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Shapeshifter Dragons #3
Song of the Storm Dragon
The Storm is coming! The hegemony of Sylakia has been broken and freedom won, but at a shattering cost. Laid low by the vile Shapeshifter pox and Thoralian’s wiles, can Aranya rise again? For war sweeps Herimor at the touch of the Marshal’s evil claws, and he will stop at nothing to possess the ultimate power.
Now, the race is on to find the First Egg of the Ancient Dragons. Accompanied by her friends Zuziana and Ardan, and the magnificent Land Dragon Leandrial, the Star Dragoness must dive deep in her new quest. Cross the uncrossable Rift-Storm to Herimor. Stop Thoralian. Crush his ambitions. Only then will she be able to save her beloved Dragons.
Yet profound Dragon lore enshrouds her purposes. History beckons. What are the secrets of the powerful Dragonfriend and the tiny, lost Pygmy Dragoness? Why did the Dragons disappear? What became of the powerful Dragons of yore?
Arise, o Storm Dragoness! She is legend. She is the whisper of starlight upon Dragon scales. She is Aranya, and this is her song. The Song of the Storm Dragon.
Author’s Note
If you haven’t read The Pygmy Dragon and The Onyx Dragon yet, please stop right here! Spoiler alert! You will enjoy Song of the Storm Dragon far more if you read those two books first, as the series are closely linked.
Otherwise, let the Dragonride commence!
Now, the race is on to find the First Egg of the Ancient Dragons. Accompanied by her friends Zuziana and Ardan, and the magnificent Land Dragon Leandrial, the Star Dragoness must dive deep in her new quest. Cross the uncrossable Rift-Storm to Herimor. Stop Thoralian. Crush his ambitions. Only then will she be able to save her beloved Dragons.
Yet profound Dragon lore enshrouds her purposes. History beckons. What are the secrets of the powerful Dragonfriend and the tiny, lost Pygmy Dragoness? Why did the Dragons disappear? What became of the powerful Dragons of yore?
Arise, o Storm Dragoness! She is legend. She is the whisper of starlight upon Dragon scales. She is Aranya, and this is her song. The Song of the Storm Dragon.
Author’s Note
If you haven’t read The Pygmy Dragon and The Onyx Dragon yet, please stop right here! Spoiler alert! You will enjoy Song of the Storm Dragon far more if you read those two books first, as the series are closely linked.
Otherwise, let the Dragonride commence!
541 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2016
62 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Marc Secchia
63 books574 followersMarc is a South African-born dragon masquerading as an author, who loves writing about dragons and Africa, preferably both at the same time. He's the author of over 40 fantasy books in 5 languages including 10 rip-roaring dragon fantasy bestsellers.
His latest releases are Khyrial and the King, an absorbing Fantasy Romance and the hilarious epic fantasy Call me Dragon which won gold in the 2021 IPPY Book Awards for best Fantasy novel.
When he's not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.
His latest releases are Khyrial and the King, an absorbing Fantasy Romance and the hilarious epic fantasy Call me Dragon which won gold in the 2021 IPPY Book Awards for best Fantasy novel.
When he's not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 13, 2024
Song of the Storm Dragon continues Aranya's story as, together, with Zip and Ardan, she tries to stop Thoralian from taking over her world. They enter a whole new world in this book as they travel with Leandrial, seeing new creatures, fighting new foes, and learning new things. The relationship between Aranya and Ardan continues to break my heart as I desperately try to read with my fingers crossed!
A wonderful story, with a rich and complex history wrapped up with action, romance, humour, and sadness. Every character is thoroughly rounded, with their own foibles. I love how Aranya continues to grow, as her powers develop and emerge.
Once again, Marc Secchia has written an outstanding Epic Fantasy, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. This continues to be a magnificent series, and I can't wait to read more. Highly recommended!
* Verified Purchase - December 2016 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 19, 2016
A wonderful story, with a rich and complex history wrapped up with action, romance, humour, and sadness. Every character is thoroughly rounded, with their own foibles. I love how Aranya continues to grow, as her powers develop and emerge.
Once again, Marc Secchia has written an outstanding Epic Fantasy, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. This continues to be a magnificent series, and I can't wait to read more. Highly recommended!
* Verified Purchase - December 2016 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 19, 2016
November 29, 2016
An interesting sequel to Shadow Dragon
I really liked Song of the Storm Dragon, just like Mark's previous books, the plot was engaging, and there was humor, and at times it was serious or sad.
I really liked Song of the Storm Dragon, just like Mark's previous books, the plot was engaging, and there was humor, and at times it was serious or sad.
June 1, 2017
[Full disclosure: I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
So not only do we finally get a glimpse of the mysterious Rift in the southern Island World, we get to see Herimor. If you’ve read the past two books in the Shapeshifter Dragon series, you know that Herimor is populated by Chameleon Shapeshifters and assassinations with various creative poisons are just a fact of life amongst the upper class. It sounds pretty terrifying and strange but as we learn, it’s not all bad. And not all of the Marshals are as bad as their reputations.
What I liked about finally seeing Herimor was that it showed more of Marc Secchia’s incredible world-building. Herimor is populated by so many different species of dragons from the intensely creative Thunderous Thirty to the absolutely ludicrous Metallic Fortress Dragon. (Yes, I know they were engineered by the Dragon-Lovers but they’re still ridiculous.) Aside from the occasionally ridiculous dragon species, I was really impressed by Herimor. From the variety of species to the moving islands, it really is incredible and is the perfect setting for the final showdown against Thoralian.
Aranya really undergoes a journey throughout Song of the Storm Dragon. She has lost one of the things that defines her to other people: her physical beauty. She was tortured by Thoralian and now has to deal with the aftermath of that. And while overthrowing an empire isn’t easy, what comes after is often harder as she and her father try to manage the transition of power. After decades of Sylakian rule on some islands, how can they go back to their own system of government? What about the Dragon Shapeshifters that were rescued from Thoralian and his monstrous family? Where will they go and what will they do? These are hard questions with unclear solutions that will have to be dealt with while Aranya and the gang race Thoralian to Herimor to stop the First Egg from falling into his clutches.
Add into this whole mix the tension between her and Ardan. Aranya definitely feels conflicted about her relationship with Ardan, especially after Thoralian’s torture disfigured her entire body. While that may feel shallow, you have to remember that while she’s brought down an empire, she’s still only seventeen years old. Being a teenager is hard enough without going from ‘so beautiful men can’t ignore you’ to ‘everyone young and old recoils when they see your face’. On top of this, add in the fact that Ardan and Aranya’s meeting and oath swapping was pre-determined by Fra’anior himself and the two of them had very little choice in the matter. If you’re looking for a neat ending to wrap up all of these problems, you won’t get it in this third book. Marc Secchia is the master of ambiguity and ethical/moral grey areas so of course nothing is all that simple although both Aranya and Ardan get a little closure by the end of the novel.
The plot was fast-paced and complex with some heart-wrenching plot twists, particulary toward the end. Still, despite the sort of cliffhanger ending it was satisfying on an emotional level and it did resolve some major plot points. Basically, most of the main questions raised at the beginning of the book are answered by the end but there are still enough questions remaining that I’m going to be pining for the fourth book that’s coming sometime in 2017.
If you loved the previous two books, you’re going to enjoy Song of the Storm Dragon. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Aranya’s tumultuous life.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads reading purposes.
So not only do we finally get a glimpse of the mysterious Rift in the southern Island World, we get to see Herimor. If you’ve read the past two books in the Shapeshifter Dragon series, you know that Herimor is populated by Chameleon Shapeshifters and assassinations with various creative poisons are just a fact of life amongst the upper class. It sounds pretty terrifying and strange but as we learn, it’s not all bad. And not all of the Marshals are as bad as their reputations.
What I liked about finally seeing Herimor was that it showed more of Marc Secchia’s incredible world-building. Herimor is populated by so many different species of dragons from the intensely creative Thunderous Thirty to the absolutely ludicrous Metallic Fortress Dragon. (Yes, I know they were engineered by the Dragon-Lovers but they’re still ridiculous.) Aside from the occasionally ridiculous dragon species, I was really impressed by Herimor. From the variety of species to the moving islands, it really is incredible and is the perfect setting for the final showdown against Thoralian.
Aranya really undergoes a journey throughout Song of the Storm Dragon. She has lost one of the things that defines her to other people: her physical beauty. She was tortured by Thoralian and now has to deal with the aftermath of that. And while overthrowing an empire isn’t easy, what comes after is often harder as she and her father try to manage the transition of power. After decades of Sylakian rule on some islands, how can they go back to their own system of government? What about the Dragon Shapeshifters that were rescued from Thoralian and his monstrous family? Where will they go and what will they do? These are hard questions with unclear solutions that will have to be dealt with while Aranya and the gang race Thoralian to Herimor to stop the First Egg from falling into his clutches.
Add into this whole mix the tension between her and Ardan. Aranya definitely feels conflicted about her relationship with Ardan, especially after Thoralian’s torture disfigured her entire body. While that may feel shallow, you have to remember that while she’s brought down an empire, she’s still only seventeen years old. Being a teenager is hard enough without going from ‘so beautiful men can’t ignore you’ to ‘everyone young and old recoils when they see your face’. On top of this, add in the fact that Ardan and Aranya’s meeting and oath swapping was pre-determined by Fra’anior himself and the two of them had very little choice in the matter. If you’re looking for a neat ending to wrap up all of these problems, you won’t get it in this third book. Marc Secchia is the master of ambiguity and ethical/moral grey areas so of course nothing is all that simple although both Aranya and Ardan get a little closure by the end of the novel.
The plot was fast-paced and complex with some heart-wrenching plot twists, particulary toward the end. Still, despite the sort of cliffhanger ending it was satisfying on an emotional level and it did resolve some major plot points. Basically, most of the main questions raised at the beginning of the book are answered by the end but there are still enough questions remaining that I’m going to be pining for the fourth book that’s coming sometime in 2017.
If you loved the previous two books, you’re going to enjoy Song of the Storm Dragon. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Aranya’s tumultuous life.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads reading purposes.
April 4, 2021
Stormy!!!
I am going to find reviewing this book difficult.
Storm Dragon indeed. You really do need to read all the books in this series and the associated duo.
But like the title intimates this is a very stormy tale, a war between a plethora of dragon types, (which could be translated to us poor excuses for humans).
Marc Secchia spins a remarkable tale of love ,sorrow war, jealousy, self sacrifice and sacrifice,beauty and horror.
One small dragon in stature but one humongous dragon heart,( or hearts).
We join the story of the war well into it's progress, Aranya, Zip,
Ardan, Ri'arion, Sapphire and Leandrial have crossed the Rift amongst many travails.
Chasing their Nemesis, Theandrial whom turns out to be a triplet rather than just one dragon.
Loophole can't do this without giving too much away so just go read the lot for yourself. It's well worth the money and time. You will be run through the whole gamut of emotions from laughter to tears.
Word of warning though, once started you won't be able'll e to put these books down
I am going to find reviewing this book difficult.
Storm Dragon indeed. You really do need to read all the books in this series and the associated duo.
But like the title intimates this is a very stormy tale, a war between a plethora of dragon types, (which could be translated to us poor excuses for humans).
Marc Secchia spins a remarkable tale of love ,sorrow war, jealousy, self sacrifice and sacrifice,beauty and horror.
One small dragon in stature but one humongous dragon heart,( or hearts).
We join the story of the war well into it's progress, Aranya, Zip,
Ardan, Ri'arion, Sapphire and Leandrial have crossed the Rift amongst many travails.
Chasing their Nemesis, Theandrial whom turns out to be a triplet rather than just one dragon.
Loophole can't do this without giving too much away so just go read the lot for yourself. It's well worth the money and time. You will be run through the whole gamut of emotions from laughter to tears.
Word of warning though, once started you won't be able'll e to put these books down
May 27, 2020
I Really liked this book especially, because it delves a little bit more into the different clans of Land dragons, and all that but I wonder if Zip and Sapphire are ever going to... (trying to find the right words) ever be released... from aranya's mindset... anyway it was a very good book in my opinion. I did not know if the books would delve into what happens to the dragon- Haters but I like how they've made a turn for the better.
November 2, 2018
Brilliant !
The whole book from beginning to end kept me enthralled. I lived in another world with Ariana and her friends and enemies, as she battled to save not only her island world but also her own broken hearts.
The whole book from beginning to end kept me enthralled. I lived in another world with Ariana and her friends and enemies, as she battled to save not only her island world but also her own broken hearts.
July 28, 2017
Book 3 tells of struggles
This book makes you think of second chances and the struggles of doing the right things even when you don't want to do it .
This book makes you think of second chances and the struggles of doing the right things even when you don't want to do it .
February 20, 2018
Good book
Good book it was great keep doing the good work awesome books I like these books keep giving US these good books
Good book it was great keep doing the good work awesome books I like these books keep giving US these good books
August 31, 2018
Interesting
Interesting storyline with treachery abounding while throughout struggles continue with light versus dark among the dragons, human and the shapeshifters.
Interesting storyline with treachery abounding while throughout struggles continue with light versus dark among the dragons, human and the shapeshifters.
May 14, 2019
I keep wondering why Aranya doesn't just drink her own tears....
June 20, 2019
I liked it but they lost me somewhere halfway but I finished it now working on part 4
February 27, 2020
Soaring on Dragonsong!
Marc, you've done it once more!
I've been flying with dragons and I'm so in love! Can't wait to continue the journey!!
Marc, you've done it once more!
I've been flying with dragons and I'm so in love! Can't wait to continue the journey!!
March 2, 2017
Great
A little confusing At times but a great read nonetheless. Marc just can't write these books fast enough for me.
A little confusing At times but a great read nonetheless. Marc just can't write these books fast enough for me.
December 31, 2016
Best in series
This was the best book of the entire series. It had me going from cover to cover. I'm just angry that I have to wait so long for the next book!
This was the best book of the entire series. It had me going from cover to cover. I'm just angry that I have to wait so long for the next book!
January 6, 2017
The other books you could read this was impossible to follow was hard to pick out characters to many don't know if will read next book first two were very good
Was hard to pick out characters to many don't know if I will read next book first two were very good
Was hard to pick out characters to many don't know if I will read next book first two were very good
January 28, 2025
Could not get any better!
My heart-fires danced, soared, sorrowed, and burned throughout the wonderful-ness of this book. It was better than I could ever hope or dream. I can't wait until the next!
My heart-fires danced, soared, sorrowed, and burned throughout the wonderful-ness of this book. It was better than I could ever hope or dream. I can't wait until the next!
April 11, 2017
Great book if you can Muddle through it
This book is the third in the Shapeshifter Dragon series, with Aranya, Zip, Ardan and the rest making it across the Rift into Hemiur. Once across they getting seperated from each other and the story goes in three directions. The idea and the plot are great Marc Secchia does a great job of bring the Island World to life but there are moments where the book is just dry and boring with too much unnecessary details that I just find myself skipping pages. It actually took me a few tries to get into the book because I knew from the previous books that it would be like that.
This book is the third in the Shapeshifter Dragon series, with Aranya, Zip, Ardan and the rest making it across the Rift into Hemiur. Once across they getting seperated from each other and the story goes in three directions. The idea and the plot are great Marc Secchia does a great job of bring the Island World to life but there are moments where the book is just dry and boring with too much unnecessary details that I just find myself skipping pages. It actually took me a few tries to get into the book because I knew from the previous books that it would be like that.
May 1, 2017
Traveling under-Cloudlands+ with Leandrial, a Land Dragon. Crossing the Rift to stop Thorallian and his perversion of magic. Accepting that balance and harmony are needed. Finding them in yourself.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews