IndiesToday's Editorial Review of The Dragonkin Legacy

The latest 5 Star Editorial Review of my book, courtesy of IndiesToday:

"The Archipelago of Cynnahu is a scattered realm that was born of history and shaped by war. Once a unified continent, Cynnahu is no longer an unbroken land populated by the peaceable Dragonkin. Human mages made sure of that. Now, an aggressive threat known as the Naga is making dangerous inroads. Prophecy points to a decisive conflict, the Last War, and with the Naga mounting a massive invasion, Cynnahu folk put their hope in a mismatched group of reluctant heroes. The group, which includes a curmudgeonly Fire Mage, an astute boy hiding in his father’s long shadow, a visionary leader, a bereft girl with insatiable curiosity, and a traveling mage known for his connections, is tasked with solving a riddle and finding a long-hidden key to victory. They haven’t trained together as warriors, but defend their home they must, for the Naga will show no mercy. There will be challenges, tortures, and losses, along with small wins, deep connections, and new friendships. Even if the five can triumph over the dangers, unravel pieces of veiled history, and defeat the Naga, will deeper mysteries reveal even greater foes?

Exactly the force their world needs, a team of unlikely allies will have to rely on the past to protect the future in Ian E.S. Adler’s magical adventure omnibus, The Dragonkin Legacy. The author dignifies readers with elegant prose, sophisticated language, and nuanced characters, no small feat for a book geared toward younger audiences but attractive to all. Among the well-developed characters, readers will be hard pressed to choose a favorite. Though attention is focused on the five, even secondary characters are given weight, personality, and significant space in the advancing story. At times, the intensity of the action and the unexpected maturity of the younger protagonists allow readers to momentarily forget just how young they truly are. However, moments like a dramatic rescue sequence expose their vulnerability, making their age unmistakable. Fantasy lovers will revel in the frenetic set-pieces, while the unraveling mystery and shrouded history will keep readers utterly engrossed, eager to uncover what lies beneath. Immersive and impressive, the novel’s lore is so complete, so intrinsic, that the old sayings and well-loved adages of the region feel less contrived than remembered from a world that seems to have existed long before the first page. The plot has many movements that culminate in a dramatic twist, seamlessly locking earlier events into place while delivering a deeply satisfying revelation. A sprawling tale of transformation, The Dragonkin Legacy reminds us that even in a world forged by fire, we can still choose to be led by what we love rather than the things we hate."