as previously. Malek’s bond with Sabine is much stronger than a normal mate bond and as the story progresses, that strength will be sorely needed. From the bond, Sabine has some immunity to dragonfire and that will also be useful as another attack occurs, as one clan seeks to take over and destroy the balance between the clans. Malek didn’t think about what the rest of his family would think, after he returned after such a long absence, and his sister is very insistent on seeing him and all his guests. Having a demon, with Bane, amongst his party, causes lots of consternation, but also lots of humour with Bane’s dry wit. Blosom of course, steals the show, especially when she gets a boost of magic being bonded with Sabine, and when she manages to gather a whole group of pixies or flutterfolk, as they are more commonly known. Blossom uses her inquisitive nature and nosiness to mess about whenever possible, exploring or eavesdropping as she sees fit, causing commotions and chaos as needed, or just as a side effect of her energy! Sabine must sacrifice parts of herself as a cot for the magic she needs to perform to right the balance as she sees it, but she would do it all, no matter the cost. A nice touch with young Lyra as well as Malek’s pregnant sister. Family ties are important, but the tie between fated mates is so much deeper and brings an immediate link to others in Malek’s family, with a determined force, which was surprising, especially from his father! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, which is probably the series finale and certainly a series to catch up on, if you haven’t started it yet.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for Amanda- LateNightReader.
318 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2023
I know its not out yet....but I can't wait. Keep going girl! I'm gonna need more than 5 books on audio especially! <3
1,573 reviews104 followers
June 19, 2025
Geesh, this series has gotten under my skin, so badly, as though Sabine herself has infused me with her magic, her gift of protection, I'd end anyone who tries to flay it from me!

Having survived the underworld, Sabine and company are off to a place she's dreading, the Sky Cities, the dragon domain and the Fae's mortal enemy, it strikes a chord of fear in her. Ms Waters lulled me into a false sense of security with the first few pages but then, in her trademark way, she janks the mat from under me and sets my veins on fire with adrenaline! And Lachlina, while a goddess, sure made my blood boil in anger! Nope, can't say, read it to find out why... just know that gods and goddesses have their own agenda. But even before they reach the Sky Cities, there are a few Wyverns to take care of, pesky forest guardians... yeah, Sabine's life is anything but smooth sailing! The only bright spark is the reunion of Esme and Levin. What a gorgeous couple these two are! The Druid witch and the Wyvern, as unlikely as a Fae and a Dragon but a love shining through them all, toe melting endearing.

Sabine is one of the fiercest FMC's I've met, she evaded her family who wanted her life, she battles a vindictive goddess constantly, she protects those she loves with everything she has, most times, consequences be damned. But she has her protector demon, her dragon love, her pixie friend and her human seer by her side and she will fight to her last breath to keep them from harm. She's pure, she's compassionate, she loves with every fibre of her being, she loathes violence yet doesn't shy away from what needs doing, she's ultra protective, she thinks outside the box and she's magic personified, literally! I love everything about her for all these reasons and more. Jamie gave her a personality and resonance that seeps into me, I feel her every thought and emotion. Her love, her ancestral enemy, Malek, well shoot! Malek is, oh so swoon sigh... perfection personified! He is more than just a dragon, he is more than just a lover to Sabine, he's her everything and she his. When he told Sabine "I will stand by your side until my last breath. We may not always agree but you can always depend on me" how could I not go "awwwww" and feel all fuzzy inside? My word do I love these 2! Their very relationship is full of love and acceptance, which is kind of a no no for dragons and Fae alike.

Blossom continues to delight me, she might be a tiny pixie but she's got heart, she stands taller than the largest giant and boy is she a handful! Devoted to Sabine, Blossom brings in her badassary uniquely, most times extremely humourously, she's a feisty one! I loved how she evolves, how her magic becomes as unique as she is, heck, she even has a dangerous demon eating out of her hand! She's adorable and cute and endearing and funny and a tad magic hungry, I just adore her. As I do Rika, the human seer, she too has a way about her that makes her loveable, so much so, that Bane is enthralled just as I. The easy and friendship she and Rika share is absolutely delightful, in fact, the "family" unit is strong, it includes all of them, even Bane and Malek who form more than just a grudgingly respect and tolerance for the other. I honestly loved how all the characters solidly their friendship, their bond with one another, the protectiveness they have for each other, again, done credibly by this esteemed author. She introduces new characters along the way, all tantalising, all so very interesting, like Lyra, Thalassa and Aeron, and when the reach the Sky Cities, well heck! I loved Kaia, she's exuberance on 2 legs, doesn't mince her words and is almost as awesome as her brother Malek, almost... and I adore his mother! The action continues, the adrenaline gets revved up, the dangers compound! The danger not only from outside elements but internal too, Lachlina is getting stronger, her hold is getting stronger, Sabine is losing control...

