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Black Wing and Shadows: Book One of the Sandorg Chronicles
Auriella Blackcreek only wanted to prove she wasn’t just her father’s shadow. Instead, she joined Sandorg War College, a brutal academy with seven branches, where cadets hate her because of her name.
Auri is fighting to survive on challenge mats and outside, all with the goal of bonding with a Dragon.
Then there’s Zane, a Drusearon Fae Winged warrior, bound by legacy and carrying his own scars, he is the last person Auri should trust—and the only one who makes her heart burn. Their connection runs deeper than either expected, a bond as dangerous as it is undeniable.
With new secrets and twists emerging every time she turns around, Auri must decide who she can trust, what risks she's willing to take, and whether love can survive as shadows close in.
Black Wing and Shadows is perfect for fans of dragon riders, deadly academies, found family, and fated mates, high-heat romance.
Auri is fighting to survive on challenge mats and outside, all with the goal of bonding with a Dragon.
Then there’s Zane, a Drusearon Fae Winged warrior, bound by legacy and carrying his own scars, he is the last person Auri should trust—and the only one who makes her heart burn. Their connection runs deeper than either expected, a bond as dangerous as it is undeniable.
With new secrets and twists emerging every time she turns around, Auri must decide who she can trust, what risks she's willing to take, and whether love can survive as shadows close in.
Black Wing and Shadows is perfect for fans of dragon riders, deadly academies, found family, and fated mates, high-heat romance.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2025
10 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Rosenauer
1 book7 followersJ. L. Rosenauer is a fantasy author who loves letting her mind go wild and spill onto a keyboard. When she's not writing, you may find her floating down the river and spending time with her family. She lives in Missouri with her family, where she proudly answers to both "Mom" and "Gigi," roles that inspire her belief that every generation carries a story worth telling.
Throughout her life she has endured hard challenges and writing has been a powerful outlet for her. Black Wing and Shadows is her debut novel.
Throughout her life she has endured hard challenges and writing has been a powerful outlet for her. Black Wing and Shadows is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 13, 2025
3.5 stars for me.
Auriella Blackcreek joined Sandorg War College,a tough academy when every trial can be your last. Being General daughter din't help her,a lot of students hates him, and she's the perfect target. Add secrets at every corner and fated mate, things will get more tense and interesting.
What Auri father is hiding?
Will she get her magic?
This was enjoyable first book in the series. Full of action I was not bored, there was also romance and spice which I like, and cliffhanger which I don't. Wish Auri get some answers, I was thinking that she will force her father to explain some things for her,but it seems she accept that he keeps secrets ,and didn't ask for explanation. Well, here is the hope that I get more information in second book ,which I would like to read.
If you like deadly trials, fated mates and dragons, this is something that I would recommend. Read please warnings first.
Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Auriella Blackcreek joined Sandorg War College,a tough academy when every trial can be your last. Being General daughter din't help her,a lot of students hates him, and she's the perfect target. Add secrets at every corner and fated mate, things will get more tense and interesting.
What Auri father is hiding?
Will she get her magic?
This was enjoyable first book in the series. Full of action I was not bored, there was also romance and spice which I like, and cliffhanger which I don't. Wish Auri get some answers, I was thinking that she will force her father to explain some things for her,but it seems she accept that he keeps secrets ,and didn't ask for explanation. Well, here is the hope that I get more information in second book ,which I would like to read.
If you like deadly trials, fated mates and dragons, this is something that I would recommend. Read please warnings first.
Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.
October 10, 2025
Full disclosure I received a Advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
4⭐️
"Earn your place-or be torn from it"
🔥 Romantasy
🔥 Mates
🔥 Dragons
At first I was really worried as this book started out with her going to Sandorg War college to be a dragon rider. I was afraid it was going to be to similar to fourth wing. However, this book has so much more going on than fourth wing does.
I loved the fact there are seven different branches a cadet could choose to from. You heard that right SEVEN and while the author goes over them it doesn't feel like Information overload. That being said there are some parts of the book that I felt had to much information and I got confused.
I love fated mates ,however, I felt Auriella (Auri) and Zanes relationship could have started off just a tad bit slower to really build the chemistry. That being said I absolutely love them as a couple. Zane encourages Auri to be stronger and independent while also showing her he has her back.
One thing I absolutely love that this author did that I wish other authors would do is, she put hear on all the chapters that had spice in them.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to reccomend it to all my friends. The book left on a cliffhanger so be prepared to beg for the next one to be released.
4⭐️
"Earn your place-or be torn from it"
🔥 Romantasy
🔥 Mates
🔥 Dragons
At first I was really worried as this book started out with her going to Sandorg War college to be a dragon rider. I was afraid it was going to be to similar to fourth wing. However, this book has so much more going on than fourth wing does.
I loved the fact there are seven different branches a cadet could choose to from. You heard that right SEVEN and while the author goes over them it doesn't feel like Information overload. That being said there are some parts of the book that I felt had to much information and I got confused.
I love fated mates ,however, I felt Auriella (Auri) and Zanes relationship could have started off just a tad bit slower to really build the chemistry. That being said I absolutely love them as a couple. Zane encourages Auri to be stronger and independent while also showing her he has her back.
One thing I absolutely love that this author did that I wish other authors would do is, she put hear on all the chapters that had spice in them.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to reccomend it to all my friends. The book left on a cliffhanger so be prepared to beg for the next one to be released.
October 3, 2025
Black Wing and Shadows follows the story of Auriella, the daughter of a general, as she attends a military war college. Now, before you think you’ve read this setup before let me stop you! Sure, the fantasy genre is full of familiar elements (many from some very popular books), but what makes this story stand out is its unique blend of characters, plot, tone, tension, spice and the unexpected ways everything unfolds. And spice… did I mention the spice?!?
Riders, Drusearons, Sorcerers, Shapeshifters, Infantry, Healers, and Historians all have a place in the worldbuilding, drawing you into the college setting and the events happening within its walls.
High-stakes challenges, cutthroat rivalries, and even murder keep the tension sharp, making it impossible not to turn the page. One of the dragons definitely stands out with their unmatched banter. They are funny, sharp, and surprisingly relatable. Never thought I’d find myself relating to a dragon, but here we are. (Name of dragon left out to avoid spoilers)
I absolutely devoured this book. The shocking twists and the conclusion left me reeling. While there were a few moments where the wording or transitions felt a little rough, the overall flow and pacing worked really well.
If you’re into Romantasy with fated mates, intense trials, a hint of a love triangle, and of course, dragons, Black Wing and Shadows is one you won’t want to miss.
I have received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest and sincere review.
Riders, Drusearons, Sorcerers, Shapeshifters, Infantry, Healers, and Historians all have a place in the worldbuilding, drawing you into the college setting and the events happening within its walls.
High-stakes challenges, cutthroat rivalries, and even murder keep the tension sharp, making it impossible not to turn the page. One of the dragons definitely stands out with their unmatched banter. They are funny, sharp, and surprisingly relatable. Never thought I’d find myself relating to a dragon, but here we are. (Name of dragon left out to avoid spoilers)
I absolutely devoured this book. The shocking twists and the conclusion left me reeling. While there were a few moments where the wording or transitions felt a little rough, the overall flow and pacing worked really well.
If you’re into Romantasy with fated mates, intense trials, a hint of a love triangle, and of course, dragons, Black Wing and Shadows is one you won’t want to miss.
I have received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest and sincere review.
October 11, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️4
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book, and it quickly became one of my top five-star reads of the year. The academy setting, the trials, and the plot were incredibly well-crafted, with just the right amount of detail to fully immerse you without ever feeling overwhelming.
This book truly had everything. Dragons, shifters, healers, historians, and so much more. It was a fast-paced, gripping read that delivered on every level.
Auriella was exactly the kind of FMC I love. She was strong, funny, determined, and showed compassion when it was needed most. Zane (MMC) was just as charming. He was powerful and loyal, and he never diminished Auri’s abilities. Instead, he supported her and stood by her through every challenge.
The story unfolded beautifully and ended with a twist I didn’t see coming. I’m already counting down the days until I can read the next book and continue Auri and Zane’s journey.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️4
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book, and it quickly became one of my top five-star reads of the year. The academy setting, the trials, and the plot were incredibly well-crafted, with just the right amount of detail to fully immerse you without ever feeling overwhelming.
This book truly had everything. Dragons, shifters, healers, historians, and so much more. It was a fast-paced, gripping read that delivered on every level.
