Drake Ascendant (Dragon’s Oath Book 1)

Oh, where do I even begin with this gem of a tale? Drake Ascendant is like a dragon’s hoard—shiny, full of surprises, and impossible to resist once you’ve laid eyes on it. Donna Sundblad has crafted a story that’s equal parts heart-pounding adventure, intricate world-building, and a masterclass in character development. As a fellow writer of fiction, I couldn’t help but marvel at how she juggles all these elements with the finesse of a dragon tamer.

Let’s start with the plot, shall we? Because, wow, what a plot! Ervig Greenfields, our unlikely hero, starts off as a prison guard (already a fascinating choice for a protagonist) and ends up… well, a dungeon rat. Yes, you read that right. A rat. But not just any rat—a cursed one. And the only way to break the curse? Strike a deal with dragons. I mean, talk about a bad day at work! The dragons offer Ervig access to the Labyrinth of Times, a maze where dark magic can be purged, but there’s a catch (isn’t there always?). He must swear the Dragon’s Oath, binding him to dragonkind for centuries. No pressure, right?

The story unfolds like a tapestry, with threads of time travel, ancient magic, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Sundblad’s pacing is impeccable—she knows exactly when to let the story breathe and when to hit you with a dragon-sized twist. The Labyrinth of Times is a particularly brilliant creation, a place where the past, present, and future collide in ways that are as thrilling as they are unpredictable.

Now, let’s talk about Ervig. Oh, Ervig. What a delightfully flawed and relatable hero. His transformation from a humble prison guard to a Drake Ascendant—a human imbued with dragon power—is handled with such care and nuance. Sundblad doesn’t just give us a hero; she gives us a person. Ervig’s struggles with duty, identity, and sacrifice are palpable, and his journey is one that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt trapped by their circumstances (though hopefully not literally as a rat).

And the dragons! Oh, the dragons. Sundblad’s dragons are not your run-of-the-mill fire-breathing beasts. They’re complex, layered, and brimming with personality. The Thornose and Goldenhorn dragons, with their simmering tensions and uneasy alliances, add a delicious layer of political intrigue to the story. Can they trust each other? Can they trust humanity? These questions keep the stakes sky-high and the pages turning.

The world-building is, in a word, exquisite. Sundblad has a knack for creating settings that feel alive, from the dank, oppressive dungeons to the majestic, otherworldly realms of the dragons. Her prose is vivid and evocative, painting pictures that linger in your mind long after you’ve put the book down. And the magic system? Chef’s kiss. It’s intricate without being overwhelming, and it’s woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story.

But what really sets Drake Ascendant apart is its heart. At its core, this is a story about unity, trust, and the power of sacrifice. It’s about finding your place in a world that’s bigger than you, and about the bonds that tie us together—whether we’re human, dragon, or somewhere in between.
Sundblad’s background in exploring spiritual themes shines through, adding depth and resonance to the narrative without ever feeling preachy.

As a writer myself, I couldn’t help but admire Sundblad’s craft. Her ability to balance action, emotion, and world-building is nothing short of masterful. She’s created a story that’s not just entertaining, but meaningful—a rare feat in the world of epic fantasy.

So, if you’re looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet and carry you away on dragon wings, look no further than Drake Ascendant. It’s a tale that’s as bold and fiery as the dragons it features, and I, for one, cannot wait to see where the Dragon’s Oath series takes us next. Bravo, Donna Sundblad. Bravo.

Drake Ascendant is an exciting dive into a world of dragons, magic, and unexpected destiny. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Ervig Greenfields’ journey—imagine being turned into a dungeon rat and realizing the only way out involves making a life-altering pact with dragons! The stakes were high, and I loved how Sundblad weaved in themes of sacrifice and duty, making Ervig’s choices feel weighty and real.

What really stood out to me was the world-building. The Labyrinth of Times, the dragons, and the idea of an oath binding humans and dragons together—it all felt fresh and immersive. The pacing was just right, keeping me engaged without feeling rushed.

If you love fantasy with deep lore, strong character arcs, and a bit of mystery, this book is definitely worth a read. I’m already looking forward to the next in the Dragon’s Oath series!