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The imaginative novella, Dragons in the Clouds, may be for you if you enjoy MG adventure fantasy, dragons, or Arthurian legend

Synopsis

‘’Dragons in the Clouds’’ is an epic adventure that takes place in the land of Albian during a time when Dragons were alive and freely roamed the land. The people during this time were being devoured by a particularly vicious species of dragon. To protect his people, the ruling King finally orders the total annihilation of all living dragons. A powerful wizard, named Merlinius does not agree with the King's order. For he knows all Dragons are not what they seem. Merlinius performs the spell of weightlessness and tells the dragons to fly up and to hide in the cover of the clouds. An unforeseen ability of the dragon's spell is that a Dragon's fire now looks like lightning and their roar is like that of thunder. Merlinius' apprentice who has grandeur ideas of his own. He has a plan for evil dragons that he has hidden deep within a mountain cavern. Now enters a young boy, who has befriended a very young dragon. The two suddenly find themselves caught between the King's order and a battle that has begun between two species of dragons. A battle ensues that will determine control of the skies above the Kingdom of Albion.

Dragons in the Clouds by David Blair is a solid epic fantasy novella. I wasn't at all familiar with the author, his style, or the story at all going in, but I'm glad I decided to take a chance on it via Reedsy Discovery because it is quite a bit of fun. I mean, it features dragons, magic, the grand struggle between good versus evil, and an introduction that is reminiscent of the fantasy adventure classic The Princess Bride. Plus, I can't resist anything that is even remotely Arthurian legend related. That said I didn't realize going into the novella that it's geared more toward middle grade readers rather than adults.


Blair's novel has a lot to enjoy about it. It is a quick read, it is quite imaginative, and the magic system is clearly laid out. The sense of adventure is very refreshing. There were a few elements, though, that I wish could have fleshed out and improved upon. Primarily, those elements are the cast of characters and the world-building. There was so much more I was looking for in the characters. I wasn't particularly invested in any of the characters of the main cast. The same goes for the overall world-building in that I didn't find myself especially interested in the world the characters inhabit. It is solidly done, but it just never quite managed to hook me in the same way as other epic fantasy novels. In terms of the writing, I also wanted to note that there's a fair bit of repetition even though it's as short as it is as well as the a few turns of phrase that just don't quite fit in with the main style.


Overall, Dragons in the Clouds by David Blair is a good yet short novella, but it could still do with a little work. If it were a little longer that could perhaps allow for some additional improvements in terms of character development and the world. In the end, this short read has several positive qualities, but it didn't particularly stand out from the crowd of other epic fantasy stories out there for me. If you enjoy MG adventure fantasy, dragons, or Arthurian legend, you may want to give this novella a try.

Reviewed by

I am completely addicted to reading and I particularly enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and YA. I love the fact that being a blogger (and a librarian) helps feed my addiction and allows me to interact with other book lovers on a daily basis.

Synopsis

‘’Dragons in the Clouds’’ is an epic adventure that takes place in the land of Albian during a time when Dragons were alive and freely roamed the land. The people during this time were being devoured by a particularly vicious species of dragon. To protect his people, the ruling King finally orders the total annihilation of all living dragons. A powerful wizard, named Merlinius does not agree with the King's order. For he knows all Dragons are not what they seem. Merlinius performs the spell of weightlessness and tells the dragons to fly up and to hide in the cover of the clouds. An unforeseen ability of the dragon's spell is that a Dragon's fire now looks like lightning and their roar is like that of thunder. Merlinius' apprentice who has grandeur ideas of his own. He has a plan for evil dragons that he has hidden deep within a mountain cavern. Now enters a young boy, who has befriended a very young dragon. The two suddenly find themselves caught between the King's order and a battle that has begun between two species of dragons. A battle ensues that will determine control of the skies above the Kingdom of Albion.

Introduction

Remember when you were young, being stuck inside because it was raining heavily outside. You and your siblings would be in your room, staring out the window watching the raindrops gathering into puddles. The thunder in the distance would be getting louder, and you knew it was coming your way. You and your brother or sister would run out to the living room. So you could get a better view when the lightning started. But the real reason you ran out to the living room is because that was where your parents were and you really wanted the security of your parents being there in the same room… But! What if I told you, you had every reason to be scared!!! What if I told you that lightning really is fire being blown from a Dragons mouth and that the thunder was a Dragons ROAR!! Dragons in the Clouds will reveal all that has been kept secret up until this day.


" Dragons in the Clouds”


In the Albion forest in the dark night, a full moon illuminated the clouds which appeared to be traveling through the pine trees. The forest was creepy, but three gallant knights were moving cautiously through it. They were royal knights serving the kingdom of Albion, led by Sir Jonathan. As they navigated their way through the dense forest dressed in full armor, the moon overhead illuminated their path, creating the illusion that their well- polished armor was embedded with tiny lights sparkling like shiny twinkling stars in the dark night. Suddenly, a deafening sound shattered the dense, still forest, sending chills down the spines of Sir Jonathan and his companions. Immediately fright was written on their faces. “Aaaahhh!” screamed Sir Jonathan, as the silhouette of an enormous beast appeared, lifting him up off the ground. Its razor-sharp teeth firmly held its prey while taking flight with its huge wings. Within seconds, the large silhouette of a dragon and its prey flew across the full moon and then vanished into the darkness of the starry sky. With shock still on their faces, the two remaining royal knights screamed in horror as they scrambled to light their torches. With looks of pure fright in their eyes, they stood back to back with their swords drawn

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About the author

I am the creator of ‘’Dragons in the Clouds’’ All my work has a paranormal feel too it. I recently worked as a production supervisor for EnterAktion Studios. I started my story telling at the young age of 14. A student film called ‘’Destination Destiny’’ . view profile

Published on February 07, 2021

Published by Author Representative

30000 words

Genre:Epic Fantasy

Reviewed by