Auriella was exactly the kind of FMC I love. She was strong, funny, determined, and showed compassion when it was needed most. Zane (MMC) was just as charming. He was powerful and loyal, and he never diminished Auri’s abilities. Instead, he supported her and stood by her through every challenge.
The story unfolded beautifully and ended with a twist I didn’t see coming. I’m already counting down the days until I can read the next book and continue Auri and Zane’s journey.
October 15, 2025
J.L. Rosenauer's Black Wing and Shadows is a fantasy romance tale that follows Auriella Blackcreek, daughter of the General of Sandorg War College, as she navigates the intricacies of her institution. She lost her mother years ago.The college is home to a diverse array of Fae, including Drusearons, sorcerers, shapeshifters, infantry, healers, historians, and riders, who specialize in partnering with Griffons, Phoenixes, and Dragons. Auriella's life has been marked by deception, and she must now contend with the challenges of college life, where her father's reputation as General inspires fear and hostility. As a result, she faces unforeseen enemies, while striving to complete her training and form a bond with a Dragon, all while navigating the complexities of having a fated mate. How will she overcome these challenges and succeed in her academic endeavors?
I liked this book and thought it was a lot of fun.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌶🌶🌶
I liked this book and thought it was a lot of fun.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌶🌶🌶
October 12, 2025
This book was nothing like I expected. I devoured this in 2 days. The story is about the daughter of a general at a war college. But it’s nothing that you’d think. There aren’t human. There are Fae, Drusearons, Shapeshifters, Infantry, Healers, Historians, and Sorcerers. I loved how magic happens to each race in its own way. The plot is epic. The characters are well done and have depth. The book pulls you into the walls of this war college. There’s rivalries, high stakes challenges, and even murder. The banter between dragons and riders was hilarious. Zane, the MMC, is charming and is swoon worthy. Auriella is the strong, sassy, funny, and determined FMM. I can’t wait for the next book. The ending has me wanting more.
October 3, 2025
I really enjoyed Blackwing and Shadows—it’s packed with so many of my favorite fantasy elements: fae, dragon riders, mates, and more. It reminded me a lot of Fourth Wing, so fans of that series will likely find a lot to love here.
That said, there were some noticeable similarities to other books with just a slight twist which did throw me off a bit, and the writing style felt a little formal at times (many phrases like “I am okay” instead of “I’m okay” stood out). Some sections also had a lot of information dumped at once, which made it hard to keep track of everything.
Still, the world and characters were compelling, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new romantic fantasy with familiar but fun tropes!
That said, there were some noticeable similarities to other books with just a slight twist which did throw me off a bit, and the writing style felt a little formal at times (many phrases like “I am okay” instead of “I’m okay” stood out). Some sections also had a lot of information dumped at once, which made it hard to keep track of everything.
Still, the world and characters were compelling, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new romantic fantasy with familiar but fun tropes!
October 8, 2025
I am extremely grateful to have received this book at no cost from the author to participate in the ARC reading.
However, in return, I agreed to give my honest review, which is as follows:
I adored this book. I loved how authentic the military aspects felt and what an absolute gem the MMC was.
Like a few others, I also think some elements of this story share strong similarities with other mainstream romantasy novels, so I may have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t read those before diving into this one.
I think it would have been amazing to delve further into some elements of this world, as I felt that too much was left unanswered by the end of the book, and the questions just kept piling up.
That being said, I will continue this series in future. I hope in future books we get all the answers to the many plots that were left open throughout the first.
However, in return, I agreed to give my honest review, which is as follows:
I adored this book. I loved how authentic the military aspects felt and what an absolute gem the MMC was.
Like a few others, I also think some elements of this story share strong similarities with other mainstream romantasy novels, so I may have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t read those before diving into this one.
I think it would have been amazing to delve further into some elements of this world, as I felt that too much was left unanswered by the end of the book, and the questions just kept piling up.
That being said, I will continue this series in future. I hope in future books we get all the answers to the many plots that were left open throughout the first.
October 1, 2025
This had me hooked from the start!! The book is a beautiful, consuming, addicting fantasy that I wish I could read all over again for the first time! The pacing is absolutely spot on. The book was action packed from beginning to the end. The world building, character development and plot twists will keep you entertained. The cliffhanger of an ending has me wanting more…
October 5, 2025
Fantastic book and would totally get a 5star review if not for the fact that it reminds so much of another book.
October 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this book through and through. From the beginning to the end, this is fast paced, action filled and has a dust of secrets hiding where you can't see it. It's set in Yebel, and there's building up to war. We meet the FMC Auriella Blackreek, a fae who happens to be the generals daughter that has plenty of enemies. She enters the academy with a goal to become a dragon rider. On the other hand we meet Zane, the MMC with wings and who's a drusearon fae warrior.
It has fated mates, deadly challenges that the academy throws at the cadets and spicy scenes with "Good girl" mentioned 🫢 The fliers that is the dragons, griffins and the phoenixes have sassy remarks and I loved how they took it out on the riders (the hangover scene was my favorite, iykyk)
Remember to check TW before reading, it has its dark sides.
Favorite quote: "Winning fed my pride. Losing kept the fear alive."
I can't wait for this book to be released so I can talk about this with more people! If you loved fourth wing, you will absolutely love this one!
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
It has fated mates, deadly challenges that the academy throws at the cadets and spicy scenes with "Good girl" mentioned 🫢 The fliers that is the dragons, griffins and the phoenixes have sassy remarks and I loved how they took it out on the riders (the hangover scene was my favorite, iykyk)
Remember to check TW before reading, it has its dark sides.
Favorite quote: "Winning fed my pride. Losing kept the fear alive."
I can't wait for this book to be released so I can talk about this with more people! If you loved fourth wing, you will absolutely love this one!
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 19, 2025
This book had a hold on me. Take some of your favorite fantasies and combine them into one book. I couldn't put this book down. It has dragons, griffins, pheonixes, fae and many other creatures. The ending got me and I cant wait for the next book to come out! The characters are charming and funny and you are rooting and bonded to each one. J.L. Rosenauer did fabulous for her first book!
September 21, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Esme is my favorite. The one liners and the banter had me laughing at certain points. Loved the dragon, griffins and phoenixes. The ending had me shocked and i need book two asap!
September 21, 2025
The book was such a thrill to read! I was stuck from the minute I started.
It’s got everything a fantasy lover could ever dream of. I’m thrilled for the second book to come out!
This is a MUST read!!
It’s got everything a fantasy lover could ever dream of. I’m thrilled for the second book to come out!
This is a MUST read!!
Currently reading
January 6, 2026Disclaimer: This is just my opinion, I read for fun and rarely write reviews. Not because I can't but because often times if I don't write little blurbs during the reading process then I'll forget my thoughts by the end. I do a lot of reading and writing in my spare time. I review with the intent to enlighten, not with the intent to bully or dismiss one's work.
Pg 29 - There are some minor hiccup errors (like a word was forgotten in a sentence). I've seen at least 3 within the first 4 chapters. Chapter 4 was the MMC but Chapter 5 doesn't say who it is. Only because I remember where we left Auriella do I know it's Auriella.. I think that should be more announced - I guess. Even if it's just a visual thing, it should be showcased so no one's confused.
I did recently read Fourth Wing so I find myself comparing this to that. Fourth Wing has it's issues, and Black Wing has its. I feel like there's not a lot of world building h ere, but I'm hoping that maybe that'll change the deeper we sink into the story. Let's see..
Pg 74 - Auri is talking to Ophelia about the Anam Cara. I feel like it's falling a little flat. Maybe in the future try to enact some of the dialogue scenes with a friend or confidant to make sure the point you want to get across is coming across in the right way. -- advice for the author for future writing adventures. -- Like actions with the dialogue, Ophelia hesitantly or reassuringly smiling towards Auri, etc. -- Often times I think we get distracted in the moment and don't realize we need all the elements or senses displayed in a scene to really bring the scene to life.
pg 101 - I don't mean to hate on this book. I'm enjoying it, but I feel like we don't know enough about what's going on. Some aspects are explained in a rush - like right now we just went through the rider tour & if you don't know anything about military schooling I think it can be difficult to understand. There's a lot of officer names thrown at you without clear explanation. Auri knows and understands what's going on, but not all readers are at the same level of awareness that Auri is. Which can make some aspects of the school hard to pick up. Or maybe that's just fluff we didn't need? idk. The world building isn't really there. They are at a miltary school and there are all these different species of creatures/beings that aren't explained. We don't find out that Auri is fae until we get Zane's viewpoint in Chapter 4. Now there are more than just shapeshifters, the dragon-winged Drusearon guys, but also witches and sorcerers? Not explained at all. Hoping maybe it'll be explained later because they seem like important details.
