Shadowcape

Band of Unlikely Heroes #4

by Dawn Ford

Four heroes. One dark enemy. A battle that could change the Wilden Lands forever.

After the Erlking’s latest attack, Queen Bearer Horra Fyd searches desperately for a way to end his evil schemes once and for all. But when the rats destroy the hidden books that may hold the answers, hope begins to slip away.

An experiment gone wrong throws their newest ally—Grendel—into chaos, just as children begin to vanish and the elves abandon their secret kingdom. Shadows gather. Secrets surface. And time is running out.

Now Horra, Rowan, Glory, and Grendel must summon courage greater than their fears and faith stronger than their doubts. If they fail, the Erlking and his wicked minions will seize the Wilden Lands—and destroy everything they love.

Fans of epic sagas like The Lord of the Rings will be swept into this breathtaking world of magic, peril, and unlikely heroes.

Will the band rise to face the darkness … or will their world fall into ruin? Read this exciting series conclusion to find out.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Dawn Ford writes wholesome fiction for Middle-grade, teen, and adult audiences.

Dawn adores anything steampunk, is mesmerized by shiny, pretty things, hoards shoes & purses, and needs at least one good, strong cup of coffee to wake her up a day.

Dawn’s novel, The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes, won the 2016 ACFW Genesis Award. Her novels Woodencloak and Mossycoat were finalists in Realm Maker's Realm awards.

Reach out to Dawn Ford via
her website: www.dawnfordauthor.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DawnFordAuthor/, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawn_ford_a..., and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dawnfordaut.... She’d love to hear from you!

Reviews

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn Ford's Shadowcape, the fourth book in her tetralogy "Band of Unlikely Heroes," is a marvelous, satisfying read in which the four members of the "Band" gather their strength to attempt to defeat the Erlking before he destroys their kingdoms and their families (not to mention the kingdoms' children). It is the beginning of the final trek of the hero's journey (or heroines', depending) for Troll Queen Bearer Horra, druid tree Rowan, Fairy Princess Glory Toppenbottom, and giantess Grendel.

During the books of this series, each character has been attacked by, and fought, the Erlking, the wicked creature who's bent on destroying all that the Creator God loves and has made. Now, when their need for unity is the greatest, can Horra and Rowan, Glory, and Grendel put their differences aside in order to battle? It remains to be seen. For these 4 individuals couldn't be more different, whether it's in their appearances, their most-treasured values, or in the ways that the Erlking attempts to destroy them.

If they can indeed join together, truly, their kingdoms might be saved. But will they...and can they? You'll have to read this book to find out. And I do recommend reading the other 3 books in the series as well!

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

They have one last chance to best the Erlking...

As I've read Shadowcape, and the rest of The Band Of Unlikely Heroes series, over the last week or so, both my attention and imagination have been captured by a tale aimed at middle-grade readers. I have not been in the target audience for longer than I care to admit, but still I've found myself immersed and invested in the lives of the characters - even the ones I tend to like a little less than others. From start to finish Dawn Ford's skill with worldbuilding has been excellent with vivid scenery and the most fascinating peoples and creatures.

I must say that as surprising as it is to me, Shadowcape is probably my favorite book of The Unlikely Band Of Heroes series. Yes, it is the 4th and final book, and I usually tend to like the first book in a series most often, but Dawn Ford took the story to new heights in this one. She amped up the mystery and adventure and the stakes couldn't possibly be higher for Horra, Rowan, and the others.

If you have middle-grade kids or grandkids who enjoy fantasy I would definitely recommend this book and series. As an FYI, they are not standalone and they need to be read in order. Honestly, I wish there had been more imaginative but clean fantasy books like these back when I was that age. Overall, it is a good story that was an enjoyable read even for this adult reader....

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Adrianna | cozycraftyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fantasy series geared for younger audiences, this is the one for you.

It immerses you into a new world, with elves and trolls, fairies and giants. The cast of characters were fun, quirky, and a great group. I enjoyed meeting them, and seeing the story from their own respective point of views.

I also thought that it was a great continuation of the story. I thought it was a strong ending, but I will miss the characters! Wouldn’t it be fun to see some spin-off stories though?

Really, a great series for middle grade readers and up readers, if they’re looking to check out the fantasy genre. It’s both fun and easy to follow.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from JustRead Tours and Dawn Ford. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowcape is the fourth book in a fun sci-fi type series that weaves a good, solid message and steady Christian faith into the pages. I do think it will make the most sense if you read the whole series in order. I did not, and as I caught up on the books I’d missed before reading this one, I do feel I missed out on some of the interactions and such. Definitely makes more sense to read this series in order.

