Shadow of the Dragon

Legends from Qiledara, Book 2

De: Amy Daniels

Narrado por: Phillip Nathaniel Freeman

Auguries of Peril for the Kingship...

Aaron’s defeat of one of Qiledara’s greatest enemies, with the help of his squire Timothy and other friends he met on his quests, appeared to herald a new era of peace. However, a greater enemy threatens not only Qiledara, but all the kingdoms of man. Even in the Hidden Kingdom, the safest of all lands, their king fears the looming threat. Aaron must discover all he can about this new enemy, while at the same time, deal with trouble brewing for him from his brother’s steadfast and stubborn followers.

Narrated by Phillip Nathaniel Freeman

Cast of characters:

Matthew Biddulph as Aaron the Dragonslayer

Hannah Dere as Elodie and other women

Phillip Nathaniel Freeman as Theodamus, Gueric, Otheran, Corwin, and all the dragonkin

Carolynne Henry as Queen Lysandra, Anna the Diviner, Adele

Bobby Gaglini as Timothy the Brave

Marnie Thomson as Alianora

Cory Barton as Lance

Emily Christine as Brenda

Nathan Phoenix as Nathaniel

Zach Brown as Evrart, the captain of Comet Chaser and the first mate

Brad Grochowski as a Resistance fighter, a youth, old Graybeard, the innkeeper, the herald, and Malchom

James Hernandez as Loman

Rob Sharp as the soldiers from the Hidden Kingdom

Ged Cartwright as King Luan and Owen

Ellen Cribbs as Lady Barbara, the weaver and other women

Kevin Casey as Lord William and Lord Cedric

Jarrett Raymond as various soldiers and guards

Jody Smith as Odette

Louise Porter as Penelope

Scott Fins as the Tailor, Blero, and King Failan

Evan Zimmerman as the bard

Jenny W. Chan as Jonquin and other children

Kelli Winkler as Rory

©2024 Amy Daniels (P)2024 Amy Daniels

Incredible listen!!!

Shadow of the Dragon by Amy Daniels becomes even more immersive in its audiobook form, where the layered theme of loyalty is brought vividly to life by exceptional narration. The story follows Aaron, a valiant warrior caught between external threats and internal fractures, particularly the fierce loyalty his brother’s followers still hold. This tension, already compelling on the page, feels sharper and more intimate through audio.
The narrators deserve special praise for capturing the emotional weight of these conflicts. Aaron’s voice is steady yet conflicted, reflecting a leader torn between honoring legacy and asserting authority. Subtle shifts in tone convey doubt, resolve, and quiet grief without ever feeling overstated. The supporting voices, especially those representing the Hidden Kingdom, carry a sense of tradition and rigidity that perfectly mirrors their resistance to change.
What stands out most is how the narration elevates Daniels’ nuanced exploration of loyalty. Loyalty here is not blind devotion but something questioned, tested, and reshaped by circumstance. The narrators handle these emotional complexities with restraint and depth, allowing listeners to sit with the discomfort and growth of each choice.
This audiobook is not just a retelling of the story, but an experience. It enhances the themes of leadership, tradition, and heroism, making Shadow of the Dragon a deeply engaging listen for fantasy lovers.

A Slow Burn Fantasy That Sinks Its Claws In

4.5 out of 5 stars

Shadow of the Dragon snuck up on me. I didn’t expect to be this pulled in, especially coming in at book two of the Qiledara series, but here we are, fully hooked. Amy Daniels manages that rare trick of making a sequel feel accessible without turning it into a recap parade. Her writing just flows, filling in the gaps naturally while drawing you into this sprawling world of kingdoms, curses, and complicated loyalties.

Aaron, better known as the Dragonslayer, may be the central figure, but he’s not walking this path alone. His squire, a cursed knight’s children, a necromancer with some eerie talents, and a healer who can undo monstrous transformations all play key roles. The story jumps perspectives often, sometimes more than I wanted, but I get why — Daniels isn’t just telling a story, she’s building a living, breathing realm. Still, I found myself gravitating toward Aaron’s chapters and wishing we spent even more time in his head.

The dragonkin angle? That part fascinated me. The idea that people can transform and be saved adds a whole layer of moral tension that I wish had been front and center. And there’s this invisible dragon that’s hinted at but never quite steps fully into the light. It created some great atmosphere, but I kept waiting for a bigger payoff.

As for the narration, Phillip Nathaniel Freeman is phenomenal. His voice feels made for fantasy: grounded, expressive, and easy to follow even when the story shifts gears or timelines. Add in a supporting cast, and it all clicks together like an immersive audio drama. The transitions between characters were seamless, which matters when a story’s this wide in scope.

Sixteen-plus hours went by fast. The pacing isn’t breakneck, but it’s steady, deliberate, and richly rewarding. I came for the dragons and stayed for the characters, the politics, the quiet heartbreak. Now I’m absolutely circling back to book one to see how it all started.

Awesome book!

Shadow of the Dragon is a richly imagined fantasy that pulls you straight into the world of Qiledara. From the very first chapter, Amy Daniels surrounds the listener with myth, legend, and a deep sense of history that makes the setting feel alive and breathing. Qiledara is not just a backdrop, it is a character in itself.
At the heart of the story is Aaron, a protagonist who feels deeply human. He is not flawless or fearless. He struggles with doubt, responsibility, and the weight of leadership, which makes his journey compelling and relatable. The supporting characters, especially Timothy and the companions, add emotional depth and balance, each contributing their own voice to the narrative.
What truly stands out is Daniels’ world-building. Her descriptive prose allows you to see, feel, and experience the wonders and dangers of Qiledara. Shadow of the Dragon is immersive, thoughtful, and thoroughly captivating for fantasy lovers.

Immersive, Expansive, and Beautifully Written

Shadow of the Dragon is the second entry in the Legends from Qiledara series, and while you don’t have to listen to the first (The Hidden Kingdom), I suspect doing so would deepen the experience, especially around Aaron’s backstory and some of the other character arcs. That said, Amy Daniels does a phenomenal job recapping previous events and reintroducing the world without info-dumping, so newcomers can still follow along.

This book follows Aaron (nicknamed “the Dragonslayer”) and a richly woven tapestry of characters including his squire Timothy; Theodamus, a black-armored knight guarding a mystical lake; his children, Nathaniel and Brenda; Alianora, who can raise the dead; and Elodie, who can reverse the transformation of people into terrible dragon-like creatures. Their journey takes place across the magical land of Qiledara—complete with fog-laced forests, enchanted lakes, and hidden kingdoms—and it’s truly easy to get lost in Daniels’ detailed and vivid prose.

Daniels excels at world-building, crafting not just places but political tensions, layered histories, and cultures that feel lived-in. Her dialogue feels authentic, and there’s a satisfying balance between introspection and high-stakes action. One scene involving a bear-pelt’s lore is so beautifully crafted it felt like reading a story within a story. At 16.5 hours, this audiobook flew by—no scene felt wasted, even when the overall plot took its time to unfold.

Narration-wise, Phillip Nathaniel Freeman is a perfect match for this world. His voice carries the gravitas, rhythm, and nuance necessary for epic fantasy. Within minutes of starting, I was hooked by his storytelling. The full cast of voice actors elevates the immersion even further—it felt like listening to a fantasy series unfold on screen. That said, Freeman alone is strong enough to carry the whole book if needed.

If you love immersive world-building and fantasy epics with moral complexity, Shadow of the Dragon is well worth your time. It reminds me in all the best ways of The Name of the Wind—rich, lyrical, and emotionally grounded.

Highly recommended, especially for fans of character-driven fantasy.

An epic fantasy that simmers with intensity

Aaron’s victory over one of Qiledara’s most formidable foes, aided by his squire Timothy and allies from his adventures, seemed to usher in an age of tranquility. Yet, a far more dangerous adversary now endangers not just Qiledara but every human kingdom, instilling fear even in the secure Hidden Kingdom's monarch. As Aaron races to uncover details about this emerging threat, he must also navigate escalating conflicts stirred by his brother’s loyal and unyielding supporters.

The author, Amy Daniels, masterfully crafts an exhilarating adventure fantasy brimming with dragons, magic, and epic elements, showcasing her exceptional writing prowess. Through her engaging narrative structure, she draws readers in with sharp, captivating dialogue and profoundly layered characters that resonate deeply. The seamless flow of her plot twists, meticulous attention to detail, and vivid descriptions bring the story to life, allowing audiences to immerse themselves fully in a visually stunning world.

The narrator, Phillip Nathaniel Freeman, delivered an outstanding narration, speaking with clarity and precision that seamlessly guided the story and set the tone for the cast. His direction kept the pace engaging and easy to follow. The cast, as a whole, brought remarkable energy and authenticity to their performances, each voice adding depth and vibrancy that made the book come alive. Together, they created a dynamic and immersive listening experience that excelled in every dramatic aspect.

This is a captivating, immersive fantasy, full of unexpected twists that keep the listener hooked from start to finish.

The audio production is clean and professional, with no technical distractions.