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The Hunt for the Shadow Dragon
A living goddess hunts them. A dragon hungers for them.
And the only blade that can save them may cost Frida her soul.
With a new ship and a crew of outcasts, Frida d’Armand sails to the jungles of the Kingdom Beyond the Wall. Her quarry is the last dragon—the only key to reaching the lost elven realm of Quel’Aiqua.
But the Onyx Queen has marked Frida’s companions for enslavement. When betrayal strikes from within, the hunters become the hunted.
An ancient blade of dragon-forged steel may turn the tide… If Frida can master the weapon’s will before it swallows her whole.
And the only blade that can save them may cost Frida her soul.
With a new ship and a crew of outcasts, Frida d’Armand sails to the jungles of the Kingdom Beyond the Wall. Her quarry is the last dragon—the only key to reaching the lost elven realm of Quel’Aiqua.
But the Onyx Queen has marked Frida’s companions for enslavement. When betrayal strikes from within, the hunters become the hunted.
An ancient blade of dragon-forged steel may turn the tide… If Frida can master the weapon’s will before it swallows her whole.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2026
About the author
Luís Falcão de Magalhães
17 books48 followersMy name is Luis, and I’m the black sheep of the family.
Born the scion of a household of magistrates and physicians, I was groomed from a young age to meet those expectations. I threw the chain of office away and became a bard instead.
I’ve since traveled the breadth of my homeland, picking up tales here and there. I’ve dined with aldermen and drank firewater with vagabonds; I’ve sung moonlit serenades to hussies and taken the daughters of wealthy merchants to grand balls. I’ve joined secret orders, learning their lore and passphrases; I’ve locked arms with tree-huggers and danced with them under the full moon.
But two things sing to my soul like nothing else. One, the roll of the dice, be it on the wood of the tabletop or within the shards of magical glass that are everywhere in our society. Two, the tales of daring, of heroism and valor, of wickedness and deceit, to be found among the dusty tomes of the world’s libraries.
To contribute to those, I have made my life’s work.
Stay a while, and listen…
Born the scion of a household of magistrates and physicians, I was groomed from a young age to meet those expectations. I threw the chain of office away and became a bard instead.
I’ve since traveled the breadth of my homeland, picking up tales here and there. I’ve dined with aldermen and drank firewater with vagabonds; I’ve sung moonlit serenades to hussies and taken the daughters of wealthy merchants to grand balls. I’ve joined secret orders, learning their lore and passphrases; I’ve locked arms with tree-huggers and danced with them under the full moon.
But two things sing to my soul like nothing else. One, the roll of the dice, be it on the wood of the tabletop or within the shards of magical glass that are everywhere in our society. Two, the tales of daring, of heroism and valor, of wickedness and deceit, to be found among the dusty tomes of the world’s libraries.
To contribute to those, I have made my life’s work.
Stay a while, and listen…
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 20, 2026
Elessia continues to captivate in this latest entry to its lore.
What is so wonderful about these books is its vast array of heroic characters. They all burst from the page with their individual personalities and abilities. It definitely harkens back to classic fantasy and dungeons and dragons adventure.
This one echoes an oldie for me in Drizzt and his capture by mind flayers. I guess it’s a bit a minor spoiler but for the companions in this one a parallel to this peril can be drawn.
Which is exactly my point. These tales pull me into the realm and I find myself lost in their world as I did many years ago.
The Hunt for the Shadow Dragon features all the terror and thrills you have come to expect. Witch Queens, sentient swords, terrifying creatures and a possible dragon for our heroes to overcome.
If that doesn’t sell you, I’m not sure what will!
Once again much thanks to the author for providing this ARC.
What is so wonderful about these books is its vast array of heroic characters. They all burst from the page with their individual personalities and abilities. It definitely harkens back to classic fantasy and dungeons and dragons adventure.
This one echoes an oldie for me in Drizzt and his capture by mind flayers. I guess it’s a bit a minor spoiler but for the companions in this one a parallel to this peril can be drawn.
