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Where Dragons Lay
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 15, 2026
First of all, I’d like to thank Sadie Davidson for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Where Dragons Lay. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this one early.
This story follows our FMC, Ziroh, through tragedy, adventure, unexpected friendships, and ultimately discovering the hero within herself.
What I loved most about Ziroh is how relatable she is. Yes, this is fantasy, but the emotional core of her story feels very real. Emotionally distant parents. A jerk older brother. Older sisters who overlook and underestimate her. While the world is filled with dragons and magic, the family dynamics are something many readers will recognize.
We don’t learn much about her mother in the beginning, but later we’re given a glimpse into who she really is through a memory that stuck with me. It suggests she’s simply doing the best she can in a patriarchal society, quietly carrying the weight of the life she’s been given while longing for something more.
Isn’t that how it is sometimes?
That family dynamic shapes Ziroh, but it doesn’t define her. When she’s forced to leave home in search of a cure for her mother’s deadly illness, she embarks on a journey that challenges everything she thinks she knows about herself. Along the way she faces magical foes, finds loyal friends and allies, and slowly grows into someone stronger than she ever imagined.
What I appreciated most about this book is that it never loses sight of its heart. Beneath the adventure is a story about grief, healing, self-worth, and learning to see yourself through kinder eyes. It reminds us that compassion—for ourselves just as much as for others—is often the most powerful thing we can offer.
I think that’s why this story resonated with me. It isn’t just about dragons or magic or saving the day. It’s about finding your way back to yourself after life has changed you. And while that journey isn’t always easy, it’s often where we discover who we were all along.
This is one of those fantasy books that feels like a warm hug by the time you reach the final page, leaving you with a little more hope than when you started. And honestly… I think we could all use stories like that once in a while.
This story follows our FMC, Ziroh, through tragedy, adventure, unexpected friendships, and ultimately discovering the hero within herself.
What I loved most about Ziroh is how relatable she is. Yes, this is fantasy, but the emotional core of her story feels very real. Emotionally distant parents. A jerk older brother. Older sisters who overlook and underestimate her. While the world is filled with dragons and magic, the family dynamics are something many readers will recognize.
We don’t learn much about her mother in the beginning, but later we’re given a glimpse into who she really is through a memory that stuck with me. It suggests she’s simply doing the best she can in a patriarchal society, quietly carrying the weight of the life she’s been given while longing for something more.
Isn’t that how it is sometimes?
That family dynamic shapes Ziroh, but it doesn’t define her. When she’s forced to leave home in search of a cure for her mother’s deadly illness, she embarks on a journey that challenges everything she thinks she knows about herself. Along the way she faces magical foes, finds loyal friends and allies, and slowly grows into someone stronger than she ever imagined.
What I appreciated most about this book is that it never loses sight of its heart. Beneath the adventure is a story about grief, healing, self-worth, and learning to see yourself through kinder eyes. It reminds us that compassion—for ourselves just as much as for others—is often the most powerful thing we can offer.
I think that’s why this story resonated with me. It isn’t just about dragons or magic or saving the day. It’s about finding your way back to yourself after life has changed you. And while that journey isn’t always easy, it’s often where we discover who we were all along.
This is one of those fantasy books that feels like a warm hug by the time you reach the final page, leaving you with a little more hope than when you started. And honestly… I think we could all use stories like that once in a while.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC-copy from the author, so here are my two cents on the book.
It reads very much like an old fantasy book from the seventies and eighties that you pick out of a shelf at your grandparents' house, but this is one of the good ones! It took some getting into though, but I am really glad I did.
Where Dragons Lay follows Ziroh, the daughter of the Baron of Eallan. Eallan is a small island nation with what immediately feels like a deep and rich culture. Ziroh is a little bit of an oddball, and the youngest of four. Therefore, not much is expected of her. Fate though, intervenes. After a raid against her island, her mother falls ill and her eldest sibling and only brother vanishes without a trace. All of this lnds Ziroh with more responsibilities, and she is thrown into a quest to save her mother, her nation, and in the end, her self as well.
Along the way, Ziroh finds firm friends and fierce foes. The latter is something I really enjoyed in this story. Danger feels real, and decisions carry risks. When she fails or overcomes an obstacle, the character reflects on this in a meaningful way. At no point does Ziroh strike me as a dumb child, she feels real.
The story is full of fairytale creatures, both good and bad in nature. They are wielded or maximum effect and in a way that strike me as authentic based on what I know of British fairytale creatures. That being said, they are not mere props used to establish this as a fantasy book or gather fae-points. Their presence are meaningful and important to the story in such a way that they are irreplaceable.
Sadie Davidson is an excellent writer with a rich vocuabulary that she uses for maximum effect. All interactions and every scene description feels unique and different. My headmovie really went to town on this one.
All of that being said, I think the parts of narration and exposition got a little thick sometimes, which made me feel like the dialogue did not get its proper place in the sun. Some of the messaging gets a little heavy handed at times, but then again, this is a novel for teens and I know for a fact that they need plain messaging and repetition.
All in all, I give this a five star because it is a book I would happily buy and recommend to a young reader.
It reads very much like an old fantasy book from the seventies and eighties that you pick out of a shelf at your grandparents' house, but this is one of the good ones! It took some getting into though, but I am really glad I did.
Where Dragons Lay follows Ziroh, the daughter of the Baron of Eallan. Eallan is a small island nation with what immediately feels like a deep and rich culture. Ziroh is a little bit of an oddball, and the youngest of four. Therefore, not much is expected of her. Fate though, intervenes. After a raid against her island, her mother falls ill and her eldest sibling and only brother vanishes without a trace. All of this lnds Ziroh with more responsibilities, and she is thrown into a quest to save her mother, her nation, and in the end, her self as well.
Along the way, Ziroh finds firm friends and fierce foes. The latter is something I really enjoyed in this story. Danger feels real, and decisions carry risks. When she fails or overcomes an obstacle, the character reflects on this in a meaningful way. At no point does Ziroh strike me as a dumb child, she feels real.
The story is full of fairytale creatures, both good and bad in nature. They are wielded or maximum effect and in a way that strike me as authentic based on what I know of British fairytale creatures. That being said, they are not mere props used to establish this as a fantasy book or gather fae-points. Their presence are meaningful and important to the story in such a way that they are irreplaceable.
Sadie Davidson is an excellent writer with a rich vocuabulary that she uses for maximum effect. All interactions and every scene description feels unique and different. My headmovie really went to town on this one.
All of that being said, I think the parts of narration and exposition got a little thick sometimes, which made me feel like the dialogue did not get its proper place in the sun. Some of the messaging gets a little heavy handed at times, but then again, this is a novel for teens and I know for a fact that they need plain messaging and repetition.
All in all, I give this a five star because it is a book I would happily buy and recommend to a young reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Sadie Davidson for providing me with an advanced copy of Where Dragons Lay in exchange for an honest review.
Where The Dragons Lay is a deeply moving, thought provoking yet fun fantasy novel. The story follows Ziroh, who lives in the sovereign nation of Eallan, an island disconnected from the wider world. As the youngest and unwanted child of a Baron, she has little to inherit and little is expected of her... that is until her brother is kidnapped by raiders and her mother falls ill. Ziroh, bestowed with a sword, she sets out on a quest to find a cure and bring peace back to the island. Accompanied by twin imps, a student wizard, a not-so-delicate fairy and a goblin with a heart of gold (or is that a kettle? 😛),Ziroh journeys across strange lands, meeting strange inhabitants and discovering stranger secrets and revelations.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy read. Sadie's influences are apparent: there are elements of Lord Of The Rings, Chronicles Of Narnia, and even Discworld. Whilst Sadie takes familiar fantasy tropes, she uses them with great skill to create something truly refreshing, bringing to life wonderful and colourful characters - a testament to her talents as a storyteller. Sadie demonstrates her knowledge of the genre in which she is writing, controlling all the tropes to give readers what they want without becoming cliched.
On top of this, her prose carries a warm, secure feeling with awe and wonder which takes you right back to your childhood when your parents would read you a bedtime story.
Grab yourself a hot mug of Coco, get cuddled up under your favourite blanket and settle in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Where The Dragons Lay is a deeply moving, thought provoking yet fun fantasy novel. The story follows Ziroh, who lives in the sovereign nation of Eallan, an island disconnected from the wider world. As the youngest and unwanted child of a Baron, she has little to inherit and little is expected of her... that is until her brother is kidnapped by raiders and her mother falls ill. Ziroh, bestowed with a sword, she sets out on a quest to find a cure and bring peace back to the island. Accompanied by twin imps, a student wizard, a not-so-delicate fairy and a goblin with a heart of gold (or is that a kettle? 😛),Ziroh journeys across strange lands, meeting strange inhabitants and discovering stranger secrets and revelations.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy read. Sadie's influences are apparent: there are elements of Lord Of The Rings, Chronicles Of Narnia, and even Discworld. Whilst Sadie takes familiar fantasy tropes, she uses them with great skill to create something truly refreshing, bringing to life wonderful and colourful characters - a testament to her talents as a storyteller. Sadie demonstrates her knowledge of the genre in which she is writing, controlling all the tropes to give readers what they want without becoming cliched.
On top of this, her prose carries a warm, secure feeling with awe and wonder which takes you right back to your childhood when your parents would read you a bedtime story.
Grab yourself a hot mug of Coco, get cuddled up under your favourite blanket and settle in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Powerful, The reality of the text will make you feel a lot.
The unloved Baron's daughter from a poor island has to learn to become a knight and goes ashore when her brother is kidnapped and her mother falls ill.
She, ZIROH walks far with wet boots carrying a sword on a thrilling quest, befriending fantastic creatures and experiencing adventures plenty.
The great side characters and their stories make the journey pumped up with joy.
Full of life, open minded she continues through setbacks always positive.
Ok I get it, the allegories have deeper meaning and are about how to overcome trauma, loss and come out stronger but let’s have fun on the way.
Kettle said — I just pay attention, it’s easy once you start looking.
Reading this book has made me start looking.
ZIROH made this map, and you the reader followed it to the happy ending, congratulations!
The unloved Baron's daughter from a poor island has to learn to become a knight and goes ashore when her brother is kidnapped and her mother falls ill.
She, ZIROH walks far with wet boots carrying a sword on a thrilling quest, befriending fantastic creatures and experiencing adventures plenty.
The great side characters and their stories make the journey pumped up with joy.
Full of life, open minded she continues through setbacks always positive.
Ok I get it, the allegories have deeper meaning and are about how to overcome trauma, loss and come out stronger but let’s have fun on the way.
Kettle said — I just pay attention, it’s easy once you start looking.
Reading this book has made me start looking.
ZIROH made this map, and you the reader followed it to the happy ending, congratulations!
August 6, 2026
I went into this one completely blind, and I'll admit, I was a little worried it was going to be another fantasy that blurred into all the other popular releases I've been reading lately. Thankfully I was wrong!
This gave me major Lord of the Rings meets The Witcher vibes, with great world-building that felt rich without ever becoming overwhelming. I loved the found-family dynamic between Ziroh and her crew, and the way the story unfolded through what felt almost like a series of interconnected mini stories.
Epic fantasy isn't usually my go to, but give me a wily stoat, a pair of chaotic little imps, and a cast I can't help but root for, and I'm completely sold apparently!
I'm so glad I picked this up, and I'll definitely be continuing the series. I need to know what adventures await the gang in Emberfort!
This gave me major Lord of the Rings meets The Witcher vibes, with great world-building that felt rich without ever becoming overwhelming. I loved the found-family dynamic between Ziroh and her crew, and the way the story unfolded through what felt almost like a series of interconnected mini stories.
Epic fantasy isn't usually my go to, but give me a wily stoat, a pair of chaotic little imps, and a cast I can't help but root for, and I'm completely sold apparently!
I'm so glad I picked this up, and I'll definitely be continuing the series. I need to know what adventures await the gang in Emberfort!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Exceptionally written! This was an easy, fast-paced, curious read. The twist from common dragon imagery was intriguing. The devotion and dedication of the characters to the FMC and her quests pulled on my heartstrings. I was surprised at times - especially the ending - laughed with the crew - and cried at an unexpected turn.
* Fairies
* Imps
* Witches
* Dragons
* Zero spice
Highly recommend!
* Fairies
* Imps
* Witches
* Dragons
* Zero spice
Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I first met Ziroh in a poem, by the same author, so to see her in her very own adventure was both exciting and wonderful.. this is a story of heroism, friendship, courage against all odds, and how love can heal trauma wounds.. it made me laugh, and cry (real tears), and I cannot wait for Ziroh to have more adventures.. this is a book for shelf, and I can't wait for my grandson to read it
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the kind of classic fantasy that I was hoping for! Loved the way it explored the creatures in its world, and how the lore all felt so thoroughly thought through. It’s also just fun to read and a brilliant debut. If you’re looking for the next high fantasy novel that has all of the wonder of the masterworks, this is for you!
August 11, 2026
A really enjoyable read with some great characters who you can really fall in love with,,a story of life, love and loss.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews