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200 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
Thank you to Natalie Wright for the digital ARC of The Sigil Five and Dragos Primeri Stories. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This collection was a fantastic return to the Dragos Primeri world and an easy five-star read for me.
The book contains five stories set within the Dragos Primeri universe, each offering a different tone and perspective while expanding the lore of the series. Whether you’re already a fan of the novels or approaching this world for the first time, the collection provides fascinating glimpses into characters, histories, and political tensions that shape the larger story.
The novella-length The Sigil Five was easily my favorite of the collection. Not only is it a compelling heist story (something I'm a sucker for) but it also provides meaningful insight into Aldewin’s past. Seeing the character in an earlier stage of life adds depth to his motivations and behavior later in the series. Octavia was also a fantastic protagonist for this story, and the exploration of power structures within the noble houses was especially interesting. The story highlights how corruption and cruelty within elite circles inevitably shape the wider world around them.
The shorter pieces that follow feel almost like glimpses behind the curtain of the main series. A Message for Rhoji and Ylfa’s Heart provide additional context for events happening alongside the main narrative of the novels, which longtime readers will especially appreciate. They feel a bit like getting access to scenes that might have been cut from a “director’s edition,” offering additional emotional and political layers to the story.
Suliam’s Secret was another standout for me. This fairy tale-styled story offers insight into Quen’s mother and the circumstances that shaped Quen’s life before she was even born. Because Quen’s mother dies prior to the timeline of the main books, it was fascinating to finally see more of her perspective and the choices that ultimately shaped Quen’s fate.
The collection closes with Feed the Roots, which leans into a darker, folk-horror tone. It was atmospheric, haunting, and surprisingly beautiful in its exploration of mortality and legacy.
What stands out most about Wright’s writing, both in this collection and in the broader series, is her exceptional worldbuilding. The Dragos Primeri universe is layered with complex political systems, magical systems and creature, and diverse cultures, yet it never feels overwhelming. Even within the shorter format of these stories, the author creates meaningful stakes and fully realized characters that make each narrative feel complete.
This collection feels like both a love letter to the world Wright has created and an invitation to explore it further. For fans of the series, it adds wonderful depth. For newcomers, it provides an intriguing introduction to the Dragos Primeri universe.