Aside from everyone's apparent distrust of the Drusearon's is there any other racial tension? Or does no one care because no one can tell what anyone is unless they know their species? So everyone looks the same? (I'm also in the process of reading The Black Witch series where they are always explaining the different racial differences, how some characters have lilac skin & such).
Pg 29 - There are some minor hiccup errors (like a word was forgotten in a sentence). I've seen at least 3 within the first 4 chapters. Chapter 4 was the MMC but Chapter 5 doesn't say who it is. Only because I remember where we left Auriella do I know it's Auriella.. I think that should be more announced - I guess. Even if it's just a visual thing, it should be showcased so no one's confused.
I did recently read Fourth Wing so I find myself comparing this to that. Fourth Wing has it's issues, and Black Wing has its. I feel like there's not a lot of world building h ere, but I'm hoping that maybe that'll change the deeper we sink into the story. Let's see..
Pg 74 - Auri is talking to Ophelia about the Anam Cara. I feel like it's falling a little flat. Maybe in the future try to enact some of the dialogue scenes with a friend or confidant to make sure the point you want to get across is coming across in the right way. -- advice for the author for future writing adventures. -- Like actions with the dialogue, Ophelia hesitantly or reassuringly smiling towards Auri, etc. -- Often times I think we get distracted in the moment and don't realize we need all the elements or senses displayed in a scene to really bring the scene to life.
pg 101 - I don't mean to hate on this book. I'm enjoying it, but I feel like we don't know enough about what's going on. Some aspects are explained in a rush - like right now we just went through the rider tour & if you don't know anything about military schooling I think it can be difficult to understand. There's a lot of officer names thrown at you without clear explanation. Auri knows and understands what's going on, but not all readers are at the same level of awareness that Auri is. Which can make some aspects of the school hard to pick up. Or maybe that's just fluff we didn't need? idk. The world building isn't really there. They are at a miltary school and there are all these different species of creatures/beings that aren't explained. We don't find out that Auri is fae until we get Zane's viewpoint in Chapter 4. Now there are more than just shapeshifters, the dragon-winged Drusearon guys, but also witches and sorcerers? Not explained at all. Hoping maybe it'll be explained later because they seem like important details.
Aside from everyone's apparent distrust of the Drusearon's is there any other racial tension? Or does no one care because no one can tell what anyone is unless they know their species? So everyone looks the same? (I'm also in the process of reading The Black Witch series where they are always explaining the different racial differences, how some characters have lilac skin & such).
October 11, 2025
I just finished Black Wing and Shadows by J.L Rosenauer and here are my musings.
Auriella Blackcreek has a life goal… To become a rider at Sandorg War College and get out from under her fathers vast shadow.
What she doesn’t expect is to find her fate mate… A Drusearon Fae Warrior called Zane. Fighting for survival in and out of training isn’t the only journey Auri is on… There is something going on and it centers around the death of her mother… Will she be able to handle the truth of what is really going on and will loving Zane be as easy as she hopes?
FANNNNNN GIRRRRRLLLLLL RIGHT HERE….
I really enjoyed this book. It was so much better than I was anticipating.
First plus….. DRAGONS!!!
Second plus… TRUE LOVE WITH NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP!
Third plus SERIOUSLY TOP NOTCH WORTH BUILDING!!
I have a real love of fantasy books especially when they give me dragons too but this one was a little special… We get 3 squadrons of rides, Dragons, Griffins and Phoenixes. How cool is that!
I loved the characters, I thought that Zane being the type of being he is… a Drusearon Fae… It was an excellent touch to the story especially when we find out what had happened to Auri in the past so I felt that was an excellent addition to the story.
No plot holes… I should know because I went hunting. The story is tighter than a drum. The prose was quite lovely and I got sucked right in from page 1! It was well paced for a fantasy and I am excited to see where Auri’s journey takes her next.
I will say though, check those triggers.. Some heavy stuff in those pages.
It has some really well written spice scenes too that I highly recommend!
I just finished interviewing the author and you can catch the interview at
youtube.com/@litdulterous
https://open.spotify.com/show/5kKN96R...
4.24 stars! And I was being a hardass.
Thank you to @jlrosenauerbooks for the amazing chat and the opportunity to read her novel!
#jlrosenauer #blackwingandshadows #fantasybook #fantasyreader #fantasybooklover #fantasytrilogy
October 15, 2025
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD - MY REVIEW INCLUDES DETAILS REGARDING THE MMC/FMC BONDING PACE, AS WELL AS THE NAME OF THE FMC’S BONDED DRAGON.
Black Wing and Shadows hooked me right away and delivered so many things I love in a fantasy romance: dragons, danger, and a heroine who refuses to live life in her father’s shadow.
Here’s what I loved:
The fated mates bond felt natural from the very start. Instead of fighting it, Auri and Zane leaned into their connection, and it just worked. I usually enjoy a slow burn, but when it comes to fated mates, I love when it’s instant and undeniable. Why fight it when you can feel it?
I LOVE Esme, Auri’s dragon. She is sassy, constantly testing Auri, and I love the banter between them. I wish the bond happened sooner, but I’m eager to see their dynamic deepen in book two.
The ending twist definitely shocked me. I mean, I knew in a way it was coming, but I didn’t anticipate the way it played out. It left me reeling and desperate for more.
Here’s where it lost a star:
Some character interactions felt awkward at times. The dialogue leaned a little too structured or old-fashioned-like “I am fine” instead of I’m fine. Small detail, but it pulled me out of the moment.
I wished for more POV from Zane. His character is fascinating, and I feel there is more under his surface that we just couldn’t see. Having more of his perspective would have helped me connect with him even deeper.
A few sections got heavy with info-dumping. Too many names or details about side groups that didn’t feel relevant to the main plot. Those moments slowed the pacing and left me a bit lost and overwhelmed.
Overall, this was still an addictive, high-stakes fantasy romance filled with dragons, deadly challenges, and a romance that burns hot and fast. Even with a few rough edges, I devoured it-and I’ll definitely be first in line for book 2.
Black Wing and Shadows hooked me right away and delivered so many things I love in a fantasy romance: dragons, danger, and a heroine who refuses to live life in her father’s shadow.
Here’s what I loved:
The fated mates bond felt natural from the very start. Instead of fighting it, Auri and Zane leaned into their connection, and it just worked. I usually enjoy a slow burn, but when it comes to fated mates, I love when it’s instant and undeniable. Why fight it when you can feel it?
I LOVE Esme, Auri’s dragon. She is sassy, constantly testing Auri, and I love the banter between them. I wish the bond happened sooner, but I’m eager to see their dynamic deepen in book two.
The ending twist definitely shocked me. I mean, I knew in a way it was coming, but I didn’t anticipate the way it played out. It left me reeling and desperate for more.
Here’s where it lost a star:
Some character interactions felt awkward at times. The dialogue leaned a little too structured or old-fashioned-like “I am fine” instead of I’m fine. Small detail, but it pulled me out of the moment.
I wished for more POV from Zane. His character is fascinating, and I feel there is more under his surface that we just couldn’t see. Having more of his perspective would have helped me connect with him even deeper.
A few sections got heavy with info-dumping. Too many names or details about side groups that didn’t feel relevant to the main plot. Those moments slowed the pacing and left me a bit lost and overwhelmed.
Overall, this was still an addictive, high-stakes fantasy romance filled with dragons, deadly challenges, and a romance that burns hot and fast. Even with a few rough edges, I devoured it-and I’ll definitely be first in line for book 2.
September 28, 2025
Full disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for a honest review, so here it is:
The concept of this book is fantastic, however, I struggled really hard at getting into it and connecting with the characters.
I found the pacing to be a bit choppy, as well as the writing being stiff and awkward throughout most of the book. The dialogue was a tad on the formal, stiff side as well. There were a lot of inconsistencies and grammatical / spelling / word errors within the book which really takes me out of it as well. I also noticed a lot of repetitiveness which is another thing that detracts for me.
Additionally, I did find the parallels between this book and some other popular Romantasy books got a bit too close at times for my liking. I did, however, enjoy the twists and unique spins that the author incorporated that helped make it a new story.
In my rating system, 2 stars means the book was okay / good, but I most likely wouldn’t read it again, and since I had a hard time getting invested in the story and had to force myself to keep picking it up, I have to give it a 2 star rating. But I will say, congratulations to the author for putting her fingers to keys (or pen to paper) and getting the book written and taking strides to get it published and have her work out there. That is a huge accomplishment, and while I’m not sure It’s for me, I’m sure she’ll have an audience that will love it.
The concept of this book is fantastic, however, I struggled really hard at getting into it and connecting with the characters.
I found the pacing to be a bit choppy, as well as the writing being stiff and awkward throughout most of the book. The dialogue was a tad on the formal, stiff side as well. There were a lot of inconsistencies and grammatical / spelling / word errors within the book which really takes me out of it as well. I also noticed a lot of repetitiveness which is another thing that detracts for me.
Additionally, I did find the parallels between this book and some other popular Romantasy books got a bit too close at times for my liking. I did, however, enjoy the twists and unique spins that the author incorporated that helped make it a new story.
In my rating system, 2 stars means the book was okay / good, but I most likely wouldn’t read it again, and since I had a hard time getting invested in the story and had to force myself to keep picking it up, I have to give it a 2 star rating. But I will say, congratulations to the author for putting her fingers to keys (or pen to paper) and getting the book written and taking strides to get it published and have her work out there. That is a huge accomplishment, and while I’m not sure It’s for me, I’m sure she’ll have an audience that will love it.
October 28, 2025
lots of potential
The plot line kept me interested enough, I love dragon riders & bonds. Throughout I noticed things that brought me out, repeated dialogue, entering an event she was wearing a beautiful dress then getting up from the table was wearing pants, the color of a bonded was the same but suddenly it was a blue Phoenix instead of griffin when it’s not supposed to be. Things were constantly repeated one paragraph to the next. We’d skip over or forget to finish important conversations or plot points without reason. I see a lot of potential for the story line just hoping it gets better in regards to details.
The plot line kept me interested enough, I love dragon riders & bonds. Throughout I noticed things that brought me out, repeated dialogue, entering an event she was wearing a beautiful dress then getting up from the table was wearing pants, the color of a bonded was the same but suddenly it was a blue Phoenix instead of griffin when it’s not supposed to be. Things were constantly repeated one paragraph to the next. We’d skip over or forget to finish important conversations or plot points without reason. I see a lot of potential for the story line just hoping it gets better in regards to details.
October 13, 2025
This review is of an ARC copy. I wanted so badly to like this book but I couldn’t. I DNFed it, which is not my usual but I feel like there was way too many correlations and straight up copying from Fourth Wing. I tried to get past that because I loved the female character. The romance elements were a bit childish at certain moments. I did enjoy the spice from what I read. I understand that there will be some books that have similarities but it was just too on the nose for me.
October 14, 2025
Don't let the length of Black Wing and Shadows intimidate you. I know I certainly was. The story flowed, the characters are flawed but in the best morally grey way. And while there are similarities to the Dragon Rider stories out there, I thought this was a new take - weaving different subplots throughout (and dare I add subterfuge? Political intrigue?).
I eagerly await Book Two of the Sandorg Chronicles, as this series has some really great potential.
I eagerly await Book Two of the Sandorg Chronicles, as this series has some really great potential.
January 5, 2026
You had me at Dragon Riders.
Dragon rider romanticy books are some of my favs and this one did not disappoint!! Great plot and character building. Some spice, but not alot. You get so into the plot and whats happening that I really didn't notice. Without giving anything away, that ending!!!! I was not expecting that! Cannot wait for the next book to see what happens next!
Dragon rider romanticy books are some of my favs and this one did not disappoint!! Great plot and character building. Some spice, but not alot. You get so into the plot and whats happening that I really didn't notice. Without giving anything away, that ending!!!! I was not expecting that! Cannot wait for the next book to see what happens next!
October 19, 2025
plot is ok but writing seems abit juvenile and over simplistic but yet some parts are too long winded with unimportant details that I just skipped through. as a result, can't identify with the lead characters. DNF 77%
October 1, 2025
The concept itself was interesting, but as another reviewer stated, a lot of the content seemed very reminiscent of another very popular romantasy book.
October 27, 2025
It started out with very Fourth wing vibes but didn't meet the expectations. The characters lacked depth though the premise of war college was interesting. Will not be reading the sequel.
November 5, 2025
thankyou for the early copy to read!
I took my time with this one because it was SO good!
it has everything a dragon fantasy should
mates
an academy
trials
I took my time with this one because it was SO good!
it has everything a dragon fantasy should
mates
an academy
trials
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews