Donna Sundblad | Updates

A Gift for Dragon’s Oath Readers

Donna Sundblad — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m a little past halfway through drafting Book 4 of the Dragon’s Oath Saga, and the story is deep in dragons, strategy, and consequences that reach farther than anyone expects.

But I didn’t want my Dragon’s Oath readers to wait empty-handed.

While Book 4 continues to unfold, I’ve been working on something special behind the scenes — an exclusive short story set in the world you love.

On March 15th, newsletter subscribers will receive:

When the Cave Dwellers Stirred

Before the Icewings were revealed… they were watching.

In When the Cave Dwellers Stirred, return to the day the floating caves rose into the sky — and step into the Shadows of time to witness what the Icewing dragons saw but did not yet reveal.

Prophecy had spoken of them.

The moment to act had not yet come.

Subscribers receive this exclusive Dragon’s Oath short story on March 15th.

✨ Bonus for new subscribers:

One new subscriber will receive a copy of Dragon’s Oath: Books 1–3 — the complete saga so far.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to join my newsletter, this is it. The short story will only be delivered to subscribers, and the giveaway winner will be drawn shortly after March 15th.

👉 Sign up here to receive your exclusive story and be entered to win:

Thank you for walking this journey with me — through dragons, Drake Ascendants, and plans written across centuries.

Book 4 is coming… and the next chapter of the oath is already stirring.

— Donna 🐉✨

Image credit: Sign up now by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free

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Last Week to Grab Drake Ascendant Free Through BookFunnel

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There’s something special about watching a story find its readers.

Over the past few weeks, Drake Ascendant has had an incredible journey returning it to the Top 10, in Best Sellers in Fantasy Adventure Fiction on Amazon. I’m deeply grateful to every reader who has downloaded, shared, and stepped into this adventure.

And now we’ve reached the final stretch.

This is the last week to grab Drake Ascendant free through BookFunnel as part of the Free Books Friday promotion.

If you enjoy:

Clean fantasy adventure
Dragons and destiny
Courage and loyalty tested
Stories that are PG-13 at most (often G)

This may be your next favorite read.

Even better? You won’t just find Drake Ascendant. The Free Books Friday event includes a wonderful collection of science fiction and fantasy from other authors as well — new worlds to explore, new characters to meet, and new adventures waiting.

I love being part of a community of writers who are passionate about imaginative storytelling, and this promotion has been a beautiful reminder of how powerful that community can be.

If you’ve been thinking about downloading it, now is the time.

👉 Explore Free Books Friday and grab your free copy here: https://books.bookfunnel.com/arcbooster/e2mc17fycs

Thank you for supporting clean speculative fiction and for being part of this journey.

— Donna

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Volume 2 of Imagination in Ink Is Out!

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I just sent out Volume 2 of Imagination in Ink, my monthly newsletter, and you won’t want to miss it! 🐉✨

This edition includes a peek behind the curtain of the Dragon’s Oath world, plus a big milestone: I’ve finished drafting Chapter 24 of Rise of the Variel. The story is moving closer to revealing the Variel’s role in the dragons’ battle against the Darkmore Evil — and the sacrifices it demands from all involved, but what will she be asked to sacrifice?

Plus, this month’s newsletter features free clean sci-fi and fantasy reads from a special Book Funnel promotion — a great way to explore new authors and worlds at no cost.

The newsletter only goes out once a month, so sign up now to get future editions. If you want a copy of February's newsletter, just email me and I’ll send it your way.

👉 Join the Reader List here: https://donnasundblad.com/landers/sign-up-9401b3737b

Step into the Dragon’s Oath world — magic, dragons, time, and sacrifice await!

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FREE Fantasy & Sci-Fi Bundle — Featuring Drake Ascendant

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 8 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Check out this free fantasy & sci-fi bundle, featuring Drake Ascendant (Dragon’s Oath Book 1) by Donna Sundblad.

A story of humans living alongside dragons, bound by an oath they cannot speak of—while quietly working to extinguish an ancient Evil.

Authors are hoping for a review if you enjoy their work, but it is not required.

👉 Explore the bundle here:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/arcbooster/e2mc17fycs

Enter the Dragon’s Oath World

Step into a realm of dragons, magic, and rifts in time. Join my reader list for exclusive lore, early release news, and bonus scenes from the Dragon’s Oath saga.

Sign up today and receive your exclusive guide to the Labyrinth of Times—discover the secrets, traps, and mysteries of the magical maze where dark magic can be purged, and the fate of generations is decided.

Join the adventure and unlock your guide.

#freebooks #reviewcopies #scifi #fantasy #newsletter #freecontent #exclusive content

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Working on the February Newsletter

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m currently putting together the February edition of Imagination in Ink, my monthly newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes updates from the Dragon’s Oath world, writing progress, and the occasional extra that doesn’t make it anywhere else.

This month’s issue includes:

A peek at my progress on Rise of the Variel
New Dragon’s Oath video shorts
A few opportunities for readers who enjoy discovering books early

Sign Up for My Fantasy Author Newsletter

If you’re not already on the Reader’s List, now’s a great time to join. Subscribers get access to exclusive content, including a free Drake Ascendant art download and a Guide to the Labyrinth of Times.

👉 Sign up here: https://donnasundblad.com/landers/sign-up-9401b3737b

The February newsletter goes out mid-month, and I’d love to have you along for the journey.

— Donna

#fantasy author newsletter #Dragon’s Oath series #epic fantasy writing

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Latest on The Rise of the Variel (Dragon's Oath Book 4)

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Just a quick update to let you know I drafted Chapter 22 of Rise of the Variel this week. This was a careful chapter to write, because it sits at a convergence point—visions, warnings, and long-guarded truths from earlier books are beginning to overlap.

What I can say is that a great deal is unfolding in this story. Some lines, once crossed, cannot be uncrossed, and not all dangers announce themselves before they arrive.

If you’d like to explore one of the most dangerous forces at work in this world, you can download my Exclusive Guide to the Labyrinth of Times for free.

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The Dragon’s Oath Awaits: Discover Your Clan or Ascend

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Meet the dragonkind of the Dragon's Oath Series: An Epic Time Travel Progression Fantasy Series

As you step into this world, if you could bond with dragonkind, which path would you take: Thornose, Goldenhorn, Icewing—or take the Dragon’s Oath and become imbued with dragon powers as a Human Drake Ascendant?

Dragon's Oath Lore for each choice:

Thornose 🌿 – Guardians of the Labyrinth of Times. Brave and cunning, they protect ancient secrets and navigate the twists of fate with fierce loyalty.
Goldenhorn ✨ – Sentinels of the Midlands, the space between times. Majestic and noble, and the largest of the dragons, they maintain balance and safeguard those wandering temporal pathways.
Icewing ❄️ – Insightful cave dwellers of the Restless Mountains, they walk the Shadows of Time. Masters of thought-reading, they sense the hearts of humans and dragons alike, moving unseen yet always present.
Human Drake Ascendant 🐉 – Humans who have taken the Dragon’s Oath, binding themselves to draconic destiny. Rare and extraordinary, they rise above ordinary limits and walk a path of legend.

Imagine your adventure:

What secrets would you uncover in the Labyrinth as a Thornose?
How would you guard the balance of the Midlands as a Goldenhorn?
Which hidden truths would reveal themselves to you as an Icewing walking the Shadows of Time?
And if you took the Dragon’s Oath as a Human Drake Ascendant, what epic quest would you undertake first?

Discover more of Dragon's Oath's Lore

Get free exclusive content today!

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Why I Wrote Drake Ascendant

Donna Sundblad — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever had a single spark of an idea that just wouldn’t leave you alone? That’s how Drake Ascendant began. Not with a plot, but with a single scene. I imagined two children in a quiet, almost ordinary world, but they were in hiding but didn't know it. The question hit me: Why are they here? What happens next?

That one question became the heartbeat of the story that I followed into the backstory I didn't know. Soon I was following a journey I couldn’t have predicted, one that led to the dragons, the Labyrinth of Times, and the Dragon’s Oath.

Writing the Story I Wanted to Read

“I wrote it for myself first, and I hope you love it as much as I do.”

I wanted a clean fantasy story I couldn’t put down, with characters I’d root for and a world I’d want to explore. That personal passion guided everything, from the pacing to the twists and turns and the most rewarding part is hearing from readers who feel that same energy.

A Journey of Discovery

Writing this book mirrored my own journey as a writer: full of curiosity, surprises, and discovery. I didn’t know where every twist would take me, but I trusted the story and followed it wherever it led. And now, I’m thrilled to share it with you.

If you’ve read Drake Ascendant, I’d love to hear which part of the journey surprised you the most — or which character you couldn’t stop thinking about. And if you haven’t picked it up yet, I hope this post gives you a glimpse of the adventure waiting inside.

Pick up a free copy today!

— Donna

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An Invitation Into the World of Dragon’s Oath

Donna Sundblad — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Stories don’t begin on the page alone—they begin with the readers who walk beside them.

Over the past year, the world of Dragon’s Oath has grown beyond what I first imagined. Dragons have found their riders. Ancient oaths have been tested. Time itself has bent in unexpected ways. And through it all, you—the readers—have made that journey matter.

To say thank you, I’m opening a quieter door into this world.

An Exclusive Gift for Readers

I’ve commissioned never-before-seen artwork inspired by key moments, characters, and dragons from Drake Ascendant and the wider Dragon’s Oath series. These pieces aren’t available anywhere else.

They’re a gift.

When you join my Readers List, you’ll receive:

🎨 Exclusive fantasy artwork from the Dragon’s Oath world
🐉 Early glimpses into upcoming books and scenes
📖 Behind-the-scenes notes on lore, dragons, and time threads
✨ Occasional extras created just for readers (no spam—ever)

This list isn’t about pressure or constant promotions. It’s a place for readers who love dragon bonds, epic journeys, and stories where hope and courage still matter.

Why a Readers List?

Social media is fleeting. Algorithms change. But a reader's list is personal and lasting—it’s how I can speak directly to the people who care about these stories as much as I do.

If you’ve ever:

Wondered what happens between the chapters
Wanted to see the world as I see it while writing
Or simply enjoyed traveling alongside Ervig, Kaibelle, Nimbus, Beoran, and the dragons…

Then I’d love to welcome you.

Join Us

As a thank-you for signing up, you’ll immediately receive the exclusive Dragon’s Oath artwork—created just for readers like you.

👉 Sign up here and receive your free artwork

Thank you for being part of this journey—from the first turning of the page to the paths still unfolding in time.

— Donna 🐉✨

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Enter the Dragon’s Oath World

Donna Sundblad — Sat, 3 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Step into a realm of dragons, magic, and rifts in time. Join my reader list for exclusive lore, early release news, and bonus scenes from the Dragon’s Oath saga.

Join the adventure and unlock your guide.

#DragonsOathSeries #DragonFantasy #EpicFantasySeries #FantasyAdventure #TimeTravelFantasy #DarkMagic #DrakeAscendant #FantasyBooks #LabyrinthOfTimes #FreeFantasyGuide #ExclusiveFantasyContent #MagicAndDragons #DragonsAndHumans #FantasyReaders #DragonLore #FantasySaga #EpicFantasyAdventure #ReadersOfInstagram #Bookstagram #BookLovers

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What's the Dragon's Oath Series About?

Donna Sundblad — Thu, 1 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dragon’s Oath is a strategic epic fantasy series in which dragons and their human allies must hide the indestructible, dark-magic Book of Binding Fire—penned with dragon blood and empowered by a fire spirit—because if it falls into the wrong hands, its power to exploit tears in time could change history and conquer the world. Every choice carries irreversible consequences.

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Following the Muse Into a New Year

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The New Year arrived with a small but meaningful victory: my computer issues are finally resolved. Anyone who works digitally knows how disruptive technical problems can be, so it’s a relief to have that chapter behind me. Now I’m in the process of moving files, reorganizing my workspace, and easing my way back into a steady rhythm.

With that comes a return to the writing of two stories very close to my heart: Rise of the Variel (Dragon’s Oath Book 4) and Rekindled Hearts (Laramie Hearts Book 2).

Writing fantasy and historical romance at the same time is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Each genre asks something different of me—different pacing, different emotional beats, different worlds to hold in my head. But I’ve learned over the years that creativity doesn’t always follow neat schedules or categories. When the Muse nudges me in a particular direction, I’ve learned to listen.

As I step into this new year, I’m also finalizing my 2026 goals—not just release plans or word counts, but intentions for how I want my writing life to feel. Sustainable. Curious. Grounded. Still full of wonder.

It may be one step at a time right now, but it feels good to be moving forward again. I’m grateful to everyone who walks these worlds with me, whether they’re filled with dragons or quiet moments of the heart.

Here’s to a new year, new pages, and following the Muse wherever she leads.

#HappyNewYear #AuthorLife #WritingLife #AmWriting #FantasyAuthor #HistoricalRomance #RomanceAuthor #Dragons #MuseAtWork #WorkInProgress #WritingGoals #BackToWriting

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A Brief Intermission (Blame Technology)

Donna Sundblad — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been wondering why I’ve been so quiet… my computer passed away. 💻

Ordered a new one.

It arrived.

It lied about who it was.

Sent it back.

Now waiting on the new new one—arriving today, tomorrow, or sometime in the emotional future.

In the meantime, to all my friends, followers, and fans, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. 🎄✨

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Update on Rise of the Variel Update

Donna Sundblad — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Quick writing update! Today I’m diving into Chapter 18 of Rise of the Variel (Dragon’s Oath Book 4). The characters are pushing forward in ways I didn’t expect, and the adventure is really heating up. Thanks for following the journey!

#DragonsOath #RiseOfTheVariel #DonnaSundblad #AmWriting #WritingUpdate #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors

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Drake Ascendant Joins the BuXmont Ladies Book Club!

Donna Sundblad — Tue, 9 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I’m thrilled to share that Drake Ascendant, the first book in my Dragon’s Oath series, is being featured in the BuXmont Ladies Book Club! It’s such an honor to have the story shared with a group of passionate readers, and I can’t wait for them to dive into Ervig Greenfields’ adventure.

Perfect for Book Clubs or Holiday Gifts

If you’re looking for your next book-club read—or a magical gift for a fantasy lover—Drake Ascendant is ready to transport you into a world of dragons, danger, and time-bending adventure.

🎁 Grab your free copy today and join Ervig on a journey that spans centuries, tests courage, and celebrates the power of choices.

#DrakeAscendant #Dragons #EpicFantasy #FantasyBooks #TimeTravel #BookClubReads #BookDiscussion #FantasyLovers #Bookstagram #ReadingCommunity #Bookish #MagicalWorlds #AdventureBooks #BooksToRead #AuthorLife #BookRecommendation

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Behind the Scenes: A Week of Discovery

Donna Sundblad — Tue, 2 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The author’s life is, at its core, a life of discovery. Sometimes those discoveries are exciting and invigorating… and other times they’re the kind that make you want to put your head down on your desk and groan. This past week, I’ve had a little of both.

As many of you know, I’m currently knee-deep in two books.

First up: Rise of the Variel (Dragon’s Oath, Book 4)

I’m working through chapter 17, and wow—this one fought me. Someone dies, new powers surface, and the emotional weight of the scene had me feeling like I was floundering for most of the week. But I showed up every day. No, I didn’t finish the chapter, but I did write enough to finally see where the story wants to go next. And that clarity? That’s a good discovery. That’s the kind that keeps me moving.

The second project: Heart’s Rekindled (Laramie Hearts, Book 2)

I had hoped to draft chapter 6, but something felt off. After rereading the opening chapters, I realized the protagonists from book one were unintentionally stealing the spotlight. Much as I love them, this is not their book—and it was time to fix that. Rewriting chapters is never fun, but sometimes it’s exactly what a story needs. In this case, I’m sending the protagonist from book one off on a supply run so he’s not center-stage during the foundational chapters. It’s the right move, even if it took a bit of wrestling to see it.

Writing isn’t just putting words on the page—it’s uncovering the shape of a story one choice at a time. This week reminded me that even the tough, messy discoveries can lead to stronger books.

Here’s to whatever I discover next.

#AuthorLife

#WritingProgress

#BehindTheScenes

#AmWriting

#WritersJourney

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Quick Progress Update

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I’m excited to share a quick progress update on Rise of the Variel (Dragon’s Oath, Book 4) — Chapter 16 is officially drafted! 🎉

This story continues to surprise me as the characters carve their own paths, and I’m thrilled with how this chapter unfolded. Thank you all for your patience and encouragement as I press forward. More updates coming soon as I dive into the next chapter!

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Writing Two Books at Once: How I Balance Epic Fantasy and Historical Western Romance

Donna Sundblad — Fri, 7 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I get asked a lot how I manage writing two books at once. The short answer? I love it. The slightly longer answer? It actually helps my creative writing process.

Right now, I’m immersed in Rise of the Variel (Dragon’s Oath Book 4), an epic fantasy full of dragons, magic, and high-stakes adventure. At the same time, I’m weaving the story of Rekindled Hearts (Laramie Hearts Book 2), a historical western romance where hearts and relationships are tested on the frontier.

At first glance, these two worlds couldn’t be more different. One is full of dragons, the other of life in a soddy on the frontier, with mountains and sweeping prairies. But they share common themes: clean fiction, characters who must work together, love, loyalty, and plenty of obstacles to overcome.

Here’s the trick: when I get stuck on one book, switching to the other often sparks new ideas. It’s like giving my imagination a gentle nudge. Stepping away from the pressure of solving a plot problem lets the solution reveal itself, often in unexpected ways.

So yes, I write two very different stories at once. But in a way, they complement each other, keeping my mind fresh, my creativity flowing, and my characters alive on the page.

If you’re a reader or a writer, I hope this behind-the-scenes look at how authors write two books simultaneously gives you insight into the process—and maybe inspires you to embrace the magic of multitasking in your own writing journey.

#WritingTwoBooks #EpicFantasy #HistoricalRomance #CleanFiction #WritingTips #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #DragonBooks #WesternRomance #BookLovers #WritingProcess #MultitaskingWriters

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Writing Update: Chapter 15 and the Weight of Prophecies

Donna Sundblad — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I’m deep into Rise of the Variel (Dragons Oath Book 4) — currently working on chapter 15. Of course, whether it’s still chapter 15 when the book is finished remains to be seen!

This chapter has been one of the most challenging to write so far. It involves the fulfillment of a major prophecy introduced earlier in the series, and while I can’t say what it is (no spoilers here!), I can say it’s been emotionally tough. Saying goodbye to characters who’ve been with me since Book 1 isn’t easy.

I procrastinated. Last week, I only wrote half the chapter and stopped. I knew what was coming, and I didn’t want to face it. But thanks to the writing goals I’ve set, and the accountability I have with my writer friends and readers, I finally sat down and started writing again yesterday.

And something wonderful happened. As I worked through it, I discovered new layers in the story, and managed to slip in a reminder of another, rather ominous prophecy from Sages of Tachnir. Now we just have to wait for that particular shoe to drop…

Writing can be hard, but moments like these remind me why I love storytelling. With any luck (and a bit more determination), I should finish the draft of chapter 15 today.

#BookLovers #ReadersOfFantasy #FantasyReaders #BookUpdates #BehindTheScenes #WritersJourney #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #WritersOfInstagram #WritersOfTwitter #WritingUpdate #AuthorLife #WorkInProgress

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Donna Sundblad — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Crazy morning! Scheduled a guy to empty the septic, and of course, he showed up two hours early. I ran out the back door to guide him, found the stairs blocked by a section of railing blown down in the wind. So I dashed back through the house and out the front door, heading back around to the yard.

By the time my husband got his shoes on and joined me, I went back inside… and then the phone rang.

Just saying… I’m finally sitting down to write now.

#chaos #WritersLife #amwriting #AmWritingFiction

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