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Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly #2
Shadow Hills
In the second book in the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series, Ruskin, Cinder, and Groth are back for another exciting quest, this time to save a group of cursed shadow dragons!
A royal errand brings Ruskin, Cinder, and Groth to Shadow Hills, home to the most mysterious creatures in all of Wrenly—the shadow dragons. Legend says that shadow dragons are hostile to outsiders and cannot be trusted. But that’s not how it seems to Ruskin and his friends.
In fact, nothing is quite as it seems in Shadow Hills. The young dragons have been sent there by sinister forces that believe Ruskin is destined to rule over all of Wrenly. These same forces will do anything to prevent that from happening…even if it means putting the entire kingdom at risk. Will Ruskin and his friends see through the deception and learn who they can really trust before it’s too late?
A royal errand brings Ruskin, Cinder, and Groth to Shadow Hills, home to the most mysterious creatures in all of Wrenly—the shadow dragons. Legend says that shadow dragons are hostile to outsiders and cannot be trusted. But that’s not how it seems to Ruskin and his friends.
In fact, nothing is quite as it seems in Shadow Hills. The young dragons have been sent there by sinister forces that believe Ruskin is destined to rule over all of Wrenly. These same forces will do anything to prevent that from happening…even if it means putting the entire kingdom at risk. Will Ruskin and his friends see through the deception and learn who they can really trust before it’s too late?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2021
49 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Quinn
65 books100 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 16, 2024
ABOUT 'SHADOW HILLS': Forgotten dragons, cursed to live in the shadows.
Ruskin travels to Crestwood for an important mission: to fetch the lava rocks that will help protect Wrently from the firestorm headed its way. But when Ruskin reaches Crestwood, he and Cinder are tricked into venturing to Shadow Hills, a forgotten place not found on any map. Will the young dragons discover that dark forces are plotting against them before it's too late?
MY THOUGHTS: (LUKE)I enjoyed the book because the shadow hills are a dark place, and it makes everything look cool in the shadows but somehow the scarlet dragon Ruskin didn't go blank to shadows. My favorite character was Roke because he is a sneaky one and the white on his body doesn't make him turn to shadow in the shadow hills. Roke is probably the most curious character. The plot of the story is very good along with the illustrations.
(SANDY) another exciting installment in the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series focusing on friendship and teamwork, and the fight between good and evil. I love the illustrations. They are bright except in the Shadow Hills where everything is leeched of color except for Ruskin, and expressive. I think Luke has selected a great series for us to read together.
#TheShadowHillsDragonKingdomofWrenly #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
DICLOSURE: This review was written by Luke Phillips aged 7.
Ruskin travels to Crestwood for an important mission: to fetch the lava rocks that will help protect Wrently from the firestorm headed its way. But when Ruskin reaches Crestwood, he and Cinder are tricked into venturing to Shadow Hills, a forgotten place not found on any map. Will the young dragons discover that dark forces are plotting against them before it's too late?
MY THOUGHTS: (LUKE)I enjoyed the book because the shadow hills are a dark place, and it makes everything look cool in the shadows but somehow the scarlet dragon Ruskin didn't go blank to shadows. My favorite character was Roke because he is a sneaky one and the white on his body doesn't make him turn to shadow in the shadow hills. Roke is probably the most curious character. The plot of the story is very good along with the illustrations.
(SANDY) another exciting installment in the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series focusing on friendship and teamwork, and the fight between good and evil. I love the illustrations. They are bright except in the Shadow Hills where everything is leeched of color except for Ruskin, and expressive. I think Luke has selected a great series for us to read together.
#TheShadowHillsDragonKingdomofWrenly #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
DICLOSURE: This review was written by Luke Phillips aged 7.
October 14, 2025
Fast paced and jammed full of lore. I get why my little loves these
February 4, 2021
This is the second in the series of graphic novels. And while I still felt it was adorable, the story was moving slower for me than the first. With that said the ages aimed for will be on the edge of their seats waiting to find out what happens to their dragon friends! Grand adventures await!
June 18, 2025
Amazing graphic novel! It was great, and I am excited to read the next one!
November 19, 2025
Jr Read
Graphic Novel
Cute
Easy Breezy Fantasy
Great for young readers
Graphic Novel
Cute
Easy Breezy Fantasy
Great for young readers
June 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four stars.
Cinder, Groth and Ruskin are back on another exciting quest, this time to save some cursed shadow dragons! Ruskin is tasked by the king to go on a quest to get hold of some enchanted lava rocks which can save Wrenly from a massive fire storm. Of course as in the first book in the series, things aren’t as they seem on the surface, and there might be someone out to sabotage Ruskin! I love how the little dragons have each other’s backs and their friendship is very sweet. I also really like the fact that the dragons have a clear quest that they must complete before the end of the book. Though this is now the second time that the fate of the entire kingdom is at stake, and only Ruskin and his friends can save it. One begins to wonder what is going on in this kingdom that it is constantly at risk like this? And also, there are adult humans and adult dragons. Why can’t these guys deal with these big problems? Instead it is these little child dragons that have to.
Anyway, I realise that Ruskin is special, he is the only (apparently) living scarlet dragon and there is some prophecy about him. So he has magic and skills etc that mean he can do these things and other people and dragons can’t. I mean obviously there is something going on behind the scenes that we are only given glimpses of, and also I am not the intended audience for this book (an adult). My daughter adores this series however, and if I ignore the occasional problem then so do I. The story and the dragons are so cute and generally speaking, the story is so wholesome. My daughter is a precocious reader and is reading this as a six year old (almost seven soon!), and I do like to read these things first to make sure the content is ok for her. Doing this is definitely not a chore when it comes to this adorable series.
Four stars.
Cinder, Groth and Ruskin are back on another exciting quest, this time to save some cursed shadow dragons! Ruskin is tasked by the king to go on a quest to get hold of some enchanted lava rocks which can save Wrenly from a massive fire storm. Of course as in the first book in the series, things aren’t as they seem on the surface, and there might be someone out to sabotage Ruskin! I love how the little dragons have each other’s backs and their friendship is very sweet. I also really like the fact that the dragons have a clear quest that they must complete before the end of the book. Though this is now the second time that the fate of the entire kingdom is at stake, and only Ruskin and his friends can save it. One begins to wonder what is going on in this kingdom that it is constantly at risk like this? And also, there are adult humans and adult dragons. Why can’t these guys deal with these big problems? Instead it is these little child dragons that have to.
Anyway, I realise that Ruskin is special, he is the only (apparently) living scarlet dragon and there is some prophecy about him. So he has magic and skills etc that mean he can do these things and other people and dragons can’t. I mean obviously there is something going on behind the scenes that we are only given glimpses of, and also I am not the intended audience for this book (an adult). My daughter adores this series however, and if I ignore the occasional problem then so do I. The story and the dragons are so cute and generally speaking, the story is so wholesome. My daughter is a precocious reader and is reading this as a six year old (almost seven soon!), and I do like to read these things first to make sure the content is ok for her. Doing this is definitely not a chore when it comes to this adorable series.
January 29, 2024
Hey fellow adventurers! I just finished reading the most exciting book called "Shadow Hills," and it's like the second chapter in the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series. Get ready for some serious dragon quests and mysterious creatures!
So, our dragon hero Ruskin is back, and this time he's joined by his pals Cinder and Groth for a royal errand. They end up in Shadow Hills, the home of the most mysterious creatures in all of Wrenly – the shadow dragons. Legend says these dragons are not to be trusted, but Ruskin and his friends aren't convinced.
As they explore Shadow Hills, they discover that things are not as they seem. The young dragons there are cursed, and Ruskin and his friends believe they can help. But here's the twist – sinister forces are at play, thinking Ruskin is meant to rule over all of Wrenly. That's some serious dragon drama!
The book is a graphic novel, which means it's like reading a super cool comic. The pictures are so awesome, especially the ones with the shadow dragons. They're mysterious and kind of spooky!
Will Ruskin and his friends see through the deception and figure out who they can trust before it's too late? That's the big question, and you'll have to read the book to find out. It's like going on a dragon quest filled with mystery, danger, and maybe a little bit of magic.
If you love dragons, quests, and uncovering secrets, "Shadow Hills" is the book for you. It's a dragon-tastic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, grab the book, dive into Shadow Hills, and join Ruskin and his friends for an epic journey! 🐉📖🌄
So, our dragon hero Ruskin is back, and this time he's joined by his pals Cinder and Groth for a royal errand. They end up in Shadow Hills, the home of the most mysterious creatures in all of Wrenly – the shadow dragons. Legend says these dragons are not to be trusted, but Ruskin and his friends aren't convinced.
As they explore Shadow Hills, they discover that things are not as they seem. The young dragons there are cursed, and Ruskin and his friends believe they can help. But here's the twist – sinister forces are at play, thinking Ruskin is meant to rule over all of Wrenly. That's some serious dragon drama!
The book is a graphic novel, which means it's like reading a super cool comic. The pictures are so awesome, especially the ones with the shadow dragons. They're mysterious and kind of spooky!
Will Ruskin and his friends see through the deception and figure out who they can trust before it's too late? That's the big question, and you'll have to read the book to find out. It's like going on a dragon quest filled with mystery, danger, and maybe a little bit of magic.
If you love dragons, quests, and uncovering secrets, "Shadow Hills" is the book for you. It's a dragon-tastic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, grab the book, dive into Shadow Hills, and join Ruskin and his friends for an epic journey! 🐉📖🌄
September 8, 2024
Book Review: Shadow Hills: A Kingdom of Wrenly Adventure
"Shadow Hills" is a dazzling addition to the Kingdom of Wrenly series that effortlessly sweeps readers into a world bursting with charm and excitement! This graphic novel is a vibrant tapestry of adventure, where the characters truly come to life, showcasing remarkable growth and development as they navigate the enchanting yet challenging landscapes of Shadow Hills. The friendships that blossom throughout the story are heartwarming, filled with laughter, loyalty, and moments that tug at your heartstrings. Each character adds a unique flavor to the tale, making the journey not just about the adventure, but also about the bonds that form along the way.
With a perfect 5-star rating, "Shadow Hills" is a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful escape into a realm of magic and camaraderie. The witty dialogue and stunning illustrations perfectly complement the engaging plot, ensuring that readers are hooked from the very first page. Whether it's solving mysteries, facing fears, or simply enjoying a moment of friendship, every chapter is a joyful exploration of what it means to stand by your friends through thick and thin. Dive into the rich world of Wrenly and let the adventure unfold—it's a page-turner that promises to leave you grinning from ear to ear!
"Shadow Hills" is a dazzling addition to the Kingdom of Wrenly series that effortlessly sweeps readers into a world bursting with charm and excitement! This graphic novel is a vibrant tapestry of adventure, where the characters truly come to life, showcasing remarkable growth and development as they navigate the enchanting yet challenging landscapes of Shadow Hills. The friendships that blossom throughout the story are heartwarming, filled with laughter, loyalty, and moments that tug at your heartstrings. Each character adds a unique flavor to the tale, making the journey not just about the adventure, but also about the bonds that form along the way.
With a perfect 5-star rating, "Shadow Hills" is a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful escape into a realm of magic and camaraderie. The witty dialogue and stunning illustrations perfectly complement the engaging plot, ensuring that readers are hooked from the very first page. Whether it's solving mysteries, facing fears, or simply enjoying a moment of friendship, every chapter is a joyful exploration of what it means to stand by your friends through thick and thin. Dive into the rich world of Wrenly and let the adventure unfold—it's a page-turner that promises to leave you grinning from ear to ear!
February 4, 2022
This story of Shadow Hills felt more complete than the story of the Coldfire Curse (volume 1). If the reader knows volume 1 they will greatly enjoy the three beloved dragons coming together for a second adventure! Ruskin is becoming the hero he is meant to be!
The mysterious villain who is working with Villinelle is brought in at the end again, which makes the reader want to read volume 3! In this book, the longing to read volume 3 is accomplished without the story feeling incomplete. The illustrations are brilliant! Shadow Hills feels eerie and whenever Ruskin brings a little color back to the scene the feeling of joy is palpable.
The mysterious villain who is working with Villinelle is brought in at the end again, which makes the reader want to read volume 3! In this book, the longing to read volume 3 is accomplished without the story feeling incomplete. The illustrations are brilliant! Shadow Hills feels eerie and whenever Ruskin brings a little color back to the scene the feeling of joy is palpable.
March 28, 2023
Further adventures of Ruskin and Cinder (and Groth). Another problem threatens their realm, another quest is required to combat the problem. The witch dragon sends them to a previously unknown place, the Shadow Hills. There are multiple mysterious happenings, new characters, a little lesson on lying not being good (even little “white” lies), and a happy resolution for all.
Don’t think too hard about it, your questions will most likely not be answered. But kids will enjoy the adventure, and there’s another cute dragon (of questionable character, but who knows, maybe he gets a redemption arc), and another appearance of the unnamed enemy in the shadows.
Don’t think too hard about it, your questions will most likely not be answered. But kids will enjoy the adventure, and there’s another cute dragon (of questionable character, but who knows, maybe he gets a redemption arc), and another appearance of the unnamed enemy in the shadows.
March 30, 2021
This is book two in the new graphic novel series. As a read aloud, it was a dud, even though my kids still listened, though they weren’t quite as engaged as with book one. There were a few funny moments, but mostly weak on plot and dialogue again, though this one had a little “lying is wrong” moral clumsily thrown in. I probably won’t read any more of these aloud but will still request from the library and encourage my younger readers to try independently.
December 8, 2023
I'm torn between 2 and 3 on this. On the one hand, I really like how it plays with color. On the other hand, itI'm torn between 2 and 3 on this. On the one hand, I really like how it plays with color. On the other hand, it felt like some character actions were 'just to add drama' and nothing more. felt like some character actions were 'just to add drama' and nothing more.
January 24, 2022
A new threat approaches the Kingdom of Wrenly and it is up to the scarlet dragon to stop it. This is a super cute book. Fun illustrations, easy to follow, and fast paced to keep it interesting. My son read it in one sitting and insisted I do the same. It's a fun journey for all.
June 25, 2022
This is a fun graphic novel spin off series of the Kingdom Of Wrenly early chapter books. The illustrations are great, the adventures are exciting, and the characters are loveable... except the villain, of course!
December 17, 2022
A nice continuation and the Shadow Hills is pretty interesting as the idea of an area where the color is literally drained out of you is cool. But the new character Roke just seems to be an annoying character.
January 1, 2024
This is a charming story featuring a likeable dragon protagonist named Ruskin. The plot is simplistic, but I think this book will still appeal to it's age demographic because it is still adventurous and fun. The art is uninspired but passable.
March 31, 2021
Cute and colorful. A bit hard to follow, in the sense that it's part of a larger thing and so nothing gets explained.
May 1, 2021
Almost the same as book #1, just a differ challenge.
May 21, 2021
Cute artwork.
June 24, 2021
These books are really cute. I love how Ruskin is able to bring colors back to the Shadow Hills: the illustrations are really cool for that.
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August 13, 2021Very cute adventure for (very) young readers.
Read
November 2, 2021Same as the first, fun, entertaining, floofy. I do like the illustrations even though I don't like the need to make it clear who's the bad guy or who's the "girl" based on how they look.
April 7, 2022
Good book
July 3, 2022
Still working on this series with my kid.
July 17, 2022
A nice graphic novel for children interested in fantasy.
May 1, 2023
A fun series about good dragons. Colorful. A great addition to an elementary school library collection. My voracious reader first grade grandson will love.
May 12, 2023
I love the dragons and graphic novel layouts.
August 27, 2023
Cute and easy to read. Love the power of friendship and honesty.
September 2, 2023
Better than the first. Interesting.
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December 10, 2023Best book ever 😁.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews