Spell of the Shadow Dragon — Debra Chapoton

Ever since she fell for an Ascendor, Presley has dreaded the day when she'd be sent to the marriage market.Marrying a stranger after falling for Gus? Not a chance.The ancient rulers of the empires are cruel and inhumane, warring with each other, enslaving their enemies, and offering human sacrifices to the Shadow Dragon. Presley wants nothing to do with any of it.But when she and several others, including Gus, are herded to market, some become the prey of perytons, snatched and carried away. Even worse, the ones remaining attract the attention of the very dragon they hoped to avoid.But when Fate (or is it the God of this dragon-ruled planet?) separates them in the most horrific manner, the chances of Presley and Gus ever finding one another seem slim.If Gus can't unlock his Ascendor powers, and if Presley can't charm the Shadow Dragon, their hopes of ever being together will die. And so will they.Get your copy today!From the Ink & Insight Contest Judges:★★★★★ Congratulations on this meaty and intricate read!★★★★★ An excellent mix of world building and individual stories.★★★★★ The plot, the universe you have created, its relationship to the world we know - it all just rocks!★★★★★ [SPELL OF THE SHADOW DRAGON] gets a world building gold star, and the plot is wonderfully intricate.What early readers are saying:★★★★★ An exciting read.★★★★★ There is a lot to enjoy: characters who are related that age at different rates, fantasy flora and fauna, the mystery of the ships, and more.★★★★★ The setting is so unique, yet it comes alive in this manuscript. There is a slight RPG feel to it.★★★★★ The chain of events the dragon starts had consequences I never could have imagined. Great story!★★★★★ The tension and chemistry between Presley and Gus is riveting!★★★★★ Not only are the young lovers separated, but each has to overcome several obstacles, all while trying to rescue the bride, keep from going under the dragon's spell, win battles, and find each other. Can't wait to read the second book.★★★★★ The new world and new creatures was fascinating to me and kept my interest. I was enthralled by the long life spans of Earthlings and how they survived, and didn't, when they reached the planet. I also liked the way that the ships arrived so far apart.★★★★★ The concept is imaginative and the stakes are high. There is the added complication of Presley and Gus's relationship. The story keeps a good pace with action and reaction alternated. Conflicts are real and ever-present. Time flows linearly, yet characters are affected by the past as well as the future.★★★★★ Gus and Presley are great characters, but I really liked the secondary ones too: the silent twins, the squealing Nardig, the dwarf peryton trainer, and of course the Shadow Dragon.★★★★★ Very cool how Presley was at the mercy of the beast and an ancient space traveler. Great twists. This should be a movie.★★★★★ A fascinating cast of characters: mythical animals and Earth escapees, bitter brothers and young lovers, worried fathers and greedy rulers. All face unimaginable challenges. And in a time of earthquakes and wars, clues from the past eventually lead to the ultimate rescue, one that affects the entire civilization.Other books by Debra Chapoton:EDGE OF ESCAPETHE GUARDIAN'S DIARYSHELTEREDEXODIAOUT OF EXODIAA SOUL'S KISSTO DIE UPON A KISSTHE GIRL IN THE TIME MACHINETHE TIME BENDERTHE TIME PACERTHE TIME STOPPERTHE TIME ENDERHERE WIT