Which is exactly my point. These tales pull me into the realm and I find myself lost in their world as I did many years ago.
The Hunt for the Shadow Dragon features all the terror and thrills you have come to expect. Witch Queens, sentient swords, terrifying creatures and a possible dragon for our heroes to overcome.
If that doesn’t sell you, I’m not sure what will!
Once again much thanks to the author for providing this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First I want to thank Luís Falcão de Magalhães for including me with his Champions of Elessia. This provided me the opportunity to ARC read The Hunt for the Shadow Dragon. Even with the opportunity to read early, I am reviewing of my own volition and thr following words are my own.
If I were to suggest 1 of Luís Falcão de Magalhães series to introduce his works other than from the beginning, to give a good taste of the feel of his writing and follow intriguing characters, Lost Elven Realms would be it. All of the Legends of Elessia are a ride, but Frida, Silas with the contrast of Memphala and Lucias, by far my favorite. The third installment didn't disappoint either.
The next I would suggest, would be Shadows over Garm. Luis uses characters who had their orgins there and refers often to The Blood God who was the main antagonist then and has a minir role here. Not in a way that is you must to understand but the fear some of the characters have, has more justification. That guy.. he is scary. Not only in a willing to get his hands dirty way, but a you better becareful what you wish for way. He will have his last morbid laugh, you think you have the upper hand.
What's funny. That series is about a lost pyramid underneath civilization. This has a mirror in that there is a lost civilization underneath a pyramid. Our band of heroes do not mean to seek it out, but once if finds them, there is no respite. No rest as they are pursued like an escaped tiger from the zoo for the reaches of power they unwittingly have access to.
I enjoyed the story. It is removed enough, yet familiar to be of its own. I really like the witches biding their time and strengthing their powers for war within a jungle that is avoided. It gives the story an ancient feel. Yet also fits perfectly with what is already established. Dark, gritty, and full of battles and strife. It is a fight through all sorts of horrors to the end. And just when you think there is salvation and safety... think again.
If I were to suggest 1 of Luís Falcão de Magalhães series to introduce his works other than from the beginning, to give a good taste of the feel of his writing and follow intriguing characters, Lost Elven Realms would be it. All of the Legends of Elessia are a ride, but Frida, Silas with the contrast of Memphala and Lucias, by far my favorite. The third installment didn't disappoint either.
The next I would suggest, would be Shadows over Garm. Luis uses characters who had their orgins there and refers often to The Blood God who was the main antagonist then and has a minir role here. Not in a way that is you must to understand but the fear some of the characters have, has more justification. That guy.. he is scary. Not only in a willing to get his hands dirty way, but a you better becareful what you wish for way. He will have his last morbid laugh, you think you have the upper hand.
What's funny. That series is about a lost pyramid underneath civilization. This has a mirror in that there is a lost civilization underneath a pyramid. Our band of heroes do not mean to seek it out, but once if finds them, there is no respite. No rest as they are pursued like an escaped tiger from the zoo for the reaches of power they unwittingly have access to.
I enjoyed the story. It is removed enough, yet familiar to be of its own. I really like the witches biding their time and strengthing their powers for war within a jungle that is avoided. It gives the story an ancient feel. Yet also fits perfectly with what is already established. Dark, gritty, and full of battles and strife. It is a fight through all sorts of horrors to the end. And just when you think there is salvation and safety... think again.
