Dragoncharm

Originally published in 1995, this fantasy adventure about feuding dragon species from Edwards (String City) offers well-rounded characters and moments of true excitement, but struggles to maintain its pace. The magicless Natural dragons are at war with the magic-wielding Charmed dragons, and while they fight among themselves, magic slowly vanishes from the world as an extinction event occurs. Fortune, a young Natural dragon, flees with his Charmed companion, Cumber, after their community burns to the ground in a devastating battle. The two fly to Covamere, home to Halcyon, the leader of all dragons, witnessing the destruction of other dragons’ lairs along the way. But before they can reach Halcyon, Wraith, the Black Dragon, seizes control of Covamere. Edwards hits the ground running with thrilling action scenes and steadily mounting tension, but he runs out of steam halfway as the convoluted plot sags under its own weight. The worldbuilding becomes increasingly vague as the story continues, as well. The promising premise and engaging characters will draw in readers, but the resolution disappoints. (Self-published)