While Ms Waters captures every nuance, every aspect in this excellent book, I cannot, for the life of me, capture all I experience reading this series. Her landscape is filled with the most vibrant of colours, not only her characters who are stand out but the very world she crafts, it feels as real as if I was expecting everything right here, in my world. The humour, when least expected, lightens the tension. But oh dear glory does Ms Waters turn up the heat, slowly, slowly, until I'm engulfed in the flames of her supreme expertise, my heart knocking against my ribcage with such vigour, it threatens to explode! This author has her finger on the pulse of her storytelling and the pounding hits me square in the chest! Those final few chapters nearly did me in....but I wouldn't want it any other way, I LOVE the feels, I LOVE the intricacies of the plot, I LOVE the characters to smithereens! Honestly? I LOVE it all! As I said at the start of this review, this series has become an indelible part of me...

Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,859 reviews210 followers
July 10, 2025
Well if you have not started this series I suggest you hurry up and start because you are missing out on a fabulous ride . Sabine is our protagonist and golly has she gone through a lot and yet here she is about to face off with the Dragons ! Just one more artefact to find and then it just might be possible to offset the imbalance that is affecting magic . It’s just too bad that Dragons despise the Fae and as Queen of the Unseelie that definitely puts Sabine in a tricky position but shush that’s our little secret !
Well what an instalment and Sabine just keeps impressing me and frankly just about every single character she meets ! So protective of others, so generous of herself and her own magic and she just keeps going no matter what . Sabine has amassed loyal followers although if honest I consider them to be found family . From Malek who completes her and is just a hunk of love to Bane grumpy dangerous Demon who has a sweet side but please don’t say it out loud ! Oh and of course I can’t not mention Blossom, a Pixie who just steals every scene she is in . The danger leaps off the page, the hilarity just makes me smile and the love shown as this journey continues just makes me very happy . The story is not quite over though with Fae dogging Sabines footsteps and a vengeful Goddess who will happily see war return oh yes settle in get the popcorn and prepare to become invested in a very entertaining story.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are I believe fair
2,881 reviews17 followers
June 29, 2025
This book is an epic fantasy romance adventure that takes the reader into a world dependent on magic, but that magic is failing. This author has created an absolutely fascinating world that kept me engrossed in this book from the first page to the last. The characters are all so engaging that they made it nearly impossible to put this book down. Sabine has managed to gather all but one of the artifacts necessary to heal he world and save everyone who calls it home. Unfortunately, the last artifact is located in the Sky Cities, Maleks home territory, and the original inhabitants are long gone. This is a fantasy romance with Sabine and Malek as the main characters involved in a very steamy romance. But there are so many wonderfully written and unique characters that are engaging, and sometimes funny, that it was easy to fall in love with them. I especially enjoyed Blossom, the Pixie, she had me in stitches at times. The dialog is fast paced, the character interactions are believable, and there are some unexpected twists in the plot that made it impossible to put this book down. I highly recommend this book to other readers; however, I have to add that it is absolutely necessary to read the first books in this series before reading this one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from Book Sirens.
Profile Image for Lili.
837 reviews48 followers
July 14, 2025
Even though the emotion seems to overflow the idealistic approach, still I find it moving and hopeful. As much as our own Terra, the world is out of balance, and nothing less than epic heroism can right the wrongs and save it. Maybe humans have become too jaded to care for sappy stories, too preoccupied with the daily grind to appreciate true valor and self-sacrifice, but I think hope cannot survive without small victories, even imagined. There's always a seed of truth in every legend - why would we believe in the existence of Olympian gods and biblical forefathers, but not in the power of good?

I found the salvation Sabine brings something to wish for, it made me think of all the unsung heroes in our world - like first responders, saving so many lives by choosing it every day.

I wonder how it will come together in the end, the mystery is calling me - how will Lachlina and Vestior be appeased? I look forward to find out!

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for MummysVampire.
434 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2025
This is another cracker in this truly fantastic series!! Jamie Waters done an amazing job ‘yet again’ with her wonderful writing style, while also reminding me why Sabine is one of the best female book characters out there. 
 
