Dragon's Mark

by Isla Elrick

Her husband is becoming a monster. To save him, she might become one, too.

Newlyweds Magdelne, a mage, and Epiphron, a dragon, have faced trials that would break lesser bonds, yet their love has endured. But when a mind-altering blood sigil appears on Epiphron’s skin, Mag uncovers a long-buried betrayal tied to her own past. Their hunt for answers leads to a forsaken island, where a vengeful sorcerer awaits with cursed primordial power.

To save the dragon she loves, Mag must lean into forbidden magic—and risk losing herself to the darkness.

Perfect for fans of D&D, gothic atmosphere, love-to-hate-them villains, dark fantasy vibes, and love interests with horns and claws.

Dragon’s Mark is a short story connected to The Everwinter Series by Isla Elrick, but it can be read as a standalone or introduction to the series. In fact, lots of readers read it first! It takes place after the final book of the trilogy, so be advised that the particulars of the HEA, such as who is married to whom and who survives to the end, may be discussed or hinted at.

Genres: Paranormal

Unknown Binding

Published December 26, 2025

Reviews

[Puppets & Paperbacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got this as an ARC

This is also a new to us author, which is why we chose to sign up for the ARC. Actually, we wanted to knock two things out at once. 1. See if we liked this author 2. See if we wanted to read this series.

OMG! We cannot wait to read the Everwinter Trilogy Series for which these two characters, Magdelne and Epiphrone exist.

I love them so much 🥰 especially Magdelne. She’s such a strong mage that will do anything to make sure her husband is never captive or imprisoned again 🥹

This is a novella which means everything is kind of fast paced. Not once in this story did I feel like it was too fast or that I was missing any details. The pacing and the story line are great!

It starts off beautiful and girl I thought we were getting spice and then everyone got blue balls because we went right into the drama. It is such a unique story.

Even though I don’t know the Everwinter Series I didn’t once think I didn’t have a good idea of who these characters were. Sometimes in novellas that can happen, but not here. We even had a villain show up and I knew way too much about that guy.

Like, the more I learned about him the more I was on Epiphrones and Magdelnes side of “let’s just kill this dude” don’t worry he gets what’s coming to him 😏

If your are like us and curious about this series or author start with this novella. Just be aware you may get spoiled on how these two characters end up, but really that’s not a big deal.

Oh! It does end on spice, so obviously it’s a HEA novella, which I mean, it HAS to be! Anyways, the spice it ends on is normal level fantasy spice. Like a high beginner spice. You’ll be fine 😉

[Ash Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers maybe? so I edited some things and marked it as such!
Stars: 4.25
Spice: 🌶️ (just two quick scenes but DANG girlie pop off)
I’ve read just a handful of Elrick’s works so far and am currently in the process of rectifying that. She writes beautifully and this novella is no exception. The panic feels raw, the confusion feels genuine, the tension feels substantial.
For how quick this read is, the development and pacing are exquisitely done.
One thing I wish there was, when our mysterious bad guy reveals his plot and his reasoning behind it, I do wish he was a little bit more obsessed with our FMC Magdelne (he is, I just wanted him to be a little more psycho about it lol). He has good motivation for doing the things he does, I just wanted a sprinkle of unhingedness to emphasize why he was doing those things specifically to her. But that’s just a personal preference for me and in no way detracts from the story as a whole.
The way these two fight for each other is beautiful and I greatly enjoyed this addition to their story!
Thank you Isla Elrick for the opportunity for my first ARC read, y’all check this out!

[Ariana Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revisiting Magdelne and Epiphron was such a fun treat. It packed so much story into under 100 pages.
It was action and adventure. Magic and love. Them choosing each other again and everyday. I loved this story for what more it gave us towards their story.

I received an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jenna Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who loves magic, dark magic and dragons! which i love! for a short book, its written beautifully and heartbreaking but with a good ending. I felt angry for Epiphron, but happy at the end.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella continued the adventures of Magdelne and Epiphron as an aside to the Everwinter Series. It contained more challenges to the couple and showed their resiliency through these events. A lot was packed into this story and was a pleasure to read.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t Epiphron and Magdelne get a moment’s peace?

Newlyweds now, Epiphron and Magdelne would like to spend some time alone. However, it would seem that someone has other ideas when Epiphron begins to attack Magdelne. Now they have to see if they can somehow figure out who cursed Epi and how to remove it. Even though this is the first story I have read by Isla Elrick, I had no problems with the characters, or the world building. I could easy understand the magic and the world itself. I can’t wait to read more of Isla Elrick’s works!

I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short read that I read as a standalone. This was my first book by Isla Elrick. I really enjoyed this short novella because it had a unique magic system and a beautiful love story where they both fought for each other to be together.

Thank you Isla Elrick for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are honest, and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic novella from the Everwinter series by Islam Elrick. Great MC's written with depth and growth throughout the story. The FMC, Magdelne and the MMC, Epiphron have so much chemistry. Plenty of action and adventure. The brilliant world building of Isla shines beautifully and magically throughout the book keeping the reader immersed. I definitely recommend reading this book!

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story that takes place about 4 years after The Everwinter series by Isla Elrick.
It’s brutal and agonizing but will keep you hanging on to the very end!
You can get it for free on Amazon!