This series is billed as a middle-grade level. However, my middle schoolers, my high schoolers, and my adult children all enjoyed it as well as myself. So I would say it might be middle grade and beyond.

If you’re a fan of Tolkien and Lewis, this will be up your alley. Great characters. Wonderful plot and action. And it will keep you reading and wanting more! This is the last book coming in the series, though, so prepare yourself for that. It’s always sad to see a wonderful series end and know it’s your last visit with friends.

As a normal person, I have to wonder how the author even creates works like this! How do you imagine a whole other world and peopl,e and plots? I personally only dream in history or real time. Okay, so sometimes I think about the future, but we’re talking just the next few years.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Justread Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Brett Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowcape is a fun and fantastic read. As the final installment in the Band of Unlikely Heroes series, I had some concerns that I would be a little lost for a bit, but having read and been a fan of Dawn Ford’s work already, I thought I would give it a try. I’m very glad I did. Ford effortlessly pulls you into the mystical realms of forests filled with trolls, wood goblins, fairies, elves, and more with incredible world-building and a careful eye to explaining what came before without losing the action of the moment. It doesn’t hurt that along the way you meet such a creative and quirky cast of heroes, as unlikely heroes on the surface as the series name suggests, that nonetheless prove to be brave and noble. Both of which are so needed in this tale that has such sharp contrasts between the dark efforts of the villainous Erlking and the heroes led by the troll Queen-Bearer Horra Fyd. This is a middle grade fantasy story, so it’s not as stern and serious as Lord of the Rings, but captures that same sense of intricacy and homespun heroism present in the hobbits of Tolkien’s trilogy. Reading this tale and enjoying its satisfying conclusion won’t leave you confused about what came before, but it will certainly make you want to devour each volume in the series to revisit and enjoy the fascinating and fantastical world Ford has crafted.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowcape picks right back up days after the previous novel ended, and I quickly was thrust back into this imaginative fantasy world. This is one of those stories that is so easy to get lost in. The world-building is fantastic, and the imagery is incredible, with vivid depictions of the scenery and each inhabitant of this world. The characters are clearly what drives this story as this epic saga continues to build tension as we grow closer to Horra and the gang defeating the Erkling.

The imagination of Dawn Ford is so whimsical and paints such a vivid picture of a fictitious world that I could clearly see it all in my mind’s eye. The rich world building is magical, and the characters captured my heart.

There are some moments that are quite intense, which is understandable as this whole series culminates in this final boss battle. The closer I came to the end, the harder it became to tear myself away. Seeing everything being set right was so satisfying after such a harrowing journey. I enjoyed this fantasy world so much and am sad yet satisfied to see this epic tale end. This is a series that I will not soon forget.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Adult Fantasy books have become a very intriguing genre for me. Shadowcape by Dawn Ford is Book 4 in the Band of Unlikey Heroes Series. I have read this series since Book 1 and have enjoyed it greatly.

WOW, the storyline grabbed my attention from the first pages and I could not put it down. The main characters in this book are Horra, Rowan, Glory, and Grendel and The Erlking(a Villian). The characters welcome Grendel as their newest ally, and it brings along chaos and adventure. The way they work to bring things under control. They know that if they don't, their failure would give Erlking so much of what they have worked for in their secret Kingdom. The book is filled with Mystery, Fantasy and Suspense. I am sad to see this series end, as it truly has been an interesting series. I would highly recommend reading this series in order, especially the young crowd. Middle School kids who enjoy Fantasy and Mystery, would love this book. AMAZING BOOK and SERIES!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowcape is the final book in The Band of Unlikely Heroes series by Dawn Ford. I often start my seires reviews with a wish for a synopsis of previous books. I did not find that to be necessary with Shadowcape. Dawn Ford has created such memorable characters and an engaging plot that I was able to jump right in to book four without a review of the previous books in the series.
Sometimes with a final book in a series I am left with questions and feeling unsatisfied, that is NOT the case with Shadowcape. While I would love to see more stories about Horra as she grows up and develops into an adult, Shadowcape ended in a satisfactory way. All loose ends were tied up, no questions remained, and the main characters had all grown.
Shadowcape and the other books in The Band of Unlikely Heroes series would be great additions to a K-12 Christian school library (or any library). They are appropriate for upper elementary children and older.
I received a complimentary copy of Shadowcape. This is my honest review.

[Kristie Pankonin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ARC of this amazing book. The final book in this series will keep you on your toes and in tears. The characters go through some challenges. I won't spoil it for you, but it's a must read!