Ruins of the Dragon Realm

by Selina A. Fenech

Bound by duty, hunted by the dead, Riony has only one choice … fight or burn.

Riony's future is grim as she prepares for marriage to a cruel man twice her age and a lifetime without freedom. But in a realm where the risen dead plague the land and a cursed dragon formed from shadow prowls the skies, there is nowhere to run.

Her fate changes when the dead rise in her village and the world as she knows it burns. Dragonriders are supposed to protect them from revenants, but Riony doesn't believe one will come. She has to rely on her own strength and courage if her family is to survive.

Hunted by enemies both mortal and monstrous, she will do anything to protect her little sister. Riony refuses to break, but when trapped in a living nightmare, the price of failure is worse than death.

This fierce, heart-pounding fantasy is a tale of sisterhood and survival in an apocalyptic world of dragons and magic, perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes, So Let Them Burn, and Priory of the Orange Tree.

Start your binge-read of the completed series with this Shadow Dragon Saga prequel now!

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

About the author

Selina A. Fenech writes quirky, positive, and powerful tales where love always wins. With laugh out loud moments, epic danger, twists, and unique magical worlds, her stories are perfect for a reader looking for something different.

Selina A. Fenech lives in Australia with her husband and daughter and loves food, gardening, geekery, and all things fantasy.

She is also a professional fantasy artist, and you can find her large range of coloring books and art books under her artist name, Selina Fenech.

Reviews

[KMart Vet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a banger of a prequel. This story completely caught me off guard with how emotional it was. I expected dragons and danger, sure, but not this level of heartbreak. It’s a brutal, tragic, beautifully written setup that left me immediately wanting more of the world.

It’s not a complete story on its own, more of a devastating glimpse into the background of these characters, but that’s exactly what a prequel should do. It gives just enough world-building, tension, and character depth to make you desperate to dive into the main series. A dark, gripping start that promises an even richer saga ahead.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodie Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Ruins of the Dragon Realm is the prequel to the Shadow Dragon Saga and it was exactly what I needed after thoroughly enjoying the six book series.

This is the perfect entry point in the series but I also loved the opportunity to read it afterwards. To go back to when Riony and Lyrrin lost everything and began their life in the underground caves after journeying with them and getting to know them so well.

I particularly enjoyed finding answers to many of my questions… Why Riony felt such a strong need to help others throughout the series when it seemed she was always left without help. Where Riony’s smart mouth developed. How Riony’s parents could leave her to face such cruel punishments as a child. Amongst others, which I think will serve as lovely little Easter eggs to those reading the prequel first.

Although this is a short little novella it packed a big punch, full of action, emotions and catapults our two main characters into our hearts.

I recommend this whole series to teenagers and adults, it is one that remains in my thoughts long after finishing the series.

[Livy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an unexpected but welcome surprise when I got the email alerting me that Selina has another story set in the Shadow Dragon universe! This time, a prequel about how Riony and Lyrin got to the underground!

I knew this was going to hurt going in, considering we already knew the backstory, but oh my gosh! My heart is shattered!! These poor girls, especially Riony, went through so so much!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scishellgmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the heart pounding, emotional roller-coaster start to the shadow dragon saga

Riony and her family are safe, they live in a community that is closed off from the dangers of the revs by the natural landscape and the fortifications that the village built. There are no bodys for the shadow dragon to reanimate so they are safe. However, there is a tyrant village leader who sees Riony as a commodity to be sold or used for his gain, and what happens if he has been lying about the village being safe? Can they rely on a dragon rider to save them if they are attacked? Riony doesn't trust anyone except her family so when danger strikes she does everything in her power to protect them. But there is only so much a 16 year old girl can do. Being responsible for her younger sister Lyrrin can be difficult at times, but it is also the only thing that keeps Riony going when the world feels like it is ending.
A heart breaking beginning to the shadow dragon saga that you will be thankful you read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had already read the Shadow Dragon Saga and loved it, so I had high hopes going into this prequel. Ruins of the Dragon Realm more than lived up to them. It offers a fascinating glimpse into events before the main saga. As with the rest of the series, the characters are extremely well written and come to life vividly on the pages. The story itself is deeply engrossing and kept me up reading late into the night to finish it. I highly recommend this book and the entire Shadow Dragon Saga to readers who enjoy epic fantasy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

RIONY

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

This story is a prequel to the Shadow Dragon saga. It tells of Riony with her parents and gives insight into her nature and will to be stubborn and how she gets to the caves with Lyrrin. I like the was Riony is outgoing and self-reliant due to the torture she endured as a slave. I also like the way her parents stood up for her and Lyrrin and the fortitude it took to stand up to the leader of the city where they lived.

[Amanda Evernden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story I didn't realise I needed til I read it. To read how Riony and Lyrrin came to be in the underground caves is heartbreaking and I could feel the anguish the poor girls went through. Selina has outdone herself with this one and it most definitely brought tears to my eyes. I really hope to hear more now they're rebuilding from the fight.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monika Gotthardt-Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5 for Goodreads

I loved the Shadow Dragon Saga so I was keen to delve a bit more into Riony’s past. This novella was great, showing us a bit more of the world before the caverns and how she lost her parents.
It was a good read, if not heartbreaking but I think it set up the world pretty well

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel is everything I didn't know I needed. Once again Selina A. Fenech does not disappoint. This story gives us the beginning of Rhiony and Lyrin's adventures with the shadow dragon and how they ended up fending for themselves. It is a beautifully written introduction to the series and made me want to read the entire series all over again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna Šuštar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Realm is a charming prequel to the Shadow Dragon Saga, giving readers a glimpse into Riony’s and Lirin’s lives before the main events of the series. While much of the outcome is already known, which reduces the element of mystery, it’s still enjoyable to reconnect with the characters and see how their story began. A fun read for fans of the saga who want a bit more background and character depth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel story that introduces Riony and her family and what they faced before the main story begins. A bit dark but that is expected considering the world she lives in. But it also had some funny times too before things get crazy and scary. But it was a good read and glimpse of a younger Riony.

[Mer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selina Fenech has always had a way with building a great world in which to picture her stories. This one is no exception. This prequel had me interested at the start and keeps me waiting for more with the character building, action, and plot line. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per the author: 'A prequel novella to the Shadow Dragon Saga, can be read before or after the series.'

The characters were well written and likeable. Plot was intriguing and exciting. World building was solidly drawn. Highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brittany Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruins of the Dragon Realm by Selina A. Frenech is a great Y. A. Fantasy. Ruins of the Dragon Realm is part of Shadow Dragon Saga. The story is entertaining, interesting, engaging, thrilling, and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trippentigger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you’ve read the entire series this is a great read. If you’re just looking to get into the series, yes start here, but be prepared for a major book binge session. Great to get some of the foundational pieces for our main characters and just set me up for a massive reread session.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series was very excited to read this prequel and it did not disappoint. A well written, heart pounding and emotional read that has you hooked from start to finish and is a fantastic addition to this incredible series!

[Skipping Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completely surprised me, it is a fierce and emotional entrèe to what im sure is an exciting world. Cant wait to read the rest of the series to see what happens!

[Serina’s Stories wolfganghollows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy to be in this world again, missed Riony and Lyrrin’s adventures. This one is set at the beginning of their story when their parents were still around. It’s a pretty heartbreaking read at points and really makes you understand what the girls, Riony especially, went through before the Shadow Dragon saga series. It’s a fast read but definitely a good entry book to the whole series, I really want to read them all again.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review