A Black Dragon on Red

by P.L. Stuart

Nightsoul.

A name striking terror into the hearts of Eltnia’s people for decades. A mysterious, sinister ruler, buoyed by the foreboding magic of the malevolent sorceress Barbis. A haunting spectre, appearing out of mist, razing kingdoms to the ground, then vanishing like a ghost, leaving behind destruction, ruined corpses, and paralyzing despair.

And Nightsoul has never been defeated in battle.

Lord Othrun has always known one day Nightsoul would come, seeking bloody vengeance. For Othrun killed Nightsoul’s mother, Nulthe, once leader of mages, at her own coven. Since that fateful night of murder, Othrun was surely marked for death by Borenia’s shadowy monarch.

Now it seems, Nightsoul has finally moved against the Lord of Eastrealm, by attacking Othrun’s father-in-law, harmless King Irly of Badonia.

With his wife, the mage Sila at his side, Othrun must make the dreaded journey west, into the gloom, to try and save Irly. Finally, Eltnia’s renowned Warlord will confront a foe far more petrifying than any of the daunting enemies he has defeated during his many military campaigns.

Coping with grief over the loss of those dear to him, and his desperate armies quivering at the thought of marching to certain doom, Othrun has never been so beleaguered.

Yet, despite the evil powers of Borenia bearing down upon him, Othrun has no plans to fall without a savage fight.

Nightsoul is indeed the most horrifying presence in all the land.

But even the maleficent Nightsoul should beware he who flies the ominous banner of the black dragon on red.

For all who dare challenge Othrun, shall witness his wrath.

And it is terrible to behold.

Hardcover

Expected publication July 1, 2026

About the author

P.L. Stuart was born in Toronto. He holds a university degree in English, specializing in Medieval Literature. P.L. is an assistant editor with Before We Go Blog https://beforewegoblog.com/ . The Drowned Kingdom Saga chronicles flawed and bigoted Lord Othrun's journey towards change, and his rise to power in a new world after the downfall of his homeland, which is based on Plato's lost realm of Atlantis. The Bestselling 'A Drowned Kingdom' is mentioned in the prestigious Kirkus Magazine’s 2021 Indie Issue among “Four Great Examples of the Genre” of fantasy, and won the 2022 Picky Bookworm Award for Best Indie Book Based on Mythology. Book 4 'A Lion's Pride' won Bronze for the Fantasy genre in the esteemed Reader Views 2024 Literary Awards.

Reviews

[Anne-Marie Mawhiney]

I have been provided with an Advanced Reader Copy of Black Dragon on Red in return for an honest review.

Whether in fiction or the real world, conflict among groups typically occurs when there are different views about the world and others’ place in it. Wars are inevitably about acquiring and defending precious resources, fighting to increase power and diminish the other’s and, at times, mean-spiritedness. Conflicts can also be forged in misunderstandings, rumours, myths, intentional lies, greed, and past experiences. When the stakes include possible destruction of the world, it is imperative for third parties to determine with which side to join. This can be tricky at times and so crucial to get right.

No one side in a conflict holds the whole truth or high ground. Indeed, enemies may even have some aligned beliefs and might even have created deliberate falsehoods intended to convince citizens and third parties to support them. And, even if it becomes clear who is the true architect of world destruction, is it not possible that an antagonist might change course? Are myths, foretelling, and current intentions always played out?
These are only two key questions raised in Book Six of P.L. Stuart’s stellar Black Dragon on Red

This part of P.L. Stuart’s brilliantly crafted and vividly imagined Drowned Kingdom Saga reveals a pivotal plot twist that sets King Othrun and his followers on a new quest with high stakes.
In the opening scenes, readers meet as yet unfamiliar characters in a context I briefly found confusing, uncertain in what time and place this story begins. The confusion drew me right in as I looked for clues. Before long, using his impressive attention to detail Stuart, with one simple action of adding the triangle to the circle, situates the timing of the first two parts of this book in relation to the previous five books.

The story that unfolds shifts everything readers have experienced thus far about King Othrun’s past adventures as he has recounted them. What we discover in Black Dragon on Red are complex, alternate viewpoints that place King Othrun, not as the hero he believes himself to be, but rather as an evil and dangerous antagonist. We also meet some characters we have previously heard about and become immersed in their life stories, which explain why they loathe Othrun.

In this book, the life stories of these new characters and the re-telling of some key, earlier parts of the Saga from different points of view offer touchpoints for readers to recall events from the past in ways that provide alternative perspectives. In looking back on the first five books, it turns out, readers have been given glimpses of these counterpoint views even though we may not have taken note of their significance in the absence of more context. But revealing too much earlier on in the Saga would have ruined the impact of this part of the story.

So much of what has happened in the past has strategically been masked from Othrun and his allies and followers by his opponents because the time was not right for all to be revealed. His standpoint, until this point, naturally, has put him at the centre of the story and as the hero. But now we learn that not everything may not be as Othrun experienced it. And, for readers, it becomes impossible to know where the truth is found. It’s like looking a piece of camouflage art and suddenly noticing the hidden figures and their roles in contributing to a new understanding of the whole picture.

Black Dragon on Red is the pivotal book in which the previous and current stories weave together so that past events coalesce into an epiphany of clarity, bringing into focus the Saga’s awesome complexity, along with a deep admiration of the unparalleled depth to P.L. Stuart’s imaginative writing.

In Part Three, the once hidden parts of the Saga merge with Orthun’s timeline, leading to an inevitable battle the likes of which King Orthun never expected to face, one even he realizes he is unlikely to win.

Throughout reading this epic part of the Saga, I was mesmerized, not only by the counterpoint stories, but also by Stuart’s way of crafting key moments from the previous books without being repetitive. These morsels not only help the reader recall the events but also add layers of complexity to what has previously occurred that will leave readers with new questions about Othrun and his place in the world.

Stuart has described himself as a detailed plotter in crafting this Saga. Still, it is mind-boggling to realize he knew precisely how to foreshadow, in the first five books, what is revealed in Black Dragon on Red. This has been so cleverly devised that it was possible for (many) readers to miss the significance of the glimpses he provided.

I am in awe of the virtuosity of P.L. Stuart in imagining and plotting Black Dragon on Red, and for having the presence of mind to have the whole Saga unfold in a way that introduces an unimaginable twist at this point. And there are still many questions begging answers left to unveil in the next installment of this enthralling Saga. I, for one, can’t wait.

[Eve Koguce · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the previous book ended with a bang, I was anticipating the next one with certain trepidation. A controversial character he might be, but having made the journey with Othrun over the course of five books, I’ve grown to care about his fate. Someone might say that he deserves everything that has happened to him, and I wouldn’t argue with that. Yet, in my view, Othrun’s flaws and transgressions are inseparable from his background, and I can’t judge him based solely on them. Who he is, how he thinks, and which decisions he makes are the consequences of being born royalty. Had he been tolerant, self-deprecating, and always ready to sacrifice the interests of his kingdom for the sake of decency, he wouldn’t have been such a realistic character. And if that had been the case, I’d have had zero interest in him.

In the previous book, “A Pack of Wolves,’ Othrun receives a blow, which, although not harming him physically, threatens to maim him worse than any of the many wounds he’d received in his many battles. And I won’t lie, I was a little frustrated when I discovered that the sixth book opened with a story of some unfamiliar characters. Moreover, those characters were such that I couldn’t place where they might belong in a bigger picture. Frustration isn’t something that can deter me from reading the book, at least not when the book in question is a part of the series that I’ve been totally invested in so far. My patience and curiosity were rewarded. And rewarded they were tenfold. One of the greatest mysteries of the saga was revealed, and that felt extremely satisfactory.

The author treats us to the intelligent exploration of power, its implications, advantages, and the effects it has on different people. With his trademark attention to detail, P.L. Stuart shows how the insanity brought on by power isn’t in rash decisions, acceptance of risks, and arrogance displayed during meetings with other kings and queens. While one can accuse Othrun of all these things, he can hardly be considered unsuitable for his role as a ruler. In “A Black Dragon on Red,” we see someone truly unfit for the throne, whose actions bring dire consequences for the whole kingdom.

In book six of the Drowned Kingdom saga, we finally get to meet Nightsoul, the most terror-inspiring king in all Eltnia. His name sends chills down the spines of even the renowned warlords. And Othrun isn’t an exception. He had seen firsthand what Nightsoul is capable of. Having witnessed the most awful things on the battlefield, it is the Nightsoul’s committed atrocities that still haunt Othrun’s dreams. At Nightsoul’s will, whole kingdoms seem to be mercilessly obliterated in a flash, with even their soil made infertile.

To my surprise, and I believe that I might not be the only one who felt that way, Nightsoul turns out not to be pure evil. Once I learnt the story of the person who held in fear the whole continent, it was impossible to deny the logic behind the despicable deeds. Moreover, even the cruellest people love someone. But love is beautiful, even when it lives in the darkest of souls. Alas, my sympathy lasted only until the moment when an innocent and most likable character fell victim to Nightsoul’s vengeance. Although I understood why Borenia's ruler did this and also that pain can make even non-violent people do terrible things, my empathy can be stretched only that far.

When we meet Othrun in book six at last, it is to find him in a pitiable state. It is believed that people react to loss in two ways. Some seek the meaning, stepping on a spiritual path. While others focus on self-destruction. It wasn’t a surprise that Othrun chose the second way. Drowning his grief in a bottle, he pushed away everyone who wanted to help him. His victories brought out the best in him. Grief has brought out the worst. His accomplishments in the political arena and happiness in family life gradually smoothed out the rough edges of bigotry and prejudice. Before our eyes, Othrun has grown more patient, benevolent, and forgiving towards others. Sadly, the events of book five, “A Pack of Wolves,” overthrew this newly-found harmony, and Othrun descended into self-destructive gloom. As I said at the beginning of this review, some might say that he deserved no less. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel moved by his suffering. He had gone such a long way to be where he is, and so many people benefitted from his exploits that I simply can’t look at him through a one-sided, narrow lens.

Staying true to his style, the author doesn’t spare the gruesome details. Expect there to be gore and blood and soldiers losing limbs in battle. Every time, after reading a battle scene, too realistically portrayed to simply push aside, saying ‘It’s just fiction,’ I pause to reflect if it is worth it. If something so brutal, that brings so much devastation and pain, is worth the gain. If any victory, no matter how grand, justifies lives lost, bodies maimed, and young minds stripped of innocence.

“A Black Dragon on Red” by P.L. Stuart takes us closer to the finale of the Drowned Kingdom saga, which, I have no doubts, will be truly epic. The author masterfully knits together the threads that seemed to be left hanging loosely throughout the first books. The complex canvas of interconnected stories and characters comes together neatly as we approach the end of Othrun’s journey.

Dark, uncompromising, and full of violence, “A Black Dragon on Red” is the book that makes a lasting impression on the readers. There are fewer characters whom one can love than those who are easy to hate. Still, it adds to the appeal of this book and the series in general. Sinister it might be, but irresistible nevertheless.

I am grateful to the author for providing me with the ARC of this book.

[Anne Smith-Nochasak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provided me with an advance reader copy in return for an honest review, and I am pleased to provide one.

Once again, we are swept into the world of the Drowned Kingdom for a rich and exhilarating read.

'A Black Dragon on Red' opens with an intense combat scene, and we fly through the pages, propelled by its momentum. The pace and intensity continue in a harrowing chase as King Boren pursues the last possible challenger to his direct lineage, determined to eliminate her. Such a pace, should it continue, would exhaust the reader, but P.L. Stuart masterfully varies the pace, inserting a pastoral interlude of love and hope shared by two young hideaways. Then, as we journey through the centuries following the machinations of the Borenian leaders, the action focuses on the psychological elements, on the schemes and rationale for these; action and battles are alluded to, but we do not have “epic battle scenes” in this section. And in between there are moments of tenderness, revealing depths of character and complexity in each of the four involved. This works well, for there will indeed be a cataclysmic battle, and in that horrific battle—after hints of unbeatable armies, devastation in completed battles, legendary swordsmanship, powerful mage craft, and ruthless destruction—nothing is spared. We share the dread the troops experience on the brink of battle; we see the impossible unfold before us as they do. We stand with them in a time that demands total courage in the face of unspeakable horror. It sings!

In this book, Othrun makes his appearance in the final sections; the first sections supply the background to the period preceding his arrival. The history of his new homeland, and the reasons for the resistance he faces, become vividly evident. We learn the history of the great mage Nulthe, how she began, who she loved, and how she followed her vision of a return of the mages—and an elimination of the one prophesied to destroy the earth. Noble and lofty goals—but the implementation becomes questionable as the centuries slip by.

We also learn the story of the dreaded Nightsoul, the feared warrior-sorcerer. We will discover unexpected warmth in the family background. It is, in a way, a book of overlapping love stories. There is such tenderness, such devotion and commitment to family and loved ones on a personal level—but when it comes to enacting their plans to restore the mages and to rid the earth of the destroyer and his lineage, their propensity for violence and destruction, their unscrupulous use of blood magic, is limitless.

When they discuss Othrun, their fears for the earth can almost sway us to their side. For if Othrun, as they believe, is indeed the destroyer, the ultimate spawn of a fallen angel, should he not be removed from the world? Should not all precursors of this destroyer be eliminated? However, to eliminate individuals, they engage in slaughter of armies and brutal executions. This gives us pause: If their intentions are good, why do they employ this level of cruelty? Is this a case of good intentions gone astray? Can their actions be justified?

Othrun himself, when we join him in the latter part of the book, is an aging man who recognizes his shortcomings but does not attempt to rise above them. He is grieving, a shadow of his former self—a true tragic hero, his potential buried in his flaws. We worry for him, in his continual imbibing of the wine that blunts not only his pain, but also his mental and physical skills. We fear for him, for he will still go to war.

Can Othrun succeed? And should he? Is his quest noble or malevolent? Or does that depend on how it is achieved? These are among the questions that rise in our minds, even those of us loyal to Othrun. Is he the destroyer? And if so, is carnage justified to eliminate one threat? And where does righteousness lie, when no act occurs in isolation?

The line between good and evil is not finely drawn; it twists in a labyrinth as we debate.

Again we see the strength of this storyteller: love and tenderness mutating into a rage for vengeance, battle scenes of unprecedented horror framed against the rise of a gentle autumn morning, magic wielders of immense power for good and for ill. We witness anew the nobility of Ingersa and receive hints of unnamed powers known to his people. There will be revelations from one magic wielder that will reveal heretofore secret features of the Anibian race. (Spoiler note: Even if you read Shapers of Worlds, you will still not be ready.)

It is a magnificent story, boldly told and richly alive. There is appreciation for the feminine aspect of leadership and warcraft. It is a story true to the first books yet setting a new standard of excellence. I do look forward to Book Seven of The Drowned Kingdom Saga, although I regret that the journey draws to its ending.

Great stories have that effect.

[Wolfmantula · Rating 4 out of 5]

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MY ⭐️ RATING: 3.75/5
FORMAT: Advanced Reader Copy

5 stars for the story, but it stings as book 6.

I want to say thank you P.L. Stuart for trusting in me for providing me with an advanced copy and to give an honest review. I wouldn’t say that A Black Dragon on Red requires reading the short story, Forest Dark, from The Shaper of Worlds, vol. 5, but I recommend doing it as Stuart introduces a bit of supernatural elements that get explored deeper within this novel.

The hardest part of reviewing this book is how much I genuinely love Stuart’s work. His world-building is incredible, his storytelling phenomenal, and his character development among the best in fantasy, and this novel is no exception in those areas. The problem, for me, was its structure, roughly 70% of the book is a prequel, with only the final 30% returning to the main timeline with characters I knew and loved. In the penultimate installment of a seven-book saga, I felt that choice hurt my overall enjoyment.

That said, the prequel part of this story was arguably needed. Through five books, Nightsoul has loomed as this mysterious, feared antagonist, more myth than person, and that needed to be fleshed out. Stuart takes a bold risk by devoting most of the novel to Nightsoul’s origin and the painful history that shaped the King of Borenia. It massively expands the world and gives real weight to the conflict.

”Power is not about what one can destroy. It's about what one can create."

Learning Nightsoul and Barbis’s full stories is masterfully done. Stuart makes you question your assumptions about them. You start wondering if you truly hate these supposed villains, or if you sympathize with their mission and the tragedies that drive it. By the time the timeline has made it back to Othrun’s era, the lines Stuart created blur beautifully. Who is the real antagonist? It’s two sides of the same coin, both fighting fiercely for deeply held beliefs and neither feels purely evil. That moral complexity is vintage Stuart, and it’s executed brilliantly.

With that said, I can’t fully shake my disappointment. Everything I praise is here, the stunning prose, rich characters, and themes of moral ambiguity, the cost of unyielding beliefs, prophecy, and grief that linger. But as book 6, the heavy prequel focus felt jarring. After investing in Othrun, his family, and their immediate stakes across five novels, suddenly shifting to a mostly new cast in ancient Acremia threw me. I struggled to care about Bore, Ethlun, and young Nightsoul at first, even though Stuart eventually made me understand their goals and ache for their losses. He humanizes the enemy army so well that the final battle hits with real tragedy.

If this had been a standalone novella or companion volume, I’d have loved it without any reservations. Of course that would’ve taken away from Stuart’s detailed style and lost some of the magic he brings to the table. Still, dropping it as the bulk of the penultimate book felt like a misstep in my eyes. It’s like watching a tv show with 2 episodes left and the last one you watched got you super excited to see what happens next and then the penultimate episode is a flashback. I’m honestly torn on my rating because of it.

Ultimately, this is a 5-star story trapped in a structural choice that, for me, cost it momentum at the worst possible moment. I still believe Stuart fans will appreciate the deeper lore and moral shades, but be prepared for a long detour before the payoff. I’ll still be first in line for book 7, because Stuart’s talent remains undeniable.

[Blaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the author. The penultimate book in The Drowned Kingdom saga and it knocked me on my ass again and again. A book that takes you back to the origins the world and many secrets will be revealed you are not ready for. Nothing is what it seems and the fate on the world is held in different hands for many reasons. Don't blink because you might miss the drop in temperature this book will put you through. Enjoy!