This is Book 5 in the series so if you haven’t started this yet, please don’t miss out.  It is Epic, Actioned Packed, High Fantasy ‘Romantasy’ at its best.   With a remarkable array of diverse magical characters, each possessing eccentric personalities, who embark on numerous unpredictable adventures in search of magical artifacts.
 
We pick up where we left off last book with Sabine and her magical rag tag crew heading the sky cities to look for the final artefact.  It was just as dangerous the gang expected but as always they were in for more shocks. Not to mention heart breaking moments.  But I am giving away no clues as to what they face so you can enjoy for yourself
 
Even though I have been desperately waiting for this book to come out, I saved so I could read while on holiday and I am so glad I did.
 
TOP MARKS 5/5 STARS
79 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2025
I loved this book; even though it was lovely and long it was one of those during which you keep checking how much remains in the story because you don’t want it to end.

We get to meet the final three races in Aeslion - the Dryads, Aderyan, and the Dragons - as well as watching Sabine grow into her power, finding out more about the Tuatha Dé, and seeing Sabine’s relationship with Malek grow and deepen. It’s a beautifully written story that pulls you deeper and deeper into this fantasy world, and I can’t wait for the next installment!

Jamie Waters, you wrote at the end of this story about your struggle with health issues and writing this book. May I congratulate you: I have read everything you’ve published, and this book is your best so far!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,475 reviews9 followers
June 26, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Sabine and her companions are on their way to Maleks home to find the last artifact. They didn't think Sabines magic would be detected but some of it was so now comes the hard part of sneaking into the city. There are more dangers that lurk around corners and the sooner Sabine accepts being Maleks mate the more she can be protected. Sabine meets Maleks sister Kaia and their mother who informs them that a msg was received from the Seelie king that the new unseelie queen is going to attack the city. Sabine learns that the sky folk are still alive and held prisoner by some of the dragon clans. She vows to free them anf restore the balance. Things are not what they seem in the city and there is treachery afoot. Can Sabine free those in need and find the artifact before she is found out?
Profile Image for Ana Carolina Crespo.
71 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2025
This is a classic case of “it’s not you, it’s me.”
It saddens me deeply to write this review, as I had a lot of fun reading the Dragon Portal series. I still remember the dread I felt after finishing "Shadows and Twilight" and realising how long I would have to wait to read book 5.
Well, time passed, and my tastes changed. Deep down I kind of knew that I might not feel the same about this series as I’ve felt in the past; nevertheless, it was dear to me, so I had to give it a go. Sadly, it was as I feared. There is absolutely nothing “wrong” with it; I am just older and have read so much of the genre that my likings and expectations have changed substantially. 
Still, this series is a great introduction to the genre.
Profile Image for Princess Dawn.
98 reviews
June 29, 2025
Thank you Jamie Waters for allowing me to read an ARC. This is my unbiased review.

I LOVE this series. Fantastic read. Even after a long wait for the release, it was so easy to get into the story and immerse myself in their world. I love the personalities of the characters and the humour. I laughed and cried so much. Absolutely perfect continuation of the story. Action, adventure, love ... Couldn't ask for more. If you haven't started this series yet I highly advise you to immediately.
Profile Image for Janice Gibson.
2 reviews
July 21, 2025
After anxiously waiting for this 5th book in The Dragon Portal series I was not disappointed. The continuing adventures of Sabine and her ragtag group of followers continues to enthrall and keep one reading with enthusiasm to discover what will happen next. I started this series quite by accident but have enjoyed it more than I can say. I believe anyone of any age who enjoys a well written and compelling fantasy story will enjoy the reading.
978 reviews11 followers
June 25, 2025
Such an action packed read. Sabine's quest to save the Aderyn lands in the Dragons path. Psycho pixies save the day, massive magic makes you cheer in your head, and satisfying vengeance is what I hoped for. Great series.
327 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2025
The story comes to a head as new alliances mix with old threats. More is learned about the magic and what's necessary for balance. Must read the series in order.
638 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2025

this series will hook you and this addition is no exception. It truly is a must read.
Profile Image for K Huskić.
2,193 reviews38 followers
July 8, 2025
I'd missed this series! This is the 5th installment, and I'm still so invested in the characters and their journey.

Sabine's relationship with Malek progresses, and she meets his family - though not everyone is happy about their presence in the city. She learns more about her magic, and other beings, including the sky folk. Blossom is as unhinged as ever, but I kind of love her.

I'm so looking forward to what comes next! Can't wait for more of these characters.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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