Want to Read
February 10, 2026Just received the ARC!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This dark magical fantasy book kept me just turning the pages, and forgetting about real life, it is a real page turner but not for the faint hearted. Frida captains the vessel taking our group of adventurers on their quest. They go in search of a sword and a book, and in order to do this they travel through the jungle and over the wall. However soon they fall captives to Zal'Kethra, the onyx queen herself, and she is a blood witch and a real sadist. They are taken prisoner and kept apart and tortured upon the orders of the queen and her witches. Frida suffers terribly, as does Memphala the vampire, who is soul bound to Lucius the priest. After a period too long to take such suffering, Tun'Taka, the obsidian princess, who had taken Lucius as her lover and sparring partner, realises that her mother was seeking immortality and that she would be robbed of her chance to rule, so she aids their escape. This is fraught with danger and serves for a nail biting session, but what follows is even worse. They travel through swamps full of poisonous monsters, and finally get to meet their strongest foe, the shadow dragon himself. This book has excellent descriptions such as that of the magical storm which hit the Magpie, as well as that of the caverns and the swamp which are so detailed and relaistic that the reader experience all the fearsome emotions themselves. There is betrayal, as well as a lot of loyalty amongst the friends, and it is this loyalty and watching each other's backs which see them through all their ordeals. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to go on reading the next book as from the ending we can see that the plot thickens.
Review of advance copy
I got an advanced copy from BookSirens, as usual with this author.
All his books are good, but this one is awesome.
A great world (and growing), a huge story with deep history (from millenia). The series is fantastic, but it intertwines with the previous ones, what makes it even better.
While this is happening, far in the north another group of heroes is luring a fighting another dragon.
Very special characters, each with different personalities and motivations. No one is perfect, but together they are force to keep in mind.
An epic adventure through sea, earth and air.
Suffering, strugling, beated, but never giving up.
Thrilling, page turning, there's no time for taking a breath.
You'll end it exhausted, with a bit of bitter taste at the end, but hungry and thirsty for more, because it's not the end. And you'll need more.
All his books are good, but this one is awesome.
A great world (and growing), a huge story with deep history (from millenia). The series is fantastic, but it intertwines with the previous ones, what makes it even better.
While this is happening, far in the north another group of heroes is luring a fighting another dragon.
Very special characters, each with different personalities and motivations. No one is perfect, but together they are force to keep in mind.
An epic adventure through sea, earth and air.
Suffering, strugling, beated, but never giving up.
Thrilling, page turning, there's no time for taking a breath.
You'll end it exhausted, with a bit of bitter taste at the end, but hungry and thirsty for more, because it's not the end. And you'll need more.
March 18, 2026
Book Three of the Lost Elven Realms series finds Frida and Silas’s growing band of allies on a quest to recover a magical artifact currently in the possession of the Shadow Dragon. If that wasn’t already challenging enough, their pursuit carries them to High Kyanun, a matriarchal jungle kingdom ruled by a witch queen whose dark magic is fuelled by blood.
Thus far, High Kyanun has remained at the periphery of Luis Falcão de Magalhães’ Elessia Saga. However, in The Hunt for the Shadow Dragon it takes centre stage. And what a stage it is! Every aspect of this brutal kingdom is brought to captivating life: its terrain, its environment, its culture, not to mention its ruthless leadership.
By now, it goes without saying that Falcão de Magalhães’ books are full of thrills and adventure and The Hunt for the Shadow Dragon is no exception. Bring on Book 4!
Thus far, High Kyanun has remained at the periphery of Luis Falcão de Magalhães’ Elessia Saga. However, in The Hunt for the Shadow Dragon it takes centre stage. And what a stage it is! Every aspect of this brutal kingdom is brought to captivating life: its terrain, its environment, its culture, not to mention its ruthless leadership.
By now, it goes without saying that Falcão de Magalhães’ books are full of thrills and adventure and The Hunt for the Shadow Dragon is no exception. Bring on Book 4!
April 1, 2026
Part three of this epic fantasy saga is a thrilling expedition deep into the lair of the dark elves that leaves our heroes fighting for their very lives. The characters in this series continue to grow and their personal interactions bring them vividly to life to enhance the story.
Excellent world building and a page turning style.
Excellent world building and a page turning style.
March 31, 2026
Frida's crew is moving forward on the journey to find the Shadow Dragon. The journey is fraught with danger and bad omens. Can they survive what lives within the jungle? The characters are done very well and the world building is wonderful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews